According to statistics, 8 out of 10 people suffer from discomfort and pain in the spine. Although most do not believe that it can be associated with pathology, attributing the reasons to the characteristic inconveniences associated with the course of life.
What is osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis is a degenerative dystrophic disease with complex damage to the cartilage of the spine. In cases of the developmental process, it can spread to bone cells and tendons. Strong stress on the spine can lead to the development of this disease.
Lumbar osteochondrosis occurs in the coccyx, has a short-term character and an acute painful effect.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
Lumbosacral osteochondrosis in the diagnosis has a definition when the elasticity disappears in the intervertebral discs, the cartilage is erased and deformed. Ligaments and adjacent vertebrae also enter the process of deformation over time. Restriction of movement due to pain in the back and legs is 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 exercise and congenital specificity.
According to ICD-10, lumbosacral osteochondrosis has the codes M42, M91-M93 - connective cell diseases and has 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. The lack of treatment leads to complications because of it, you need to diagnose and start treatment on time.- Erosive- this is a progressive type of lesion of the intervertebral discs has a character with severe symptoms. The course of the disease is monitored by computed tomography or x-ray. The main criterion is the conservation of sclerotic annular plaques.
- 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 exercise is the cause of this condition, although it may depend on other factors.
Treatment and rehabilitation
Drugs
In the treatment of the lumbar spine, chondroprotectors are mainly used, which are available in the form of tablets and solution for injection. For positive use, a regimen of several forms of drugs is necessary. The use of injections takes place in a significantly short time and is also considered painful due to the injection of an injection directly into the spine.
In addition, these drugs have anti-inflammatory side effects of nausea and rash.
In the treatment of the lumbar sacral spine, nonsteroidal drugs (NSAIDs) are used, they have anti-inflammatory effects and indications for use in chronic forms and in acute pain.
A combined intake of vitamins, chondroprotectors and glucosamine also promotes recovery.
Blockage in osteochondrosis
For severe pain that interferes with normal sleep, adrug blockadeis used. Such treatment is used in all types of localization of osteochondrosis.
This application only temporarily relieves pain, the drug is injected through a puncture with a syringe into the spine. The commonly used therapeutic blockade is achieved with a strong pain reliever.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy treatment consists of reducing pain and inflammation:
- Exposure to vibration with vibration massageis the main method of physiotherapy.
- Ultrasound therapy is also used, it helps to treat the manifestations of pain, has three factors influencing the body: thermal, physical and chemical, mechanical.
- Darsonval Physiotherapyis performed by supplying current to the skin through a vacuum electrode. Under the effect of ionization with air, a weak electric discharge appears. With the increase in voltage and secondary ionization of the air, a stronger discharge occurs.
Massage
When the blood vessels of the spinal cord are compressed, asymmetry of the joint muscles occurs. In the deformity zone, compaction occurs, accompanied by spasms, pain and scarring of muscle tissue.
Massage promotes:
- decrease in pressure on the arteries of the nerve roots;
- the spasms disappear;
- the activity of the vertebrae improves;
- blood circulation is normalized;
- slows down the decomposition of tissue;
- 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 therapy is used to eliminate exacerbation of osteochondrosis. With this treatment, the pain goes away, blood circulation is normalized, the muscles relax, and the nutrition of the intervertebral discs improves.
The procedure is applied with exacerbation, as well as at all stages of the disease, using stationary devices, also portable devices, when used at home.
Manual therapy and acupuncture
The manual therapy method consists of jerky movements using the hands to restore mobility using different techniques:
- The
- Manipulation Techniqueinvolves slow, dosed extension of the spinal joints combined with versatile flexion and rotation.
- Soft techniqueis considered aimed at relaxation to gradually reduce pain and relax the muscle corset.
The method of acupuncture therapy based on the study of biological zones and their exposure 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, you should carefully select physical exercises:
- Spinal Simulator Coursepromotes the treatment of spinal curvature, scoliosis, kyphosis, herniated discs and muscle corset strengthening. The therapy exercise
- in the swimming poolleads to good results and is considered to be safe without injury. In 30-45 minutes of water procedures, complete muscle relaxation is achieved without much effort. Such activities can improve mood and normalize sleep. Swimming is also recommended by experts to strengthen the muscles of the lower back.
- Walking with osteochondrosisis necessary in this regard, Scandinavian walking is used, recognized by experts as effective. Thanks to the poles, the load is distributed evenly over the shoulder girdle and arms, reducing the pressure on the joints and spine.
It is contraindicated to play sports like:
- Tennis.
- Starting the disc.
- High jumps.
- Frequent sports activities.
The same contraindications for osteochondrosis are used for:
- Intervertebral hernia of the lumbar spine.
- At the stage of exacerbation.
Swimming is possible with the permission of a doctor or under the supervision of an instructor.
