According to statistics, 8 out of 10 people suffer from discomfort and pain in the spinal area.Although the majority does not believe that this can be associated with any pathology, attributing the reasons to the characteristic inconveniences linked to the course of life.
What is osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis is a degenerative dystrophic disease with complex damage to the cartilage of the spine.In developmental cases, the process 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 area, is short-term in nature and has an acute painful effect.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
When diagnosed, lumbosacral osteochondrosis is defined as the loss of elasticity of the intervertebral discs, worn and deformed cartilage.The adjacent ligaments and vertebrae also enter the process of deformation over time.Characteristic signs include limitation of movement due to pain in the back and legs.
Most often, such osteochondrosis occurs in the thoracic and cervical region 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 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 different segments of the spine and its various parts.If the lack of treatment leads to complications due to this, it is necessary to diagnose it in time and start treatment.- Erosive- This is a progressive type of intervertebral disc damage 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- indicates a permanent pathology of the joints, in connection with this a degenerative inflammatory process develops.This process destroys the structure of the joints and leads to rapid aging.The cause of this pathology is excessive stress, although it may depend on other factors.
Treatment and rehabilitation
Pharmacological treatment
In the treatment of the lumbar spine, chondroprotectors are mainly used, available in the form of tablets and injectable solution.For successful use, a regimen of different forms of drugs is necessary.The use of the injections takes place in a remarkably short time and is also considered painful due to the injection directly into the spine.
Additionally, these drugs have anti-inflammatory drugs and side effects such as nausea and rash.
Non-steroidal drugs (NSAIDs) are used in the treatment of the lumbosacral spine;they have anti-inflammatory effect and indications for use in chronic forms and for acute pain.
Furthermore, the joint intake of a cycle of vitamins, chondroprotectors and glucosamine promotes recovery.
Blockade for osteochondrosis
In case of severe pain that interferes with normal sleep, it is useddrug blocks.This 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.Often used therapeutic blocks are performed with a strong pain reliever.
Physiotherapeutic methods
Physiotherapy treatment consists of reducing pain and inflammation:
- Vibration effect via vibrating massageIt is the main method of physiotherapy.
- Ultrasound therapy is also used, allows you to treat painful manifestations, has three factors that influence the body: thermal, physico-chemical, mechanical.
- Darsonval physiotherapyIt is done by delivering current to the skin through a vacuum electrode.With exposure to ionization with air, a weak electric discharge appears.As the voltage and secondary ionization of the air increase, a stronger discharge occurs.
Massage
When the blood vessels of 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 muscle tissue.
Massage helps:
- reduce pressure on the arteries of the nerve roots;
- spasms disappear;
- the activity of the vertebrae improves;
- blood circulation is normalized;
- tissue decomposition slows down;
- prevents the development of the disease;
- Prevents muscle atrophy and restores tone.
Improves the general well-being of patients;in the initial stages, with the use of massage combined with other methods, the symptoms disappear.
Magnetotherapy
To eliminate the exacerbation of osteochondrosis, magnetic field treatment is used.With this treatment the pain disappears, blood circulation normalizes, the muscles relax and the nutrition of the intervertebral discs improves.
The procedure is used in case of exacerbation, as well as at all stages of the disease, using stationary devices, including portable ones, if used at home.
Manual therapy and acupuncture
The manual therapy method consists of jerky movements with the hands to restore mobility using several techniques:
- Manipulation techniqueinvolves a measured and slow stretching of the spinal joints associated with versatile bends and turns.
- Soft techniqueIt is considered aimed at relaxation for a gradual reduction of pain and relaxation of the muscle corset.
The method of acupuncture therapy, based on the study of biological zones and the impact on them with needles, deserves close attention.Reduces the patient's need for anti-inflammatories and painkillers.
Therapeutic exercise
Participation in sports procedures for osteochondrosis is considered necessary, but taking into account all stages of the disease, it is necessary to carefully select physical exercises:
- Exercises on spinal simulatorspromotes the treatment of spinal curvature, scoliosis, kyphosis, herniated disc and strengthening of the muscle corset.
- Therapeutic exercises in the swimming poolthey lead to good results and are considered safe due to the absence of injuries.In 30-45 minutes of water procedures, complete muscle relaxation is achieved without much effort.Such activities help improve mood and normalize sleep.Swimming is also recommended by experts to strengthen the muscles of the lower back.
- Walking with osteochondrosisnecessary in this regard we resort to Nordic walking, recognized as effective by experts.Thanks to the poles, the load is evenly distributed on the shoulder girdle and arms, reducing pressure on the joints and spine.
It is contraindicated to practice any sport such as:
- Tennis.
- Discus throw.
- High jump.
- Frequent athletic activities.
The same contraindications for osteochondrosis apply to:
- Intervertebral hernia in the lumbar region.
- In the exacerbation phase.
Swimming lessons are possible with the permission of a doctor or under the supervision of an instructor.
Exercises
When performing therapeutic exercises, problem areas are subjected to stress so as not to cause damage and return them to normal shape:
- You need to lie down on a flat floor,Place one palm on your stomach and the other just above your chest.When inhaling softly, the stomach should rise first, then the chest.Exhale slowly.You need to repeat this 10 times during the day, 4-3 times.
