According to the estimates 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 common disorders 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 due to back pain.As a rule, osteochondrosis appears in old age due to:
- increased life-long loads 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 with turning, turning, tilting the body;
- general fatigue;
- sleep disorders;
- difficulty meeting natural needs and self-care due to pain;
- nervousness, sudden sweating;
- cold or tingling in the legs;
- 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 spine can be answered with the following theses:
- Reduction of the distance between intervertebral discs, disruption of their functionality, loss of moisture and elasticity.
- Overstrain and chronic weakness of the spinal muscles.
- Damage to the shock-absorbing ability of the discs, their partial deformation and the impact on the nerve endings leading to pain (applies to stages 3 and 4 of the disease).
The course of the disease
The development of the pathology occurs gradually.It is customary to distinguish 4 stages 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 strained 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, the pain appears 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 (squeezing) of the nerve roots also develops.At this stage, the patient may experience sharp pains that progress while walking.There may be a burning or cold feeling in the legs.Disc elongation also 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 an abnormal growth of vertebrae.Cartilage undergoes significant atrophic processes.The pain may decrease, which indicates the formation of protective tissue, but this in no way serves as a sign of healing.The disease at this stage most often leads to disability of the patient.
Associated diseases
The 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 late stages of osteochondrosis and has the following symptoms:
- a feeling of heaviness in the back, especially in its lower part;
- acute 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 bone growths that irritate the spinal ligaments.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 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 the curvature of the spine and the wrong distribution of loads on the back muscles.
Gymnastics for improving 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 drug treatment, 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.
- 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.