Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region is associated with damage to articular cartilage and bone tissue.
This disease affects people who, depending on their profession or lifestyle, are inactive.It is the inactivity that ensures that the intervertebral discs lose their elasticity and mobility, and after some time they are deformed and worn out.
The result of this deformation is a decrease in the distance between the vertebrae, and the nerve endings located between them are tightened.
This fact leads to pain.
Who is susceptible to this disease?
By the age of 30, few people can say that they have not had back pain.With age, this unpleasant manifestation only worsens.Compared to all observed cases of osteochondrosis, osteochondrosis of the lumbar region accounts for almost 90%.If the disease is not treated in the early stages, when gymnastics can alleviate the unwanted consequences, the disease can be neglected.
Causes of lumbar osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region occurs as a result of improper load on the spinal organ.There are sufficient reasons why this disease progresses:
- The presence of congenital defects in this area;
- Hormonal balance changes and disorders;
- Deformation of posture;
- Low physical activity;
- Traumatic injuries;
- Exposure to chemicals;
- Hypothermia;
- Frequent lifting of weights in a hurry;
- Increased irritability;
- The presence of infections in the body;
- Overweight;
- Flat feet;
- Hypothermia.
Heredity also plays an important role in the occurrence of osteochondrosis.Having relatives with this disease, it is necessary to take preventive measures more seriously.
Lumbar osteochondrosis has its own symptoms
Lumbar osteochondrosis, the symptoms of which consist of various pains and tension of a certain group of muscles.The pain experienced from this disease is not the same.A distinction is made between aching, sudden and sharp pain, shooting or burning.There is an increase in pain when you make sudden movements, cough and sneeze or lift heavy objects.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region, along with pain, is characterized by nausea, vomiting, headache and dizziness.With osteochondrosis of the lumbar region, symptoms such as dizziness, double vision, dysfunction of the urethra and the functioning of the genitals are possible.
Due to the abundance of symptoms, osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region is very difficult to miss.And if some of the listed symptoms are detected, you should go to the hospital.
How can osteochondrosis be treated?
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis can be done in several ways.The choice of method depends on the degree of development of the disease.
Stages of the disease:
- In the first stage, lumbar osteochondrosis begins with dull pain in the lumbar region during heavy lifting.At this time, the intervertebral discs are damaged.
- In the second stage of the development of osteochondrosis, the intervertebral distance decreases and the fibrous ring is destroyed.It is during this period that the nerve endings are tightened.This procedure is very painful for the lower back.The pain reaction from the lumbosacral region radiates to the thigh, the gluteal region and the lower part of the leg.
- In the third stage of the development of osteochondrosis, the destruction of fibrous rings is observed.It is at this time that the formation of intervertebral hernias begins.This stage of the disease is characterized by severe and continuous pain.
- In the fourth stage, as a result of the severe deformation of the spine, the patient becomes very difficult to move.The pain becomes constant, but even the rare intervals without it do not please the patient.The disease in this form can lead to disability.
The attack of the second stage is accompanied, in addition to pain, by increased sweating and "lumps" of the skin.The duration of each subsequent attack increases relative to the previous one.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region can be cured with or without surgery.Operations for the treatment of osteochondrosis are performed in every tenth case.In other cases, complex treatment is used.There are four known ways to treat lumbar osteochondrosis non-surgically:
- Treatment with medications;
- Therapeutic gymnastic exercises;
- Treatment with leeches;
- Massage and acupuncture.
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis with drug therapy begins with a doctor's examination.Based on the results of computed tomography, x-rays and magnetic resonance therapy, the doctor prescribes the treatment.In many cases, the list of drugs consists of pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as muscle relaxants and stimulants.
Starting from the third stage of the disease, it is possible to cure osteochondrosis of the lumbar region using the surgical method.Here you will have to use all the internal resources of the body.For this purpose, a gentle spinal stretching technique is used in combination with reflexology, massage, acupressure techniques and special exercises.
Gymnastics exercises for osteochondrosis
- Hang on the bar for a little more than a minute;
- The body leans in different directions up to 10 exercises;
- Movement of the pelvis forward and backward;
- Standing on all fours with straight arms, bend your back up and down 15 times;
- Pedal an imaginary bike while lying on your back;
- Lying on your back, press and stretch your legs 15 times alternately;
- Push-ups 10-15 repetitions;
- Standing on your knees with your arms straight on the floor, fold your body in half and return to the starting position.
By performing this type of exercise every day, it is possible not only to prevent the occurrence of osteochondrosis, but also to reduce the symptoms of this disease.
