Basic methods of treating osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine

During the course of the disease in question, the proper shape and flexibility of the intervertebral discs are lost: their gradual deformation occurs. The distance between the vertebrae decreases, which leads to pinched nerves and pain. Of all parts of the spine, the lumbosacral is most often exposed to these pathological changes.

Causes and signs of lumbar osteochondrosis - how does the disease manifest itself?

The disease in question occurs due to insufficient load distribution on the spine. This is the main reason for diagnosing lumbar osteochondrosis. There are many factors that can cause the appearance and development of this disease.

• Passive lifestyle. This includes people who lead a sedentary lifestyle. In the sitting position, the corset muscles relax, which increases the load on the lumbar spine.
• Inflammatory phenomena localized in the spinal joints.
• Errors in the functioning of the endocrine system, hormonal imbalance.
• Serious infectious diseases affecting bones and joints (tuberculosis, osteomyelitis).
• Malfunction of the gastrointestinal tract and heart.
• A lifestyle associated with heavy physical work (loaders, heavy lifters, construction workers).
• Uneven posture, walking incorrectly.
• Poor density of cartilage tissue (hereditary factor).
• Congenital pathology related to the spine/skeletal structure. Abnormalities in the function of the musculoskeletal system.
• Obesity.
• Imbalanced work and rest regime.
• Age. In people, after crossing the 50-year mark, the intervertebral discs become less elastic and inactive.
• Chemical poisoning.
• Flat feet. With the correct foot structure, the load is absorbed while walking. If there is a flatfoot, the intervertebral discs receive the maximum load, which leads to their deformation and destruction.
• Back injury.

The symptoms of the disease are divided into three groups. Reflex signs (pain). They have several manifestations:

• Lumbago. Occurs as a result of sudden movement (jumping high, running, coughing). This pain is paroxysmal (lumbago). During this attack, the patient leans his body forward and remains in this position for a certain time: the attempt to straighten causes a new wave of pain. Lumbago occurs due to a pinched nerve root.
• Lumbodynia. The pain that occurs in the lumbar region is increasing naturally. At first, the patient feels certain discomfort, which can develop into severe and regular pain. The cause of lumbodynia can be a sedentary lifestyle and excessive physical activity. Lumbodynia can develop against the background of lumbago.
• Sciatica. The sensation of pain spreads along the sciatic nerve. The main location is the bottom of the foot. This phenomenon occurs when the nerve root of the spinal cord is pinched. If the motor fibers are involved in the destruction process, the patient experiences muscle spasms and muscle weakness. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to muscle atrophy in the future.

Radicular syndrome. Characterized by the following manifestations:

• the skin of the feet periodically loses sensitivity;
• the patient complains of shooting pain in the lumbar region;
• disorders occur in the sweat system.

Radicular-vascular signs. They occur against the background of compression of blood vessels. The following complaints were observed from patients:

• hot/cold on the bottom of the feet;
• slight tingling/increased pain in legs;
• swelling (when veins are compressed).

Lack of adequate treatment can trigger a spinal stroke, which can cause partial/complete paralysis of the lower legs, as well as serious damage to the pelvic organs. Lumbar osteochondrosis negatively affects the structure of the vertebrae: over time, they may be lost. This violation can trigger a number of negative phenomena.

• Malfunctions in the function of internal organs and the genitourinary system.
• Frequent fatigue.
• Weakness.
• Irritation.

Symptoms of lumbosacral osteochondrosis depend on the level - how is the disease diagnosed?

Based on the set and strength of the manifestation of clinical signs, the disease in question is divided into several degrees. The first is the beginning, the second level is mild, the third is severe.

Lumbar osteochondrosis grade 1.

Characterized by the main symptoms:

• Lumbago (lumbago), which occurs as a result of a tear in the disc capsule (intervertebral).
• Tissue swelling.
• Muscle cramp.
• Frequent pain.

With grade 1 lumbar osteochondrosis, patients may experience additional symptoms caused by compression of blood vessels and nerve roots.

• Imitation of disorders related to kidney function and gastrointestinal tract.
• Periodic abdominal pain that occurs against the background of abdominal muscle spasms.

