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 causes of the characteristic inconveniences associated with the course of life.
What is osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis is a degenerative dystrophic disease with a complex lesion of cartilage in the spine. In cases of development, it can spread to bone cells and tendons. Severe stress on the spine can lead to the development of this disease.
Lumbar osteochondrosis occurs in the area of the coccyx, has a short nature and an acute painful 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. The ligaments and adjacent vertebrae also enter the process of deformation over time. Restriction of movement due to back and leg pain is considered characteristic.
Most often such osteochondrosis occurs 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 innate 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 different parts. As the lack of treatment leads to complications due to this, you need 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-ray examination. The main criterion is the retention of sclerosed annular plates.
- Deformation- means 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 physical activity is the cause of this pathology, although it may depend on other factors.
Treatment and rehabilitation
Medicine
In the treatment of the lumbar spine, mainly chondroprotectors are used, which are available in the form of tablets and solution for injection. For positive use, a regimen of several forms of medication is required. The use of injections is done for 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.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used in the treatment of the lumbar sacral spine, which 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.
Blockage in osteochondrosis
In case of severe 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. Frequently used therapeutic blockade is performed with a strong analgesic.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy treatment involves reducing pain and inflammation:
- Vibration massage with vibration massageis the main method of physiotherapy.
- Ultrasound therapy is also used, which allows to treat manifestations of pain, there are three factors influencing the body: thermal, physicochemical, mechanical.
- Darsonval physiotherapyis performed by applying 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 dilution occurs.
Massage
When the blood vessels of the spinal cord are compressed, asymmetry of the joint muscle occurs. In the area of deformation there is a thickening, accompanied by spasms, pain and scarring of muscle tissue.
Massage encourages:
- reduction of pressure on the arteries of the nerve roots;
- spasms disappear;
- vertebral activity improves;
- blood circulation is normalized;
- slows tissue breakdown;
- 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 therapy is used to eliminate the exacerbation of osteochondrosis. With this treatment, the pain disappears, blood circulation is normalized, muscles relax and the nutrition of the intervertebral discs improves.
The procedure is applied with exacerbation, 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 sharp movements with the hands to restore mobility using various techniques:
- Manipulation techniqueinvolves dosed, slow extension of the joints of the spine associated with flexible flexion and rotation.
- Soft techniqueis considered to be aimed at relaxation to gradually reduce pain and relax the muscular corset.
The method of acupuncture therapy, based on the study of biological areas and their exposure with needles, deserves great 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, exercise should be carefully selected:
- Spine Simulator Classespromotes the treatment of spinal curvature, scoliosis, kyphosis, disc herniation and strengthening the muscular corset.
- Therapeutic exercises in the poollead to good results and are considered safe without injury. For 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 muscles of the lower back.
- Walking with osteochondrosisis necessary in this regard, using Scandinavian walking, recognized by experts as effective. Due to the poles, the load is evenly distributed on the shoulder girdle and arms, which reduces the pressure on the joints and spine.
It is contraindicated to engage in any sport such as:
- Tennis.
- Throw a disc.
- High jumps.
- Frequent sports activities.
The same contraindications for osteochondrosis apply when:
- Intervertebral hernia in the lumbar spine.
- At the exacerbation stage.
Swimming is possible with the permission of a doctor or under the supervision of an instructor.
Exercises
When performing medical gymnastics, problem areas are exposed to stress so as not to harm them and return them to their normal shape:
- You should lie on a flat floor,place one palm on your abdomen and the other just above your chest. In case of smooth inhalation, the stomach should be raised first, then the chest, and we should exhale slowly. You need to repeat it 10 times a day 4-3 times.
- Take a supine 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.
- Unlock your upper back upThe back of the chair slowly bends back as you inhale deeply. Then lean forward while exhaling, do this exercise 4-5 times.
- For the lower back- stand up, put your hands on your hips, lean back and forth and sideways slightly. 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 involves the smoothness and precision of one movement that gradually transitions into another. It is necessary to mentally control the condition of the muscle in each position.
