According to the International Classification of Diseases classification, osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is classified as category ten (ICD 10). This disease is one of the most common spinal disorders.
Changes and complications of the disease process lead to the formation of a herniated disc, severe pain, impaired function of the disc.
Eighty percent of patients who seek help for low back pain have this condition. Typically, osteochondrosis occurs in old age due to:
- increase the load associated with the lower back in your life,
- lime salt deposits,
- age changes.
Disease description and symptoms
Characteristic signs of lumbar spine lesions include the following:
- Decreased flexibility and mobility;
- Difficulty turning, rotating, or tilting the body;
- general fatigue;
- sleep disorder;
- Problems in the implementation of natural needs and self-service due to the occurrence of pain;
- irritability, sudden sweating;
- cold or tingling legs;
- Spasmodic manifestations of the arteries of the foot;
- Violation of sexual function (male), menstrual cycle (female);
- Phlebitis.
In fact, to answer the question of what is lumbar osteochondrosis, you can refer to the following arguments:
- Reduces the distance between the discs, destroys their function, loses moisture, elasticity.
- Spinal muscle overwork and chronic weakness.
- Violation of the depreciation capacity of the intervertebral discs, their partial deformation and the effect on the nerve endings that cause pain (applies to stages 3 and 4 of the disease).
course of disease
The development of pathology occurs gradually. It is customary to divide the medical history into 4 stages:
- The first degree manifested as local pain in the lower back and increased physical exertion. This symptom indicates that the muscles are overstretched and the deformation process of the disc has begun. Additionally, patients at this stage may experience a dull throbbing pain in the back that radiates to the buttocks, tingling, and burning in the same spot. Often, the pain occurs after a weight transfer or sudden movement.
- Stage 2 of the disease begins with a deformation characterized by a decrease in the natural distance between the surrounding tissue, the annulus fibrosus, and the vertebrae. Compression (compression) of nerve roots can also develop. At this stage, patients may experience severe pain while walking. There may be a burning or cold feeling in the legs. Tension and herniation development of the intervertebral disc. If a pain attack occurs, the patient automatically deviates from the focus of the pain syndrome in the opposite direction.
- The third degree is characterized by the eventual destruction of the disc annulus, the appearance of an intervertebral hernia. Lower back pain becomes more frequent and intense, giving both the legs and back, regardless of load and exercise.
- Stage IV of osteochondrosis is characterized by abnormal growth of the vertebrae. Cartilage undergoes a significant process of atrophy. Pain may subside, which indicates the formation of protective tissue, but it is by no means a sign of recovery. This stage of the disease most often results in disability in the patient.
concomitant disease
Almost identical manifestations of the disease in question are characterized by deformative spondylopathy in the corresponding part of the body. This disease belongs to the advanced stage of osteochondrosis and has the following symptoms:
- A feeling of heaviness in the back, especially its lower part;
- Acute pain in sitting position when moving;
- Low back pain when bending, stretching, etc.
The disease is characterized by major changes in the vertebrae, which form bone growths that stimulate ligaments in the spine. The growths (osteophytes) can reach considerable size, causing partial fusion of adjacent vertebrae and putting pressure on the nerve roots.
In addition to pain, the consequences of this disease can be reduced mobility, discomfort in changing weather, disability.
Basically, the disease develops in old age due to excessive stress and lime salt deposits on the lumbar area. In young adults, spondylosis can develop due to curvature of the spine and improper distribution of pressure on the muscles of the back.
Health gymnastics, physiotherapy and medical procedures
A cure for this disease is completely unrealistic. The first two stages of spinal health disorders can be cured quickly and permanently. In addition to medication prescribed by a doctor after proper examination, patients are shown physical therapy and exercise equipment for lumbar osteochondrosis.
These include:
- Massage - can reduce pain, strengthen the lower back muscles, and relax the problem area.
- Physical activity, exercise to strengthen the back muscles.
- Amplified pulse, magnetic resonance effect.
- Iontophoresis and bikinetic current.
Optimal results in the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis provide a comprehensive approach using traditional therapy, massage, physiotherapy, and traditional medicine. As a precaution, you should strengthen your back muscles, not avoid physical exertion, and pay attention to proper nutrition. Also, don't forget to treat other back ailments promptly and maintain a healthy lifestyle.