According to the rankings 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 diseases.
Changes and complications during 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 due to back pain.As a rule, osteochondrosis in old age occurs for the following reasons:
- increased life-long loads associated with the back,
- lime salt deposits,
- age-related changes.
Description and symptoms of the disease
Characteristic signs of lumbar pathology include the following manifestations:
- decrease in flexibility and mobility;
- difficulties in turning, turning, bending the body;
- general fatigue;
- sleep disorders;
- difficulty in self-care and natural needs due to pain;
- irritability, sudden sweating;
- coldness or tingling in the feet;
- spasmodic manifestations in the veins of the legs;
- sexual dysfunction (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 intervertebral discs, disruption of their functionality, loss of moisture and elasticity.
- Excessive tension and chronic weakness of the spinal muscles.
- Violation of the ability of discs to absorb shock, their partial deformation and the effect on the nerve endings that cause pain (relates to the 3rd and 4th stages of the disease).
The course of the disease
The development of pathology occurs gradually.It is customary to distinguish 4 stages of the history of the disease:
- The first degree is manifested by local pain in the lumbar region, which is intensified by physical activity.This symptom indicates that the muscles are overstretched and the process of deformation of the intervertebral discs has already begun.Also, at this stage, patients may feel a dull pain in the back, radiation to the gluteal region, tingling, burning there.As a rule, pain occurs after carrying heavy objects or sudden movements.
- The 2nd period of the disease is characterized by the beginning of the deformation of the surrounding tissues, the fibrous ring of the disc and the reduction of the natural distance between the vertebrae.Compression (compression) of nerve roots also develops.At this stage, the patient may feel a sharp pain that progresses during walking.There may be a burning or cold feeling in the legs.Disc protrusion and protrusion develop.If a painful attack occurs, the patient mechanically deviates from the source of the pain syndrome in the opposite direction.
- The third degree is characterized by the final destruction of the disc rings and the appearance of intervertebral hernias.Lower back pain is more frequent and stronger, spreading to the legs and back, regardless of load and movement.
- The fourth stage of osteochondrosis is characterized by abnormal growth of the vertebra.Cartilage undergoes significant atrophic processes.The pain may decrease, which indicates the formation of protective tissue, but this does not serve as a sign of recovery in any way.At this stage, the disease most often causes the patient's disability.
Encountering diseases
Almost the same manifestations of the mentioned disease are characterized by deforming spondylosis of the corresponding part of the body.This disease refers 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 in a sitting position, 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.Protrusions (osteophytes) can reach significant sizes, cause fusion of adjacent vertebral parts, and can 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 tension in the lumbar region and the deposition of lime salts.In young people, spondylosis can develop due to the curvature of the spine and improper distribution of loads on the back muscles.
Remedial gymnastics, physiotherapy and medical procedures
It is impossible to completely cure the disease.In the first two stages of spine health problems, you can recover quickly and for a long time.After appropriate examination, in addition to drug treatment prescribed by the doctor, patients are shown physical procedures and sports equipment for osteochondrosis of the back.
These include:
- massage - can reduce pain, strengthen the muscles of the lower back 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 lumbar osteochondrosis is achieved with an integrated approach using traditional therapy, massage, physiotherapy and traditional medicine.For preventive purposes, you should strengthen the back muscles, do not avoid physical activity, and monitor proper nutrition.Also, do not forget to treat other back diseases on time and maintain a healthy lifestyle.