Basic methods of treating lumbosacral vertebral osteochondrosis

During the course of the disease in question, the intervertebral discs lose their proper shape and flexibility: they gradually deform. The distance between vertebrae shortens, causing nerve compression and pain. Of all parts of the spine, the lumbosacral region is most susceptible to these pathological changes.

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

This disease occurs due to insufficient load distribution on the spine. This is the main reason for diagnosing lumbar osteochondrosis. There are many factors that can contribute to the onset and progression of this disease.

• Passive lifestyle. This includes people who lead a predominantly sedentary lifestyle. In a sitting position, the muscles of the corset relax, which increases the load on the lumbar spine.
• An inflammatory phenomenon located in the joints of the spine.
• The endocrine system functions incorrectly and hormones are imbalanced.
• Serious infectious diseases affecting bones and joints (tuberculosis, osteomyelitis).
• Gastrointestinal and cardiac dysfunction.
• Lifestyle associated with heavy manual labor (loaders, weightlifters, construction workers).
• Improper posture and improper walking.
• Poor cartilage tissue density (genetic factors).
• Congenital disorders related to the spine/skeletal structure. Deviations in the function of the musculoskeletal system.
• obesity.
• The work and rest system is unbalanced.
• age. After the age of 50 in humans, the intervertebral discs become inelastic and inactive.
• Chemical poisoning.
• flatfoot. With the correct foot structure, the load during walking is absorbed. If flat feet occur, the intervertebral discs are subject to the greatest load, leading to disc deformation and destruction.
• Back injury.

The symptoms of the disease are divided into three groups. Reflex signs (pain). They have the following forms of expression:

• Low back pain. Occurs due to sudden movement (jumping, running, coughing). The pain is paroxysmal in nature (low back pain). During this attack, the patient tilts the trunk forward and maintains this position for some time: trying to straighten causes a new wave of pain. Low back pain occurs due to pressure on the nerve roots.
• Lombardinia. The pain occurring in the lumbar region is increasing in nature. Initially, patients experience some discomfort, which may progress to severe, recurring pain. Lower back pain can be caused by a sedentary lifestyle and excessive physical activity. Low back pain can occur in the context of low back pain.
• Sciatica. Pain travels along the sciatic nerve. The main site is the lower limbs. This phenomenon occurs when the nerve roots of the spinal cord become pinched. If motor fibers are involved in the damaging process, patients will experience muscle spasms and muscle weakness. Ignoring these symptoms may lead to future muscle wasting.

Nerve root syndrome. Its characteristics include the following:

• Periodic loss of sensitivity of the skin on the legs;
• The patient complained of severe pain in the waist;
• Disturbances in the sweating system.

Nerve root vascular signs. They occur against the background of pressure on blood vessels. The patient had the following complaints:

• Hot/cold lower limbs;
• Mild tingling/increased pain in the feet;
• Swelling (when the veins are compressed).

Lack of appropriate treatment may trigger a spinal stroke, resulting in partial/complete paralysis of the lower limbs and severe dysfunction of the pelvic organs. Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine can negatively affect the structure of the vertebrae: over time, they may shift. This violation may trigger some negative phenomena.

• Internal organ and genitourinary system dysfunction.
• Frequent fatigue.
• weakness.
• irritability.

Symptoms of lumbosacral osteochondrosis depend on the degree - how are the disease diagnosed?

The disease in question is divided into several levels depending on the presentation and intensity of clinical symptoms. The first is initial, the second is mild, and the third is severe.

1st degree lumbar osteochondrosis.

Main symptoms and characteristics:

• Low back pain (lumbar pain) that occurs due to a tear in the disc (intervertebral) capsule.
• Tissue swelling.
• Muscle spasms.
• Frequent pain.

With grade 1 lumbar osteochondrosis, patients may experience additional symptoms caused by compression of blood vessels and nerve roots.

• Mimics diseases related to kidney and gastrointestinal function.
• Periodic abdominal pain that occurs against the background of abdominal muscle spasms.

