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According to WHO data, vertebroneurological lesions (a significant part of which, according to the domestic classification, are osteochondrosis) in terms of the number of patients have taken third place after cardiovascular and oncological pathologies.

Their pronounced clinical manifestations are observed at the age of 25-55 years and today represent one of the most common causes of temporary disability: per 100 workers - 32-161 days 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 grows as the disease progresses, and the intensity of pain increases, which can radiate to the legs, groin and buttocks. With a sudden change of posture, increased load, or coughing, the pain may intensify, but in a lying position it may subside.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis appear in periods. Their occurrence and intensification are also influenced by hypothermia and stress.

Patients often note:

1. muscle spasm;
2. numbness of the limbs;
3. decreased sensitivity;
4. goosebumps sensation.

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 cannot be done if you are ill?

If you have osteochondrosis, you should avoid:

• hypothermia;
• lifting weights;
• wearing uncomfortable shoes.

How and with what to treat at home?

Let's take a closer look at how you can cure the disease at home.

Features of therapy

Treatment of osteochondrosis requires an integrated approach, lifestyle changes will also be required. The vector of treatment is determined on the basis of anamnesis, examination, diagnosis with clarification of the degree of damage.

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

Lifestyle change

The key reasons for the occurrence of osteochondrosis lie in habits, so first of all it is worth reviewing them. You should avoid heavy loads typical of professional athletes. To combat physical inactivity, daily walking and swimming are ideal.

Orthopedic devices

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

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

Drug treatment

Important! The need for use and dosage is determined only by a doctor strictly based on medical history and examination results.

Drug treatment solves a number of problems:

• pain relief, elimination of inflammation;
• improving 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 relieving inflammation, restoration of damaged cartilage and protection from further damage. Their use can be indicated for life.

Vasodilators

Against the background of pain, muscle spasm is observed, as a result of which tissue hypoxia develops. Vasodilator drugs combat this by restoring blood supply to the affected area and improving tissue nutrition.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

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

• relieve pain;
• reduce inflammation;
• remove swelling.

Sedatives and muscle relaxants

Mandatory as part of maintenance therapy during remission. They have a relaxing and calming effect on the muscles. During their reception:

1. blood circulation is normalized;
2. pain dulls;
3. mobility is restored;
4. regeneration of damaged tissue 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 injection treatment, intravenous and intramuscular injections and 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, injecting the painful area with anesthetics, the effect of treatment occurs quickly and lasts up to 9 hours.

Ointments for the lower back

• painkillers and warmers, 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.

Dikul balms

Dikul balms are based on natural ingredients, contribute to the activation of the regenerative forces of the body. Radiculin has been developed specifically for the lumbar region, promoting:

• removal of salts;
• tissue regeneration;
• improving lymph and blood flow.

Creams with snake venom

The use of ointments with snake venom has an analgesic and vasodilating effect. The active substances irritate sensitive nerve endings and help increase capillary permeability 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 use are rubbing and massage.

Physiotherapy devices

To enhance the effect of using medications, you can resort to physiotherapeutic procedures. At home, magnetic therapy and darsonvalization are the most accessible.

Almag

The operation of the device is to generate magnetic fields, during the influence of which on the body:

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

Darsonval

As a result of the procedure, blood circulation and tissue nutrition improve, foci of inflammation resolve, and congestion is reduced.

Massage and self-massage

Promotes muscle relaxation and stimulates blood circulation.

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

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

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

Appliances for home

Massagers for home use actively affect nerve endings. There is a large selection of devices:

• roller, massage tapes;
• balls;
• rollers;
• rugs;
• various vibrating massagers.

Exercise therapy

Therapeutic exercises for osteochondrosis are mandatory. They must be performed regularly.

Release of natural endorphins

When performing exercises, you need to listen to your body, if necessary, making adjustments to the complex. All movements are smooth, without jerking. Such a conscious, systematic approach will be effective, plus any moderate physical activity promotes 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 ones are applicable for severe pain. Their goal is:

1. stretching and relaxing spasmodic back muscles;
2. increased blood flow and lymph circulation in the lumbar region.

For minor pain and beyond the acute stage, gymnastics is used in training mode. The objectives of this type of exercise:

• formation and maintenance of the muscle corset;
• restoration of mobility.

