Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is a degenerative-dystrophic pathology of the lower parts of the spine. In most cases, it affects the intervertebral discs, deforming them, peeling and reducing their original height. The development of the disease without the necessary treatment is associated with dangerous complications that lead to limited mobility.
It was previously believed that the manifestations of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine are an age-related disorder, but in recent decades it has been observed not only in the elderly, but also in young people aged 30-35 years.
Complications of osteochondrosis in the lower spine
If the pathology of the lower spine is not treated in time, the symptoms spread to the whole body. These are disorders of the genitourinary system, kidney pain, urinary retention and general discomfort, often for no reason.
Frequent signs of lumbodia and symptoms such as sciatica. These factors further restrict movement and make the patient helpless.
Causes of lumbar osteochondrosis
This disease of the spine is caused by constant loads, and the more frequent and intense they are, the more likely osteochondrosis is to occur. Particularly at risk are overweight patients and people of working specialties whose daily work is related to lifting and carrying heavy objects.
Another factor that increases the risk of developing lumbar osteochondrosis is improper posture due to sitting position during work or due to the natural characteristics of the spine. The problem is exacerbated by a sedentary unhealthy regime and improperly performed movements. As a result, improperly distributed loads become the trigger for the development of disorders in the lumbar spine.
Injuries are also of great importance, so athletes are advised to pay increased attention to the condition of the spine.
In some patients, the pathology occurs due to inflammatory diseases of the lumbar and joint area. Thus, Bechterew's disease and rheumatoid arthritis are considered possible causes of osteochondrosis in the future.
In addition to these prerequisites, the list of causes of the disease includes the following items:
- Improper sleep and rest;
- unhealthy diet;
- Regular stress;
- Metabolic disorders;
- Genetic predisposition, weak lumbar;
- Porous structure of spinal column tissue.
Signs of osteochondrosis in the lumbar region
The main symptoms of this pathology are regular pain and worsening of the general condition. The strongest pain is felt spontaneously, during sudden movements, physical exertion, but it can also be disturbed at rest. Pain can be felt both in the lumbar region and in the upper back and buttocks. Intense pain in the later stages can bother the patient even when coughing or sneezing, as well as minimal physical activity that does not burden the spine. Due to the strong discomfort, mobility is difficult, movements become restrained and insecure. Tilts, turns and changes of position are given to the patient with great difficulty.
In addition to pain, osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine manifests itself as a symptom characteristic of many diseases - mental disorders. The patient becomes irritable, withdrawn, insomnia occurs, resulting in a strong breakdown.
Without the necessary treatment in the clinic, osteochondrosis can put the patient to bed, completely deprive him of the opportunity to serve himself, and even more to lead a normal life.
The exception is patients in whom pain begins to appear only after a long time after the onset of the disease. They often have disc protrusions, hernias, spondylolisthesis, which they could not suspect due to the absence of significant problems.
Traditional treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
Since osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine began to develop, treatment is directly dependent.
Osteochondrosis, especially lumbar, involves the rejection of heavy loads, but not complete rest. Since the tangible support of the spinal column is the muscular frame, it is necessary to resort to its strengthening in order to better coordinate the posture.
Traditional methods include:
- Massage;
- stretching;
- Manual therapy;
- Course of therapeutic physical culture.
Disadvantages of traditional methods
This disease is not always amenable to non-surgical treatment. In such situations, the development of an intervertebral hernia requiring surgery is very likely.
In modern medicine, discectomy is used more often than others - a surgical method for removing damaged spinal disc disease, which is most effective in osteochondrosis of the lumbar zones. As a rule, the surgical method is performed endoscopically.
Osteopathic diagnosis of osteochondrosis
To make a diagnosis, an osteopath uses several testing options:
- Passive and active testing;
- "fascial tension" test;
- Tightening test;
- Axial load checks;
- Craniosacral rhythm test.
During such a diagnosis, the patient undergoes a detailed comprehensive examination of the flexibility and elasticity of the vertebrae and the tissues that connect them, the degree of their damage. The weakest points of the spine are revealed.
At the same time, the osteopath detects deviations in the position of internal organs and changes in their size, if the stage of the disease is such that it can cause it.
The study helps to find tension in the muscle tissues that interferes with their normal work. Also, during the diagnosis, the doctor discovers the degree of erasure of the intervertebral discs.
