Lumbar osteochondrosis is a deformity of the spine in the lumbar region. The disease affects the intervertebral discs, cartilage tissue, spinal roots and nerve fibers and causes back pain.
Reasons
The main cause of the disease is the incorrect distribution of the load on the musculoskeletal system. This usually happens when walking in high heels, carrying a bag on one side, when sleeping in an uncomfortable position, or when sitting at work. At risk are the elderly, pregnant women, those who have just given birth, professional athletes and office workers.
Other causes of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- injuries, bruises, fractures of arms, legs, spine;
- damage to the organs of the musculoskeletal system;
- gastrointestinal diseases provoking a deficiency of nutrients;
- body tension during prolonged exertion;
- psychoemotional disorders;
- blood flow disorders in the spinal column;
- musculoskeletal system inflammations;
- infections of internal organs and vertebrae;
- joint stiffness, displacement of discs;
- protrusions and intervertebral hernias;
- severe intoxication;
- metabolic disorders;
- curvature of posture;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- dehydration;
- unbalancednutrition;
- deficiency of calcium and oxygen;
- excess weight;
- bad habits;
- age-related changes;
- joint diseases.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
The intensity and nature of the symptoms depends on the stage of the disease. The sooner the patient discovers signs of lumbosacral osteochondrosis, the more effective the treatment will be.
General symptoms:
- severe pain in the lower back, which can radiate to the legs, internal organs of the abdomen and pelvis;
- pain inareas of the kidneys and sacrum;
- fatigue and tension in the lower back and sacral spine;
- difficulty in movement, walking, bending and turning the trunk;
- periodic backache;
- rapid fatigue after light exertion;
- crunch in the back, impaired mobility, pain in a calm state;
- numbness of the limbs;
- muscle spasms and cramps;
- dizziness;
- weakness and fatigue;
- decreased muscle tone and sensitivity.
In men and women, the manifestation of lumbar osteochondrosis may differ. Men may have problems with potency. Women are more likely to suffer from pelvic pain. When the deformed spine cannot fully support the back, the uterus and appendages experience additional stress, and sometimes shift from the normal physiological position.
Varieties
Classification of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine consists of several types of the disease. The type of pain syndrome is distinguished:
Lumbago. Acute symptom. It is expressed by sharp lumbago and inability to move. It occurs with muscle spasms, injuries, pinching of discs and nerve roots.
Lumbodynia. It is characterized by prolonged aching pain caused by hernias, protrusions, spondylarthrosises, sprains and other disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
Lumboischialgia. Powerful pain syndrome in the lumbosacral region, eradiri in the pelvis. The pain extends to the sciatic nerve, interferes with the normal flexion and extension of the body, interferes with sitting and standing painlessly.
Discogenic lumbar osteochondrosis and radiculopathy are also distinguished.
Discogenic lumbar osteochondrosisis accompanied by loss of sensitivity and numbness not only in the sore back, but also in the legs, buttocks, thighs and lower abdomen. Sometimes the body temperature rises, weakness, urinary incontinence appear, the patient loses weight.
Radiculopathyis expressed by numbness of the nerve roots and a decrease in human motor abilities. Signs - tingling or soreness of the entire lower trunk, reflex disturbances, decreased muscle tone and joints in the limbs.
Stages of lumbar osteochondrosis development
Doctors trace the dynamics of pathology in four stages:
- First. Symptoms are almost invisible - they are diagnosed on x-rays. The stage begins with pathological processes in the purposly cavity of the overdried disc and microcracks of the annulus fibrosus.
- Second. The height of the intervertebral discs decreases, which makes the vertebrae closely spaced. This causes the vertebrae to slide and shift, which is accompanied by pain during movement.
- Third. It is characterized by stiffness, instability, numbness of the body in the coccyx, lower back and sacrum. This can be explained by protrusion of the vertebrae, protrusions, joint dislocations and arthrosis in the spine.
- Fourth. The most severe degree. The functions of the spinal column are disrupted on it and bone growths (osteophytes) are formed. The growths can pinch nerves or damage the integrity of the vertebrae.
Consequences of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
- Excessive salt accumulation in the body;
- development of hernia, protrusion, prolapse of vertebrae and discs;
- chronic sciatica;
- paresisand paralysis of the legs.
Diagnostics
An orthopedist, osteopath, neurologist, rheumatologist, chiropractor and surgeon can diagnose lumbar osteochondrosis and other disorders of the musculoskeletal system. It is possible to make an accurate diagnosis after conducting:
- X-ray of the spinal column, which shows the condition of bone, cartilaginous and muscle tissues, as well as ligaments and tendons.
- Myelography - studies of the spinal cordliquid with dye. With its help, the nerve roots of the spinal cord are studied and evaluated.
For a more detailed examination, doctors use CT and MRI. You can get diagnosed at the clinic.