Second degree lumbar osteochondrosis.

This degree of lumbar osteochondrosis also has the following symptoms:

• Frequent pain (low back pain). The pain occurs in the lower back and may vary in intensity.
• Non-standard range of motion of spinal joints. A tight bandage around the waist can temporarily improve the patient's overall condition and reduce pain.
• Internal organ dysfunction (not always the case). In some cases, patients with lumbar osteochondrosis may develop bronchial asthma and biliary/urinary tract dysfunction.
• Pain in the lower limbs along the sciatic nerve.

Lumbar osteochondrosis third degree.

When the condition reaches this level, surgery is required, otherwise paralysis or even death may occur. The third degree of lumbar osteochondrosis has its own particularities.

• Spinal deformities: curvature to the right/left (scoliosis); arching forward (lordosis), causing the lumbar spine to arch (kyphosis).
• Persistent, severe, acute pain that occurs with even the slightest physical activity (changing position, coughing, sneezing).
• Swelling of muscle tissue and ligaments.
• Periodic/periodic lack of sensation in the lower body (lower back, legs, feet).
• Urogenital system dysfunction.

Treatment methods for lumbar osteochondrosis

The choice of treatment strategy for the disease in question will depend on the extent of osteochondrosis, the presence of other diseases, the general condition of the patient, and other factors that the attending physician must consider.Two points should guide doctors when prescribing treatments.

• To eliminate osteochondrosis of the waist, a comprehensive approach is required.
• Therapeutic measures (intensity, duration) will depend on the degree of neglect of the associated pathology.

Drug treatment of lumbosacral osteochondrosis—effective drugs

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

• Chondroprotectant. They prevent the destruction of spinal cartilage tissue that occurs in the early stages of the disease.
• Anti-inflammatory (nonsteroidal) medications. For the treatment of second-degree lumbosacral osteochondrosis. Medications from this group are available in the form of injections (intramuscular injection), tablets, ointments, rectal suppositories, capsules and solutions. If the condition worsens, the patient may be given an injection (16 mg/day)
• Muscle relaxants. Helps eliminate discomfort caused by increased muscle tone.
• Vasodilators. Helps improve blood circulation, prevent stagnation and minimize the risk of infection in the body.
• Local anesthetic. If severe, persistent pain occurs, the anesthesiologist will perform a blockade. A special needle is used to inject the solution into the painful area. The pain goes away immediately and won't bother you for weeks. This kind of blockade should only be used in extreme cases: it can have many negative consequences.
• Vitamin and mineral complex. Often used in elderly patients to increase the strength of tendons and ligaments.

Massage for lumbosacral osteochondrosis

This treatment method is very useful in the subacute stages of related diseases. Pain can be eliminated through massage, and muscle tension and hardening can be eliminated.Massage should be performed on healthy (unaffected! ) areas. During the procedure, the patient is placed on a flat, hard couch with the abdomen facing down. Place a pillow/cushion under your stomach. Also make sure the patient's legs are elevated (45 degrees). Your forehead should rest on a hard surface.To perform a massage, it is best to use special products with warming properties (oils, creams, lotions) or immediately after thermal therapy (bath, sauna). There are many massage techniques today, here are the highlights:

• caress. There are several types of strokes: hook, horizontal, fan-shaped, ending in a symmetrical stroke in the area of the sternum muscles.
• extrusion. Combined with stroking. This massage technique ensures muscle stretching.
• Knead.
• shake.
• Grind. Often used to improve the function of tendons, ligaments, and joints.
• Point impact. Not every massage therapist is able to perform this procedure using acupressure techniques.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine Gymnastics or exercise therapy - a set of exercises for the lumbosacral spine in the video.