When you walk, you should pay attention to your posture.Correct posture involves keeping your head in the same vertical line as your back.At this moment, the shoulders are in a straight position, which will ensure a flat surface of the back without protruding shoulder blades.A pulled stomach will allow your chest to move forward.All these comments should be applied continuously in order to avoid the development of osteochondrosis.
How to treat osteochondrosis without drugs
Treatment using folk remedies can relieve symptoms of the disease and reduce pain, but does not cure the existing disease.Along with the treatment prescribed by a doctor, folk remedies can serve well, but they should not be taken as the basis of treatment.
Among the non-drug treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis, it is worth highlighting:
- manual therapy;
- massage;
- physiotherapy;
- acupuncture;
- apitherapy.
With the help of manual therapy, it is possible to determine the cause of the disease and prevent its development.In addition, a chiropractor is able to relieve pain attacks.Manual therapy is vaguely reminiscent of massage, since the chiropractor's area of influence is the back, and he works with the help of his hands.
However, massages are designed for muscle tissue, but manual therapy affects vertebrae and ligaments.And this influence is carried out using some effort.The main thing here is the correct calculation of the force.For this, the qualifications and experience of a chiropractor are important.
Physiotherapy is very versatile.In a specific case, it is necessary to turn to an amplipulse.This type of physiotherapy, when the painful area is affected using sinusoidally modulated currents.Using this procedure, you can get an analgesic, neuromyostimulating, trophic and vasodilating effect.
The second physical procedure that can trigger the regeneration process, reduce pain and eliminate inflammation is UHF therapy.Its action is based on an ultra-high frequency magnetic field.
Massage procedures for osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine are based on the use of a unique massage technique, when simple strokes, squeezing and agitation are preferred.
Also, to treat osteochondrosis of the spine with massage, light rocking and rubbing of the back surface is allowed.
Massage actions are performed with the patient in a lying position.Preference is given to hard massage surfaces.
In this case, a pillow or small pillow is placed under the stomach.At this moment your legs should be raised 45 degrees.The position of the head at this stage should be below the level of the sofa, but not in free floating, but resting on the support.
To get the best effect of the massage, it is performed with heating agents.It is possible to perform massage actions after thermal procedures.
Acupuncture refers to reflexology methods and allows the patient to relieve muscle spasms and increase blood flow to tissues.Kuznetsov's applicator can also be classified as reflexology.It is applied to the injured place.The duration of the session in this application is not more than 20 minutes.Lying on a spiky mat for 5 minutes each day can ease pain and relax tense muscles.This home remedy is sold in pharmacies at reasonable prices.
Osteochondrosis is treated by affecting 5-7 active points located in the human body.This procedure is performed by a qualified neurologist.
Apitherapy is associated with treatment with bee stings.The bites are made on the active points of the spine and resemble acupuncture.Bee venom can warm and relieve inflammation, eliminate pain and improve joint mobility.Bee venom has a tonic effect and is distinguished by its long-term effect and continuous effect.
As folk remedies for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region, the following are distinguished:
- rubbing with bee venom
- formic alcohol
- applying a piece of pepper.
If you want to use folk remedies, it is important to get your doctor's approval in this regard.
Acute back pain can be relieved by:
- propolis plate;
- wax compress;
- honey compress with aloe juice;
- poultice with honey.
Diet as a prevention of osteochondrosis
Preventive measures for lumbar osteochondrosis do not require a strict diet.Special attention in food is paid to dairy products, fresh vegetables, herbs, fruits and fruit jelly.It is very beneficial to use olive oil and lemon juice in your diet.
Preference is given to purified mineral water for drinking.And as a second dish, it is necessary to eat protein products, jelly meat or jelly meat and sea fish as often as possible.Also, food products for patients with osteochondrosis should contain as much calcium, vitamins A and D, B and C, magnesium and phosphorus as possible.
Products containing chondroprotectors are very useful for patients with lumbar osteochondrosis.Such products include animal cartilage in combination with sprouted wheat grains and other grains.
Pregnancy is one of the reasons for the development of lumbosacral osteochondrosis.
Pregnant women in late pregnancy are at risk of developing osteochondrosis.Since an increase in the weight of the fetus contributes to a shift in the center of gravity of the body, creating an improper load in the mid-back region.Combined with changes in metabolism and the lack of important vitamins and minerals, we get favorable conditions that contribute to the development of the disease.
Given that the number of medications and physiotherapeutic procedures is reduced to a minimum at this stage, if osteochondrosis appears in a pregnant woman, the treatment should be prescribed and coordinated by doctors: therapist and gynecologist.
Harmless methods used to prevent osteochondrosis in a pregnant woman include special bandages and corsets, frequent walks, gymnastics for pregnant women and a specialized course of vitamins.