According to the ratings 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 of the disease lead to the formation of intervertebral hernias, severe pain, dysfunction of the intervertebral discs.
In 80% of patients seeking help due to low back pain, the disease stabilizes. As a rule, osteochondrosis occurs in old age for the following reasons:
- lifetime increasing loads associated with the spine,
- lime salt deposits,
- age changes.
Description and symptoms of the disease
Characteristic features of lumbar pathology include the following manifestations:
- decreased elasticity and mobility;
- difficulty turning the body, turning, bending;
- general fatigue;
- sleep disorders;
- problematic exercise of natural needs and self-care due to pain;
- irritability, sudden sweating;
- coldness or tingling in the legs;
- spasmodic manifestations in the veins of the legs;
- sexual dysfunction (in men), menstrual cycle (in women);
- flebeurizm.
In fact, to answer the question of what is lumbar osteochondrosis, you can use the following theses:
- Reduction of the distance between the intervertebral discs, their dysfunction, loss of moisture, elasticity.
- Excessive tension and chronic weakness of the muscles of the spine.
- Impairment of the amortization of the discs, their partial deformation and the effect on the nerve endings that cause pain (applies to stages 3 and 4 of the disease).
The course of the disease
The development of pathology is gradual. It is customary to distinguish 4 stages of the disease history:
- The first degree is manifested by local pain in the lumbar region, aggravated by physical force. This symptom indicates that the muscles are overstretched and the process of deformation of the intervertebral discs has already begun. Patients at this stage may also experience dull pain in the lower back, tingling, and burning in the same area. As a rule, pain occurs after the transfer of weights or sudden movements.
- The second stage of the disease is characterized by the onset of deformation of the surrounding tissues, the fibrous ring of the disc and a decrease in the natural distance between the vertebrae. Compression of nerve roots also develops. At this stage, the patient may feel sharp pain that progresses during walking. There may be a burning or cold sensation in the legs. The tension and protrusion of the discs develops. If an attack of pain occurs, the patient automatically deviates from the center of the pain syndrome in the opposite direction.
- The final destruction of the third-degree disc rings is characterized by the appearance of intervertebral hernias. Low back pain is more frequent and worse when applied to the legs and back, regardless of load and movement.
- The fourth stage of osteochondrosis is characterized by abnormal growth of the vertebrae. Cartilage is subject to significant atrophic processes. The pain may decrease, indicating the formation of protective tissue, but this is by no means a sign of recovery. At this stage, the disease causes the most disability of the patient.
Accompanying diseases
Almost the same manifestations of the disease are characterized by deforming spondylosis of the relevant part of the body. The disease belongs to the late stages of osteochondrosis and has the following symptoms:
- feeling of heaviness in the back, especially in the lower part of it;
- sharp pain when sitting, moving;
- back pain during bending, stretching and other movements.
The disease is characterized by cardinal changes in the vertebrae with the formation of bone growths that irritate the spinal ligaments. Dislocations (osteophytes) can reach significant sizes, cause fusion of adjacent vertebral parts, and can put pressure on nerve roots.
The result of the disease, in addition to pain, can be a decrease in mobility, anxiety when the weather changes, disability.
The disease mainly develops in old age due to excessive tension in the lumbar region and deposits of lime salt. In young people, spondylosis can develop due to curvature of the spine, improper distribution of stress in the back muscles.
Health gymnastics, physiotherapy and medical procedures
It is completely unrealistic to treat the disease. The first two stages of spinal health disorders can be treated quickly and permanently. In addition to medical treatment prescribed by a doctor after appropriate examination, patients are provided with physiotherapy and sports equipment for lumbar osteochondrosis.
These include:
- massage - reduce pain, strengthen back muscles, 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 lumbar osteochondrosis is an integrated approach using traditional therapy, massage, physiotherapy, traditional medicine. As a preventive measure, you should strengthen your back muscles, avoid physical exertion, and follow a proper diet. Also, do not forget to timely treat other diseases of the back, maintain a healthy lifestyle.