2nd degree lumbar osteochondrosis.

This stage of lumbar osteochondrosis is also characterized by the following manifestations:

• Common pain (lumbodynia). The location of the pain, which can vary in intensity, is the lower back.
• Abnormal mobility in the spinal joints. A tight bandage on the lower back can briefly improve the patient's general condition and reduce pain.
• Malfunction (not always) of internal organs. In some cases, patients with lumbar osteochondrosis may experience bronchial asthma and errors in the function of the biliary/urinary tract.
• Pain in the lower part of the leg that goes towards the sciatic nerve.

3rd degree lumbar osteochondrosis.

At this stage of the disease, surgical treatment is required, otherwise paralysis and death may occur. The 3rd stage of lumbar osteochondrosis has its peculiarities.

• Defects of the spine: curvature to the right/left (scoliosis); bending forward (lordosis), bending the lumbar spine (kyphosis).
• Constant, severe and acute pain that makes itself felt at the slightest physical activity (change of position, coughing, sneezing).
• Swelling of muscle tissue, ligaments.
• Lack of periodic/regular sensations in the lower body (lower back, legs, feet).
• Malfunction of the genitourinary system.

Methods of treatment for lumbar osteochondrosis

The choice of treatment tactics for the disease in question will depend on the degree of osteochondrosis, the presence of additional diseases, the general condition of the patient, and other factors that will necessarily be taken into account by the attending physician.

There are 2 important points that guide any doctor when prescribing treatment.

• To eliminate osteochondrosis of the lumbar region, an integrated approach is required.
• Treatment measures (intensity, duration) will be determined by the degree of neglect of the pathology in question.

Drug treatment of lumbosacral osteochondrosis - an effective drug

Every year, scientists develop new drugs that help relieve the symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis. The list of drugs given below is not standard; it may change. However, today doctors often use certain drugs to combat the manifestations of this disease.

• Chondroprotectors. They stop the destructive process in the cartilage tissue of the spine that occurs in the early stages of the disease.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs (non-steroidal). Used for the treatment of 2nd degree lumbosacral osteochondrosis. This group of drugs can be used in the form of injections (intramuscular), tablets, ointments, rectal suppositories, capsules, and solutions. In case of exacerbation of the disease, the patient may be given an injection (16 mg/day)
• Relax the muscles. Helps relieve discomfort caused by increased muscle tone.
• Vasodilators. Helps improve blood circulation, prevent stagnation, minimize the risk of infection in the body.
• Local anesthetic. In cases of severe and persistent pain, the anesthesiologist performs the blockade. The solution is injected into the painful area using a special needle. The pain disappears immediately and does not bother you for several weeks. Such restrictions should be used only in extreme cases: they have many negative consequences.
• Vitamin and mineral complex. Often prescribed for elderly patients, to increase the strength of tendons and ligaments.

Massage for lumbar osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region

This treatment method will be useful in the subacute stage of the disease. Through massage it is possible to eliminate pain, relieve muscle tension and stiffness.

Massage should be done on a healthy area (not affected! ). During the procedure, the patient is placed on a flat, hard sofa on his stomach. Place a pillow/cushion under your stomach. It is also necessary to ensure that the patient's legs are elevated (45 degrees). The forehead should rest on a hard surface.

To carry out the massage, it is better to use special products (oils, creams, lotions) that have heating properties, or carry out the session immediately after the thermal procedure (bath, sauna). Today there are many massage techniques, let's highlight the main ones:

• caressThere are several types of blows: hook-shaped, transverse flat, fan-shaped, ending with a symmetrical blow in the sternum muscle area.
• Squeeze. Done in combination with stroking. This massage technique ensures muscle stretching.
• knead.
• Shaking.
• Trituration. Often used to improve the function of tendons, ligaments, and joints.
• Spot effect. Not every massage therapist can perform procedures using acupressure techniques.

Therapeutic gymnastics or exercise therapy for lumbar osteochondrosis - a set of exercises for the lumbosacral spine on video.

The entire complex of physical exercises used in diagnosing lumbar osteochondrosis should help improve the mobility of the lumbar region.

