According to statistics, 8 out of 10 people suffer from discomfort and pain in the spine.Although the majority do not believe that this can be associated with any pathology, they attribute the reasons to the characteristic disadvantages associated during life.
What is osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis is a degenerative dystrophic disease leading to complex damage to the cartilage of the spine.If developed, the process can spread to bone cells and tendons.Significant stress on the spine can lead to the development of this disease.
Lumbar osteochondrosis occurs in the coccyx region, is short-lived and has an acute painful effect.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
When diagnosed, lumbosacral osteochondrosis is defined as when the elasticity of the intervertebral discs is lost, the cartilage is worn and deformed.Ligaments and adjacent 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 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 - connective cell diseases 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 different parts.If the lack of treatment leads to complications, it is necessary to diagnose in time and start treatment.- Erosive- This is a progressive type of intervertebral disc injury with severe symptoms.The progress of the disease is monitored by CT scan or x-ray.The main criterion is the preservation of the sclerotic annular plates.
- Deformation- indicates a permanent pathology of the joints, in connection with this, a degenerative inflammatory process develops.This process destroys joint structure 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, mainly chondroprotectors are used, available in the form of tablets and solution for injection.For positive use, a regimen including multiple forms of medication is necessary.The use of the injections takes place in a very short time and is also considered painful due to the injection directly into the spine.
Additionally, these medications have anti-inflammatories and side effects such as nausea and rashes.
In the treatment of the sacral lumbar spine, nonsteroidal drugs (NSAIDs) are used;they have an anti-inflammatory effect and indications for use in chronic forms and in acute pain.
The joint intake of a course of vitamins, chondroprotectors and glucosamine also promotes recovery.
Blockade for osteochondrosis
In cases of severe pain that disrupts normal sleep, it is useddrug blocks.This treatment is used in all types of osteochondrosis localization.
This application only temporarily relieves pain;the medicine is injected through a puncture with a syringe into the spine.Therapeutic blocks often used are carried out with a powerful analgesic.
Physiotherapeutic methods
Physiotherapeutic treatment consists of reducing pain and inflammation:
- Vibration effect thanks to vibration massageis the main method of physiotherapy.
- Ultrasound therapy is also used, makes it possible to treat painful manifestations, has three factors influencing the body: thermal, physicochemical, mechanical.
- Physiotherapy DarsonvalIt is carried out by supplying current to the skin via a vacuum electrode.Upon exposure to ionization with air, a weak electric discharge appears.With increasing voltage and secondary ionization of air, a stronger discharge occurs.
Massage
When the blood vessels in the spinal cord are compressed, asymmetry of the joint muscles appears.In the deformation zone, compaction occurs, accompanied by spasms, pain and scarring of muscle tissue.
Massage promotes:
- reduce pressure on the arteries of the nerve roots;
- spasms disappear;
- the activity of the vertebrae improves;
- blood circulation is normalized;
- tissue decomposition slows;
- prevents the development of the disease;
- Prevents muscle atrophy and restores tone.
Improves overall patient well-being;in the early stages, through the use of massage combined with other methods, the symptoms disappear.
Magnetotherapy
To eliminate the exacerbation of osteochondrosis, treatment with magnetic fields is used.With this treatment, pain disappears, blood circulation is normalized, muscles relax and 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, also portable, when used at home.
Manual therapy and acupuncture
The manual therapy method consists of jerky movements using the hands to restore mobility through different techniques:
- Manipulation techniqueinvolves measured, slow stretching of the spinal joints combined with versatile bends and turns.
- Gentle techniqueIt is considered intended for relaxation for a gradual reduction of pain and a release of the muscular corset.
The acupuncture therapy method, based on the study of biological zones and their impact with needles, deserves special attention.Reduces the patient's need for anti-inflammatories and analgesics.
