Basic methods of treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine

In the course of the disease in question, the correct shape and flexibility of the intervertebral discs is lost: their gradual deformation occurs. The distance between the vertebrae decreases, resulting in pinched nerves and pain. Of all the parts of the spine, the lumbosacral is the most susceptible to these pathological changes.

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

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

• Passive lifestyle. This includes people who lead a mostly sedentary lifestyle. In a sitting position, the muscles of the corset relax, which increases the load on the lumbar spine.
• Inflammatory phenomena that are localized in the joints of the spine.
• Errors in the functioning of the endocrine system, hormonal imbalance.
• Serious infectious diseases affecting bones and joints (tuberculosis, osteomyelitis).
• Malfunctions of the gastrointestinal tract and heart.
• A lifestyle associated with heavy physical work (loaders, weightlifters, construction workers).
• Uneven posture, incorrect walking.
• Poor density of cartilage tissue (hereditary factor).
• Congenital pathologies related to the structure of the spine/skeleton. Deviations in the functioning of the musculoskeletal system.
• obesity.
• Unbalanced mode of work and rest.
• Age. In humans, after crossing the 50-year mark, the intervertebral discs become less elastic and inactive.
• Chemical poisoning.
• Flat steps. With the correct structure of the foot, the load is taken when walking. If there is flat feet, the intervertebral discs receive maximum load, which leads to their deformation and destruction.
• Back injury.

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

• Lumbago. Occurs as a result of sudden movement (high jump, running, coughing). This pain is paroxysmal in nature (lumbago). During this attack, the patient tilts his torso forward and remains in this position for a certain time: attempts to stand up cause a new wave of pain. Lumbago occurs as a result of pinched nerve roots.
• Lumbodynia. The pain that appears in the lumbar region has an increasing character. At first, the patient experiences some discomfort, which can develop into severe, regular pain. The cause of lumbodynia can be a sedentary lifestyle and excessive physical activity. Lumbodynia can develop against the background of lumbago.
• sciatica. Pain sensations spread along the sciatic nerve. The main localization is the lower limbs. This phenomenon occurs when the nerve roots of the spinal cord are pinched. If the motor fibers are involved in the destructive process, the patient experiences muscle spasms and muscle weakness. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to muscle atrophy in the future.

Radicular syndrome. It is characterized by the following manifestations:

• the skin of the legs periodically loses sensitivity;
• the patient complains of shooting pain in the lumbar region;
• disturbances occur in the sweating system.

Radicular-vascular signs. They arise against the background of compression of blood vessels. The following complaints are noted by the patient:

• heat/cold in lower extremities;
• mild numbness/increasing pain in legs;
• swelling (when the veins are compressed).

Lack of adequate treatment can provoke a spinal stroke, which can lead to partial / complete paralysis of the lower limbs, as well as serious disorders of the pelvic organs. Lumbar osteochondrosis negatively affects the structure of the vertebrae: over time, they can shift. This violation can provoke a number of negative phenomena.

• Malfunctions in the functioning of internal organs and the genitourinary system.
• Frequent fatigue.
• Weakness.
• irritability.

Symptoms of lumbosacral osteochondrosis depending on the degree - 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 initial, the second degree is mild, the third is severe.

Lumbar osteochondrosis 1st degree.

It is characterized by the main symptoms:

• Lumbago (lumbago), which occurs due to a rupture of the capsule of the disc (intervertebral).
• Tissue swelling.
• Muscle spasm.
• Regular pain.

With lumbar osteochondrosis of the 1st degree, the patient may experience additional symptoms caused by compression of blood vessels and nerve roots.

• Imitation of disorders related to the functioning of the kidneys and the gastrointestinal tract.
• Intermittent pain in the abdomen, which appears against the background of a spasm of the abdominal muscles.

Lumbar osteochondrosis 2 degree.

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

• Regular pain (lumbodynia). The localization of the pain, which can be of varying intensity, is the lower back.
• Abnormal mobility in the joints of the spine. A tight bandage on the lower back can briefly improve the patient's general condition and reduce pain.
• Malfunctions (not always) of internal organs. In some cases, a patient with lumbar osteochondrosis may experience bronchial asthma and disorders in the functioning of the bile / urinary tract.
• Pain in the lower limbs, which goes in the direction of the sciatic nerve.

Lumbar osteochondrosis 3rd degree.

At this stage of the disease, surgical treatment is necessary, otherwise paralysis and death can occur. The 3rd degree of lumbar osteochondrosis has its own characteristics.

• Spinal distortions: curvature to the right/left (scoliosis); forward bending (lordosis), bending of the lumbar spine (kyphosis).
• Constant, strong, sharp pain that is felt at the slightest physical exertion (change of position, coughing, sneezing).
• Swelling of muscle tissue, ligaments.
• Intermittent/regular lack of feeling in the lower body (lower back, legs, feet).
• Malfunctions of the genitourinary system.

