Lumbar osteochondrosis: treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis at home. Symptoms and diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the lumbar

30.06.2020 -

One of the differences between a man and an animal is that the first one moves on two legs, while his back is straight. So the main burden falls on. There are other factors that can increase the load: overweight, flat feet, lifting large loads. All this little by little makes the annulus fibrosus thinner, which can cause hernias and protrusions. In this case, the vertebrae are deformed, as outgrowths called are formed. This is how, in the end, the lower back is born.

In the article, we will consider what an exacerbation of lumbar osteochondrosis is: treatment, medications, indications and contraindications to them.

Where does pathology begin?

Our spine is subjected to serious stress every day. Often these loads are even too large, therefore they pose a danger to the health of the spinal column. Indeed, due to excessive loads, the spine is injured, its cartilaginous tissues lose their elasticity. And then the spinal column weakens, loses strength and endurance.

At first, the patient does not notice any symptoms. Osteochondrosis is a chronic pathology. The body cannot instantly repair damage. pinch the nerve roots. As a result, the leg and groin begin to hurt sharply. This is how exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the lower back manifests itself.

Let's talk about what people usually attribute the onset of an exacerbation to. Consider whether these reasons are as dangerous as it is believed, or is it just a myth.

From stress

Yes, being nervous is bad. This, among other things, is harmful for the intervertebral discs to receive nutrients. However, not to such an extent that his sharp ischemia manifested itself. Even the most extreme stress cannot cause this. However, a strong experience can hide an uncomfortable movement from the attention of the patient. But this very movement in an uncomfortable position can be the cause of an exacerbation. If it is impossible to straighten up, dizziness and / or migraine, you should not only treat the exacerbation itself, but also drink a course of sedation - Novo-Passit or Glycised are suitable for this. After that, make a scheduled visit to either a neuropsychiatrist or a psychotherapist.

As a result of massage

In order to provoke an exacerbation of this pathology, massage must meet at least one of the following criteria:

performing such a procedure for anything other than back treatment. For example, massage for weight loss;
the massage therapist does not know about the client's osteochondrosis;
The massage therapist is not a specialist.

A real professional in his field, who has seen the pictures and has recommendations from the treating neurologist of the client, can do massage without harm to him even seven days after the exacerbation began. If there is a deterioration, then only for a while. According to masseurs, this is due to the fact that blood and lymph circulation returns to normal in the diseased area.

Seasonal exacerbation

But this is no longer a myth. Seasonal exacerbations depend on the change of weather. Atmospheric pressure can affect even healthy intervertebral discs, and even more so for sick ones. However, each part of the spine is affected by its own season.

Table number 1. Manifestations of discomfort associated with osteochondrosis, depending on the season.

Season	Peculiarities
Spring	As a rule, in the spring, the bottom of the thoracic region hurts more.
Winter	In winter, the lower chest also begins to hurt more, as well as the lumbar spine. Winter exacerbation is caused by the reaction of the pelvic organs and the urinary system to the cold. Inflammation of these organs causes them to engage the spinal muscles, which as a result affect the spinal column.
Summer and winter	Approximately in July and January, during extreme heat or cold, exacerbations of osteochondrosis of the discs occur in the area from the gap between the shoulder blades to the lumbar spine. In the spring and by July, pain in the upper part of the lower back intensifies.
Autumn	During that part of autumn when it is cold and dry outside, the neck, lower back and upper chest hurt. Moreover, the lower back hurts as a result of the reaction of the large intestine, and the neck from hypothermia. In the latter case, the patient himself is to blame: the neck is supercooled because of his efforts to dress as lightly as possible as often as possible.

Video - Seasonal exacerbation of osteochondrosis

Due to alcohol consumption

Ethyl alcohol generally spoils the recovery processes throughout the body, including in the spinal column. On the other hand, alcohol itself has nothing to do with it. An exacerbation occurs due to the negative effect of alcohol on brain activity, which can make a drunk patient take an uncomfortable position or forget to dress as best as possible.

due to PMS

It's definitely a myth. Yes, during "unpleasant days" the level of estrogen, which provides bone strength in women, drops sharply. But menstruation rarely lasts longer than a week, and therefore this decrease in hormones cannot in any way provoke an exacerbation of osteochondrosis. And the most common menstrual pain caused by bleeding is quite similar to the symptom of exacerbation.

Because of a cold

Partly a myth. The cold itself has nothing to do with it. Exacerbation is caused by hypothermia of the body. This very hypothermia inflames the nerve root, where the pathology of the intervertebral disc has already disrupted blood circulation. Pain in the spine during a cold is a signal that chronic inflammation has appeared somewhere in the body. And the exacerbation of any chronic infections may cause an exacerbation of osteochondrosis. The fact is that osteochondrosis destroys a portion of the disc. Part of this very disk is in the spinal canal. And then, in order to "pull" it out of there, the body starts a whole allergic process. Because of this, it seems to him that the protein of this "splinter" is alien. As soon as inflammation starts somewhere in the body, the immune system is immediately activated. So are the proteins responsible for allergies. Any, including the one that is caused by the protein of the intervertebral disc of the organism itself.

Because of the bath

Here the danger is a sharp temperature drop. In order not to get an aggravation, you need to follow a certain technique for completing bath procedures: after steaming, dry yourself thoroughly, spend a little time in a cooler room, and only after doing this, go outside. Going to the bathhouse during an exacerbation will necessarily entail an increase in both pain and other symptoms. The same is fraught with drinking alcohol when overheating in a steam room, and then going out into the snow or diving into cold water. Everything happens like this: the blood supply to the discs becomes better, the body “rejoices” at the facilitation of the process of their recovery, but immediately gets into a strong cold, as a result of which all foci of pathology suffer even more. To avoid exacerbations, you should not go to the steam room when the pain has not yet begun to decrease. This happens no earlier than a month after it started. Fans after bath procedures to swim in the cold are recommended to both reduce the temperature of the water and increase the time spent in it not immediately, but gradually.

What is accompanied and how is lumbar osteochondrosis diagnosed?

It is possible to choose an effective method for treating this pathology, only knowing exactly each cause of its occurrence, as well as having an idea of how damaged the tissues are. It is possible to diagnose lumbar osteochondrosis by examining the patient, collecting anamnesis data on symptoms, and also using instrumental diagnostics.

In osteochondrosis of the lower back, the signs are as follows:

pain from pathology in the lower back, leg, and buttock;
problems with sensitivity - its loss or, conversely, its increase;
stiffness of the movement of the legs;
problems with the functioning of the pelvic organs.

