The most common form 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 attacks of pain in the lumbar region.
How does osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine occur?
Since most of the body is supported by the pelvic bone, lumbar osteochondrosis is the most common of all types of osteochondrosis.The spine consists of the main cancellous bone tissue and the intervertebral discs that connect the areas of the dorsal ridge.They consist of cartilage tissue, inside which there is a semi-liquid core.The job of the intervertebral discs is to act as hinges that allow the spine to be flexible and bend in different directions.Osteochondrosis affects the circulatory system.If there is a disruption, 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, so it can no longer withstand the constant load of body weight.The affected part of the alveolar ridge gradually begins to fold and puts pressure on the adjacent nerves, causing severe pain that radiates down the leg.This condition is called lumbosciatica.If the condition is 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 manifested by protrusion,ifthe intervertebral disc extends beyond its boundaries and acts as a root between the vertebral sections.In addition, as the disease progresses, the integrity of the fibrous ring, from which a gel-like core emerges, is disrupted.This condition is called an intervertebral hernia.When the spinal nerve is irritated and pinched, the nerve becomes inflamed and causes severe pain, i.e.h.lumbar osteochondrosis eventually progresses to radiculitis.Another consequence that is likely without therapeutic measures in lumbar osteochondrosis is sciatica.Sciatica is an inflammation of the sciatic nerve.In this condition, the patient feels severe pain in the lumbar region, which is reflected in pain in the leg, which may be accompanied by numbness of the muscles.Due to severe pain, a person tries to avoid putting pressure on the painful side and bending the spine, which further complicates blood circulation to the intervertebral discs and provokes a further destructive process.Another possible consequence of lumbar osteochondrosis is acquired compression myelopathy, in which the spinal canal narrows due to disc growth and impairs blood circulation.Due to the acquired instability of the spine, the spine begins to sag from the sacral area, which affects neighboring organs.Women can have problems with the uterus and ovaries, and men are at risk of impaired potency.And finally, the most dangerous consequence of lumbar osteochondrosis is the acquisition of cauda equina syndrome.In advanced stages, the disease affects all nerves from the first to the last vertebra, resulting in complete or partial paralysis of the legs and buttocks.
Causes of lumbar osteochondrosis
The reasons why this disease is most commonly acquired include:
- low-intensity physical activity;
- Diseases of the thyroid gland, cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract;
- high physical activity, weight lifting;
- Diseases of the vertebral joints, especially rheumatoid arthritis
- underdevelopment of the vertebrae;
- flat feet;
- Injuries to the spine, particularly in the lumbar and cruciate ligament areas;
- incorrect metabolism;
- Spinal degeneration associated with age-related changes.
The risk group for lumbar osteochondrosis includes people who:
- have a curvature of the spine;
- suffer from obesity and metabolic disorders;
- being in a hunched position for a long time;
- have a hereditary predisposition;
- are in an environment with increased stress;
- have trouble sleeping, get little rest;
- expose the body to hypothermia;
- are representatives of such professions as loaders, builders, drivers, and also have specialties related to constant presence at the computer.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
In addition to the pain that people with lumbar osteochondrosis feel, especially during periods of heavy stress, there are other symptoms of this disease, which are expressed as follows:
- dull pain that travels from the source of inflammation to the leg;
- increased pain when lifting heavy objects, changing posture, coughing, sneezing;
- If you stay in one position for a long time, blood accumulates in the lesion and severe pain occurs at the slightest attempt to change position.
- constant tension in the back muscles;
- lumbar lumbago at the slightest hypothermia;
- Numbness of the thighs, glutes, lower leg and foot;
- tingling in legs;
- arterial spasm to the point of pulselessness;
- pathology of sweat glands;
- Drying out of the skin in the pain area and loss of sensitivity.
Description and causes of the disease
Lumbar osteochondrosis can have various causes.One of the main reasons is 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:
- physical inactivity with prolonged poor posture;
- hormonal imbalance;
- congenital problems in the form of leg curvature, dysplasia;
- significant strain on the lumbar spine due to heavy lifting, especially for trucks and athletes;
- incorrect posture;
- injuries;
- heredity;
- poor diet.