Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine: symptoms, causes, diagnosis

Osteochondrosis is a serious disease of the spine that destroys spongy bone tissue and leads to loss of capacity and physical disability. Osteochondrosis is especially dangerous in the cervicothoracic vertebral area - here it occurs most often and creeps up unnoticed. People suffer from it starting from the age of thirty, and the peak of the disease occurs at the age of 40-50 years.

Osteochondrosis of the cervicothoracic region: symptoms and treatment

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

Diseases of the joints and spine, including lumbar, cervical or thoracic osteochondrosis, require long-term and responsible treatment. A timely visit to a specialist will allow you to avoid complications of the disease, as well as determine the optimal complex of exercise therapy, physiotherapeutic procedures and medications. Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is complex. The Ruzhansky sanatorium in Belarus offers a full range of treatment and rehabilitation procedures and excellent conditions for recovery.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

The main symptom is pain caused by lateral compression of the spinal roots by bone growths. Pain is often accompanied by unusual sensations and muscle dysfunction. The range of movements in the neck is impaired, they become limited and are accompanied by pain and crunching.

Clinical picture of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:

Constant or paroxysmal (in the form of lumbago) pain in the neck. The pain is intense, intensifies after sleep and with sudden turns of the neck.
Tension in the neck muscles is palpable, more so in the anterior group.
The smoothness of the cervical lordosis and the forced position of the head (often tilted towards the lesion of the disc) are determined.
Compression of the spinal sympathetic plexus and disruption of the patency of the arteries in the spinal canal. Poor circulation in the cerebellum, brainstem and occipital lobes of the brain.

Characterized by constant headaches. Sometimes the pain is accompanied by disturbances in the form of nausea or vomiting, sensations of noise in the head, ringing in the ears, synchronously with the pulse, visual disturbances in the form of flickering, pain in the eye, and perhaps a sensation of a foreign body in the throat.

Features of thoracic osteochondrosis

The structure of the chest allows for minimal mobility of the vertebrae, which reduces the risk of injury to a minimum. Just a few decades ago, osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, like cervical or lumbar spine, manifested itself mainly in older people. But recently the disease has become significantly younger. Today, dystrophy and degeneration of bone tissue is observed in children, men and women with equal frequency.

Experts call mechanical injuries to the spine and back the main reason for the development of thoracic osteochondrosis. The manifestation of a painful condition usually makes itself felt through intense pain. Painful sensations can be short-term or aching for a long time.

Lack of proper attention to the exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, a person may develop complications such as atherosclerosis, prostate dysfunction, pneumosclerosis and even infertility. The progression of the disease leads to the gradual destruction of the vertebrae, cartilage and ligaments.

Causes

Experts identify a number of main reasons that can lead to the development of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. The most significant of them are the following:

stressful situations;
lifting weights;
heredity;
bad habits;
sedentary lifestyle;
wearing high-heeled shoes with flat feet or during pregnancy;
excessive physical activity;
incorrect posture;
mechanical injuries of the spine;
disturbances in the blood flow responsible for feeding the spinal cord;
bone tissue dystrophy;
intervertebral hernia;
gradual destruction of cartilage tissue;
hypothermia of the body;
thinning of intervertebral discs.

Each of these reasons can lead to the development of a disease such as thoracic osteochondrosis. However, patients often have several prerequisites for the emergence and further progression of pathology. Experts call mechanical injuries to the spine and back the main reason for the development of thoracic osteochondrosis. The manifestation of a painful condition usually makes itself felt through intense pain. Painful sensations can be short-term or aching for a long time.

Degrees of the disease

Thoracic osteochondrosis, the treatment of which in women, men and children should be comprehensive, can be divided into the following stages:

The first is that the pathology manifests itself as a local pain syndrome, the occurrence of which is caused by a weakening of muscle tissue, which in medicine is also known as thoracalgia. Gradually, spasm occurs in the paravertibral muscles, which leads to limited mobility.
The second is characterized by a significant increase in pain in the back. Inflammation spreads to the pain endings, herniated intervertebral discs and protrusions appear.
Third, the patient suffers from constant pain that occurs in the area of the nerve affected by the inflammatory process. Characteristic features of this stage of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are numbness of the limbs, constant severe pain, difficulty breathing, headaches and heart rhythm disturbances. The risk of hernia rupture and its movement throughout the body increases, which in most cases leads to the need for surgical intervention.
The fourth is the most complex degree of osteochondrosis, which leads to disruption of the basic functions of the intervertebral discs. The vertebral body gradually grows, which leads to their connection with each other, which leads to disruption of the blood supply to the brain. An advanced form of the disease without proper therapy can lead to disability.