As the disease progresses, so do its symptoms. They are a reason for the doctor to suspect lumbar osteochondrosis. For the final diagnosis, it is required to examine the patient and do several studies.

A doctor who knows his business in such cases always checks for a number of reflexes characteristic of this pathology.

Checking for a Lages reflex, the doctor straightens the patient's leg, and at the same time raises it. In the presence of a reflex, the pain becomes stronger, leaving immediately after bending the leg.

With an ankylosing spondylitis, straightening the knees and pressing them against a flat surface, such as a wall, causes pain.

With the help of special equipment, you can get additional information about the current state of the spinal cord and nerve roots near the area of inflammation. At the same time, in most cases, they do and, less often, use CT.

Having found out that this pathology is precisely osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the doctor determines the actual method of its treatment. Many of these methods have been developed, from drug treatment to operations. Massage and reflexology are often used with great success.

Medications

For the treatment of osteochondrosis of the lower back, approximately the same drugs are used as for other parts of the spinal column. This is due to the same nature of the pathology.

Classification of drugs according to the principle of action:

analgesics, in order to relieve the patient of acute pain;
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to remove swelling and inflammation;
muscle relaxants, to combat muscle spasms;
glucocorticoid hormonal drugs, but only in the case when other drugs are useless;
chondroprotectors, so that the necessary nutrition is better supplied to the cartilage;
those medicines, thanks to which the microcirculation becomes better, which accelerates the local metabolism;
vitamins and minerals to improve the functioning of the nervous system, as well as the general condition of the patient.

How is a patient treated for an exacerbation?

Medicines for osteochondrosis

When exacerbated, the most important thing is to relieve pain. This is usually expressed in injections of the necessary medicines, since in this way the medicines are most digestible and effective. Later, when the symptoms become mild enough, the patient is given pills.

It is necessary to treat exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the neck in time as completely as possible. This is due to the fact that it is through the cervical spine that vital vessels and nerves pass, and inflammation can block them, which is fraught with very serious consequences.

Pain Relief Medicines

Analgesic drugs:

"Baralgin";
"Analgin".

Non-steroidal drugs that relieve inflammation:

"Naloxifene";
"Ketorol";
"Diclofenac";
"Indomethacin".

A kind of "heavy artillery" here are opioid analgesics such as Tramadol. But due to side effects, such drugs are not used very often.

It is much safer to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), so this is the most popular group of medicines for this pathology.

The principle of action for all these drugs is the same: they inhibit the synthesis of the enzyme by which prostaglandins are created in the body. It is with the participation of these latter that inflammation occurs, and it is precisely without their influence that the feeling of pain in osteochondrosis is not complete.

Muscle relaxants

Muscle relaxants relax the muscles, thereby removing an additional source of pain. Muscles in the zone of osteochondrosis, straining, try to defend themselves, thereby causing pain. If you relax them, the pain will immediately become noticeably easier. Reception of muscle relaxants is prescribed by a doctor who individually selects the dosage. Medicines in this group are available in the form of tablets. The patient takes them until the pain disappears completely, which usually takes 21-28 days. Best of all, according to most doctors, medicines like the following help:

"Mydocalm";
"Baclofen";
"Sirdalud".

Blockade for pain relief

In order to relieve pain in osteochondrosis of the lower back, quite often they resort to the blockade technique. In this case, novocaine and lidocaine are used. In addition, glucocorticoid drugs may also be present in the solution. These medicines are used to treat the affected area. The injections last two to three days.

Under what circumstances are hormonal drugs used?

Hormonal drugs, due to their extreme effectiveness, are a kind of heavy artillery. Such medicines are used when other medicines do not help. In this case, doctors usually use complex agents that contain not only hormones. For example, "Ambene". Such medicines, due to the many side effects, are used for a short time.

Local preparations

To relieve exacerbation of osteochondrosis, it is also recommended to use local medicines: gels and ointments that warm up the sore spot and have a local irritating effect on it. They may include ingredients that relieve inflammation. Popular, for example, the following ointments to relieve symptoms, as well as relieve / reduce pain:

"Voltaren";
"Ketonal";

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is another necessary method for the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis. Only it should not be used during an exacerbation. In this case, they usually affect the reflexogenic places that are responsible for blood circulation, and therefore for the nutrition of the sore spot. The following types of physiotherapy are used at these points:

magnetotherapy;
acupuncture therapy;
electroacupuncture;
application of cold or heat;
application / administration of medicines, that is, pharmacopuncture.

If you use pharmacopuncture, injecting the drug exactly into the sore spot, its concentration can be greatly reduced, and thus most of the unpleasant side effects can be avoided. This allows you to make drug therapy for osteochondrosis of the lower back more effective.

Manual therapy

Not a single case of treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis can do without this type of therapy. Treatment, depending on the individual patient, may have different goals:

relaxing the back with vibration and stroking;
improvement of blood circulation in the lumbar region;
strengthening muscles by deep kneading;
reduction of the vertebra.

With an individual approach, it is possible to develop the best strategy for the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis so that it goes as efficiently as possible.

Massage

This technique is on the list of the most effective types of therapy for osteochondrosis. This pathology spasms the muscles, which means that movements are constrained not only in the lower back, but also in the legs. If the doctor correctly massages the patient, the results of therapy can be as follows:

return of muscle tone to normal;
improving the nutrition of the tissues of the lower back, including the vertebrae;
stronger muscle corset;
pain relief.

During the period of exacerbation of osteochondrosis, only a highly qualified doctor has the right to massage the patient. This is due to the fact that the wrong impact on the spinal column can pinch the nerve endings. At home, massage should be done during remission, and only with gentle methods. In the process, it is necessary to follow several important rules:

the patient lies on something hard, and in the position "on the stomach";
as a preliminary stage of any massage, it is imperative to prepare the back. That is, rub it, knead it and stroke it for a while;
move your hands only from the center to the sides;
three types of massage are allowed at home: cupping, classic, honey.

A classic massage is a variety of kneading and tingling. Everything is done with the fingertips, while the massage therapist should not make much effort. Having prepared the back of the patient, he must find the most painful place and massage it for several minutes.

It involves the use of special vacuum. Oil is smeared on the back of the patient, after which the cans are fixed. The skin grip should be about 1.5 cm and cups should be placed about 3 cm from the spinal column. When massaging, you should move the cans along the lower back in different directions, while you need to start from the bottom.

The easiest massage to perform is. It is the distribution of liquid honey throughout the body by patting. The combination of honey with the effect of the hands has a beneficial effect on blood circulation.

exercise therapy

Alas, the patient does not always have the opportunity to immediately make an appointment with a doctor. Then he has to look for his sources of information about treatment. Here it is safest to do special exercises designed specifically to strengthen the lower back.

