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 some pathology, attributing the reasons to the characteristic inconveniences associated with the course of life.
What is osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis is a degenerative dystrophic disease with a complex lesion of the cartilage in the spine. In cases of developmental process, it can spread to bone cells and tendons. Strong spine stress can lead to the development of this disease.
Lumbar osteochondrosis occurs in the coccyx, has a short-lived nature and an acute pain effect.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
Lumbosacral osteochondrosis in diagnosis has a definition when elasticity disappears in the intervertebral discs, the cartilage is erased and deformed. Adjacent ligaments and vertebrae also undergo deformation over time. Restriction of movement due to a feeling of pain in the back and legs is considered characteristic.
More often, this 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 congenital specificity.
According to ICD-10, lumbosacral osteochondrosis has the codes M42, M91-M93 - connective cell diseases and has the following types:
Polysegmental- it is considered a common and dangerous disease, pathological processes occur in various segments of the spine and in its various parts. Lack of treatment leads to complications, so it is necessary to diagnose and start treatment at the right time.- Erosive- this is a type of progressive injury to the intervertebral discs has a character with severe symptoms. The course of the disease is monitored by CT or X-ray. The main criterion is the preservation of sclerotic annular plaques.
- Deforming- means a permanent pathology of the joints, in this respect, 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 can depend on other factors.
Treatment and rehabilitation
Medication
In the treatment of the lumbar spine, mainly chondroprotectors are used, which are available in the form of tablets and solution for injection. For positive use, a regimen of various forms of drugs is necessary. The use of injections occurs in a significantly short time and is also considered painful due to the injection of an injection directly into the spine.
In addition, these medications have anti-inflammatory side effects, such as nausea and rashes.
In the treatment of the sacral lumbar spine, non-steroidal drugs (NSAIDs) are used, with anti-inflammatory action and indication for use in chronic forms and acute pain.
The combined intake of vitamins, chondroprotectors and glucosamine also promotes recovery.
Osteochondrosis block
In case of severe pain that interferes with normal sleep,drug blockingis used. This treatment is used in all types of osteochondrosis locations.
This application relieves pain only temporarily, the medication is injected through a puncture with a syringe in the spine. The commonly used therapeutic block is performed with a strong pain reliever.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapeutic treatment consists of reducing pain and inflammation:
- Exposure to vibration with vibrating massageis the main method of physiotherapy.
- Ultrasound therapy is also used, it allows to treat pain manifestations, it has three factors that affect the body: thermal, physical-chemical, mechanical.
- Darsonval physiotherapyis performed by supplying current to the skin through a vacuum electrode. When exposed to ionization with air, a weak electrical discharge appears. With increased voltage and secondary air ionization, a stronger discharge occurs.
Massage
When the blood vessels in the spinal cord are compressed, asymmetry of the joint muscles appears. In the area of deformation, compaction occurs, accompanied by spasms, pain and scarring of the muscle tissue.
Massage promotes:
- decreased pressure in the arteries of the nerve roots;
- spasms disappear;
- improves the activity of the vertebrae;
- the blood circulation is normalized;
- decreases tissue decomposition;
- prevents the development of the disease;
- prevents muscle wasting and restores tone.
Improves the well-being of patients in general, in the early stages with the use of massage combined with other methods, the symptoms disappear.
Magnetotherapy
Magnetic field treatment is used to eliminate the exacerbation of osteochondrosis. With this treatment, the pain disappears, the blood circulation is normalized, the muscles relax and the nutrition of the intervertebral discs improves.
The procedure is applied with exacerbation, as in all stages of the disease, using fixed devices, also portable, when used at home.
Manual therapy and acupuncture
The manual therapy method consists of sudden hand movements to restore mobility using different techniques:
- The manipulation techniqueincludes a slow, metered extension of the spinal joints associated with versatile flexions and curves.
- Gentle techniqueis considered the goal of relaxation to gradually reduce pain and relax the muscle corset.
The method of acupuncture therapy based on the study of biological zones and exposure to them with needles deserves special attention. Reduces the patient's need for anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs.
Physiotherapy exercises
Sports procedures for osteochondrosis are considered necessary, but taking into account all stages of the disease, it is necessary to carefully select physical exercises:
- Classes of vertebral simulatorspromotes the treatment of spinal curvature, scoliosis, kyphosis, herniated disc and strengthening of the muscular corset.
- Therapeutic exercises in the poollead to good results and are considered safe without injury. In 30-45 minutes of procedures in the water, complete muscle relaxation is achieved without much effort. These activities can improve mood and sleep. Swimming is also recommended by experts to strengthen the muscles of the lower back.
- Walking with osteochondrosisis necessary in this sense, the Scandinavian walk is used, recognized by experts as effective. Due to the poles, the load is evenly distributed over the shoulder girdle and arms, which reduces pressure on the joints and spine.
It is contraindicated to practice sports such as:
- Tennis.
- Disc release.
- High heels.
- Frequent athletic activities.
The same contraindications for osteochondrosis are used for:
- Intervertebral hernia in the lumbar spine.
- In exacerbation phase.
Swimming is possible with the permission of a doctor or under the supervision of an instructor.
Exercises
When doing medical gymnastics, problem areas are exposed to stress so as not to harm them and return them to their normal form:
- You need to lie on a flat surface,place one palm on your belly and the other just above your chest. With a gentle inhalation, the stomach must first rise, then the chest, exhale slowly. You need to repeat 10 times during the day 4-3 times.
