Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region is accompanied by damage to articular cartilage and bone tissue.
This disease affects people who, depending on their profession or lifestyle, are inactive.It is inactivity that ensures the intervertebral discs lose their elasticity and mobility, and after some time they become deformed and wear out.
The result of this deformation is a decrease in the distance between the vertebrae, and the nerve endings located between them are pinched.
This fact leads to pain.
Who is susceptible to this disease
Upon reaching the age of 30, few people can say that they have not had back pain.With age, this unpleasant manifestation only gets worse.In comparison of all noted cases of osteochondrosis, osteochondrosis of the lumbar region occupies almost 90%.If the disease is not treated in the early stages, when gymnastics can relieve unwanted consequences, the disease can be neglected.
Causes of lumbar osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region appears as a result of improper load on the spinal organ.There are enough reasons why this disease progresses:
- The presence of congenital defects in this area;
- Changes and disturbances of hormonal balance;
- Distortion of posture;
- Low physical activity;
- Traumatic injuries;
- Chemical exposure;
- Hypothermia;
- Frequent lifting of weights in a jerking manner;
- Increased nervousness;
- The presence of infections in the body;
- Overweight;
- Flat feet;
- Hypothermia.
Heredity also plays a significant role in the appearance 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 muscle group.The pain experienced by this disease is not the same.A distinction is made between aching, sudden and sharp, shooting or burning pain.There is an increase in pain when making sudden movements, coughing and sneezing, or lifting 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 even some of the listed symptoms are detected, you must 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:
- At the first stage, lumbar osteochondrosis begins with dull pain in the lumbar region during heavy lifting.At this time, intervertebral discs are damaged.
- At the second stage of development of osteochondrosis, the intervertebral distance decreases and the fibrous ring is destroyed.It is during this period that the nerve endings are pinched.This procedure is very painful for the lower back.The pain reaction from the lumbosacral region radiates to the thigh, gluteal region and lower leg.
- At the third stage of development of osteochondrosis, destruction of the fibrous rings is observed.It is at this time that the formation of intervertebral hernias begins.This stage of the disease is characterized by intense and constant pain.
- At the fourth stage, as a result of severe deformation of the spine, it becomes very difficult for the patient to move.The pain becomes constant, but the rare intervals without it also 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 skin “goosebumps”.The duration of each subsequent attack increases in relation 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 treatment.In many cases, the list of medications consists of painkillers, 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 need 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.
Gymnastic exercises for osteochondrosis
- Hang on the bar for a little over a minute;
- Body tilts in different directions up to 10 exercises;
- Movement of the pelvis forward and backward;
- Standing on all fours with straightened arms, bend your back up and down 15 times;
- Pedal an imaginary bicycle while lying on your back;
- Lying on your back, press and stretch your legs 15 times alternately;
- Push-ups 10-15 reps;
- Standing on your knees with your arms straight to the floor, fold your body in half and back to the starting position.
By performing this type of exercise daily, it is possible not only to prevent the occurrence of osteochondrosis, but also to reduce the symptoms of this disease.
When walking, you need to pay attention to your posture.Correct posture involves keeping your head on the same vertical line with your back.At this moment, the shoulders are in a straightened state, which will ensure a flat surface of the back without protruding shoulder blades.A retracted stomach will allow your chest to move forward.All these comments must be constantly implemented 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 manual doctor is able to relieve attacks of pain.Manual therapy is vaguely reminiscent of massage, since the area of influence of the chiropractor is the back, and he works with the help of his hands.
However, massage actions are designed for muscle tissue, but manual therapy affects the vertebrae and ligaments.And this impact is carried out using some effort.The main thing here is to correctly calculate the force.For this, the qualifications and experience of a chiropractor are important.
Physiotherapy is very multifaceted.In a specific case, it is necessary to resort to an amplipulse.This type of physiotherapy, when the painful area is affected using sinusoidally modulated currents.Using this procedure, you can obtain 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 preference is given to simple stroking, squeezing and kneading.
Also, to treat osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine with massage, light shaking and rubbing of the surface of the back is allowed.
Massage actions are performed with the patient in a supine position.Preference is given to hard surfaces for massage.
In this case, a small cushion or pillow is placed under the stomach.At this moment your shins should be raised 45 degrees.The position of the head at this stage should be below the level of the couch, but not in free floating, but resting against the support.
To get the best massage effect, it is carried out with warming agents.It is possible to carry out massage actions after thermal procedures.
Acupuncture refers to reflexology methods and allows the patient to relieve muscle spasms and increase blood flow in the tissues.Kuznetsov’s applicator can also be classified as reflexology.It is applied to the sore spot.The duration of the session on this applicator is no more than 20 minutes.Lying on a prickly mat for 5 minutes every day can relieve pain and relax tense muscles.This home doctor is sold in pharmacies at reasonable prices.
Osteochondrosis is treated by affecting 5-7 active points located on the human body.This procedure is performed by a qualified neurologist.
Apitherapy is accompanied by treatment with bee stings.Bites are made to 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-lasting effect and persistent effect.
As folk remedies for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region, the following are distinguished:
- rubbing with bee venom
- formic alcohol
- applying pepper patch.
If you want to use folk remedies, it is important to obtain the approval of your doctor in this regard.
Acute back pain can be relieved by:
- propolis plates;
- wax compresses;
- compresses of honey with aloe juice;
- honey poultices.
Diet as a prevention of osteochondrosis
Preventative measures for lumbar osteochondrosis do not require a strict diet.Particular attention in nutrition is paid to dairy products, fresh vegetables, herbs, fruits and fruit jelly.It is very useful to use olive oil and lemon juice in your diet.
Preference is given to purified mineral water for drinking.And as second courses, it is necessary to eat protein products, jellied meat or jellied meat, and sea fish as often as possible.And 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 chondoprotectors are very useful for patients with lumbar osteochondrosis.Such products include animal cartilage in combination with sprouted grains of wheat and other cereals.
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 fetal weight contributes to a shift in the center of gravity of the body, creating an improper load on the lumbar region of the back.Combined with changes in metabolism and a lack of important vitamins and minerals, we get favorable conditions that contribute to the development of the disease.
Considering that the number of medications and physiotherapeutic procedures is reduced to a minimum at this stage, if osteochondrosis occurs in a pregnant woman, treatment should be prescribed and coordinated by doctors: a therapist and a 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 vitamin course.