According to statistics, 8 out of 10 people suffer from discomfort and pain in the spine area.Although the majority does 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 complex damage to cartilage in the spine.In cases of development, the process may spread to bone cells and tendons.Heavy 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 when elasticity in the intervertebral discs is lost, cartilage is worn out and deformed.Ligaments and adjacent vertebrae also enter into the deformation process over time.Characteristic signs include limited movement due to pain in the back and legs.
Most often, such osteochondrosis manifests itself 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 - diseases of connective cells and has the following types:
Polysegmental- is considered a common and dangerous disease; pathological processes occur in several segments of the spine and in its various parts.If the lack of treatment leads to complications due to this, it is necessary to diagnose in time and begin treatment.- Erosive- This is a progressive type of intervertebral disc damage with severe symptoms.The course of the disease is monitored using CT or x-ray.The main criterion is the preservation of sclerotic annular plates.
- 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
Drug treatment
In the treatment of the lumbar spine, chondroprotectors are mainly used, which are available in the form of tablets and injection solution.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 directly into the spine.
Also, these drugs have anti-inflammatory drugs and side effects such as nausea and rash.
In the treatment of the lumbar sacral spine, nonsteroidal drugs (NSAIDs) are used; they have an anti-inflammatory effect and indications for use in chronic forms and for acute pain.
The joint intake of a course of vitamins, chondroprotectors and glucosamine also promotes recovery.
Blockade for osteochondrosis
In case of intense pain that interferes with normal sleep, it is useddrug blockades.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 blockades are carried out with a strong painkiller.
Physiotherapeutic methods
Physiotherapeutic treatment consists of reducing pain and inflammation:
- Vibration effect using vibration massageis the main method of physiotherapy.
- Ultrasound therapy is also used, allows you to treat painful manifestations, has three factors influencing the body: thermal, physico-chemical, mechanical.
- Physiotherapy darsonvalIt is carried out by supplying current to the skin through a vacuum electrode.With exposure to 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, asymmetry of the articular muscles appears.In the area of deformation, compaction occurs, accompanied by spasms, pain and scarring of muscle tissue.
Massage promotes:
- reducing 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 overall well-being of patients; in the early stages, with the use of massage combined with other methods, symptoms disappear.
Magnetotherapy
To eliminate exacerbation of osteochondrosis, treatment with magnetic fields is used.With this treatment, pain goes away, blood circulation is normalized, muscles relax and nutrition of the intervertebral discs improves.
The procedure is used 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 jerking movements using the hands to restore mobility using different techniques:
- Manipulation techniqueinvolves dosed, slow stretching of the joints of the spine associated with versatile bends and turns.
- Soft techniqueIt is considered aimed at relaxation for a gradual reduction in 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-inflammatory and painkillers.
Therapeutic exercise
Participating in sports procedures for osteochondrosis is considered necessary, but taking into account all stages of the disease, you need to carefully select physical exercises:
- Exercises on vertebral simulatorspromotes the treatment of spinal curvature, scoliosis, kyphosis, disc herniation and strengthening of the muscle corset.
- Therapeutic exercises in the poollead 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 lower back muscles.
- Walking with osteochondrosisnecessary in this regard, Nordic walking is used, recognized by experts as effective.Due to the sticks, the load is distributed evenly on the shoulder girdle and arms, which reduces the pressure on the joints and spine.
It is contraindicated to engage in any sports such as:
- Tennis.
- Discus throwing.
- High jump.
- Frequent athletic activities.
The same contraindications for osteochondrosis apply for:
- Intervertebral hernia in the lumbar region.
- At the stage of exacerbation.
Swimming lessons are possible with the permission of a doctor or under the supervision of an instructor.
Exercises
When doing therapeutic exercises, problem areas are subjected to stress in order not to cause harm and return them to normal shape:
- You need to lie down on a flat floor,Place one palm of your hand on your stomach and the other just above your chest.When inhaling smoothly, the stomach should first rise, then the chest. Exhale slowly.You need to repeat it 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, hold in 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 back upwardslowly bend the back of the chair back while taking a deep breath.Then bend forward as you exhale and do this exercise 4-5 times.
- For the lower back- stand up, place your hands on your hips and gently bend forward and back and to the sides.Then make 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 smoothness and precision of one movement gradually flowing 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, while inhaling, raise your arms above youand as you exhale, bend over to 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, place your palms near, raise yourself on your hands while inhaling, first throwing your head back.Keep your arms straight, breathing should be light, your chest should be open and remain in this position for 20 seconds.
- Turn your head left and rightat the same time, hold for 10 seconds, then tilt your head down, trying to reach the jugular cavity with your chin, hold for a while, then tilt your head back and hold.Repeat the exercise for 5 minutes.
Orthopedic devices
Orthopedic devices for spinal correction are indicated for osteochondrosis:
- Orthopedic corset- used in the treatment of weakened muscles, it does not limit movement and protects against displacement of intervertebral discs, and also serves to restore the spine.After the first application, thanks to fixation, relief occurs, 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.
Author's technique of Dr. Bubnovsky
Every person, regardless of occupation and age, can apply Dr. Bubnovsky’s method.After diagnosis, the doctor prescribes an individual treatment method, taking into account the nature of the location and pain.
Gymnastics using this method is done independently or on multifunctional exercise machines under the supervision of a specialist.This allows you to distribute the load specifically to specific muscle groups, while helping to relieve swelling, pain and spasms.
What can and cannot be done with osteochondrosis?
To avoid relapse, people suffering from osteochondrosis try to use different treatment methods.In this case, you need to give up your usual things, but you can leave the warming up 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 with the same amount of time.
You can also use:
- Massage.
- Yoga.
- Swimming.
- Sport.
What is not recommended to do with osteochondrosis:
- Lift weights.
- Overeat.
- 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 you need to roll it out into a thin cake, cut it to the required size for applying to the painful part.Fix it on this area and hold it for 1-2 days; the procedure takes place with a break of 12 hours until the pain completely disappears.
- Leeches— the essence of prevention is to relieve pain caused by the outflow of venous blood, which stagnates and provokes inflammation.Leeches bite through the skin of the affected area and suck out the 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, compresses of 300 mg 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 the blood, while increasing the supply of useful elements and oxygen.They also relieve pain and inflammation, improving the condition of the intervertebral discs.
Kuznetsov applicatorhas a fairly simple structure, it includes plastic plates with spikes that are fixed to 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.
It also has additional devices with spikes and magnetic elements.The size of the spikes 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.
Also in prevention you need to follow the rules of proper sleep, which include:
- choosing the right mattress;
- smooth base of medium hardness;
- orthopedic pillows;
- proper diet, which includes eating foods with vitamins C, PP, E, B3.
Rules for sitting - this requires a non-soft chair or chair, and the body weight will not create pressure on the lower back.The body itself should be located on the ischial tuberosities, which is only possible on hard seats.
Sick leave - for osteochondrosis of the lumbar region
Sick leave and its duration depends on complications and the 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 complications and lasts at least a week.
Inpatient treatment is prescribed in severe cases, after which the doctor recommends changing occupation.