Therapeutic exercise
Participation in sports procedures for osteochondrosis is considered necessary, but taking into account all stages of the disease, you should carefully select physical exercises:
- Exercises on spinal simulatorspromotes the treatment of spinal curvature, scoliosis, kyphosis, disc herniation and strengthening of the muscular 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 your lower back muscles.
- Walking with osteochondrosisnecessary in this regard, we use Nordic walking, recognized as effective by experts.Thanks to the poles, the load is evenly distributed across the shoulder girdle and arms, reducing pressure on the joints and spine.
It is contraindicated to practice sports such as:
- Tennis.
- Discus throw.
- High jump.
- Frequent sporting 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 authorization of a doctor or under the supervision of an instructor.
Exercises
When performing therapeutic exercises, problem areas are subjected to stress in order not to cause damage and return them to their normal form:
- You must lie down on a flat floor,Place one palm of your hand on your stomach and the other just above your chest.During a gentle inhalation, the stomach should rise first, then the chest.Exhale slowly.You must repeat it 10 times during the day, 4 to 3 times.
- Get into a lying position and raise your headand the body, having previously placed your hands in front of you, stay 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 backrest upwardsSlowly bend the back of the chair while taking a deep breath.Then lean forward as you exhale and do this exercise 4 to 5 times.
- For the lower back- stand up, place your hands on your hips and gently lean forward, backward and to the sides.Then perform slow movements of the pelvis back and forth, repeat 10 times in each direction.
Yoga and Pilates
Using yoga or Pilates involves the gentleness 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;these exercises are similar to yoga:
- While standing, inhaling, raise your arms above youand as you exhale, lean over your right foot and touch it.Repeat the same action with a tilt towards the left leg.In this case, keep your back straight;this is done for 2 minutes.
- Cobra exercise— lie on your chest, place your palms close to each other, 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 stay 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 socket with your chin, hold for a while, then tilt your head back and hold.Repeat the exercise for 5 minutes.
Orthopedic devices
Orthopedic spinal correction devices are indicated for osteochondrosis:
- Orthopedic corset- used in the treatment of weakened muscles, it does not limit movements and protects against displacement of the intervertebral discs, and also serves to restore the spine.After the first application, thanks to fixation, relief occurs, spasms and pain disappear.
- 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
Anyone, regardless of profession and age, can apply Dr. Bubnovsky's method.After diagnosis, the doctor prescribes an individual treatment method, taking into account the nature of the localization and pain.
Gymnastics using this method is performed 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 relapses, people suffering from osteochondrosis try to use different treatment methods.In this case, you need to abandon your usual affairs, but you can leave the warm-up in the bathhouse.
The sauna promotes proper 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:
- Massages.
- 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- to do this, you must spread it into a thin cake, cut it to the required size to apply it to the painful part.Attach it to that area and keep it on 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 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, compresses of 300 mg are used.Dissolve the mumiyo in a glass of water, then make compresses.
- Mustard dressings- have warming and healing properties.With the expansion of blood vessels, they have the ability to disperse blood, while increasing the supply of useful elements and oxygen.They also relieve pain and inflammation, thereby improving the condition of the intervertebral discs.
Kuznetsov applicatorhas 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 clips.
It also has additional devices with tips and magnetic elements.Tip size is 2-5mm, intermediate length is 2-8mm.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis
Neurologists specializing in acute osteochondrosis recommend swimming exclusively in pools, since 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 chosen depending on the disease.
Also for prevention, you should follow the rules of good sleep, including:
- choose the right mattress;
- smooth base of medium hardness;
- orthopedic pillows;
- a proper diet, which includes the consumption of foods containing vitamins C, PP, E, B3.
Rules for sitting - this requires a non-soft chair or chair, and the weight of the body 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
The work stoppage and its duration depend on the complications and the nature of the illness:
- Pain syndrome.
- Inactivity caused by illness.
- Working conditions and profession.
- Also from the treatment prescribed by the doctor.
- With radicular syndrome, this 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.
Inpatient treatment is prescribed in severe cases, after which the doctor recommends changing professions.