Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region is accompanied by damage to the articular cartilage and bone tissue.
This disease affects people who, depending on their profession or lifestyle, are inactive.It is inactivity that causes the intervertebral discs to lose their elasticity and mobility and, after a while, they become deformed and worn out.
The result of this deformation is a decrease in the distance between the vertebrae and the nerve endings between them are pinched.
This fact leads to pain.
Who is susceptible to this disease
At the age of 30, few people can say they haven't had back pain.With age, this unpleasant manifestation only gets worse.Compared to all cases of osteochondrosis observed, osteochondrosis of the lumbar region occupies almost 90%.If the disease is not treated at an early stage, when gymnastics can alleviate unwanted consequences, the disease may be neglected.
Causes of lumbar osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region appears as a result of inappropriate load on the spinal organ.There are enough reasons why this disease progresses:
- The presence of congenital malformations in this area;
- Changes and disturbances in hormonal balance;
- Posture distortion;
- Low physical activity;
- Traumatic injuries;
- Chemical exposure;
- Hypothermia;
- Frequently lifting weights in a jerky manner;
- Increased nervousness;
- 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 muscle group.The pain felt 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 with sudden movements, coughing and sneezing or when lifting heavy objects.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region, accompanied by 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 ignore.And if even some of the listed symptoms are detected, you need to go to the hospital.
How to treat osteochondrosis?
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis can be carried out 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 when lifting heavy loads.At this time, the 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 painful reaction in the lumbosacral region radiates to the thigh, gluteal region and lower leg.
- At the third stage of development of osteochondrosis, 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 intense and constant pain.
- At the fourth stage, due to strong deformation of the spine, it becomes very difficult for the patient to move.The pain becomes constant, but the rare intervals without it do not please the patient either.Illness in this form can lead to disability.
The attack of the second stage is accompanied, in addition to pain, by increased sweating and “goose bumps” on the skin.The duration of each subsequent attack increases compared to the previous one.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region can be cured with or without surgery.Operations for the treatment of osteochondrosis are carried out in one out of ten cases.In other cases, complex treatment is used.There are four known ways to treat lumbar osteochondrosis non-surgically:
- Treatment with medications;
- Therapeutic gymnastics exercises;
- Treatment with leeches;
- Massages and acupuncture.
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis with drug therapy begins with a medical examination.Based on the results of CT scans, x-rays and magnetic resonance therapy, the doctor prescribes treatment.In many cases, the list of medications includes pain relievers, anti-inflammatories as well as muscle relaxants and stimulants.
From the third stage of the disease, it is possible to cure osteochondrosis of the lumbar region by 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.
Gymnastic exercises for osteochondrosis
- Hold on to the bar for a little over a minute;
- The body tilts in different directions for up to 10 exercises;
- Forward and backward movement of the pelvis;
- Standing on all fours with arms straight, bend your back up and down 15 times;
- Pedal an imaginary bicycle while lying on your back;
- Lying on your back, alternately press and stretch your legs 15 times;
- Push-ups 10-15 reps;
- Standing on your knees with your arms extended toward the floor, bend your body in half and return 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 you walk, you need to pay attention to your posture.Correct posture involves keeping the head on the same vertical line as the back.At this time, 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 medication
Treatment using folk remedies can relieve the symptoms of the disease and reduce pain, but does not cure the existing disease.As a complement to treatment prescribed by a doctor, folk remedies can be useful, but they should not be considered as the basis of treatment.
Among the non-drug treatments for lumbar osteochondrosis, it is worth highlighting:
- manual therapy;
- massage;
- physiotherapy;
- acupuncture;
- apitherapy.
Thanks to 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 pain attacks.Manual therapy is vaguely reminiscent of massage, since the chiropractor's zone of influence is the back, and he works using his hands.
However, massage actions are designed for muscle tissue, while manual therapy affects the vertebrae and ligaments.And this impact is achieved with 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 use an amplipulse.This type of physiotherapy, when the painful area is affected using sinusoidally modulated currents.Thanks to this procedure, you can achieve analgesic, neuromyostimulating, trophic and vasodilator effect.
The second physical procedure capable of triggering the regeneration process, reducing pain and eliminating 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, where preference is given to simple stroking, compression and kneading.
Also, to treat osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine with massage, light shaking and rubbing of the back surface 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 point, your shins should be raised 45 degrees.The position of the head at this stage should be below the level of the sofa, but not free floating, but resting against the support.
To obtain the best massage effect, it is carried out with heating agents.It is possible to perform massage actions after spa procedures.
Acupuncture refers to reflexology methods and allows the patient to relieve muscle spasms and increase blood flow in the tissues.The Kuznetsov applicator can also be classified as reflexology.It is applied to the sore spot.The duration of the session on this applicator does not exceed 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.The injections are given to active points in 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 persistence.
As folk remedies for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region, the following are distinguished:
- rub with bee venom
- formic alcohol
- apply a pepper patch.
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 plates;
- wax compresses;
- honey compresses with aloe juice;
- honey poultices.
Diet as prevention of osteochondrosis
Preventive measures against lumbar osteochondrosis do not require a strict diet.Particular attention in nutrition is given 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 consumption.And as a second course, protein products, jellied meat or jellied meat and sea fish should be eaten as often as possible. In addition, 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 suffering from lumbar osteochondrosis.These products include animal cartilage in combination with sprouted wheat grains and other cereals.
Pregnancy is one of the reasons for the development of lumbosacral osteochondrosis.
Pregnant women late in 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 inappropriate load on the lumbar region of the back.In combination with changes in metabolism and a lack of important vitamins and minerals, we obtain favorable conditions that contribute to the development of the disease.
Considering that at this stage the number of medications and physiotherapeutic procedures is reduced to a minimum, 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.