A simple set of exercises

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

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

Hold each position for 3 seconds. Perform 10 repetitions.

Strengthening the core muscles:

1. I. p. - standing on all fours. Raise your arms straight one at a time. The back is straight.
2. I.p. the same. Raise one leg parallel to the floor.
3. Combine previous exercises. Tighten your abs, raise your arm and opposite leg at the same time.
4. Abdominal exercises: torso raises, crunches.

Repeat all movements 10 times. Finish with stretching.

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

Bubnovsky's technique

Dr. Bubnovsky associates the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis with breathing exercises and gentle stretching, emphasizing the strengthening and development of muscles.

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

Relieving pain with cold and heat

Cryomassage for lumbar osteochondrosis is becoming increasingly widespread.

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

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

Video “physical therapy for osteochondrosis”:

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

Yoga and Pilates

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

ethnoscience

Due to the prevalence of the disease, there are many traditional methods of treating it. It must be remembered that they are less effective than medications.

Healing baths

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

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

Recipes for compresses and rubs

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

Rubbing is also widespread. For example:

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

Products for internal use

Treatment with herbal decoctions taken orally is not as effective and takes a long time to achieve an effect.

To prevent lumbar osteochondrosis, it is recommended:

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

Diet

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

Sleep duration

During sleep, the body actively recovers, so it is important to get enough sleep, setting aside 7-9 hours for sleep.

What to do in case of exacerbation?

In case of exacerbation it is worth:

• maintain bed rest;
• consult a doctor;
• walk with the help of crutches, thus unloading the lumbar region.

Video on the topic

We invite you to watch a video about the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis:

Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of the spinal column, the essence of which is damage to the intervertebral disc, its destruction, followed by involvement in the pathological process and destruction of adjacent vertebrae. During the pathological process, destruction of the intervertebral ligaments occurs, and vessels and nerve endings in the spinal canals are infringed.

The course of the disease is chronic, periods of exacerbations are replaced by remissions, however, when exposed to even minor provoking factors (stress, trauma, local hypothermia, heavy lifting), the disease worsens again. Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine (lumbosacral osteochondrosis) is one of the most common forms of osteochondrosis, a common cause of temporary, and over time, complete loss of ability for work by patients.

Lumbar osteochondrosis: causes of occurrence

Osteochondrosis is considered a multifactorial disease, the causes of which include prolonged non-physiological muscle tension or, on the contrary, a decrease in muscle tone. Such an imbalance leads to disruption of the uniform distribution of load along the spinal column, resulting in deterioration of the blood supply to the intervertebral discs, their degeneration and destruction.

In addition, the prerequisites for the development of lumbar osteochondrosis may be a variety of metabolic disorders, injuries (both acute and chronic microtrauma during sports or heavy physical work), anatomical abnormalities in the development of the spine, a hereditary predisposition to pathologies of bone and cartilage tissue, and incorrect posture. , sedentary lifestyle and specifics of professional activity.

Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis

The main symptom of lumbar osteochondrosis is pain. As a rule, it is aching in nature and occurs after a long stay in the same position, after sleep. However, there is often a sharp, shooting, intense pain that occurs for no apparent reason or when changing position. The different nature of the pain syndrome is explained by different mechanisms of pain. Pain syndrome can be a consequence of both circulatory disorders in the tissues surrounding the spine, swelling of muscles and ligaments, muscle spasms, and compression of nerve endings passing in the canals of the spine.

In addition, in clinical practice it is customary to identify a number of syndromes (sets of symptoms) accompanying lumbar osteochondrosis.

Vertebral syndrome - characterized by the following symptoms:

• violation of the anatomical structure of the lumbar spine, flattening or deepening of its bends, curvature of the spinal column;
• decreased mobility of the spine in the lumbar region, changes in muscle tone due to muscle spasm or dystonia;
• pain with any movements in the lumbar spine (active or passive) due to muscle spasm; decreased shock-absorbing properties of the intervertebral discs;
• local vertebral pain syndrome - local increased sensitivity of musculoskeletal structures upon palpation in the lumbar spine.

Also, with lumbar osteochondrosis, a number of extravertebral syndromes are identified, which in clinical practice are usually divided into reflex and compression.