- Take a lying position and raise your headand the body, having previously placed your hands in front of you, maintain this position for 1-2 minutes.Then slowly take the starting position, repeat the exercise 3-4 times a day.
- Unlock the upper part of the backrest upwardsSlowly bend the back of your chair while taking a deep breath.Then bend forward as you exhale and perform this exercise 4-5 times.
- For the lower back- stand up, place your hands on your hips and gently bend forward, backward and sideways.Then perform slow movements of the pelvis back and forth, repeat 10 times in each direction.
Yoga and Pilates
The use of yoga or pilates involves the fluidity and precision of one movement that gradually flows into another.It is necessary to mentally monitor the condition of the muscle in each pose.
Deep breathing promotes a relaxing and calming effect;such exercises are similar to yoga:
- In a standing position, as you inhale, raise your arms above youand as you exhale, bend over your right foot and touch it.Repeat the same action with an inclination towards the left leg.In this case, keep your back straight;this is done for 2 minutes.
- Exercise cobra— lie on your chest, bring your palms together, rise on your hands as you inhale, first throwing your head back.Keep your arms straight, breathing should be light, your chest should be open and stay in this position for 20 seconds.
- Turn your head left and rightat the same time, hold the position for 10 seconds, then tilt your head downwards, trying to reach the jugular cavity with your chin, hold the position for a while, then tilt your head back and hold the position.Repeat the exercise for 5 minutes.
Orthopedic devices
Orthopedic devices for correcting the spine are indicated for osteochondrosis:
- Orthopedic corset- used in the treatment of weakened muscles, does not limit movement and protects against displacement of the intervertebral discs, and also serves to restore the spine.After the first application, thanks to fixation, relief occurs, spasm and pain subside.
- cushion— reduces the load on the lumbar region by unloading the pelvic organs.The orthopedic device reduces pain, maintains muscle tone and reduces vibration.There is another type of pillow designed for the cervical spine during sleep.
Author's technique of Dr. Bubnovsky
Every person, regardless of profession and age, can apply Dr. Bubnovsky's method.After the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes an individual treatment method, taking into account the nature of the location and pain.
Gymnastics using this method is performed independently or on multifunctional exercise machines under the supervision of a specialist.This allows you to specifically distribute the load to specific muscle groups, while helping to relieve swelling, pain and spasms.
What can and cannot be done with osteochondrosis?
To avoid relapses, people suffering from osteochondrosis try to use different treatment methods.In this case you have to give up your usual things, but you can leave the heating in the bathhouse.
The sauna promotes good warming and stimulates physiological processes that reduce tension, swelling and pain.It is recommended to stay in the steam room for no more than 10 minutes at a time and take a break for the same amount of time.
You can also use:
- Massage.
- Yoga.
- I swim.
- Sport.
What is not recommended to do with osteochondrosis:
- Lift weights.
- Eating too much.
- Wear uncomfortable shoes.
Treatment with folk remedies at home
To treat osteochondrosis at home, you can use folk methods in combination with traditional treatment:
- Propolis- for this it is necessary to roll it out into a thin cake, cut it to the required size to apply it to the painful part.Fix it on this area and keep it for 1-2 days;the procedure takes place with a 12-hour break until the pain completely disappears.
- Leeches— the essence of prevention is to relieve pain caused by the outflow of venous blood, which stagnates and causes inflammation.Leeches bite the skin of the affected area and suck blood, injecting hirudin, which has a healing effect and improves the course of biochemical processes.
- Mumiyo— used for diseases of the musculoskeletal system, has a stimulating, regenerating and anti-inflammatory effect.For osteochondrosis, 300 mg tablets are used.Dissolve mumiyo in a glass of water, then make compresses.
- Mustard plasters- have healing warming properties.With the expansion of blood vessels they have the ability to disperse blood, increasing the supply of useful elements and oxygen.They also relieve pain and inflammation, improving the condition of the intervertebral discs.
Kuznetsov applicatorIt has a fairly simple structure, it includes plastic plates with spikes fixed on a solid base.Depending on the pain, the applicator has a different shape: a flat mat, a roller or a belt with fasteners.
It also has additional devices with tips and magnetic elements.The size of the tips is from 2 to 5 mm, the intermediate length is from 2 to 8 mm.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis
Neurologists for acute osteochondrosis recommend swimming exclusively in pools because in natural bodies of water there is a current that increases the load on the spine.The water temperature should be 30 degrees, then it can be lowered to 23, and the swimming style is selected depending on the disease.
Even in prevention it is necessary to follow the rules of correct sleep, which include:
- choose the right mattress;
- smooth bottom of medium hardness;
- orthopedic pillows;
- correct diet, which includes the consumption of foods with vitamins C, PP, E, B3.
Sitting Rules: A non-soft chair or chair is required, and your body weight will not create pressure on your lower back.The body itself should be positioned on the ischial tuberosities, which is only possible on hard seats.
Sick leave - for osteochondrosis of the lumbar region
Sick leave and its duration depend on the complications and nature of the disease:
- Pain syndrome.
- Inactivity caused by illness.
- Working conditions and profession.
- Also from the treatment prescribed by the doctor.
- With radicular syndrome, it lasts 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 syndrome depends on the complications and lasts at least a week.
In severe cases, hospital treatment is prescribed, after which the doctor recommends changing occupation.