The only type allowed during an exacerbation is relaxation and breathing. Then, when the aggravation passes, it is allowed to perform other exercises designed to strengthen the press and back. But even then, in no case should you make sudden movements with a large amplitude, if you do not want to displace the still weak vertebrae. Therefore, it is recommended that you first do the exercises under the supervision of a doctor, and only then yourself, at home.

Below is an effective gymnastic complex.

Lying on your back, bend your knees. Without getting up and without turning over, raise your back, and spend a few seconds in this position, while the weight should be on the thoracic region. Do ten times.
Also, lying on your back, you can download the press. Raise your head up and tighten your abdominal muscles. Stay in this position for half a minute, and from time to time this time must be gradually increased. Do it for 5 minutes.
Lie on a hard one. Bend-bend knees. In the process, the soles should not be torn off the floor, they should slide on the floor. You need to do this exercise for 3-5 minutes.
Another exercise that strengthens the spinal muscles is walking on all fours. In this case, the back should be either raised or concave to the bottom. You can walk this way as much as you can, but preferably at least 15 minutes.

Secrets of traditional medicine

With osteochondrosis, not only official medicine helps, but also a variety of folk remedies. Warming and anti-inflammatory compresses, herbal decoctions, as well as various ointments have proven themselves well.

A decoction of the leaves of burdock (thistle) is a good pain reliever. A compress from it is allowed to leave overnight.

Taking a warm bath with pine needle, knotweed and/or chamomile extract can relax muscles and reduce pain.

If you drink lilac tincture and / or a decoction of St. John's wort and burdock (thistle) roots, pain can be relieved.

Pathology warning

Exacerbations of osteochondrosis can be prevented by observing the following rules:

properly organize work and rest;
sit comfortably;
lie down and stand correctly;
do not lift excessive weights.

you should not sit on the soft. Sedentary work requires a hard chair, the back of which reaches the middle of the head. Moreover, the seat should be located at a height of 2/3 of the femoral length so that the legs are on the floor;
slouching while sitting is also impossible;
once every 15 minutes it is necessary to change the position;
for sleep, use an orthopedic mattress or at least just a hard surface;
if you have to carry heavy weights, load your hands equally;
to lift weights, do not bend over, but squat down, while keeping your back straight;
if possible, try to do self-massage.

Conclusion

For someone who first felt the symptoms of osteochondrosis, it is most difficult to start treatment, and also to understand that the disease of the spine, in this case, is the root of all pathologies in the body. The patient should not put dubious experiments on his health and self-medicate. Especially considering that it is aimed at relieving the symptoms, and not the disease itself. With the timely start of treatment of this pathology, it can be cured quite quickly, and in such a way that only memories remain of the disease.

Causes

Violation of metabolic processes in the human body against the background of a sedentary lifestyle, increased load on the lumbar when lifting weights and prolonged sitting in the wrong position are the main causes of osteochondrosis.

Pinching of blood vessels due to muscle spasms caused by increased stress on the spine threatens to starve the tissues that supply blood to the intervertebral discs.

The result of this is congestion in the lumbar region and a lack of nutrients received.

Degenerative-dystrophic changes resulting from this lead to flattening and shrinkage of the intervertebral discs, which then protrude from the vertebra.

After some time, the fibrous ring ruptures and the nucleus disc protrudes outward, an intervertebral hernia is formed, which often requires surgical intervention.

Due to flattening and drying of the intervertebral discs, the gap between adjacent discs narrows, which leads to pinching of the nerve roots. Lumbar sciatica occurs precisely because of prolonged pinching of the nerve.

By following a number of simple but effective instructions, you can avoid exacerbation or the occurrence of osteochondrosis.

These include:

regular exercise therapy;
acquiring the habit of correct sitting position, change posture more often;
avoiding the impact of increased load on the spinal column, do not lift too heavy objects;
if there is a need to lift something from the floor without bending your back, you should squat down and, using the strength of your hands, lift the object;
do not work in an inclined state, it is better to use special devices so that the back remains straight;
do not allow hypothermia of the spine.

I would like to add that the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis requires a comprehensive, professional approach.

This is possible with the participation of doctors of various specializations: a neurologist, a consultant in physical therapy, a physiotherapist.

Only by joint efforts and the desire of the patient to recover can we hope for a positive outcome. The sooner treatment begins, the more effective it will be. Practice shows that the most persistent results from therapy were manifested in patients who sought help within three months after the onset of pain.

Timely started treatment makes it possible to get rid of this problem and increase the range of motion in the joints.

In order not to wonder how to cure lumbar osteochondrosis, the best option is to prevent this disease. Basic rules to help with this include:

do not be in a forced position for more than half an hour, try to warm up and, if possible, change your position;
do not lift heavy objects, and when exercising in the gym, coordinate all loads with the instructor;
do not lie on a folding bed or in a hammock, it is better to sleep and rest on a hard bed to prevent deflection and displacement of the vertebrae;
wear comfortable shoes with a small heel (less than 4 cm);
avoid increasing your own weight;
replace the bag with a backpack so that the load is distributed evenly;
swim in the pool or ponds to give a rest to the lumbar region.

By following these simple recommendations, you may never think about how to get rid of lumbar osteochondrosis. If this disease still develops, then it will be necessary to consult a doctor in time. With the help of a complex therapeutic effect, in most cases it is possible to eliminate the symptoms of this pathology and continue to lead a normal life.

Degenerative disease of the spine interferes with normal everyday life: the pain does not allow you to perform even the simplest activities in everyday life, and reduces efficiency. If such a disease is not treated on time, the consequences can be irreversible. Therefore, we must remember that the prevention of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is necessary even at a young age. Recommend the following:

for sedentary work, choose the right chair that will relieve the load from the back, keep it in an anatomical position;
avoid drafts, hypothermia;
when lifting weights, distribute the load on both hands, start the movement from a sitting position;
add light physical activity to your life - running, yoga, swimming;
give preference to orthopedic mattresses.

Lumbar osteochondrosis, the treatment of which may differ to a greater extent due to the prerequisites for the development of pathology, has the following causes of its occurrence:

premature development of aging in the intervertebral discs;
the development of pathology or any other changes leading to a loss of muscle tone in the back;
improperly distributed load on the spine - for example, work as a loader or driver leads to a significant load on the lower back;
genetic prerequisites - associated with a disease of the joints, bones, ligaments and tendons;
disk damage due to trauma, bruise, fracture.

