According to the international classification of diseases, osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine belongs to the tenth group (ICD 10).This disease is one of the most commonly diagnosed spinal disorders.
Changes and complications in the course of the disease lead to the formation of intervertebral hernia, severe pain, and intervertebral disc dysfunction.
This disease is recorded in 80% of patients who seek help for back pain.As a rule, osteochondrosis occurs in old age because:
- increased lifetime load in relation to the lower back,
- lime salt deposits,
- age-related changes.
Description and symptoms of the disease
Characteristic signs of lumbar pathology include the following manifestations:
- decreased flexibility and mobility;
- difficulty turning, turning, tilting the body;
- general fatigue;
- sleep disorders;
- difficulty meeting natural and self-care needs due to pain;
- irritation, sudden sweating;
- cold or tingling in the legs;
- spasmodic manifestations in the leg arteries;
- dysfunction of sexual function (in men), menstrual cycle (in women);
- varicose veins.
Actually, the question about osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine can be answered with the following thesis:
- Reduction of the distance between the intervertebral discs, disruption of their function, loss of moisture and elasticity.
- Overstrain and chronic weakness of the spinal muscles.
- The shock absorption ability of the disc is impaired, its partial deformation and its effect on the nerve endings lead to pain (applies to stages 3 and 4 of the disease).
Course of disease
Pathological development occurs gradually.It is customary to distinguish 4 stages of medical history:
- The first stage is manifested by local pain in the lumbar region, which increases with physical activity.This symptom signals that the muscles are too tense and the process of deformation of the intervertebral disc has already begun.Also, patients at this stage may feel a dull pain in the back, radiating to the gluteal area, tingling, burning there.As a rule, pain occurs after carrying a heavy object or sudden movement.
- Stage 2 of the disease is characterized by the beginning of deformation of the surrounding tissue, the fibrous ring of the disc, and the reduction of the natural distance between the vertebrae.Compression (squeezing) of nerve roots also develops.At this stage, the patient may experience sharp pain that lasts while walking.There may be burning or coldness in the legs.Disc stretching and protrusion develop.If a painful attack occurs, the patient mechanically deviates in the opposite direction from the source of the pain syndrome.
- The third stage is characterized by the final destruction of the disc ring and the appearance of an intervertebral hernia.Lower back pain becomes more frequent and stronger, radiating to the legs and back, regardless of weight and movement.
- The fourth stage of osteochondrosis is characterized by abnormal growth of vertebrae.Cartilage undergoes a significant atrophic process.The pain may subside, which indicates the formation of protective tissue, but this in no way serves as a sign of recovery.Diseases at this stage most often lead to the patient's disability.
Concomitant diseases
A very similar manifestation of the disease is characterized by spondylosis deformation of the corresponding body part.This disease belongs to the final stage of osteochondrosis and has the following symptoms:
- heaviness in the back, especially the lower part;
- acute pain in a sitting position, when moving;
- pain in the lower back when bending, stretching and other movements.
This disease is characterized by dramatic changes in the vertebrae with the formation of bony growths that irritate the spinal ligaments.Outgrowths (osteophytes) can reach a significant size, cause fusion of adjacent vertebrae, and put pressure on nerve roots.
The consequences of the disease, in addition to pain, can be reduced mobility, discomfort when the weather changes, and disability.
This disease mainly develops in old age due to excessive pressure on the lumbar region and the deposition of lime salts.In young people, spondylosis can develop due to curvature of the spine and improper load distribution on the back muscles.
Gymnastics, physiotherapy and medical procedures that improve health
It is impossible to cure the disease completely.The first two stages of spinal health problems can heal quickly and for a long time.In addition to drug treatment, prescribed by the doctor after appropriate examination, the patient is shown physical procedures and exercise equipment for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.
These include:
- massage - can reduce pain, strengthen the muscles of the lumbar region, and relax problem areas.
- Physical activity, exercises to strengthen the back muscles.
- Amplipulse, magnetic resonance effect.
- Iontophoresis and diadynamic current.
Optimal results in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine are achieved with an integrated approach using traditional therapy, massage, physiotherapy, and traditional medicine.For preventive purposes, you should strengthen your back muscles, do not avoid physical activity, and monitor proper nutrition.Also, do not forget about timely treatment for other back diseases and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.