Therapeutic gymnastics will not be effective if the exercises are carried out occasionally. The main principle of exercise therapy is regularity. Regularly performing a certain set of exercises will help eliminate the destructive process in the intervertebral joints. It is forbidden to perform exercise therapy in the presence of acute pain. For severe pain, doctors recommend bed rest and wearing a special corset. When the pain subsides, you can try therapeutic exercises.

Physiotherapy for lumbar osteochondrosis

This conservative treatment method is one of the most effective. However, to achieve the desired result, you need to spend a lot of time. Using several types of physiotherapy at the same time helps speed up recovery. This treatment method has many contraindications that cannot be ignored. Often, physiotherapy is prescribed for children, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and elderly patients.

It is forbidden to use physiotherapy in the following cases:

• cancer;
• acute stage of osteochondrosis;
• serious disturbances in the functioning of the central nervous system;
• injury to the area where physiotherapy should be done.

Today, several physiotherapy procedures have become popular in the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis.

• Ultra violet radiation. Pathological areas are exposed to heat, which helps increase blood supply, relieve spasms, and relieve pain.
• Magnetotherapy, electrophoresis. The use of this method involves exposing the painful area of the spine to a magnetic/electric field. Through this effect, it is possible to establish the body's metabolic processes, eliminate (completely/partially) inflammatory phenomena, and speed up recovery.
• Laser therapy. The condition of the affected spinal roots improves significantly due to the influence of helium-neon emitters on them.
• Balneotherapy. The main components used to carry out the intended physical procedure are therapeutic mud and mineral water.
• Detensor therapy (mechanical stretching of the spine). Relevant for severe back pain.

Folk remedies for lumbar osteochondrosis

This treatment method involves the use of ointments, rubs, and compresses containing medicinal plants. Such drugs help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. It is advised to use folk remedies in the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis with caution: allergic reactions may occur / develop.

Often, in the fight against this disease, rubbing and compresses are used:

• Red pepper colored: to rub painful areas in the lower back. To prepare the medicine you need to mix 1 tbsp. vodka (diluted medical alcohol), 20-25 gr. dry ground red pepper. It is necessary to incubate (stir occasionally) these ingredients for 5-7 days.
• Camphor and mustard: for daily application before going to bed. To prepare the product, mix mustard powder (50 g), camphor alcohol (50 ml), medicinal alcohol (90-100 ml), beaten egg whites (3 pcs. ). After thorough mixing, you should get a liquid ointment.
• Honey and aloe vera: to compress the lower back (2 times a day). To prepare this product, you need to use honey (100 ml), diluted medical alcohol (150 ml), aloe juice (50 ml). Before use, this mixture should sit for 10-12 hours.
• Horseradish root and alcohol: to rub the affected back. To prepare this product, mix horseradish root juice and medical alcohol in equal proportions. After scrubbing, wrap the treated area.
• Garlic juice and lard (1: 2): to be applied to the painful area of the lower back.
• Cabbage leaves are peeled from thick veins: to compress. Before use, cabbage leaves should be soaked in hot water (no more than 60 C). You can tie a leaf on your lower back using a bandage/gauze. After changing the color of the leaves, the procedure can be repeated.

Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis

Prevention of the disease in question involves various measures.

Proper nutrition. The diet should be balanced and low in calories. It is not recommended to eat more than 6 times a day. Certain foods should be prioritized in your daily diet.

• Sea fish).
• Vegetable fats (olive, linseed oil).
• Dairy products with a minimum content of dyes and sugar.
• Dishes containing gelatin (jelly meat, jelly).
• Animal cartilage (can be used to prepare the first course).
• Fresh fruits, vegetables.
• Greenery.
• Mineral water.

Taking a complex of vitamins and minerals (1-2 times a year) will be useful.

Active lifestyle

• Swimming.
• Daily walks.
• Gymnastics exercises (also suitable for pregnant women).

Doing simple physical exercise (15-20 minutes a day) aims to strengthen the back muscles.

Lumbar osteochondrosis can move from an acute stage to a chronic stage, and this means annual expenses for massages, pain relief injections, and warming ointments. If you do not treat all of these, the consequences can be very sad, even paralysis or death!