Exercises
In medical gymnastics, problem areas are exposed to stress so as not to injure them and return them to their normal form:
- You should lie down on a level floor,put one palm of your hand on your stomach with the other just above your chest. With gentle inhalation, the stomach should first rise, then the chest, slowly exhale. You need to repeat it 10 times a day 4 to 3 times.
- Lie on your stomach, raise your headand, after insisting with your hands in front of you, hold the body in this position for 1 to 2 minutes. Then slowly take the starting position, the exercise is repeated 3-4 times a day.
- Open the upper backrestthe back of the chair slowly leans back while taking a deep breath. Then lean forward while exhaling, do this exercise 4 to 5 times.
- For lower back- stand up, put your hands on your hips, gently tilt forward and back and to the sides. Then do 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 softness and precision of one movement that gradually transforms into another. It is necessary to mentally control the condition of the muscle in each pose.
Deep breathing promotes relaxing and calming effects, similar to yoga:
- While standing while inhaling, raise your arms above youand while exhaling, lean towards your right foot and touch. Repeat the same action with a tilt towards the left leg. In this case, keep your back straight, performed within 2 minutes.
- Exercise cobra- lie down on the chest of the palm, stand on, on the hands to stand up while inhaling, after throwing the head back. Keep the arms straight, breathing should be light, the chest is open and stay in this position for 20 seconds.
- Turn your head to the right and to the left, will linger for 10 seconds, then tilt your head down, trying to reach the jugular cavity with your chin, linger for a moment, then tilt your head back and linger. Repeat the exercise for 5 minutes.
Orthopedic aids
Orthopedic devices for correcting the spine are indicated for osteochondrosis:
- Orthopedic corset- used in the treatment of weakened muscles, without restricting movement and protecting against displacement of the intervertebral discs, and also serves to restore the spine. After the first application, due to fixation, relief comes, spasms and pain subsides.
- Pillow- reduces the load on the lumbar region by relieving the pelvic organs. The brace reduces pain, maintains muscle tone and reduces vibration. There is another type of pillow device designed for the cervical spine during sleep.
The method of the author of Dr Bubnovsky
Everyone, regardless of profession and age, can apply Dr. Bubnovsky's method. After the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes an individual method of treatment, while taking into account the nature of the localization and pain.
Gymnastics according to this method is done independently or on multifunctional simulators under the supervision of a specialist. This allows you to target the load on specific muscle groups, while helping to relieve swelling, pain and spasms.
What can and cannot be done with osteochondrosis?
To avoid relapses, people with osteochondrosis try different treatments. In this case, you need to abandon the usual things, while you can leave the heater in the bath.
The bath promotes good warming up and stimulates physiological processes that reduce tension, swelling and pain. It is recommended not to stay in the hammam for more than 10 minutes in a row and to 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 spread it in the form of a thin cake, cut the required size to apply it to the affected part. Fix in this area and keep for 1-2 days the procedure takes place with a break of 12 hours until the pain completely subsides.
- Leeches- the main part of prevention is to relieve the pain caused by the flow of venous blood which stagnates and causes inflammation. Leeches sting the skin of the affected area and suck blood, inject hirudin, which has a healing effect and improves the course of biochemical processes.
- Mumiyo- is used in diseases of the musculoskeletal system, has a stimulating, regenerating and anti-inflammatory effect. For osteochondrosis, compresses of 300 mg are used. Dissolve the mumiyo in a glass of water, then make compresses.
- Mustard dressings- have healing warming properties. With the expansion of blood vessels and have the ability to disperse blood, while 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 fairly simple structure, consists of plastic plates with tips, which are fixed on a solid base. Depending on the basis of the pain, the applicator has a different shape: a flat mat, a roller or a belt with fasteners.
Also has accessories with tips and magnetic elements. The size of the pins is 2-5mm, the intermediate length is 2-8mm.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis
Neurologists with acute osteochondrosis recommend swimming exclusively in swimming pools because there is a current in the natural reservoirs which will increase the load on the spine. The water temperature should be 30 degrees, then you can lower it to 23 and, depending on the disease, a style of swimming is chosen.
Also in prevention, you must follow the rules of a good sleep, in particular:
- choose the right mattress;
- flat base of medium hardness; orthopedic pillows
- ;
- the proper diet, which includes the use of foods containing vitamins C, PP, E, B3.
Rules for sitting - this requires a soft chair or chair, while the weight of the body will not put pressure on the lower back. The body itself should be on the ischial tubercles, which is possible only on hard seats.
Hospital - with osteochondrosis of the lumbar region
Sick leave and its duration depend on the complications and the nature of the course of the disease:
- Pain syndrome.
- Sickness has triggered immobility.
- Working conditions and profession.
- Also treatment prescribed by the doctor.
- With radicular syndrome it can be prolonged up to 3 weeks.
- In case of complications, more than six months.
- Lumbar osteochondrosis - depends on the site of localization, the severity of the pain due to the complications and lasts at least one week.
Hospital treatment is prescribed in severe cases, after which the doctor recommends a change of profession.