Having noticed signs of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, the treatment of which is possible with folk remedies or under the supervision of specialists, you should undergo a thorough diagnosis. Having determined the stage of the pathology, the doctor will be able to recommend the most effective methods of therapy.

Reflex symptoms

Unlike radicular symptoms, reflex symptoms do not have clear boundaries. These may be: difficulty breathing, lack of air, pain when inhaling and exhaling, chills and “goosebumps” on the skin, intercostal neuralgia, girdling chest pain. Dyspepsia is often observed - appetite worsens, nausea, heartburn, bloating, and bowel dysfunction occur. Because of the pain, sleep is disturbed, insomnia occurs and the feeling of not getting enough sleep occurs. It is difficult to move, especially in the morning. Coordination of movements is impaired - this is reflected in the gait. General weakness, weakness. Sexual disorders. Irritability. Fast fatiguability. Various pains arise. Pressing pain in the chest area. Pain between the shoulder blades. Pain in the hypochondrium. Pain when raising arms. Pain when bending over or trying to stand up. Pain between the shoulder blades. In general, pain in osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is usually divided into two types.

Dorsalgia

- moderately severe, prolonged pain in the back and chest with periods of intensification and attenuation.

Dorsago

- acute painful “lumbago” in this area.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region depend on the stage of osteochondrosis.
They get worse when slouching or trying to stand up.
Symptoms often appear after 35-45 years.
They occur approximately 3 times more often in women than in men.

You, of course, noticed that the radicular symptoms are defined quite clearly, while the reflex symptoms are very vague and non-specific. And as you know, everything that does not have clear definitions serves as a convenient cover for professional helplessness. This applies, among other things, to reflex symptoms and such a favorite concept among doctors as “age-related changes.” Surely many of you are familiar with the situation when the doctor explained the problem as “reflex” or “age-related” processes. Most people at such moments rightly believe that the doctor simply cannot figure out what is happening and is trying to veil his incompetence in the fog of these “magic words.”

At one time there was a popular phrase: “Every accident has a name, surname and position.” So every disease has its own unique symptoms. And it is the doctor’s duty to know them clearly. And then there will be no need to cast a fog and blame osteochondrosis of the thoracic region for everything. Now you understand how important it is to find an experienced and knowledgeable doctor. Both the correct diagnosis and good treatment results will depend on this.

Diagnostics

Faced with signs of thoracic osteochondrosis, most people wonder how the pathology is diagnosed and the degree of impairment is determined. Qualified specialists at the Ruzhansky sanatorium are ready to assess the patient’s general condition and prescribe appropriate therapy.

To prescribe a course of treatment, it is important to go through the following diagnostic stages:

consultation with a qualified neurologist;
examination by a doctor, palpation and medical history;
laboratory examination;
X-ray or MRI;
additional examination;
drawing up a course of complex therapy.

If you have been diagnosed with thoracic osteochondrosis, treatment at home may not give the expected effect. Therefore, it is best to undergo therapy under the supervision of qualified specialists and in appropriate conditions, which will minimize the risk of complications.

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine: symptoms and treatment

The disease usually manifests itself as sharp or aching pain in the back. Also, pain can spread to the shoulder, frontal area of the sternum or hypochondrium. The most intense pain is observed when the patient remains in one position.

The main symptom of thoracic osteochondrosis is a painful sensation when touching the spinous processes of the vertebrae. The etiology of pain may be similar to manifestations of kidney stones, angina, peptic ulcer or cholecystitis.

Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis should be comprehensive and include drug therapy, massage, physiotherapy, and physical therapy. Also, do not ignore traditional medicine, because homemade ointments and rubs will help relieve pain.

Modern medicine offers a variety of treatment methods for thoracic osteochondrosis, which can be used at home or under the supervision of a neurologist.

Drug treatment

One of the main and most effective methods of treating thoracic osteochondrosis and its symptoms is the use of medications prescribed by a doctor. The course of therapy usually involves taking the following medications:

antispasmodics;
papain;
painkillers and analgesics;
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
chondroprotectors that restore cartilage tissue;
diuretics intended to relieve swelling;
hormonal drugs.

However, taking medications should only be started after consulting a neurologist, who will determine the degree of pathological changes and the cause of their occurrence.

