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 by deforming them, exfoliating them and reducing their original height. The development of the disease without the necessary treatment is associated with dangerous complications that lead to limited mobility.
Previously it was believed that the manifestations of lumbar spinal osteochondrosis are an age-related ailment, but in recent decades it has been observed not only in the elderly, but also in young people, whose age is 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 throughout the body. These are genitourinary system malfunctions, kidney pain, urinary retention, and general discomfort, often for no reason.
Often the presence of signs of low back pain and a symptom such as inflammation of the sciatic nerve. These factors further restrict movement and render the patient helpless.
Causes of lumbar osteochondrosis
This disease of the spine develops due to constant loads, and the thicker and more intense they are, the more likely the occurrence of osteochondrosis. Particularly at risk are patients with excessive body weight and people with work specialties whose daily work is associated with lifting and carrying heavy objects.
Another factor that increases the risk of developing lumbar osteochondrosis is incorrect posture due to sitting while working or due to the natural characteristics of the structure of the spine. The problem is exacerbated by an unhealthy sedentary regimen and incorrectly performed movements. As a result, improperly distributed loads become an impetus for the formation of disorders in the lumbar spine.
Injuries are also of great importance, so athletes are advised to pay more attention to the condition of the spine.
In some patients, the pathology occurs due to inflammatory diseases of the lower back and joints. So Bechterew's disease and rheumatoid arthritis are considered likely 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;
- The porous structure of the tissues of the spine.
Signs of osteochondrosis in the lumbar region
The main symptoms of this pathology are regular pain and deterioration of the general condition. The most intense pain is felt spontaneously, with sudden movements, physical exertion, but it can also disturb 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 he coughs or sneezes, as well as minimal physical activity that does not load the spine. Due to severe discomfort, mobility is impaired, movements become limited and uncertain. Tilts, turns and changes of position are administered to the patient with great difficulty.
In addition to pain, osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine manifests itself as a symptom inherent in many diseases - mental disorders. The patient becomes irritable, withdrawn, insomnia appears, as a result of which severe exhaustion is felt.
Without the necessary treatment in the clinic, osteochondrosis can chain the patient to bed, completely depriving him of the opportunity to help himself and, even more so, to lead a normal life.
An exception are patients in whom pain begins to appear only after a long time from the onset of the disease. Often they have disc protrusions, hernias, spondylolisthesis, which they could not suspect due to the absence of significant discomfort.
Traditional treatment for lumbar osteochondrosis
Since osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine began to develop, the treatment directly depends.
Osteochondrosis, especially lumbar, involves the rejection of heavy loads, but not complete rest. Since the tangible support for the spine is the muscle structure, strengthening is required to align the posture as closely as possible.
Traditional methods include:
- Massage;
- Elongation;
- Manual therapy;
- The 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, which requires surgery, is very likely.
In modern medicine, discectomy is used more often than others - a surgical method of removing a spinal disc damaged by a disease, which is more effective in osteochondrosis of the lower back. As a rule, the surgical method is performed endoscopically.
Osteopathic Diagnosis of Osteochondrosis
To make a diagnosis, the osteopath uses several options for testing:
- Passive and active tests;
- "facial tension" test;
- Tensile test;
- Axial load controls;
- Craniosacral rhythm test.
In the course of such a diagnosis, the patient undergoes a comprehensive detailed examination of the flexibility and elasticity of the vertebrae and the tissues connecting 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 a change in their size, if the stage of the disease is such that it can cause it.
The study helps to find tension in the tissues of the muscles that interfere with their normal work. Also, during the diagnosis, the doctor finds out the degree of erasure of the intervertebral discs.
Osteopathy for lumbar osteochondrosis
The main goal of osteopathic therapy is to bring the spine back to its correct position, stopping tissue degeneration.
This approach to treatment provides the best result in the shortest possible time, however, in each case, patients are shown a cycle of several sessions.
Before proceeding with the impact on the lumbar region, the doctor carefully selects the nuances of the upcoming procedure. He takes into account the peculiarities of the course of the disease of the lower vertebrae and the accompanying symptoms.
The treatment also requires taking into account the patient's age, his daily lifestyle, the general condition of the body, any concomitant disorders, which can be both a consequence of the disease and unrelated pathologies.
During the procedure, the doctor gently pushes the vertebrae so that they assume a natural position. In most cases, the result is noticed after the first or second session, which is expressed in freer movements and the absence of pain and stiffness.
At the end of the treatment, the patient should follow the doctor's instructions: within 2-3 days, give up exercise, drink at least 1. 5 liters of water and do not use other therapeutic methods.
Important! Osteopathic impact in osteochondrosis disease can only be made in the period between attacks.
Benefits of osteopathy for lumbar osteochondrosis
Today, osteopathic methods of therapy are recognized by many scientists and doctors. Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine in this way should be due to a number of reasons.
This method of treatment is unique in that during the course, patients do not require drug supplements. This is true for allergy sufferers, people with a diseased liver and many other ailments where frequent use of drugs is undesirable.
After a cycle of sessions, not only the vertebrae, but also all the internal organs take their natural position. This contributes to the fact that gradually the general condition of the patient with lumbar osteochondrosis is on the mend. In this regard, all processes in the body are restored, each organ works in the correct mode.
Taking into account that changes in the structure of the spine also cause disorders in the muscle tissues, osteopathic therapy sessions perform another task - the elimination of tension and clamps in the muscles. These disorders can cause pain, aggravating the patient's already difficult condition.
Edema and inflammation in osteochondrosis, as well as the pain associated with them, are easily removed after the first procedure. Mobility and flexibility return, making a person workable and independent again.
It is also important that blood circulation in the tissues of the muscles and vertebrae is restored in the same volumes, so oxygen starvation associated with a lack of blood supply is excluded.
The sensitivity and functioning of the nerve endings are normalized. There is numbness and general discomfort in the back. Thanks to the treatment, the natural mechanisms of regeneration and self-regulation are relaunched in the body.
Can there be complications in osteopathic treatment?
Another advantage, which, in the choice of a method for eliminating symptoms and lumbar osteochondrosis itself, is of decisive importance is the guarantee of the absence of relapses in the future. This places osteopathy on a higher level than classical methods, which allow for the cessation of remission and new problems that negatively affect a person's spine and general condition.
Contraindications to osteopathic treatment
Osteopathy for lumbar osteochondrosis is contraindicated if the patient has the following conditions:
- Increased body temperature;
- Thrombosis;
- tumors;
- Serious 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 itself at a very old age, it is necessary to carry out prevention. Regular visits to an osteopath are recommended for the timely detection of signs of spinal pathologies.
For the prevention of the considered disease of the lumbar spine, a whole range of actions has been developed, which consists of several directions.
So, to eliminate the likelihood of developing a pathology of the lumbar sacral region, it is necessary to adhere to the norms and rules of a healthy diet. It is necessary to introduce in the diet the maximum number of low-calorie foods and eliminate fatty and excessively high-calorie foods. To reduce the risk of lumbar osteochondrosis, the predominance of some products is ideal:
- Sea fish;
- vegetable oils;
- Milk, fresh and sour, cheeses;
- Dishes with jelly;
- Broths on bones and cartilage;
- Fresh fruits and vegetables, greens;
- Mineral water.
Also helps prevent the manifestation of osteochondrosis, including the lumbar region, and other parts of the spine, a course of vitamin and mineral preparations, repeated 1-2 times a year.
To prevent the manifestation 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.
With 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 on their way to specialized sanatoriums.