To a greater extent, lumbar osteochondrosis develops today in office workers, people who prefer to spend more time driving or using a computer. It turns out that a common cause of the destruction of intervertebral discs is a long static position.

Lumbar osteochondrosis occurs much more often than osteochondrosis of the thoracic or cervical region, because the lower back has the greatest load while walking and running, with prolonged sitting on a chair or lifting weights.

Since this anatomical site takes on the maximum load, its structure is very strong and reliable. The lumbar region consists of five vertebrae and connects the chest to the sacrum. Between them are intervertebral discs, which give the spine flexibility and mobility. In turn, the intervertebral discs consist of a jelly-like core, which is located inside a solid annulus fibrosus.

Thus, the reasons for the development of this pathology are:

spinal injury;
diseases of the endocrine, digestive and cardiovascular systems;
intense physical activity (weight lifting, strong running);
sedentary lifestyle;
malfunctions of the hormonal system;
flat feet;
anomalies of the intervertebral discs;
old age;
inflammatory diseases of the joints, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Risk factors for the development of the disease are:

stoop and violation of posture;
wrong way of life;
malnutrition, obesity;
long stay in the wrong position;
hereditary factor;
stress;
hypothermia.

The main symptom of the disease is back pain. It can be felt immediately or after intense physical activity.

Other symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis are:

aching pain radiating to the lower back;
increased pain after lifting weights, sneezing, coughing, moving the body;
stiffness in the body after a long stay in one position;
constant spasms of the back muscles;
sudden pain sensation (lumbago) after hypothermia of the body;
violation of sensitivity in the buttocks, thigh, lower leg and foot;
paresis in the legs;
chilliness of the feet;
spasm of the arteries of the feet;
increased sweating;
dryness and peeling of the skin in places of pain.

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region can be exacerbated by any awkward movement, for example, when moving or turning the body to the side. In this case, pain is noticed not only in the lower back, but also in the legs. There is also a strong spasm of the lumbar region, because in this way the body relieves the load on this part of the body. During an exacerbation, a person finds a comfortable position for himself, in which pain subsides.

One of the complications of lumbar osteochondrosis is a malfunction of the genitourinary system. Sometimes there is frequent urination and discomfort in the kidney area. Inflammation of the sciatic nerve and lumbalgia (back pain syndrome) can join the disease.

Osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region is considered to be a disease of older people. However, in recent years, lumbosacral osteochondrosis is increasingly being diagnosed in young people (at 25-30 years old). This is due to the fact that many young people lead a sedentary lifestyle and spend a lot of time at the computer.

Lumbar osteochondrosis of the spine is a type of pathology that is localized in the lumbar region. This is one of the most common types of osteochondrosis. The exact causes of the development of the disease are not completely known, however, there are provoking factors, the presence of which significantly increases the likelihood of developing osteochondrosis. These include:

sedentary work;
curvature of posture;
sedentary lifestyle;
excessive stress on the spine (professional sports, regular weight lifting, hard physical labor);
overweight;
back injury;
age (over the years, the tissues of the spine undergo natural aging and thinning processes);
inflammatory diseases in the joints (arthritis, arthrosis, scoliosis, etc.);
diseases accompanied by a violation of metabolic processes;
Unhealthy Lifestyle;
hereditary predisposition.

Main symptoms

During the period of remission, the pain is not sharp, but aching.

An increase in pain is observed with an uncomfortable position of the body, and with a sharp, awkward movement or when lifting weights, an exacerbation occurs, accompanied by severe pain.

When movement is restricted and the patient takes a forced posture, the most optimal in this situation, the pain subsides, but there remains muscle tension that helps to keep the lumbar region in a state of immobility.

A person begins to experience severe pain, usually after some time after heavy physical exertion. Symptoms appear as follows:

Due to an excessive level of load, hypothermia, or performing a sharp movement, lumbar osteochondrosis worsens. In this case, both the lower back and the legs suffer from pathological symptoms. The lumbar muscles are in a state of strong tension, thus, the load on the lumbar region is reduced. The period of exacerbation forces the patient to search for a comfortable position that muffles painful discomfort for a while.

To understand how to cure osteochondrosis of the lumbar, it is necessary to find out all the reasons for its appearance and establish the degree of damage to surrounding tissues. Diagnosis of the disease is based on examination, collection of anamnesis data on the clinical picture (manifestations and symptoms) and instrumental methods.

Lumbar osteochondrosis

The clinical picture of lumbar osteochondrosis consists of the following symptoms:

the appearance of pain in the lumbar region, leg and buttock on the side of the lesion;
sensory disturbance (anesthesia, paresthesia);
decreased motor activity of the lower extremities;
involvement in the process of dysfunction of the pelvic organs (urinary incontinence, impotence).

Symptoms usually gradually increase as pathological changes progress. Based on these manifestations, the doctor can only suspect lumbar osteochondrosis. It is possible to make a final diagnosis only after examination and performing several studies.

Upon examination, a competent specialist will definitely check for the presence of a number of characteristic reflexes:

Lages reflex, in which the doctor raises the patient's straightened leg, and pain intensifies. After bending the limb in the knee joint, the pain instantly disappears.
Bekhterev's reflex consists in the occurrence of pain when pressing the straightened knees to a flat surface.

Instrumental methods allow obtaining additional information about the state of the spinal cord and nervous tissue of the roots located in the immediate vicinity of the spinal lesion. X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging are usually performed, and sometimes computed tomography.

Inside each vertebrae is an annulus fibrosus, which helps support weight bearing. Violation in the cartilage tissue inside the intervertebral discs leads to a situation where the fibrous ring is subjected to increased pressure, protrudes, nerve roots are injured and hence severe pain. Such signs indicate a degenerative-dystrophic disease - osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine. Before going to the doctor, you yourself will be able to notice the symptoms if you have such a disease:

the presence of pain is the main symptom, a healthy person will not have any sensation in the back;
pain may become stronger when a person changes position after a long stay in a certain position;
"lumbago" of the lower back;
tingling, goosebumps in the legs.

Among women

Increased pressure in the lower back affects blood circulation, so organs that are nearby may suffer. Signs of lumbar osteochondrosis in women are diagnosed not only as back pain, but also manifest as disorders of the genitourinary system: problems with the ovaries, uterus may appear, and a neglected disease in reproductive age can even lead to infertility. Therefore, any sensations in the back should be diagnosed in time.