Depending on the prescribed drug, the form of its use may differ. Tablet forms, ointments and creams, as well as injection solutions are very popular. However, the best type and type of use of medications can only be determined by a qualified specialist.

Physiotherapy

Exercise therapy specialists develop a special set of exercises that are aimed at relieving muscle tension and stiffness of the spine. This effect can be achieved by increasing mobility. With a professional approach to drawing up an exercise therapy program, it is possible not only to get rid of symptoms and treat thoracic osteochondrosis, but also to achieve overall health improvement of the body. Properly selected exercises lead to strengthening the muscle corset and improving pulmonary ventilation.

Among the most common exercises are the following:

Sit with a straight back and slowly move your head back, you can help by gently pressing your hand on your chin in an upward-backward direction. Slowly turn your head to the right and left. It is recommended to maintain this pose for about 1 minute.
Tilt your head forward while pressing on your forehead with your intertwined fingers. Pressure should be gradually applied in the area of the back of the head and temples. Each movement should be performed for at least 10 seconds each.
Raise your shoulders as high as possible, trying to reach your ears, and lower them slowly or quickly over 15 seconds. Repeat the exercise with each shoulder in turn. Rub your neck with your palms.
Place your fingertips on the surface of your forehead towards each other. Using gentle pressure and circular movements, stretch the skin for 10-40 seconds.
Sit on a chair, do not lean on the back. Take a diaphragmatic breath (push your stomach out), lift your shoulders, then move them back so that your shoulder blades come together, and as you exhale, lower them down and relax. Repeat 5 times. Feel the tension and relaxation of your muscles.
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, arms at your sides parallel to the floor. Bend them slightly at the elbows, then forcefully pull them back - exhale noisily through your mouth so that your shoulder blades come together, and return to their original position - inhale through your nose. Repeat the movement 10 times, then lower your arms along your body and relax. Repeat one more time.
Standing, the arms hang along the body like whips. Pull your shoulders towards your ears, but do not pull your head in. Hold the position for 3 to 5 seconds, then relax.
While standing, hug yourself. First, spread your arms to the sides, then clasp your left shoulder with your right and vice versa. This is a relaxation exercise.
Stand with your arms extended along your body. Gently spread your limbs to the sides, then slowly raise your arms up, while simultaneously lifting your entire body on your toes, lower down in front of you. The exercise must be repeated at least 10 times.

The above exercises can be performed at home, but experienced neurologists will help supplement exercise therapy with additional techniques to improve spinal health. Also, the most effective is to perform sets of exercises in small groups.

If the group includes patients with approximately equivalent symptoms and degrees of the disease, then competitive passion develops between them against their will. Also, having a clear example from the instructor makes it easier to perform a given set of exercises at the recommended intensity. Other members of the therapy group will be able to provide you with moral support. Also, additional inspiration will be a positive example from practitioners who were able to significantly improve their well-being with the help of exercise therapy.

Of no small importance in achieving the required therapeutic effect is the combination of therapeutic physical education with medicinal forms of treatment and massage procedures. Therefore, it is most rational to carry out treatment in specialized treatment and prevention centers.

Applicators

An important role in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is played by the use of special massage mats. An example of such products are affordable and functional Kuznetsov or Lyapko applicators. When choosing products, the main attention should be paid to the size, sharpness and shape of the needles. Depending on the purpose, the massagers in question may take the form of a mat or a roller.

After consulting with your doctor, you can choose applicators that are suitable for the most effective treatment. In this case, the massager needles will influence the nerve endings of the problem area, as well as stimulate improvement of blood supply in this area.

Important! The most rational option would be to use Lyapko and Kuznetsov massage mats immediately after applying the gel or ointment. By improving the blood supply to the problem area, the active substance of the drug will quickly penetrate the epicenter of the pain and begin its effect.

Physiotherapeutic treatment

Of no small importance in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is the implementation of appropriate physiotherapeutic procedures. It is these methods of influence that are effective regardless of the patient’s form of osteochondrosis. Among the main forms of physiotherapy, the following procedures can be distinguished:

magnetic therapy;
laser exposure;
wave therapy;
electrophoresis.

The above procedures are carried out by specialists in the physiotherapy room and provide a pronounced analgesic effect, increase blood circulation, and improve the penetration of drugs used externally into the deep subcutaneous layers.

If you have at home such equipment and special devices as Almag, Vitafon, SCENAR or DENAS, after consultation with your doctor to exclude possible contraindications, you can begin independent treatment. However, we should not forget that treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis at home is much less effective.