Methods of treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis

The choice of tactics for the treatment of 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 level of neglect of the pathology in question.

Drug treatment of lumbosacral osteochondrosis - effective drugs

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

• Chondroprotectors. They stop the destructive processes in the cartilaginous tissues of the spine occurring in the initial stage of the disease.
• Anti-inflammatory (non-steroidal) drugs. It is used for the treatment of lumbosacral osteochondrosis of the 2nd degree. 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 can be prescribed injections (16 mg / day)
• Muscle relaxants. Help eliminate discomfort caused by increased muscle tone.
• Vasodilators. It helps improve blood circulation, prevents stagnation, minimizes the risk of infection in the body.
• Local anesthetics. In case of severe, persistent pain, the anesthesiologist performs a 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 a blockade should be used only in extreme cases: it has very negative consequences.
• Vitamin and mineral complexes. It is often prescribed to elderly patients to increase the strength of tendons and ligaments.

Massage for lumbar osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region

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

The massage should be performed on a healthy (unaffected! ) area. During the procedure, the patient is positioned on a flat, firm couch on his stomach. Place a pillow under your stomach. It is also necessary to ensure that the patient's legs are elevated (45 degrees). The forehead must rest on a hard surface.

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

• Caressing. There are several types of blows: hook, transverse flat, fan-shaped, ending with symmetrical blows in the area of the pectoral muscles.
• Squeezing. It is performed in combination with stroking. This massage technique provides stretching of the muscles.
• Kneading.
• Shaking.
• Crushing. It is often used to improve the functioning of tendons, ligaments and joints.
• Point impact. Not every massage therapist can perform the procedure using the acupressure technique.

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

The whole complex of physical exercises used in the diagnosis of lumbar osteochondrosis should help increase the mobility of the lumbar region.

Therapeutic gymnastics will not be effective if the exercises are performed from time to time. The main principle of exercise therapy is regularity. Constant performance of a certain set of exercises will help eliminate the destructive processes in the intervertebral joints. It is forbidden to carry out training therapy in the presence of acute pain. In severe pain, doctors recommend bed rest and wearing special corsets. When the pain subsides, you can try therapeutic exercises.

Physiotherapy for lumbar osteochondrosis

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

The use of physiotherapy is prohibited in the following cases:

• crab;
• acute stages of osteochondrosis;
• serious disorders in the functioning of the central nervous system;
• injury to the area where physical therapy is to be performed.

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

• Ultraviolet radiation. The pathological area is exposed to heat, which helps to improve blood supply, eliminate spasms and eliminate pain.
• Magnetotherapy, electrophoresis. Application of the method involves exposing the painful area of the spine to a magnetic/electric field. Through this effect, it is possible to establish metabolic processes in the body, eliminate (completely / partially) inflammatory phenomena and speed up recovery.
• Laser therapy. The condition of the affected spinal roots improves significantly due to the effect on them of helium-neon emitters.
• Balneotherapy. The main component that is used to conduct the physiotherapy in question is the healing mud and mineral waters.
• Detensor therapy (mechanical stretching of the spine). Important for severe back pain.

Folk remedies for lumbar osteochondrosis

This method of treatment includes the use of ointments, rubs and compresses containing medicinal plants. Such means help reduce inflammation and eliminate pain. It is recommended to use folk remedies for the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis with caution: an allergic reaction may occur / develop.

Rubbing and compresses are often used in the fight against the disease:

• Tincture of red pepper: for rubbing on painful places in the lower back. To prepare the medicine, you need to mix 1 tbsp. vodka (diluted medical alcohol), 20-25 g dry ground red pepper. It is necessary to infuse these ingredients (while stirring from time to time) for 5-7 days.
• Camphor and mustard: for daily rubbing before going to bed. To prepare the product, mix mustard powder (50 g), camphor spirit (50 ml), medical alcohol (90-100 ml), beaten egg white (3 pcs. ). After thorough mixing, you should get a liquid ointment.
• Honey and aloe: for compresses on 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 stand for 10-12 hours.
• Horseradish root and alcohol: to rub the affected area of the back. To prepare this product, mix horseradish root juice and medical alcohol in equal proportions. After rubbing, wrap the treated area.
• Garlic juice and pork fat (1: 2): to rub into the painful areas of the lower back.
• Cabbage leaf, peeled from the thick veins: for compresses. Before application, the cabbage leaf must be immersed in hot (no more than 60 C) water. You can secure the sheet to the lower back using a bandage/gauze. After the color of the leaves has changed, the procedure can be repeated.

Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis

Prevention of the disease in question includes a whole set of measures.

Healthy diet. The diet should be balanced and low-calorie. It is not recommended to eat more than 6 times a day. Certain foods should predominate in your daily diet.

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

Taking vitamin and mineral complexes (1-2 times a year) will be useful.

Active lifestyle

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

Performing simple physical exercises (15-20 minutes a day) aimed at strengthening the back muscles.

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