[The development of reflex and compression syndromes in intervertebral diseases in the lumbar region]

50 patients with different neurological manifestations of lumbar osteochondrosis were examined. A new method of transabdominal ultrasonographic investigation of both the discs and the surrounding tissues was applied. 30 cases of discogenic disease and 20 cases of reflex algesic syndrome were revealed. Possibilities of transabdominal ultrasonography for staging the diseases were demonstrated as well as the advantage of the method over computer magnetic-resonance tomography. Ultrasonography allows to visualize rupture of the disc and fibrous changes. The results of the study can be used for diagnosis of the severity of disease as well as for its therapy and prognosis.