Aggravation

Diseases associated with the spine must be treated on time, avoiding exacerbations and complications. The consequence of degenerative disorders of the sacral spine can be:

scoliosis (it is easy to recognize by the asymmetry of the buttocks);
sciatica;
lordosis;
intervertebral hernia;
pinching and pain of radicular nerve endings.

Therapy of osteochondrosis in the acute phase should be primarily aimed at eliminating the pain syndrome, reducing inflammation and releasing the roots of pinched nerves. That is why complex treatment is prescribed, based on the use of medicines of different groups, physiotherapy, massages. In the exacerbation phase are assigned:

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This group of drugs effectively relieves swelling in the muscles and tissues, due to this, inflammation decreases and the pain attack disappears. Diclofenac, Naproxen, Ibuprofen, Nimesulide are used. These drugs are prescribed in tablet form or as injections. Intramuscular formulation of drugs is preferable for patients with various pathological changes in the gastric mucosa. Helps with lumbar osteochondrosis and external use of anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of ointments. The analgesic effect is provided by Fastum gel, Nurofen ointment and Voltaren. Dolobene gel has regenerating, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
Painkillers. With severe pain, taking NSAIDs in the first days is not enough to relieve pain, so analgesics are used in tablets or injections. Most often, Ketonal, Milgamma are used in injections for effective pain relief. Sometimes therapeutic blockades are required to relieve pain spasm.
Muscle relaxants are a group of drugs aimed at relaxing muscles.
Massage in the acute stage helps to improve blood circulation and tissue nutrition in the area of spasmodic muscles. An experienced massage therapist not only relieves pain, but also releases the pinched nerve roots, but for this, the specialist must be highly qualified.
Physiotherapy is prescribed after the intense pain subsides. Their use also helps to improve cell nutrition. The use of electrophoresis with a drug allows you to deliver the necessary components of drugs to the vertebrae and discs.

At the time of pain and restriction of movement, a sick person must observe strict bed rest. This eliminates the possibility of pinched nerves, partially relieves swelling and pain.

To reduce pain during an attack, it is advisable to use

Which stop the pain and bring significant relief to the patient.

In some cases, blockades are performed using long-acting glucocorticoids or novocaine blockades.

The doctor most often prescribes injections of nicotinic acid, B vitamins and physiotherapy.

In addition, medicinal patches will help get rid of back pain.

One of the most effective and effective methods of treating osteochondrosis is physiotherapy.

Using this method, neighboring tissues are not affected and side effects are minimized.

The benefits of physical therapy are obvious. This method is widely used to treat the elderly, pediatric patients, pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Advantages

normalizes the body's metabolic processes;
stimulates the work of various systems and organs;
improves immunity;
regulates neurohumoral function;
removes the inflammatory process;
reduces pain syndrome;
eliminates spasm and releases pinched nerve roots;
helps to restore the blood supply to the inflamed area;
restores motor function;
reduces the recovery period and the need for pharmaceuticals.

ultraviolet radiation;
laser therapy;
electrophoresis.

Unlike pharmaceutical preparations, physiotherapeutic procedures do not contribute to the occurrence of allergic manifestations and do not lead to an exacerbation of chronic diseases. Physical factors (heat, cold, wave radiation, mechanical effects, electric and magnetic fields) are aimed at healing the body.

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is a chronic degenerative-dystrophic disease of the lumbar spine that affects the structures of the intervertebral discs and adjacent lumbar vertebrae.

It affects mostly people of working age. It manifests itself with various symptoms, the main of which are pain in the lower back and legs, limitation of movements in the lower back. For diagnosis, research methods such as radiography, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine are used.

In this article, you can learn more about the causes, symptoms and methods for diagnosing osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.

What is the essence of the disease?

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine develops as a result of the destruction of the connective tissue of the intervertebral discs, bodies of adjacent vertebrae, articular surfaces of the intervertebral joints and ligaments. All this is due to metabolic disorders under the influence of stress.

At the start of the disease, the breakdown of glycoproteins occurs - complex substances that are a combination of proteins with polysaccharides. These substances determine the firmness and elasticity of the connective tissue. Further, the process extends to the bone structures of the spine adjacent to the cartilage. Such processes are called degenerative-dystrophic.

The intervertebral disc is the first to suffer in the development of pathology. It consists of a pulpous gel-like core and annulus fibrosus. With the development of osteochondrosis, the gel-like substance of the core dries up, losing its elastic shock-absorbing properties. Then the fibrous ring is de-fibred: cracks or ruptures form in it, through which the substance of the core can go beyond its limits. At the same time, the vertebrae begin to experience large mechanical loads, which leads to increased formation of bone and fibrous tissues in places of increased load on the spine and the appearance of bone growths - osteophytes.

Reasons for development

What causes osteochondrosis? To date, there are several theories of occurrence:

mechanical theory: perhaps the main reason should be considered a regular increased load on the spine. That is why osteochondrosis is an almost obligatory lot of loaders, miners, builders and people of similar professions. The occurrence of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is associated mainly with inclinations and lifting of gravity, forced by an uncomfortable working posture;
another development factor can be incorrect posture, sitting in the wrong position, which is especially important for knowledge workers;
sometimes hereditary features of the structure of the spine and the nutrition of its individual structures play a role;
traumatic theory: any injury to the spine (even the smallest one) can trigger a degenerative process;
hormonal metabolic disorders and endocrine diseases can adversely affect the metabolism in the tissues of the spinal column and contribute to the development of osteochondrosis;
age theory implies the natural wear of discs in the process of life.

Rarely, only one of these theories is able to explain the occurrence of osteochondrosis in each specific case. More often than not, several factors are at fault.

In the occurrence of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, excess weight plays an important role, since it in itself is an overload for the spinal column. The higher the body mass index (degree of obesity), the more pronounced are usually changes in the spine. Among other reasons that provoke the appearance of osteochondrosis, it can be noted:

passive lifestyle;
malnutrition (fast food, excess sweets, semi-finished products: all this leads to an imbalance of trace elements) and lack of fluid;
anomalies in the structure of the spine (for example, the presence of an additional lumbar vertebra);
constant wearing of shoes with high heels;
pregnancy (due to excessive load on the lumbar spine);
sudden cessation of training in persons professionally involved in sports;
smoking and alcohol abuse: as factors accelerating the aging process in the body.

stages

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is an irreversible process. The manifestations of the disease depend on the degree of development of the pathology. There are four degrees:

1st degree - the period of change and movement of the nucleus pulposus inside the disc.
2nd degree - the period of destruction of the fibrous ring of the disc.
3rd degree - the period of ruptures of the fibrous ring and the release of the substance of the nucleus pulposus beyond its limits with the formation of a disc herniation.
4th degree - the period of the spread of the degenerative process to the vertebrae with the involvement of the intervertebral joints and ligaments. Arthrosis of the intervertebral joints (spondyloarthrosis) develops.