- Lie down to lift your headand your body, having done an earlier emphasis with your hands in front of you, hold yourself in this position for 1-2 minutes. Then, slowly, take the starting position, the exercise is repeated 3-4 times a day.
- Unlock the upper backthe back of the chair, slowly bend back while taking a deep breath. Then lean forward as you exhale and do this exercise 4-5 times.
- For your lower back- get up, place your hands on your hips, gently lean forward and back and to the sides. Then, make slow movements with the pelvis back and forth, repeat 10 times in each direction.
Yoga and Pilates
The use of yoga or Pilates involves the smoothness and precision of one movement gradually flowing to another. It is necessary to mentally control the condition of the muscle in each posture.
Deep breathing promotes relaxing and calming effects, similar to yoga:
- Standing while inhaling, raise your arms above youand as you exhale, lean over your right foot and touch. Repeat the same action with an inclination for the left leg. In that case, keep your back straight, performed in 2 minutes.
- Snake exercise- lie down on the palm of your hand, place on your hands to lift when inhaling, having thrown your head back. Keep your arms straight, breathing should be light, your chest is open and stays in this position for 20 seconds.
- Turn your head to the right and left,it will take 10 seconds, then tilt your head down, trying to reach the jugular cavity with your chin, take a while, then tilt your head toback and delay. Repeat the exercise for 5 minutes.
Orthopedic aids
Orthopedic devices for spinal correction are indicated for osteochondrosis:
- Orthopedic corset- used to treat weakened muscles, without restricting movement and protecting against the displacement of intervertebral discs, and also serves to restore the spine. After the first application, due to fixation, relief comes, spasm and pain decrease.
- Pillow- reduces the load on the lower back when unloading the pelvic organs. The orthopedic appliance reduces pain, maintains muscle tone and reduces vibration. There is another type of pillow designed for the cervical spine during sleep.
Dr. Bubnovsky's author method
Everyone, regardless of occupation and age, can apply Dr. Bubnovsky's method. After diagnosis, the doctor prescribes an individual treatment method, taking into account the nature of the location and the pain.
Gymnastics according to this method is performed independently or in multifunctional simulators under the supervision of a specialist. This allows you to purposely distribute the load on specific muscle groups, while helping to relieve swelling, pain and spasms.
What can and cannot be done with osteochondrosis?
To prevent relapse, people with osteochondrosis try different treatments. In that case, you need to give up the usual things, while you can leave the heating in the bath.
The bath promotes good heating and stimulates physiological processes with which tension, swelling and pain are reduced. It is recommended to stay in the steam room for no more than 10 minutes in a row and take a break at the same time.
You can also use:
- Massage.
- Yoga.
- Swimming.
- Sports.
What is not recommended for osteochondrosis:
- Lift weights.
- Overeating.
- Wear uncomfortable shoes.
Treatment with folk remedies at home
For the treatment of osteochondrosis at home, alternative methods can be used in conjunction with traditional treatment:
- Propolis- for this you need to extend it in the form of a thin cake, cut to the size necessary to apply on the affected part. Fix this area and keep the procedure for 1-2 days with an interval of 12 hours until the pain is completely gone.
- Leeches- the essence of prevention is to relieve pain caused by the venous blood flow that stagnates and causes inflammation. Leeches bite the skin of the affected area and suck blood, inject Hirudin, which has a healing effect and improves the course of biochemical processes.
- Mumiyo- used for diseases of the musculoskeletal system, it has a stimulating, regenerating and anti-inflammatory effect. For osteochondrosis, compresses of 300 mg are used. Dissolve the mumiyo in a glass of water and make compresses.
- Mustard plasters- have heating and curing properties. With the expansion of blood vessels and has the ability to disperse blood, increasing the flow of useful elements and oxygen. They also relieve the sensation of pain and inflammation, improving the condition of the intervertebral discs.
The Kuznetsov applicatorhas a very simple structure, including plastic plates with tips, which are fixed on a solid base. Depending on the basis of the pain, the applicator has a different shape: flat mat, roll or belt with zips.
It also has accessories with tips and magnetic elements. The size of the pins is 2 to 5 mm, the intermediate length is 2 to 8 mm.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis
Neurologists with acute osteochondrosis recommend swimming exclusively in pools, as there is a current in the natural reservoirs that will increase the load on the spine. The water temperature should be 30 degrees, so you can go down to 23 and, depending on the disease, choose a swimming style.
Also in prevention, you need to follow proper sleep rules, which include:
- choosing the right mattress;
- flat base of medium hardness;
- orthopedic pillows;
- the correct diet, which includes the use of foods with vitamins C, PP, E, B3.
Rules for sitting - requires a soft chair or chair, while the weight of the body will not create pressure on the lower back. The body itself must be in the ischial tubers, which is only possible in rigid seats.
Hospital - with osteochondrosis of the lower back
Sick leave and its duration depends on the complications and the nature of the disease course:
- Pain syndrome.
- The disease triggered immobility.
- Conditions of work and profession.
- Also from the treatment prescribed by the doctor.
- In root syndrome, it can be prolonged up to 3 weeks.
- In case of complications, more than six months.
- Lumbar osteochondrosis - depends on the location, the severity of the pain syndrome resulting from complications and lasts at least a week.
Hospital treatment is prescribed in severe cases, after which the doctor recommends a change of occupation.