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 frequently diagnosed diseases of the spine.
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 seeking help for back pain.As a rule, osteochondrosis occurs in old age due to:
- increased loads throughout life in relation to the lower back,
- lime salt deposits,
- age-related changes.
Description and symptoms of the disease
The characteristic signs of lumbar pathology include the following manifestations:
- reduced flexibility and mobility.
- difficulties with turning, turning, tilting the body.
- general fatigue;
- sleep disorders;
- difficulty fulfilling physical needs and self-care due to pain.
- irritability, sudden sweating.
- cold or tingling feet.
- spasmodic manifestations in the arteries of the legs.
- dysfunction of sexual function (in men), menstrual cycle (in women).
- varicose veins.
In fact, the question of what is osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine can be answered with the following theses:
- Reduction of the distance between the intervertebral discs, disruption of their functionality, loss of moisture and elasticity.
- Overstrain and chronic weakness of the spinal muscles.
- Reduced shock-absorbing capacity of the discs, their partial deformation and impact on the nerve endings leading to pain (applies to stages 3 and 4 of the disease).
Course of the disease
The development of pathology occurs gradually.It is customary to distinguish 4 stages of the medical history:
- The first degree is manifested by localized pain in the lumbar region, which intensifies with physical activity.This symptom signals that the muscles are overworked and 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, burning there.As a rule, pain occurs after carrying heavy objects or sudden movements.
- Stage 2 of the disease is characterized by the onset of deformation of the surrounding tissues, the annulus fibrosus of the disc and a decrease in the physical distance between the vertebrae.Compression (compression) of the nerve roots also develops.At this stage, the patient may experience acute pain that progresses while walking.There may be a burning or cold feeling in the feet.Stretching and bulging of the disc 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 final destruction of the disc rings and the appearance of intervertebral hernias.Pain in the lower back 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.The cartilage undergoes significant atrophic processes.The pain may subside, which indicates the formation of protective tissue, but this in no way serves as an indication of recovery.The disease at this stage most often leads to disability of the patient.
Comorbidities
Almost identical manifestations of the disease in question are characterized by deforming spondylosis of the corresponding part of the body.This disease belongs to the last stages of osteochondrosis and has the following symptoms:
- feeling of heaviness in the back, especially in the lower part.
- sharp pain when sitting, 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 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 develops mainly in old age due to excessive stress in the lumbar region and the deposition of lime salts.In young people, spondylosis can develop due to curvature of the spine and improper distribution of loads on the back muscles.
Exercise to improve health, physiotherapy and medical procedures
It is impossible to completely cure the disease.The first two stages of spinal health problems can be cured quickly and for a long time.In addition to medication, which is prescribed by the doctor after a proper examination, patients are 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.
- Amplification, magnetic resonance effect.
- Iontophoresis and potential currents.
The optimal result in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is achieved with an integrated approach that uses traditional therapy, massage, physiotherapy and traditional medicine.For preventive purposes, you should strengthen your back muscles, do not avoid physical activity and follow a proper diet.Also, do not forget about timely treatment of other back diseases and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.