Symptoms

The main symptom of osteochondrosis is pain in the back, lower back (lumbago), which radiate to the leg along the sciatic nerve (sciatica).

Symptoms of the disease appear as they develop - as a rule, not earlier than the second stage. Initially, they occur with sudden movements, physical exertion, then turn into constant aching pain with exacerbations. In the last stages, pain occurs when coughing, sneezing, i.e. little physical activity.

Pinched nerves as a result of osteochondrosis causes radicular syndrome:

shooting pain in the lower back;
there is a violation of the sensitivity of the skin on the legs;
muscle weakness;
decreased tendon reflexes;
tingling in the legs;
chilliness of the lower extremities and spasm of the arteries of the feet;
sweating disorder.

The back loses flexibility, and changes in body position and increased load on the spinal column cause pain, forcing the patient not to make sudden movements.

Deformation processes caused by osteochondrosis entail limitation of mobility, difficulty in bending, spasms of the lumbar muscles.

Osteochondrosis causes instability of the vertebrae. Under load, the lumbar is displaced from the sacrum, which can provoke a malfunction of the internal organs. Side effects of osteochondrosis can be irritability and weakness, sleep disturbance, discomfort and loss of strength, disruption of the genitourinary system.

Effects

One of the complications of osteochondrosis is protrusion of the intervertebral discs.

This is the initial stage of an intervertebral hernia, in which the discs protrude beyond the spinal column without breaking the outer shell of the fibrous ring, but with damage to the inner one.

The size of the protrusion reaches 1-5 mm, which causes irritation of the nerve roots, pain syndrome that occurs when the nerves are irritated in different positions of the body.

Protrusion is accompanied by:

back pain;
stiffness;
radiculitis;
muscle weakness in the legs;
numbness
tingling;
pain in the feet;
toes;
dysfunction of urination.

Neuralgic complications (pain syndromes, stiffness, limitation of mobility, lumbalgia syndrome, lumboischialgia) of osteochondrosis are associated with protrusion of the discs backwards and irritation of the posterior longitudinal ligament.

In addition, complications of osteochondrosis include:

intervertebral hernia;
sciatica;
Schmorl's hernia;
spondylarthrosis (arthrosis of the lumbosacral spine);
spondylosis and osteophytosis (compaction, bone growths on the vertebrae);
migraine;
stenosis of the spinal canal (disability);
compression myelopathy (compression of the spinal cord);
foot paresis;
horse tail syndrome (pain, paralysis of the buttocks and legs);
lameness.

Diagnostics

The doctor will be able to suggest a diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine on the basis of complaints made by the patient, anamnesis of the disease, and objective examination data (special attention is paid to the examination of the spine). In order to clarify the diagnosis are used:

radiography of the lumbar spine in two (direct and lateral) projections;
CT scan;
Magnetic resonance imaging.

How to treat osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine?

The duration and features of the treatment of lumbosacral osteochondrosis depends on the results of diagnostic measures. In the early stages of the development of the disease, conservative treatment is indicated. For more complex lesions of the spine, surgical intervention is used.

The optimal therapeutic effect is achieved through complex therapy, which involves the use of local drugs, physiotherapy, massage, and recreational gymnastics.

Medical treatment

Scientists annually develop new drugs that help to stop the signs of lumbosacral osteochondrosis. There is a certain group of drugs, the names of medicines from these groups are selected by the doctor on an individual basis.

Anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal drugs. These include Diclofenac, Meloxicam, Indomethacin, Nise. Effective for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the 2nd degree. The drugs are used in the form of tablets, intramuscular injections, ointments, capsules and rectal suppositories. Sometimes, with an exacerbation of the pathology, the doctor may prescribe injections of Lornoxicam (up to 16 mg / day).
Chondroprotectors (Fleksinovo, Teraflex, Collagen Ultra). These drugs are necessary to stop the destructive processes in the cartilage tissue that occur at the initial stage of the disease.
Vasodilator drugs. These include Lipoic acid, Pentoxifylline, Actovegin. They prevent congestion, improve blood circulation.
Muscle relaxants (Mydocalm, Tetrazepam, Tolperison, Tizanidin). Means help to increase muscle tone, eliminate discomfort.
Vitamin-mineral complexes (Calcium D3 Nycomed, Alfacalcidol). Assign to elderly patients to increase the strength of ligaments and tendons.
local anesthetics. If the pain is too strong, the doctor prescribes a blockade. A solution of novocaine or lidocaine with hydrocortisone is injected into the painful area with a special needle. The pain does not bother for several weeks, passing immediately after the blockade.

Gymnastics

Gymnastics for osteochondrosis should include only those exercises that do not cause discomfort to the patient. If the implementation of some is accompanied by pain, you should return to them later, when the improvement in the health of the spine becomes noticeable. It is also necessary to prevent too much tension for the muscles, increase the load gradually.

As part of gymnastics with osteochondrosis, you can perform the following exercises:

from a standing position, bend the whole body back and forth, right and left;
get on all fours and take a few steps forward, then return to the starting position, repeat the exercise several times;
lie down on a flat surface and strain your abdominal muscles, pressing your back into the floor;
stretch your arms behind your head and reach for them with your whole body.

exercise therapy

Therapeutic exercise is one of the most effective ways to get rid of osteochondrosis. It is often compared to massage, which provides a short-lived effect. After all, a massage therapist can stretch the spine, but if the muscles do not support the vertebrae in the desired position, pain and deformities will soon reappear.

Physical therapy for osteochondrosis should be done under the guidance of an instructor. It is important to do the exercises correctly, so it is better to do them in front of a mirror. For best results, workouts should be regular. This allows you to return the spine flexibility, mobility, normalize the metabolism in the body, form a muscular corset.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is considered an effective method of conservative treatment. The use of several types of physiotherapy at once will help speed up recovery. But the physiotherapy procedures have contraindications, they cannot be ignored.

Physiotherapy contraindications:

acute stages of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine;
oncological diseases;
skin damage;
disruption of the CNS.

The most commonly used these treatments are:

electrotherapy - exposure to weak electric currents to increase blood circulation in tissues;
magnetotherapy - the use of the properties of a magnetic field to restore tissues at the cellular level;
laser therapy - complex activation of biological processes in vertebral tissues and nerve endings;
shock wave therapy - improvement of microcirculation and metabolic processes in affected tissues by exposure to an acoustic wave;
balneotherapy - the use of healing properties of mineral water.

