The most common type of spinal pathology is lumbar osteochondrosis.The largest percentage of people suffering from lumbar osteochondrosis fall into the age group after 30 years.The disease is caused by degeneration of the cartilage tissue of the spine and intervertebral discs.The disease is characterized by severe pain attacks in the lumbar region.
How is osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine manifested?
Since most of the body is supported by the pelvic bone, lumbar osteochondrosis is the most common of all types of osteochondrosis.The vertebral column consists of the underlying spongy bone tissue and the intervertebral discs connecting the ridge areas.They consist of cartilaginous tissue, inside which there is a semi-liquid core.The purpose of the intervertebral discs is to act as hinges, allowing the spine to be flexible and bend in different directions.Osteochondrosis affects the circulatory system, when it is disturbed, the cartilage tissue of the intervertebral discs loses its strength.The process of tissue degeneration begins, the cartilage dries up and becomes brittle, begins to sag and protrude from the spine, unable to withstand the constant load of body weight.The affected part of the ridge begins to gradually fold and put pressure on the adjacent nerves, causing severe pain that radiates to the leg.This condition is called Lumboschialgia.If left untreated, the patient risks significant consequences, including paralysis of the lower body.
Why is osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine dangerous?
The initial stage of development of lumbar osteochondrosis is manifestedin protrusion, when the intervertebral disc begins to go beyond its limits and acts as a root between the departments of the vertebrae.In addition, as the disease progresses, the integrity of the fibrous ring is broken, from which a gel-like core leaks out, this condition is called an intervertebral hernia.In the process of irritation and pinching of the spinal nerve, the nerve becomes inflamed, causing severe pain, i.e.lumbar osteochondrosis eventually progresses to radiculitis.Another consequence that is likely in the absence of therapeutic measures for lumbar osteochondrosis is sciatica.Sciatica is inflammation of the sciatic nerve.In this condition, the patient experiences severe pain in the lumbar region, which is reflected by pain in the leg, which may be accompanied by muscle numbness.Due to severe pain, a person tries to avoid pressure on the painful side, twisting the spine, which further complicates the blood circulation of the discs, provoking a further process of destruction.Another possible consequence of lumbar osteochondrosis is acquired compression myelopathy, in which the spinal canal narrows due to disc growth, which disrupts blood circulation.Due to acquired instability of the spine, the column begins to sag from the sacral region, affecting adjacent organs.Women may experience problems with the uterus, ovaries, men risk reduced potency.Finally, the most dangerous consequence of lumbar osteochondrosis is the acquisition of cauda equina syndrome.In an advanced form, the disease affects all nerves from the first to the last vertebra, which leads to complete or partial paralysis of the legs and buttocks.
Causes of lumbar osteochondrosis
The reasons why this disease is acquired most often include the following:
- low-intensity physical activity;
- diseases of the thyroid gland, the cardiovascular system, the gastrointestinal tract;
- high physical activity, weight lifting;
- diseases of the spinal joints, in particular rheumatoid arthritis
- underdevelopment of the vertebrae;
- flat feet;
- spine injuries, especially those in the lumbar and lumbar region;
- improper metabolism;
- spinal degeneration associated with age-related changes.
The risk group for lumbar osteochondrosis includes people who:
- there is a curvature of the spine;
- suffer from obesity and metabolic disorders;
- are in a bent position for a long time;
- have a hereditary predisposition;
- are in an environment of increased stress;
- you have sleep disorders, little rest;
- subject the body to hypothermia;
- are representatives of such professions as loaders, builders, drivers, and also have specialties related to constant presence in front of the computer.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
In addition to the pain experienced by those suffering from lumbar osteochondrosis, especially during periods of great stress, there are other symptoms of this disease, which are manifested in the following:
- dull pain that moves from the source of inflammation to the leg;
- increased pain when lifting something heavy, changing body position, coughing, sneezing;
- when you stay in one position for a long time, blood accumulates in the lesion, and at the slightest attempt to change the position, sharp pain occurs;
- constant tension in the back muscles;
- lumbar lumbago at the slightest hypothermia;
- numbness in the thigh, gluteal muscles, lower leg and foot;
- tingling sensation in the legs;
- arterial spasm to the absence of a pulse;
- sweat gland pathology;
- drying of the skin in the area of pain and loss of sensitivity.
Description and causes of the disease
Lumbar osteochondrosis occurs for a number of reasons, one of the main ones being the uneven load on the spine.The disease is characterized by dystrophic lesions of the cartilaginous elements of this part of the spine, accompanied by changes in the structure of the intervertebral discs.Experts include the following provoking factors:
- lack of physical activity with prolonged incorrect postures;
- hormonal imbalance;
- congenital problems in the form of curvature of the legs, dysplasia;
- significant loads on the lumbar region due to lifting weights, especially among lifters and athletes;
- incorrect posture;
- injuries;
- heredity;
- poor nutrition.