According to statistics, 8 out of 10 people suffer from discomfort and pain in the spine. Although most do not believe that this can be associated with any pathology, they attribute the reasons to the characteristic inconveniences associated with the course of life.
What is osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis is a degenerative dystrophic disease that involves a complex lesion of the cartilage in the spine. In the case of the developmental process, it can spread to bone cells and tendons. Excessive stress on the spine can lead to the development of this disease.
Lumbar osteochondrosis occurs in the coccyx area, is short-term in nature and has an acute painful effect.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
lumbosacral osteochondrosis in diagnosis has a definition when the elasticity in the intervertebral discs disappears, the cartilage is erased and deformed. Ligaments and adjacent vertebrae also enter the deformation process over time. Restrictions in movement due to back and leg pain are considered characteristic.
Most often, such osteochondrosis manifests itself in the thoracic and cervical spine due to the load on the sacrum and lower back. Such defects are possible with regular sports activities and innate specificity.
According to ICD-10, lumbosacral osteochondrosis has the codes M42, M91-M93 - connective cell diseases and the following types:
Polysegmental- is considered a common and dangerous disease. Pathological processes take place in several segments of the spine and in its different parts. Since the lack of treatment leads to complications, it is necessary to diagnose and start treatment in a timely manner.- Erosive- This is a progressive type of lesion of the intervertebral discs with serious symptoms. The course of the disease is monitored using CT or X-rays. The main criterion is the preservation of the sclerosed ring plates.
- Deformation- means permanent pathology of the joints, in this regard a degenerative inflammatory process develops. This process destroys the structure of the joints and leads to rapid aging. Excessive stress is the cause of this pathology, although it may depend on other factors.
Treatment and rehabilitation
Medicines
In the treatment of the lumbar spine, mainly chondroprotectors are used, which are available in the form of tablets and injection solutions. For positive application, treatment with various types of drugs is required. Injections are used in a very short time and are also considered painful due to the injection of an injection directly into the spine.
These drugs also have anti-inflammatory side effects of nausea and rashes.
In the treatment of the lumbar sacral spine, nonsteroidal drugs (NSAIDs) are used, which have anti-inflammatory effects and indications for use in chronic forms and acute pain.
The combined intake of vitamins, chondroprotectors and glucosamine also promotes regeneration.
Block in osteochondrosis
In the case of severe pain that interferes with normal sleep, thedrug blockadeis used. Such treatment is used in all types of localization of osteochondrosis.
This application relieves pain only temporarily. The drug is injected into the spine through a puncture with a syringe. The commonly used therapeutic blockade is performed with a strong pain reliever.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy treatment consists of reducing pain and inflammation:
- Vibration exposure with vibration massageis the main method of physiotherapy.
- Ultrasound therapy is also used, it allows the treatment of pain manifestations, has three factors that affect the body: thermal, physico-chemical, mechanical.
- Darsonval physiotherapyis performed by applying electricity to the skin via a vacuum electrode. Ionization with air causes a weak electrical discharge. With increasing voltage and secondary ionization of air, a stronger discharge occurs.
Massage
When the blood vessels in the spinal cord are compressed, joint muscle asymmetry occurs. In the area of deformation, compression occurs, which is accompanied by cramps, pain and scars in the muscle tissue.
Massage promotes:
- drop in pressure on the arteries of the nerve roots;
- cramps go away;
- the activity of the vertebrae improves;
- The blood circulation is normalized.
- slows down tissue decomposition;
- prevents the disease from developing;
- prevents muscle wasting and restores tone.
Improves the well-being of patients in general. In the early stages, symptoms disappear when massage is used in combination with other methods.
Magnetotherapy
Magnetic field treatment is used to get rid of the aggravation of osteochondrosis. With this treatment, the pain disappears, the blood circulation normalizes, the muscles relax and the nutrition of the intervertebral discs improves.
The procedure is used with exacerbation, as well as at all stages of the disease, using stationary devices, including portable ones, if they are used at home.
Manual therapy and acupuncture
The manual therapy method consists of jerky movements with the hands to restore mobility using various techniques:
- The manipulation techniquecomprises a dosed, slow extension of the spinal joints, which is associated with versatile bending and turning.
- Soft techniqueis aimed at relaxation in order to gradually relieve pain and relax the muscle corset.
The method of acupuncture therapy, which is based on the examination of biological zones and their exposure to needles, deserves special attention. Reduces the patient's need for anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs.
Physiotherapy exercises
Exercise procedures for osteochondrosis are considered necessary. However, taking into account all the stages of the disease, you need to carefully choose the physical exercises:
- Spine Simulator Classespromote the treatment of curvature of the spine, scoliosis, kyphosis, herniated discs and strengthening of the muscle corset.
- Therapeutic exercises in the poollead to good results and are considered safe without injuries. Complete muscle relaxation is achieved with little effort in 30-45 minutes of water treatment. Such activities can improve mood and normalize sleep. Swimming is also recommended by experts to help strengthen your lower back muscles.
- Walking with osteochondrosisis necessary in this regard. Scandinavian walking is used, which is recognized by experts as effective. Due to the bars, the load is evenly distributed across the shoulder girdle and arms, reducing the pressure on the joints and spine.
It is contraindicated to do sports like:
to exercise- tennis.
- Throw the disc.
- high jumps.
- Frequent sporting activities.
The same contraindications for osteochondrosis are used for:
- intervertebral hernia in the lumbar spine.
- During the exacerbation phase.
Swimming is possible with the approval of a doctor or under the supervision of an instructor.