The entire comprehensive physical exercise program used to diagnose lumbar osteochondrosis should help increase mobility in the lumbar region.Therapeutic gymnastics will not be effective if exercise is performed occasionally. The main principle of exercise therapy is regularity. Consistent performance of a specific set of exercises will help eliminate the destructive process of the intervertebral joints. Exercise therapy is contraindicated in the presence of acute pain. For severe pain, doctors recommend bed rest and wearing a special corset. When the pain subsides, you can try therapeutic exercises.

Physical therapy for lumbar osteochondrosis

This conservative treatment method is one of the most effective. However, to achieve the desired results, you need to spend a lot of time. Using multiple types of physical therapy at the same time can help speed recovery. This treatment method has many contraindications that cannot be ignored. Typically, physical therapy is used for children, pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and elderly patients.Physiotherapy is prohibited in the following situations:

• cancer;
• Acute phase of osteochondrosis;
• Severe impairment of central nervous system function;
• Injury to an area that should receive physical therapy.

Today, many physical therapy methods have become popular in the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis.

• UV radiation. Heating the pathological area helps improve blood supply, eliminate spasms, and eliminate pain.
• Magnetic therapy, electrophoresis. Application of this method involves exposing painful areas of the spine to magnetic/electric fields. Through this action, the body's metabolic processes are established, inflammatory phenomena are eliminated (completely/partially), and recovery is accelerated.
• Laser Treatment. Due to the influence of the helium-neon emitters, the condition of the affected spinal roots improved significantly.
• Balneotherapy. The main ingredients used to perform related physical procedures are therapeutic mud and mineral water.
• Decompression therapy (mechanical stretching of the spine). Associated with severe back pain.

Folk remedies for lumbar osteochondrosis

This treatment involves the use of ointments, liniments, and dressings containing medicinal plants. This type of therapy helps reduce inflammation and eliminate pain. It is recommended to use folk remedies with caution in the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis: allergic reactions may occur/occur.Often, friction and compression are used when fighting disease:

• Red pepper tincture: used to rub painful areas in the lower back. To prepare the medicine, you need to mix 1 tbsp. Vodka (diluted with medical alcohol), 20-25 g dry red pepper powder. These ingredients need to be soaked (stirring occasionally) for 5-7 days.
• Camphor and mustard: Apply daily before going to bed. To prepare this product, mix mustard powder (50 g), camphor alcohol (50 ml), medical alcohol (90-100 ml), beaten egg whites (3 pieces). After mixing well, you should have a liquid ointment.
• Honey and Aloe Vera: Use for lower back compression (2 times daily). To prepare this product you need honey (100 ml), dilute medical alcohol (150 ml), aloe vera juice (50 ml). The mixture should sit for 10-12 hours before use.
• Horseradish and Alcohol: Use on affected areas of the back. To prepare this product, mix horseradish root juice and medical alcohol in equal proportions. After wiping, wrap the treated area.
• Garlic juice and lard (1: 2): used to rub painful areas on the lower back.
• Cabbage leaves peeled from their thick veins: used for compresses. Cabbage leaves should be soaked in hot water (not exceeding 60°C) before use. You can use a bandage/gauze to secure the leaves to your lower back. Once the leaf color has changed, the process can be repeated.

Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis

Preventing the disease involves a range of measures.Proper nutrition. The diet should be balanced and low in calories. It is not recommended to eat more than 6 times a day. Certain foods should dominate your daily diet.

• Fish (sea).
• Vegetable fats (olive oil, flaxseed oil).
• Dairy products with the lowest dye and sugar content.
• Dishes containing gelatin (aspic, jellies).
• Animal cartilage (can be used to prepare first dishes).
• Fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Greenery.
• mineral water.

Taking a vitamin and mineral complex (1-2 times a year) can help.active lifestyle

• swim.
• Take a daily walk.
• Gymnastics exercises (also suitable for pregnant women).

Perform simple physical exercises (15-20 minutes a day) designed to strengthen your back muscles.Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine can progress from an acute to a chronic phase, which means annual expenses on massages, pain relief injections, and warming ointments. If this is not treated, the consequences can be very tragic, even paralysis or death!