Physiotherapeutic procedures not only increase the effectiveness of drug treatment several times, but also contribute to the healing and strengthening of the body as a whole.

Massage

Massage for osteochondrosis is as effective as physiotherapy exercises. But there are a number of contraindications, including acute pain in the patient, the presence of open wounds on the body, skin and blood diseases. Manual massage will be more effective, which largely surpasses hardware massage in its positive effect on the nervous system.

This method of treatment allows you to relieve muscle tension and pain, stimulates blood circulation and strengthens blood vessels. Among the positive effects that massage has on the body are also strengthening the immune system and improving metabolism.

Surgical intervention

The treatment of the spine with the help of surgery is resorted to in especially difficult cases - with significant neurological disorders, as well as with loss of control over bowel movements.

During the surgical intervention, the source of the disease is removed, and measures are taken to stabilize the spine. The postoperative period lasts several months.

Prevention

Learn to listen carefully to the signals of the body, take time to rest and reduce the load.

Watch your posture, especially when you have to sit for a long time. Choose furniture according to your height so that your back is supported.
Avoid long static loads (sit, stand, pose in a bent position), take a break every hour - spend small physical exercises or just walk around.
Exercise, go to the pool to form a muscle corset, stretching.
With flat feet, choose the right shoes and special arch supports.
Correct excess weight.
Try to lead a healthy lifestyle.
Use an orthopedic mattress and pillow.
Dress according to the weather, do not overcool, if necessary, use a woolen belt or corset.
Walk more: for example, get off the bus two stops early.
Ditch the bag in favor of a backpack.
When working hard, use a corset.
Lift weights smoothly, without jerks and sharp turns (you can get a back injury).

Important. Learn how to lift weights correctly: you can’t bend over so that a “lever” is formed in the lumbar region. When lifting something heavy, you need to bend your legs, not your back: sit down, take the object and stand up with a straight back.

With age, the development of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is inevitable, symptoms can be prevented, treatment can be greatly simplified, and with careful attitude to oneself, the quality of life should not be reduced.

According to the WHO, vertebroneurological lesions (a significant part of which, according to the domestic classification, is osteochondrosis) in terms of the number of patients came in third place after cardiovascular and oncological pathology.

Their pronounced clinical manifestations are observed at the age of 25-55 years and are today one of the most common causes of temporary disability: 32-161 days per 100 workers per year. Most often, lumbar osteochondrosis is diagnosed (over 50% of cases).

The key symptom is aching pain in the lower back. The area in which it occurs, as the disease progresses, grows, the intensity of pain increases, which can be given to the legs, groin and buttocks. With a sharp change in postures, an increase in load, coughing, the pain may increase, and in the supine position it may subside.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis appear in periods. Hypothermia and stress also affect their occurrence and intensification.

Often patients note:

muscle spasm;
numbness of the limbs;
decreased sensitivity;
goosebumps feeling.

Diagnostics

A specialist (orthopedist, neurologist, vertebrologist) prescribes a set of studies:

neurological examination;
radiography;
CT scan;

Based on the results obtained, a diagnosis is made and a treatment plan is developed.

What can and can not be done in case of illness?

When osteochondrosis should be avoided:

hypothermia;
weight lifting;
wearing uncomfortable shoes.

How and what to treat at home?

Let us consider in more detail how the disease can be cured at home.

Feature of the therapy

Treatment of osteochondrosis requires an integrated approach, You will also need to make lifestyle changes. The vector of treatment is determined on the basis of anamnesis, examination, diagnosis, specifying the degree of damage.

Sometimes it is enough to use therapeutic exercises, orthopedic devices, in more serious cases, drug treatment is connected.

Lifestyle change

The key causes of osteochondrosis lie in habits, so first of all it is worth reviewing them. It is necessary to avoid the serious loads inherent in professional athletes. To combat physical inactivity, daily walking and swimming are perfect.

Orthopedic appliances

There are a number of orthopedic devices that have proven themselves in the treatment and prevention of osteochondrosis.

Orthopedic pillows serve to maintain the physiological curves of the spine, help reduce the load on the muscles. It is recommended to use during sleep, sedentary work, travel in transport.
Orthopedic rollers It is good to use in the evening before going to bed to unload the lower back.
Posture correctors and corsets contribute to the development of the habit of keeping the correct posture, worn for a maximum of an hour 2-3 times a day.
All kinds of applicators(for example, Kuznetsov's applicator, Pranamat mats). During their use, there is a distraction from pain, an increase in blood flow, as a result of which the spasm subsides.

Medical treatment

Important! The need for use and dosage is established only by the doctor strictly on the basis of the anamnesis and examination results.

Drug treatment solves a number of problems:

pain relief, elimination of inflammation;
improvement of blood circulation in damaged tissues and their restoration (as far as possible);
restoration of mobility.

Most often, for the treatment of osteochondrosis, the doctor prescribes drugs from the following categories.

Chondroprotectors

The action of chondroprotectors is aimed at stopping inflammation, repair damaged cartilage and protect them from further damage. Their use can be shown for life.

Vasodilator drugs

Against the background of pain, muscle spasm is observed, as a result of which tissue hypoxia develops. Vasodilator drugs that restore blood supply to the affected area fight this, tissue nutrition improves.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

This is a group of drugs of complex action, they:

relieve pain;
reduce inflammation;
remove puffiness.

Sedatives and muscle relaxants

Mandatory as part of maintenance therapy at the stage of remission. They have a relaxing and soothing effect on the muscles. While taking them:

blood circulation is normalized;
pain is dulled;
mobility is restored;
regeneration of damaged tissues is accelerated.

Vitamin and mineral complexes

To prevent relapse and as part of complex therapy, neuroprotectors and B vitamins are often prescribed.

injections

As part of the injection treatment, intravenous and intramuscular injections, droppers are prescribed. Such administration of drugs promotes faster transport of active substances to the affected area, which accelerates their action.

If an immediate effect is needed at home, a blockade is used, that is, chipping the painful area with anesthetics, the effect of treatment comes quickly, and lasts up to 9 hours.

Ointments for the lower back

analgesics and warming, which have a distracting effect, activate blood circulation, stimulate metabolic processes, thereby reducing pain and inflammation;
anti-inflammatory, suppressing inflammatory processes;
massage;
chondroprotective, activating the regeneration of cartilage and bone tissue;
means of complex action;
homeopathic.

