According to statistics, 8 out of 10 people suffer from aches and pains in the spine. Although most do not believe that this can be associated with any pathology, attributing the reasons to the characteristic discomforts 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 the event of a development 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 acute pain effect.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
Lumbosacral osteochondrosis in the diagnosis has a definition when the elasticity disappears in the intervertebral discs, the cartilage is erased and deformed. Adjacent ligaments and vertebrae also go into the deformation process over time. Restriction of movement due to a feeling 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 specificities.
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 different segments of the spine and its various departments. With the lack of treatment leads to complications due to this, it is necessary to diagnose and start treatment on time.- Erosive- this is a progressive type of intervertebral disc injury has a character with severe symptoms. The course of the disease is monitored by CT or X-rays. The main criterion is the preservation of the sclerosed annular plaques.
- 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. The cause of this pathology is excessive stress, although it can depend on other factors.
Treatment and rehabilitation
Medication
In the treatment of the lumbar spine, chondroprotectors are mainly used, available in the form of tablets and solution for injection. For positive use, a regimen of different forms of drugs is required. The use of injections occurs in a significantly short time and is also considered painful due to injecting an injection directly into the spine.
These drugs also have anti-inflammatory side effects of nausea and skin 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 acute pain.
The combined intake of vitamins, chondroprotectors and glucosamine also promotes recovery.
Blockade of osteochondrosis
In case of severe pain that interferes with normal sleep,drug blockeris used. Such treatment is used in all types of osteochondrosis localization.
This application only temporarily relieves pain, the drug is injected through a puncture with a syringe into the spine. The commonly used therapeutic block is performed with a strong analgesic.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy treatment consists in reducing pain and inflammation:
- Vibration exposure with vibration massageis the main method of physiotherapy.
- Ultrasound therapy is also used, allows to treat the manifestations of pain, has three factors that affect the body: thermal, physico-chemical, mechanical. The
- Darsonval Physiotherapyis performed by supplying current to the skin through a vacuum electrode. With the effect of ionization with air, a weak electric discharge appears. With increasing voltage and secondary ionization of the air, a stronger discharge occurs.
Massage
When the blood vessels of the spinal cord are compressed, asymmetry of the joint muscles appears. Compaction occurs in the area of deformation, accompanied by spasms, pain and scarring of muscle tissue.
Massage promotes:
- decrease in pressure on the arteries of the nerve roots;
- the 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.
It 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 the pain disappears, the blood circulation is normalized, the muscles relax and the nutrition of the intervertebral discs improves.
The procedure is applied with exacerbation, as well as in all stages of the disease, using stationary devices, even portable ones, 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:
- The manipulation techniqueincludes slow, meticulous extension of the spinal joints associated with versatile flexion and rotation.
- 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 a lot of 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, it is necessary to carefully select physical exercises:
- Classes on vertebral simulatorspromotes the treatment of spinal curvature, scoliosis, kyphosis, herniated disc and strengthening of the muscular corset.
- Therapeutic exercises in the poollead to good results and are considered safe without injury. In 30-45 minutes of water procedures, complete muscle relaxation is achieved without much effort. These activities can improve mood and 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, reducing the pressure on the joints and spine.
It is contraindicated to play sports such as:
- Tennis.
- Discus throw.
- High jumps.
- Frequent athletic activities.
The same contraindications for osteochondrosis are used for:
- Intervertebral hernia in the lumbar spine.
- In the phase of exacerbation.
Swimming is possible with the permission of a doctor or under the supervision of an instructor.
Exercises
When doing medical gymnastics, the problem areas are exposed to stress so as not to damage them and restore them to their normal form:
- You need to lie down on a flat floor,place one palm on your stomach with the other just above your chest. With regular inhalation, the stomach should first rise, then the chest, slowly exhale. You need to repeat 10 times during the day 4-3 times.
- Take a prone position, raise your headand, after emphasizing with your hands in front of you, hold your 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 backthe back of the chair slowly lean back while taking a deep breath. Then lean forward as you exhale, do this exercise 4-5 times.
- For the lower back- stand up, place your hands on your hips, gently lean back and forth and to the sides. Then make slow movements with the pelvis back and forth, repeat 10 times in each direction.
Yoga and pilates
The use of yoga or pilates implies the fluidity and precision of one movement that gradually flows into another. It is necessary to mentally check the condition of the muscle in each pose.
Deep breathing promotes relaxing and calming effects, similar to yoga:
- Stand upright as you inhale, raise your arms above youand as you exhale bend towards your right foot and touch. Repeat the same action with a lean to the left leg. In this case, keep your back straight, done within 2 minutes.
- Cobra exercise- lie on the chest of the palm, place it on your hands to stand up as you inhale, after throwing your head back. Keep your arms straight, breathing should be light, chest is open and is in this position for 20 seconds. & lt; 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 limiting movement and protecting against displacement of the intervertebral discs, and also serves to restore the spine. After the first application, due to fixation, relief comes, spasm and pain subside.
- Pillow- reduces the load on the lumbar region by relieving the pelvic organs. The orthopedic device reduces pain, maintains muscle tone and reduces vibrations. There is another type of pillow device designed for the cervical spine during sleep.
Methodology of the author of Dr. Bubnovsky
Everyone, regardless of occupation and age, can apply Dr. Bubnovsky's method. After diagnosis, the doctor prescribes an individual method of treatment, taking into account the nature of the localization and pain.
Gymnastics according to this method is performed independently or on multifunctional simulators under the supervision of a specialist. This allows you to distribute the load in a targeted way on specific muscle groups, helping to relieve swelling, pain and spasms.
What can and what cannot be done with osteochondrosis?
To avoid relapses, people with osteochondrosis try different treatments. In this case, you have to give up the usual things, while you can leave the heating in the bath.
The bath promotes a good warm-up and stimulates the physiological processes by which tension, swelling and pain are reduced. It is advisable to stay in the Turkish bath for no more than 10 consecutive minutes and take a break with the same amount of time.
You can also use:
- Massage.
- Yoga.
- Swimming.
- Sport.
What is not recommended for osteochondrosis:
- Lift weights.
- Eating too much.
- Wear uncomfortable shoes.
Treatment with folk remedies at home
For the treatment of osteochondrosis at home, alternative methods can be used in combination 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 causes inflammation. Leeches bite 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, 300 mg tablets are used. Dissolve the mumiyo in a glass of water, then make tablets.
- Mustard plasters- have healing and warming properties. With the expansion of blood vessels and have the ability to disperse blood, 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, it includes plastic plates with spikes, which are fixed on 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 accessories with tips and magnetic elements. The size of the pins ranges from 2 to 5 mm, the intermediate length 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, so it is possible to lower it to 23, and depending on the disease, a swimming style is chosen.
Also in prevention it is necessary to follow the rules of proper sleep, which include:
- choose 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 possible only on hard seats.
Hospital - with osteochondrosis of the lumbar region
Sick leave and its duration depend on the complications and the nature of the course of the disease:
- Pain syndrome.
- The immobility triggered by the disease.
- Working conditions and profession.
- Even from the treatment prescribed by the doctor.
- With radicular syndrome, it can be prolonged up to 3 weeks.
- In case of complications, more than six months.
- Lumbar osteochondrosis - depends on the localization site, the severity of pain due to complications and lasts at least a week.
Inpatient treatment is prescribed in severe cases, after which the doctor recommends a change of occupation.