Deep breathing promotes relaxing and calming effects, similar to yoga:
- In an upright position, while inhaling, raise your arms above youand as you exhale, bend to your right leg and touch. Repeat the same action with a tilt to the left leg. In this case, keep your back straight, performed within 2 minutes.
- Exercise a cobra- lie on your chest with your palms, place around, on your hands to lift yourself as you inhale, throwing your head back. Keep your arms straight, breathing should be light, chest open and in this position for 20 seconds.
- Turn your head right and left,will hold for 10 seconds, then tilt your head down, trying to reach with your chin to the jugular cavity, hold for a while, then tilt your head back and hold on. Repeat the exercise for 5 minutes.
Orthopedic aids
Orthopedic devices for spinal correction are indicated for osteochondrosis:
- Orthopedic corset- used to treat weakened muscles, while not restricting movement and preventing displacement of the intervertebral discs, and also serves to restore the spine. After the first application, due to the fixation, comes relief, spasm and pain subside.
- 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. Bubnovski
Anyone, regardless of profession and age, can apply Dr. Bubnovski's method. After diagnosis, the doctor prescribes an individual method of treatment, while taking into account the nature of the location and pain.
Gymnastics by this method is done independently or on multifunctional simulators under the supervision of a specialist. This allows you to distribute the load purposefully on specific muscle groups, while helping to relieve swelling, pain and cramps.
What can and what can't be done with osteochondrosis?
To avoid recurrence, 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.
The bath promotes good warming and stimulates physiological processes that reduce tension, swelling and pain. It is recommended to stay in the steam bath for no more than 10 minutes in a row and take a break at the same time.
You can also use:
- Massage.
- Yoga.
- Swimming.
- Sports.
What is not recommended for osteochondrosis:
- Lift weights.
- Overeating.
- Wear uncomfortable shoes.
Folk remedies at home
For the treatment of osteochondrosis at home, you can use alternative methods along with traditional treatment:
- Propolis- for this you need to roll it out into a thin cake, cut the required size to apply on the affected part. Fix in this area and save 1-2 days, the procedure is performed with a break of 12 hours until the pain disappears completely.
- Leeches- the essence of prevention is to relieve pain caused by venous blood flow, which stagnates and provokes inflammation. Leeches bite the skin of the affected area and suck blood, inject Hirudin, which has a healing effect and improves the course of biochemical processes.
- Mumiyo- used in diseases of the musculoskeletal system, has a stimulating, regenerating and anti-inflammatory effect. In osteochondrosis, 300 mg compresses are used. Dissolve the mummy in a glass of water, then make compresses.
- Mustard plasters- have healing warming properties. With the dilation of blood vessels and have the ability to disperse the blood, while increasing the flow of nutrients and oxygen. They also relieve the sensation of pain and inflammation, improving the condition of the intervertebral discs.
Kuznetsov's applicatorhas a fairly simple structure, including plastic plates with spikes that are fixed on a solid base. Depending on the basis of the pain, the applicator has a different shape: a flat pad, a roller or a belt with buckles.
There are also 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 swimming pools, because there is a current in the natural reservoirs, which will increase the load on the spine. The water temperature should be 30 degrees, after which you can reduce it to 23 and depending on the disease, a swimming style is chosen.
You should also follow the rules for proper sleep in prevention, which include:
- choosing the right mattress;
- flat base with medium hardness;
- orthopedic pillows;
- the right diet, which includes the use of foods with vitamins C, PP, E, B3.
Sitting rules - this requires a soft chair or stool until the body weight will not put pressure on the lower back. The body itself must be on the sciatic tubercles, which is only possible on rigid seats.
Hospital - with osteochondrosis of the lumbar region
Sick leave and its duration depend on the complications and the nature of the disease:
- Pain syndrome.
- The disease causes immobility.
- Working conditions and profession.
- Also from the treatment prescribed by the doctor.
- In radicular syndrome it can be prolonged up to 3 weeks.
- In case of complications, more than six months.
- Lumbar osteochondrosis - depends on the location, the severity of the pain syndrome from complications and lasts at least a week.
In severe cases, inpatient treatment is prescribed, after which the doctor recommends a change of profession.