Balms Dikul

Dikul's balms are based on natural ingredients, contribute to the activation of the regenerative forces of the body. Especially for the lumbar region, Radiculin has been developed, which contributes to:

removal of salts;
tissue regeneration;
improvement of lymph and blood flow.

Creams with snake venom

The use of ointments with snake venom has an analgesic and vasodilating effect. Active substances irritate sensitive nerve endings, increase the permeability of capillaries at the site of application, resulting in improved nutrition of adjacent tissues.

Fir oil

Fir oil effectively relieves pain and inflammation. The most common methods of application are rubbing and massage.

Apparatus for physiotherapy

To enhance the effect of the use of drugs, you can resort to physiotherapy. At home, magnetotherapy and darsonvalization are the most accessible.

Almag

The action of the device is to generate magnetic fields, during the impact of which on the body:

pain sensations are reduced;
muscles relax;
blood circulation is normalized;
improves tissue nutrition.

Darsonval

As a result of the procedure, blood circulation and tissue nutrition are improved, foci of inflammation are resolved, congestion is reduced.

Massage and self-massage

Promotes muscle relaxation, stimulates blood circulation.

Self-massage for lumbar osteochondrosis is performed with the palm or fist. Approximate algorithm of actions:

Start by stroking your palm from top to bottom. This will prepare your back for a deeper kneading.
Using your knuckles, rub your lower back along the spine on both sides.
Perform circular movements, starting with light pressure, gradually increasing pressure.
With the edge of the palm we “survive” the muscles of the lower back in the downward direction.
Finish the procedure by stroking (you can apply a healing cream or gel).

Advice! After the massage, do not rush to immediately return to business, lie down for 15-30 minutes on your back with your legs bent. To enhance the effect, you can perform a simple stretching exercise. Just put your bent knees in one direction, then in the other side, relaxing in this position.

Devices for home

Massagers for home use actively affect the nerve endings. There is a wide range of accessories:

roller, massage tapes;
balls;
rollers;
rugs;
various vibration massagers.

exercise therapy

Classes in therapeutic exercises for osteochondrosis are required. They must be performed regularly.

Release of natural endorphins

When exercising, you need to listen to your body, if necessary, making adjustments to the complex. All movements are smooth, without jerks. Such a conscious systematic approach will be effective, plus any moderate physical activity contributes to the natural production of endorphins, which are a natural anesthetic.

Classification of exercises

Depending on the stage of the disease, exercises can be gentle or training.

The first are applicable for severe pain. Their goal is:

stretching and relaxation of spasmodic back muscles;
increased blood flow, lymph circulation in the lumbar region.

With minor pain sensations and outside the stage of exacerbation, gymnastics is used in a training mode. The objectives of this type of exercise:

formation and maintenance of the muscular corset;
restoration of mobility.

A simple set of exercises

Most often, patients remember the need for exercise therapy during an exacerbation. A complex of sparing exercises for lumbar osteochondrosis:

Lying on your elbows. Raise the upper body as high as possible, keeping the hips pressed to the floor.
The same, but leaning on outstretched and placed hands in front of him. We try to relax the lower back and buttocks.
Lying on your back, legs together and bent, arms under your head. We try to press the lower back to the floor, straining the press.
I. p. (starting position) the same. Rotate knees brought together to the sides.
I. p. remains. Press your knees to your chest, first together, then one at a time.
I. p. - standing on all fours. Tilt your chin down, tighten your stomach, arching your back.
Sit on bent legs, lean forward, sliding your hands along the floor.

Hold each position for 3 seconds. Perform 10 repetitions.

Strengthening the muscles of the torso:

I. p. - standing on all fours. Raise straight arms alternately. The back is straight.
I. p. the same. Raise your leg parallel to the floor.
Combine previous exercises. Tighten the press, raise the arm and the opposite leg at the same time.
Exercises for the abdominal muscles: torso lifts, twists.

Repeat all movements 10 times. Finish with a stretch.

To strengthen the muscular corset, exercises in the pool and Nordic walking have proven themselves well.

Bubnovsky's technique

Dr. Bubnovsky connects the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis with breathing exercises and smooth stretching, emphasizing precisely the strengthening and development of muscles.

This the technique requires the presence of special equipment and performing exercises under the supervision of a specialist.

Relieve pain with cold and heat

Increasingly widespread is cryomassage for lumbar osteochondrosis.

The technique is simple. Rub the sore spot with an ice pack for 2-5 minutes. For a better outflow of blood, it is desirable that the massaged area be elevated.

Cryomassage is alternated with thermal procedures. It must be remembered that hypothermia in osteochondrosis is contraindicated and can aggravate the situation. To mitigate pain, the back is traditionally warmed, smeared with warming compounds, and wrapped.

Video "Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis":

For the treatment and prevention of osteochondrosis, the set of exercises "Crocodile" has proven itself.

Yoga and Pilates

Yoga and Pilates help strengthen the muscles of the back and abdominals, increase the flexibility of the spine. They can be practiced at home, but the first few sessions should be done under the supervision of a trainer in order to understand the technique of performing the exercises.

ethnoscience

Due to the prevalence of the disease, there are many alternative methods of its treatment. It must be remembered that they are less effective than medication.

Healing baths

One of the most pleasant and affordable ways to relieve pain. It's worth remembering that the duration of taking such a bath should not exceed 15 minutes:

Salt baths. The solution is prepared at the rate of 2 kg of a mixture of sea and table salt in a ratio of 1: 1 per 150-200 liters of water. The temperature of the solution is 40-60°C.
Herbal baths. For osteochondrosis, they use: birch leaves, calamus roots, oak and coniferous bark, complex decoctions of elderberry, nettle, oregano, blackcurrant leaves, pine buds.

Recipes for compresses and rubbing

A good effect is observed when using pepper plaster and mustard plasters.

Rubbing is also widespread. For example:

Mix ethyl alcohol, iodine and camphor alcohol in a ratio of 30:1:1.
Pour 10 crushed tablets of analgin into the mixture.
Rub into the affected area provided there is no damage to the skin.

Means for internal use

Treatment with herbal decoctions for oral administration is not as effective, it takes a long time to get the effect.

For the prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis, it is recommended:

use special orthopedic pillows;
avoid hypothermia and drafts;
choose the type of training with a moderate load;
use a hard orthopedic mattress.

Diet

magnesium;
calcium;
phosphorus;
vitamins A, B, C, D.

Sleep duration

During sleep, the body is actively recovering, so it is important to get enough sleep, taking 7-9 hours to sleep.

What to do with an exacerbation?

In case of exacerbation, it is worth:

observe bed rest;
see a doctor;
walk with crutches, thus unloading the lumbar region.