Exercises
In medical gymnastics, problem areas are exposed to stress in order not to damage them and bring them back to their normal shape:
- You must lie on a flat floor.Place one palm on your stomach and the other directly over your chest. With a gentle inhalation, the stomach should rise first, then the chest, exhaling slowly. You need to repeat 4-3 times 10 times a day.
- Take a prone position, lift your headand after highlighting, hold the body in this position with your hands in front of you for 1-2 minutes. Then slowly take the starting position, the exercise is repeated 3-4 times a day.
- Open the upper backThe back of the chair slowly bends back and takes a deep breath. Then, as you exhale, bend forward and do this exercise 4-5 times.
- For the lower back- stand up, place your hands on your hips, gently tilt them back and forth and to the side. Then make slow movements with the pelvis back and forth and repeat this 10 times in each direction.
Yoga & Pilates
The use of yoga or pilates involves the suppleness and precision of one movement that gradually flows into another. It is necessary to mentally control the state of the muscle in each pose.
Deep breathing promotes relaxing and calming effects, similar to yoga:
- As you breathe in, raise your arms over you while standingand, as you breathe out, bend to your right foot and touch it. Repeat the same process with an incline to the left leg. In this case, keep your back straight and do it within 2 minutes.
- Exercise Cobra- Lie on the chest of the palm, place it on top of your hands to get up on your inhale after throwing your head back. Keep your arms straight, breathing should be easy, with your chest open and in this position for 20 seconds.
- Turn your head to the right and left.lingers for 10 seconds. Then tilt your head down and try to reach the neck cavity with your chin. Linger for a while, then tilt your head back and stay. Repeat the exercise for 5 minutes.
Orthopedic aids
Orthopedic devices for spine correction are indicated for osteochondrosis:
- Orthopedic corset- is used to treat weakened muscles without restricting movement and protecting against dislocation of the intervertebral discs, and is also used to restore the spine. After the first use, there is relief due to the fixation, cramps and pain subside.
- Pillow- reduces the load on the lumbar spine by relieving the pelvic organs. The orthopedic device reduces pain, maintains muscle tone and reduces vibrations. There is another type of pillow device that is designed for the cervical spine while sleeping.
authoring method by Dr. Bubnovsky
Everyone, regardless of occupation and age, can use Dr. Apply Bubnovsky. After the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes an individual method of treatment, taking into account the type of localization and pain.
Gymnastics according to this method is carried out independently or on multifunctional simulators under the supervision of a specialist. In this way, you can distribute the load on specific muscle groups and at the same time relieve swelling, pain and cramps.
What can and cannot be done with osteochondrosis?
To avoid relapse, people with osteochondrosis try different treatments. In this case, you will have to give up the usual things while leaving the heater in the bathroom.
The bath promotes good warming and stimulates physiological processes that reduce tension, swelling and pain. It is recommended not to stay in the steam room for more than 10 minutes in a row while taking a break.
You can also use:
- massage.
- yoga.
- swimming.
- sport.
What is not recommended for osteochondrosis:
- Lift weights.
- Overeating.
- Wear uncomfortable shoes.
Treatment with folk remedies at home
For home treatment of osteochondrosis, you can use alternative methods in conjunction with conventional treatment:
- Propolis- To do this, you need to roll it out in the form of a thin cake and cut the necessary size to apply to the affected part. Fix in this area and keep for 1-2 days. The procedure is carried out with a break of 12 hours until the pain disappears completely.
- Leeches- The essence of prevention is to relieve pain caused by the outflow of venous blood, which stagnates and causes inflammation. The leeches bite from the affected area through the skin and suck blood, inject hirudin, which has a healing effect and improves the course of biochemical processes.
- Mumiyo- is used for diseases of the musculoskeletal system and has a stimulating, regenerating and anti-inflammatory effect. With osteochondrosis, compresses of 300 mg are used. Dissolve the mumiyo in a glass of water, then make compresses.
- Mustard plasters- have healing warming properties. With the expansion of blood vessels and the ability to disperse the blood while the flow of useful elements and oxygen increases. They also reduce the feeling of pain and inflammation and improve the condition of the intervertebral discs.
Kuznetsov's applicatorhas a fairly simple structure and contains plastic plates with spikes attached to a solid base. Depending on the pain base, the applicator has a different shape: a flat mat, a roller, or a belt with fasteners.
Also has accessories with spikes and magnetic elements. The size of the pins is 2 to 5 mm, the intermediate length 2 to 8 mm.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis
Neurologists with acute osteochondrosis recommend swimming in pools only, as there is a current in natural reservoirs that increases the load on the spine. The water temperature should be 30 degrees, then you can lower it to 23 degrees and, depending on the disease, choose a style of swimming.
Also for prevention, you need to follow the rules of proper sleep, including:
- Choosing the right mattress;
- flat base of medium hardness;
- orthopedic pillows;
- proper nutrition, including the use of foods with vitamins C, PP, E, B3.
Sitting Rules - This requires a soft chair or stool while the body weight does not put pressure on the lower back. The body itself should be on the sciatic tubercles, which can only be done on hard seats.
Hospital - with osteochondrosis of the lumbar region
Sick leave and its duration depend on complications and the nature of the disease course:
- pain syndrome.
- Disease triggered immobility.
- Working conditions and profession.
- Also from the treatment prescribed by the doctor.
- In the case of radicular syndrome, it can be extended up to 3 weeks.
- For complications lasting more than six months.
- Lumbar osteochondrosis - depends on the place of localization, the severity of the pain syndrome due to complications and lasts at least a week.
In severe cases, inpatient treatment is prescribed. After that, the doctor recommends a change of profession.