Osteopathy for lumbar osteochondrosis
The main goal of osteopathic therapy is to return the spine to the correct position while stopping tissue degeneration.
This approach to treatment gives the best result in the shortest possible time, however, in any case, patients are shown a course of several sessions.
Before continuing to affect the lumbar spine, the doctor carefully selects the nuances of the upcoming procedure. It takes into account the peculiarities of the course of lower spine disease and the symptoms that accompany it.
Treatment also requires taking into account the patient's age, his daily lifestyle, general condition of the organism, possible concomitant disorders, which may be due to disease and unrelated pathologies.
During the procedure, the doctor gently pushes the vertebrae so that they take a natural position. In most cases, the result is recorded after the first or second session, which is expressed by freer movements and the absence of pain and stiffness.
After the end of the treatment, the patient must follow the doctor's instructions: give up exercising within 2-3 days, drink at least 1. 5 liters of water and do not use other therapeutic methods.
Bitan! Osteopathic effect in osteochondrosis can be carried out only in the period between attacks.
Advantages of osteopathy in lumbar osteochondrosis
Today, osteopathic methods of therapy are recognized by many scientists and doctors. Treatment of lumbar spine osteochondrosis in this way should be for several reasons.
This method of treatment is unique in that patients do not need medication during the course. This is true for allergy sufferers, people with liver disease and many other disorders in which frequent use of medications is undesirable.
After the course of the session, not only the vertebrae, but also all the internal organs take up their natural position. This contributes to the fact that gradually the general condition of patients with lumbar osteochondrosis improves. In this sense, all the processes in the body are restored, each organ functions in the correct mode.
Taking into account the fact that changes in the structure of the spine also cause disorders in muscle tissue, osteopathic therapy sessions perform another task - the elimination of tension and tightness in the muscles. These problems can be the cause of pain, worsening the already difficult condition of the patient.
Edema and inflammation in osteochondrosis, as well as the pain associated with them, are easily removed after the first procedure. Mobility and flexibility are restored, which makes the person working and independent again.
It is also important that blood circulation in muscle and vertebral tissues is restored in the same volumes, so excluded oxygen starvation is associated with a lack of blood supply.
Sensitivity and functioning of nerve endings are normalized. Numbness and general discomfort in the back occur. Thanks to the treatment, the body's natural mechanisms of regeneration and self-regulation are restarted.
Can there be complications of osteopathic treatment?
Another plus, which is crucial when choosing a method for eliminating the symptoms and lumbar osteochondrosis itself, is the guarantee of the absence of recurrence in the future. This puts osteopathy at a higher level than classical methods, which allow the remission of remission and new problems that negatively affect the spine and general condition of the person.
Contraindications to osteopathic treatment
Osteopathy for lumbar osteochondrosis is contraindicated if the patient has the following conditions:
- Increased body temperature;
- thrombosis;
- tumors;
- Severe diseases of infectious origin;
- epilepsy;
- Various types of mental illness.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis
In order for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine not to develop, or at least begin to manifest in old age, prevention is necessary. It is recommended to visit an osteopath regularly in order to detect signs of spinal pathology in a timely manner.
To prevent the considered disease of the lumbar spine, a number of actions have been developed, which consist of several directions.
Therefore, in order to eliminate the likelihood of developing pathology of the lumbar sacral area, the norms and rules of healthy eating should be adhered to. It is necessary to introduce the maximum number of low-calorie foods into the diet, and eliminate fatty and excessively high-calorie foods. To reduce the risk of lumbar osteochondrosis, the predominance of certain products is ideal:
- Sea fish;
- vegetable oils;
- Milk, fresh and sour, cheeses;
- Dishes with gelatin;
- Bone and cartilage broths;
- Fresh vegetables and fruits, greens;
- Mineral water.
It also helps prevent the manifestation of osteochondrosis, including lumbar and other parts of the spine, a course of vitamin and mineral preparations that is repeated 1-2 times a year.
To prevent the onset of symptoms, patients should lead an active lifestyle, engage in physical education. Swimming, walking and gymnastics have an extremely positive effect on the structure of the lumbar vertebrae.
In osteochondrosis of any zone, including diseases of the lumbar spine, water procedures are very useful. For this reason, patients who have developed osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine often continue treatment and prevention while traveling to specialized sanatoriums.