The listed types of physiotherapeutic effects can be successfully combined, creating more intense complexes that allow you to achieve better results. Examples of such combinations include:

Almag + SCENAR or DENAS;
Vitafon + SCENAR or DENAS;
Almag + Vitafon + SCENAR or DENAS.

No matter how effective home therapy is, only a doctor can choose the right treatment regimen. Therefore, if you notice the first alarming signs and symptoms, contact specialized centers to get diagnosed. A qualified specialist will not only determine the complexity of the pathology, but will also select the type of treatment that is most suitable for you using the above devices.

Massage and self-massage

At an appointment with an experienced massage therapist, you can quickly relax tight muscle tissue and stimulate toning of areas that need it. In addition, back massage can be performed using special ointments and preparations, which helps relieve pain in the problem area and reduce discomfort.

It is impossible to massage the thoracic area of the spine on your own. However, with osteochondrosis of this department, disturbances in the cervical-collar area are often observed. Therefore, the following set of simple but very effective exercises will be useful to you:

Sitting on a chair, carefully place your hands behind your head. Using gentle, gentle movements, knead the back and sides of your neck.
Having reached the spine with your hands, gently knead it first on the left and then on the right side.
Gradually move your right hand behind your left shoulder and stretch the muscles in the shoulder blade area. Then repeat the massage on the other side.
Finish the self-massage course with gentle stroking of the problem area.

The above massage techniques and techniques can be performed at home, however, experienced neurologists will help supplement exercise therapy with additional techniques to improve the health of the spine. Also, the most effective is to perform sets of exercises in small groups.

After massaging and warming up the muscles of the neck and back, it is recommended to take a warm shower, which will help relax and self-heal muscle tissue. After completing the water procedures, rub thoroughly with a terry towel.

Traditional medicine tips

There are a lot of them. It is unrealistic to present even a small part in one article. Consider complex therapy with traditional methods:

Every day for a long time, take 1 glass of warm milk in the morning and evening, adding a teaspoon of dead bees, alcohol tincture of propolis and honey. This is a real vitamin and mineral cocktail for the body.
Spend several hours every day outdoors, preferably in rural areas.
Do self-massage of the neck-collar area and part of the thoracic region (wherever you can reach) daily.
Every day, morning and afternoon, perform a simple set of exercises (see below).
Every day before going to bed, lie on the Lyapko (or Kuznetsov) applicator for about 30 minutes.
Every day, ask your relatives to give you a honey massage on the surface of your entire spine.
If your health allows, visit the bathhouse at least once a week, and after it, be sure to drink plenty of herbal tea.

Remember that traditional medicine perfectly complements the complex treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis, but is not suitable for independent use. The main purpose of such techniques is to relieve or relieve pain.

Surgery

The most serious complications of the advanced form of cervical osteochondrosis are the following conditions:

visually noticeable protrusion of intervertebral discs, which is accompanied by the formation of a hernia;
rupture of the intervertebral disc, which leads to pinching of nerve endings and blood vessels, possibly disrupting the basic functions of the spinal cord, which can lead to death;
pronounced radiculopathies can also occur, which are lesions of the nerve roots, the formation of osteophytes with the manifestation of paresis and paralysis.

Elimination of such pathological conditions can be performed exclusively by surgery. The implementation of this task is possible if there are appropriate indications and only after a complete examination, which will exclude the presence of contraindications. Performing an operation to remove appendages and hernia is impossible if the patient has serious disorders of the cardiovascular system, diabetes mellitus and other serious diseases.

Symptoms and manifestations

The disease has special symptoms when it comes to the cervicothoracic vertebral area. With this type of osteochondrosis, it is necessary to differentiate the following types of syndromes:

radicular;
radicular-vascular;
reflex.

By the way. Reflex syndrome has the following feature - it is manifested by neurodystrophic, muscular and vascular pathological changes.

Compared to other types of osteochondrosis, cervical osteochondrosis is different in its manifestations. This is explained by the peculiarity of the anatomy of the spine in the neck area.

Features of the structure of the cervical spine

Firstly, there are many nerves here, as well as vessels that supply the brain, facial part, shoulder and neck area.
Secondly, the main artery is located here (passes through special openings in the vertebral processes).
Thirdly, the vertebrae of the neck have a different structure than other vertebral segments; they are smaller, but fit closer together and are located in a compressed area.

