According to the assessments of 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 hernias, severe pain and dysfunction of the intervertebral discs.
This disease is recorded in 80% of patients who seek help due to back pain.As a rule, osteochondrosis occurs at an older age due to:
- increased loads throughout life in relation to the lower back,
- calcareous 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, rotating, tilting the body;
- general tiredness;
- sleep disorders;
- difficulty satisfying natural needs and caring for oneself due to pain;
- irritability, sudden sweating;
- cold or tingling in the legs;
- spasmodic manifestations in the arteries of the feet;
- dysfunction of sexual function (in men), menstrual cycle (in women);
- varicose veins.
In fact, the question of what osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is can be answered with the following theses:
- Reduction of the distance between the intervertebral discs, disruption of their functionality, loss of moisture and elasticity.
- Overload and chronic weakness of the spinal muscles.
- Impairment of the shock-absorbing capacity of the discs, their partial deformation and impact on the nerve endings causing pain (applies to stages 3 and 4 of the disease).
Course of the disease
The development of the pathology occurs gradually.It is customary to distinguish 4 phases of medical history:
- The first degree is manifested by local pain in the lumbar region, which intensifies with physical activity.This symptom signals that the muscles are overloaded and that the process of deformation of the intervertebral discs has already begun.Also, patients at this stage may feel a dull pain in the back, radiating to the gluteal region, tingling and burning there.As a rule, pain occurs after carrying heavy objects or sudden movements.
- Period 2 of the disease is characterized by the beginning of deformation of the surrounding tissues, the fibrous ring of the disc and the reduction of the natural distance between the vertebrae.Compression (squeezing) of the nerve roots also develops.At this stage, the patient may experience sharp pain that progresses while walking.There may be a burning or cold sensation in the legs.Disc elongation and protrusion develops.If a painful attack occurs, the patient mechanically deviates in the opposite direction from the source of the pain syndrome.
- The third degree is characterized by the definitive destruction of the disc rings and the appearance of intervertebral hernias.Lower back pain becomes more frequent and stronger, radiating to the legs and back, regardless of load and movement.
- The fourth stage of osteochondrosis is characterized by abnormal growth of the vertebrae.Cartilage undergoes significant atrophic processes.The pain may decrease, which indicates the formation of protective tissue, but this is in no way a sign of healing.The disease at this stage very often leads to the patient's disability.
Concomitant diseases
Almost identical manifestations of the disease in question are characterized by spondylosis deformans of the corresponding part of the body.This disease belongs to the late stages of osteochondrosis and has the following symptoms:
- a feeling of heaviness in the back, especially in the lower part;
- sharp pain when sitting, when moving;
- pain in the lower back during 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.The growths (osteophytes) can reach significant sizes, cause fusion of parts 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.
The disease mainly develops in old age due to excessive stress on the lumbar region and the deposition of calcareous salts.In young people, spondylosis can develop due to the curvature of the spine and improper distribution of loads on the back muscles.
Gymnastics, physiotherapy and medical procedures for improving health
It is impossible to completely cure the disease.The first two stages of spinal health problems can be healed quickly and for a long time.In addition to drug treatment, prescribed by the doctor after an appropriate examination, patients are shown physical procedures and gymnastic 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 currents.
The optimal result in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is 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 the timely treatment of other back diseases and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.