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 any 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 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 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, cartilage is erased and deformed. Ligaments and adjacent vertebrae also enter the deformation process over time. Restriction of movement due to a sensation of 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 sports activities and congenital specificity.
According to ICD-10, lumbosacral osteochondrosis has 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 various parts. With the lack of treatment leads to complications because of this, 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 CT or X-ray. The main criterion is the preservation of the sclerosed annular plates.
- Deforming- means a 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 pathology, although it may depend on other factors.
Treatment and rehabilitation
Medication
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 required. 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.
Also these drugs have anti-inflammatory side effects of nausea and rashes.
In the treatment of the lumbar sacral spine, non-steroidal drugs (NSAIDs) are used, they have anti-inflammatory effects and indications for use in chronic forms and for acute pain.
Combined intake of vitamins, chondroprotectors and glucosamine also promotes recovery.
Block in osteochondrosis
In the case of intense pain that interferes with normal sleep,drug 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 performed with a strong pain reliever.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy treatment consists of reducing pain and inflammation:
- Vibration exposure with vibration massageis the main method of physiotherapy.
- Ultrasound therapy is also used, it allows to treat pain manifestations, has three factors affecting the body: thermal, physicochemical, mechanical.
- Darsonval Physiotherapyis performed by supplying current to the skin through a vacuum electrode. With the effect of ionization with air, a weak electrical discharge appears. With increasing voltage and secondary ionization of air, a stronger discharge occurs.
Massage
When the blood vessels of the spinal cord are compressed, articular muscle asymmetry appears. In the area of deformation, compaction occurs, accompanied by spasms, pain and scarring of muscle tissue.
Massage promotes:
- decrease in pressure on the arteries of the nerve roots;
- spasms disappear;
- the activity of the vertebrae improves;
- blood circulation is normalized;
- slows down tissue decomposition;
- prevents the development of the disease;
- prevents muscle atrophy 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, pain disappears, blood circulation is normalized, muscles relax and nutrition of the intervertebral discs improves.
The procedure is applied with exacerbation, as well as in all stages of the disease, using stationary devices, also portable devices, when used at home.
Manual therapy and acupuncture
The method of manual therapy consists of jerky movements with the help of the hands to restore mobility using different techniques:
- Manipulation techniqueincludes a dosed, slow extension of the joints of the spine associated with versatile bending and turning.
- Soft techniqueis considered to be 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 exposure to them with needles deserves close 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 need to carefully select physical exercises:
- Classes on vertebral simulatorspromotes the treatment of curvature of the spine, scoliosis, kyphosis, herniated discs and strengthening the muscle corset.
- Therapy Exercise in the Poolleads to good results and is considered 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 lower back muscles.
- Walking with osteochondrosisis necessary in this regard, Scandinavian walking is used, recognized by experts as effective. Due to the poles, the load is evenly distributed on the shoulder girdle and arms, which reduces pressure on the joints and spine.
It is contraindicated to engage in any sports like:
- Tennis.
- Disc throwing.
- High jumps.
- Frequent athletic activities.
The same contraindications for osteochondrosis are used for:
- Intervertebral hernia in 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
When doing medical gymnastics, problem areas are exposed to stress in order not to harm and return them to their normal form:
- You need to lie on a flat floor,put one palm of your hand on your stomach with the other just above your chest. With a smooth inhalation, the abdomen should first rise, then the chest, exhale slowly. You need to repeat 10 times during the day 4-3 times.
- Take a prone position, raise your headand, after making an emphasis with your hands in front of you, hold the body in this position for 1-2 minutes. Then slowly take the starting position, the exercise is repeated 3-4 times a day.
- Open the upper back upthe back of the chair slowly bend back while taking a deep breath. Then bend forward as you exhale, do this exercise 4-5 times.
- For the lower back- stand up, put your hands on your hips, gently tilt forward and backward and to the sides. Then make slow movements with the pelvis back and forth, repeat 10 times in each direction.
Yoga & Pilates
The use of yoga or Pilates involves the fluidity and precision of one movement gradually flowing 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:
- In a standing position while inhaling, raise your arms above youand while exhaling, bend over to your right foot and touch. Repeat the same action with an inclination to the left leg. In this case, keep the back straight, performed within 2 minutes.
- Exercise cobra- lie on the chest of the palm, place about, on the hands to rise on inhalation, having thrown back the head. Keep your arms straight, breathing should be light, the chest is open and is in this position for 20 seconds.
- Turn your head to the right and left,will linger for 10 seconds, then tilt your head down, trying to reach the jugular cavity with your chin, linger for a while, then tilt your head back and linger. Repeat the exercise for 5 minutes.
Orthopedic aids
Orthopedic devices for spinal correction are indicated for osteochondrosis:
- Orthopedic corset- used in the treatment of weakened muscles, while not restricting movement and protecting against displacement of the intervertebral discs, and also serves to restore the spine. After the first application, thanks to fixation, relief comes, the spasm and pain recede.
- Pillow- 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 device designed for the cervical spine during sleep.
The author's method of Dr. Bubnovsky
Everyone, regardless of occupation and age, can apply the method of Dr. Bubnovsky. After the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes an individual treatment method, while taking into account the nature of the localization and pain.
Gymnastics using this method is done independently or on multifunctional simulators under the supervision of a specialist. That allows you to distribute the load purposefully on specific muscle groups, while helping to relieve swelling, pain and spasms.
What can and can not be done with osteochondrosis?
To avoid relapse, people with osteochondrosis try different treatments. In this case, you need to give up the usual things, while you can leave the heating in the bath.
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 with the same time.
You can also use:
- Massage.
- Yoga.
- Swimming.
- Sports.
What is not recommended for osteochondrosis:
- Lift weights.
- Overeat.
- Wear uncomfortable shoes.
Treatment with folk remedies at home
For the treatment of osteochondrosis at home, you can use alternative methods in conjunction with traditional treatment:
- Propolis- for this you need to roll it out in the form of a thin cake, cut the required size to apply 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 disappears completely.
- Leeches- the essence of prevention is to relieve pain caused by the outflow of venous blood that stagnates and provokes inflammation. The leeches bite through the skin from 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, and then make compresses.
- Mustard plasters- have healing warming properties. With the expansion of blood vessels and have the ability to disperse the 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.
Kuznetsov's applicatorhas a rather simple structure, includes plastic plates with spikes, which are fixed on a solid base. Depending on the base of the pain, the applicator has a different shape: a flat mat, roller or belt with fasteners.
Also has accessories with spikes and magnetic elements. The size of the pins is from 2 to 5 mm, the intermediate length is from 2 to 8 mm.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis
Neurologists with acute osteochondrosis recommend swimming exclusively in pools because there is a current in natural reservoirs that 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 swimming style is chosen.
Also in prevention you need to follow the rules of proper sleep, 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 - this requires a soft chair or chair, while the body weight will not create pressure on the lower back. The body itself should be on the ischial tubercles, which is only possible on hard seats.
Hospital - with osteochondrosis of the lumbar region
Sick leave and its duration depends on complications and the nature of the course of the disease:
- Pain syndrome.
- Disease triggered immobility.
- Working conditions and profession.
- Also from the treatment prescribed by the doctor.
- With radicular syndrome, it can be extended 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 from complications and lasts at least a week.
Inpatient treatment is prescribed in severe cases, after which the doctor recommends a change of occupation.