Even minor pathological changes in the spinal segments and tissues connecting them, for example, increased loads, can disrupt the functioning of the entire cervical area, because compression of blood vessels, pinched nerves, and even displacement of the vertebrae will be almost inevitable.

Due to the increased load on the spine, the vertebrae can shift and put pressure on the artery or nerve fibers

By the way. Most often, the spinal cord is pinched in the cervicothoracic region. And any proliferation of fibrous tissue, vertebral displacement, leads to pathological changes that can lead to persistent headaches and other pains and sensitivity disorders.

Why is pinching in the neck area dangerous? When this compacted and saturated zone is damaged, the lesions have a larger volume. Sensitivity disorder is observed on the face and neck, arms, and shoulders. In addition, the upper limbs can be affected by paresis, leading to muscle weakness and ending in complete inability to move.

Pinching in the neck area usually manifests itself as pain in the back of the head, spreading to the shoulder girdle and arms, as well as impaired sensitivity in the upper extremities

The first signs of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis can be considered the following:

headache;
feeling of discomfort in the neck;
muscle fatigue and tension;
pain in the neck;
pain in the shoulder blades;
muscle weakness;
decreased sensitivity;
when you tilt your head - a feeling of electric shock in your hands;
itching in the arms and shoulders.

One of the first signs of osteochondrosis is discomfort in the back of the head and pain when moving the head.

These are the main manifestations that help diagnose early osteochondrosis based on the patient’s complaints and differentiate it from tumors and other serious diseases. In addition, there are a number of additional signs:

swelling of the tongue, its numbness (slightly tosses and turns in the mouth);
severe point clavicular pain;
weakening of the shoulder muscle corset;
increasing pain when turning the head or tilting it;
pain after a static state - sleeping in an incorrect position, sitting for a long time;
unilateral or symmetrical chest pain;
pain in the left arm and in the region of the heart, pulling, which is mistaken for angina.

Pain due to osteochondrosis is often mistaken for a manifestation of angina pectoris

By the way. Often with cervicothoracic osteochondrosis there is pain on the left, as if in the area of the heart. In this case, the pain radiates to the left arm and does not go away after using nitroglycerin and similar drugs.

Since complications of osteochondrosis are arthrosis that occurs in the shoulder, clavicular and elbow joints, pain and limited mobility of the arms and shoulders occur. In addition, the chest area is inactive, and the cervical area, on the contrary, is too mobile. Therefore, even within the neck and chest, the symptoms of osteochondrosis, depending on the location, are different.

One of the complications of osteochondrosis may be arthrosis of the shoulder joint.

Important! At the first stage of the disease, the variability of symptoms often becomes the cause of an erroneous diagnosis, which can be either variant angina or vegetative-vascular dystonia. As osteochondrosis progresses, its symptoms acquire features that distinguish the disease from others.

Table 1. List of main and additional symptoms of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis

Type of symptoms	Description
Basic	• fatigue, accompanied by adynamia and asthenic syndrome; • persistent headaches; • blood pressure that changes suddenly and is higher than normal or lower; • constant dizziness; • noise in the ears, in the head; • “midges” before the eyes that appear and disappear; • loss of coordination of movements, impaired clarity of gait, balance; • constant pain in the back of the neck, shoulder girdle, arms (arm); • numbness of fingers, hands, constantly cold hands; • pain in the sternum and heart; • pain in the ribs (along the costal plates).
Additional	• visual impairment, sudden or gradual; • paresthesia; • loud snoring during sleep, especially if its strength does not depend on the position of the sleeping body; • chronic neck muscle tension, spasm; • toothaches that occur from time to time in the absence of obvious signs of caries or other damage; • the skin on the head and neck hurts; • dizziness and feeling of nausea; • disorders of brain activity, caused by the proliferation of fibrous tissue and vascular compression; • cerebral circulatory disorders (which is often mistaken for a manifestation of vegetative-vascular dystonia).

Cure prognosis

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine in the early stages is a curable disease. However, to obtain positive results from therapy, it is important to adhere to the specialist’s recommendations and reconsider your usual lifestyle.

In case of pathological changes in the third and fourth stages, when irreversible processes begin to occur in the body, mobility and good health can be restored only through surgical intervention and complex rehabilitation therapy. However, treatment will take a long period of time.

However, the most correct and rational solution is the prevention of spinal diseases. After all, preventing unpleasant consequences is much easier than treating already advanced problems with the spine.

Lack of the required attention to exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, a person may develop complications such as atherosclerosis, prostate dysfunction, pneumosclerosis and even infertility. The progression of the disease leads to the gradual destruction of the vertebrae, cartilage and ligaments. It is a frivolous attitude towards the disease that can lead to the inevitability of surgical intervention and problems with mobility.

Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis

To prevent the development of osteochondrosis of the thoracic, cervical and lumbar spine, you should adhere to the following recommendations:

prevent overwork and exhaustion of the body;
avoid hypothermia;
Avoid heavy lifting and try to avoid excessive physical activity;
watch your posture;
try to maintain a comfortable posture;
give preference to resting on a comfortable bed with an anatomical mattress;
adhere to the principles of proper nutrition;
Combine sitting with periodic rest and exercise.

Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis appear at the stage when it can still be stopped and excellent health restored through the use of fairly gentle measures that require minimal effort.

Osteocondritis of the spine

To one degree or another, spinal osteochondrosis develops in all aged people and is one of the aging processes of the body. Sooner or later, atrophic changes occur in the intervertebral disc, but injuries, diseases and various overloads of the spine contribute to the earlier onset of osteochondrosis. The most common osteochondrosis of the cervical spine and osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.

About 10 theories of osteochondrosis have been developed: vascular, hormonal, mechanical, hereditary, infectious-allergic and others. But none of them provides a complete explanation of the changes occurring in the spine; rather, they are complementary to each other.

It is believed that the main point in the occurrence of osteochondrosis is the constant overload of the spinal motion segment, consisting of two adjacent vertebrae with an intervertebral disc located between them. Such overload can arise as a result of a motor stereotype - posture, individual manner of sitting and walking. Poor posture, sitting in an incorrect position, and walking with an uneven spinal column cause additional stress on the discs, ligaments and muscles of the spine. The process can be aggravated due to the structural features of the spine and insufficient trophism of its tissues, caused by hereditary factors. Most often, structural defects occur in the cervical spine (Kimerli anomaly, craniovertebral anomalies, Chiari anomaly) and lead to vascular disorders and the early appearance of signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.

The occurrence of osteochondrosis of the lumbar region is often associated with its overload when bending over and lifting heavy objects. A healthy intervertebral disc can withstand significant loads due to the hydrophilicity of the nucleus pulposus located in its center. The core contains a large amount of water, and liquids are known to be poorly compressible. A rupture of a healthy intervertebral disc can occur with a compression force of more than 500 kg, while a disc altered as a result of osteochondrosis ruptures with a compression force of 200 kg. A load of 200 kg is experienced by the lumbar spine of a person weighing 70 kg when he holds a 15 kg load in the position of tilting the body forward by 200. Such high pressure is due to the small size of the nucleus pulposus. When the inclination increases to 700, the load on the intervertebral discs will be 489 kg. Therefore, often the first clinical manifestations of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine occur during or after lifting heavy objects, doing housework, weeding in the garden, etc.

With osteochondrosis, the nucleus pulposus loses its hydrophilic properties. This occurs due to disturbances in its metabolism or insufficient supply of necessary substances. As a result, the intervertebral disc becomes flat and less elastic, and radial cracks appear in its fibrous ring under load. The distance between adjacent vertebrae decreases and they shift relative to each other, while displacement also occurs in the facet joints connecting the vertebrae.

Destruction of the connective tissue of the fibrous ring of the disc, ligaments and capsules of the facet joints causes a reaction of the immune system and the development of aseptic inflammation with swelling of the facet joints and surrounding tissues. Due to the displacement of the vertebral bodies, the capsules of the facet joints are stretched, and the altered intervertebral disc no longer secures the bodies of neighboring vertebrae so firmly. Instability of the spinal segment is formed. Due to instability, pinching of the spinal nerve root is possible with the development of radicular syndrome. With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, this often occurs when turning the head, and with osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine - during bending of the body. It is possible to form a functional block of the spinal motion segment. It is caused by compensatory contraction of the vertebral muscles.

A herniated disc occurs when the disc slips backward, tearing the posterior longitudinal ligament and protruding part of the disc into the spinal canal. If at the same time the nucleus pulposus of the disc is squeezed into the spinal canal, then such a hernia is called ruptured. The severity and duration of pain with such a hernia is much greater than with an unruptured hernia. A disc herniation can cause radicular syndrome or spinal cord compression.

With osteochondrosis, bone tissue grows with the formation of osteophytes - bone outgrowths on the bodies and processes of the vertebrae. Osteophytes can also cause compression of the spinal cord (compressive myelopathy) or cause the development of radicular syndrome.