Reflex syndromes are caused by irritation of nerve endings when the roots of the spinal nerves passing through the intervertebral foramina are compressed. Compression provokes swelling of the muscles surrounding the spine, their spasm and inflammation. As a rule, reflex syndrome is accompanied by intense pain in the area of ​​compression of the nerve root, as well as along the nerve fiber. The pain can be acute, sharp or prolonged, often the pain is accompanied by paresthesia (tingling, burning, crawling sensation, decreased sensitivity) in the area of ​​the skin that is innervated by the affected nerve.

Following reflex syndromes, compression syndromes develop - they arise due to compression of the spinal cord, blood vessels and nerves during the destruction of vertebral bodies and the development of herniated intervertebral discs. In this case, radicular syndromes are distinguished (due to pinching of the nerve roots), vascular-radicular syndromes (when the vessels are compressed simultaneously with the nerve) and myelopathy - syndromes accompanying pinching of the spinal cord. In addition to pain, compression syndrome is accompanied by paresis or paralysis of the muscles of the lower extremities (with the pain subsiding). Clinically, this is manifested by fatigue in the legs, paresthesia, gait disturbance, and numbness of the legs.

Degrees of lumbar osteochondrosis

Depending on the extent of damage to the intervertebral discs, four clinical degrees of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine are distinguished.

Lumbar osteochondrosis 1st degree- characterized by a decrease in the elasticity of the intervertebral discs. With sudden movements, cracks may appear in the fibrous ring, which is accompanied by sharp pain, reminiscent of the passage of an electric discharge. There is a reflex spasm of the muscles surrounding the spine.

Lumbar osteochondrosis 2nd degree- characterized by instability of the spine in the lumbar region, the development of protrusions of intervertebral discs is possible. I am concerned about chronic pain in the lower back and legs, which intensifies when staying in the same position for a long time or after physical activity. Pain may be accompanied by paresthesia and a feeling of tired legs.

Lumbar osteochondrosis 3rd degree- characterized by manifestations of intervertebral hernia (pain along the pinched nerve, numbness of the legs, gait disturbances). In addition, so-called “distant” symptoms may appear - signs of kidney disease and other organs of the urogenital system, intestines, in particular, stool disorders.

Lumbar osteochondrosis 4 degrees- corresponds to the complete loss of the intervertebral disc’s properties. The vertebral bodies come closer together, collapse, the spine loses mobility, the condition is accompanied by severe compression syndrome and myelopathy. Neurological symptoms in the legs become persistent, up to the loss of the ability to move independently. “Remote” symptoms from the urogenital and digestive systems also become persistent.

Diagnosis of lumbar osteochondrosis

The diagnosis of “lumbar osteochondrosis” is made by a doctor after a full examination of the patient. It must be remembered that the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine are nonspecific - accordingly, it is imperative to consult a specialist who will rule out other pathologies, for example, neoplasms of the spinal cord or vertebral bodies, which can provoke a clinical picture similar to osteochondrosis.

In order to determine the exact location of the spinal lesion, an x-ray examination is performed. To clarify the diagnosis, magnetic resonance imaging is performed, which allows obtaining layer-by-layer high-definition images.

Particular attention should be paid to long-term symptoms of osteochondrosis. They often become the cause of false diagnosis and incorrect treatment of the patient, so a comprehensive examination not only by a vertebrologist and neurologist, but also by a nephrourologist, gastroenterologist, and surgeon, who will help make an accurate diagnosis and identify the primary cause of kidney or gastrointestinal disorders, is very important.

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine: treatment

In lumbar osteochondrosis, the main destructive processes occur in the cartilage tissue of the intervertebral discs. Complete regeneration of destroyed cartilage is impossible, so it is important to start treatment from the very first symptoms of the disease - moderate pain, discomfort in the lumbar spine. That is, when the structure of the cartilage is not yet damaged and the pathological process can be, if not stopped, then at least significantly slowed down.

To eliminate pain in the first stages of osteochondrosis, the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has worked well among medicinal methods. They can be used both topically, in the form of ointments, gels, and in the form of injections. In addition to anti-inflammatory components, ointments for eliminating lower back pain often contain cooling components (menthol) or warming components (capsaicin, bee venom, snake venom) - they help relieve muscle spasms and thereby also relieve pain. NSAIDs, in turn, eliminate inflammation and, as a result, pain. If the pain syndrome is intense, the doctor may recommend novocaine blockades, which can eliminate the pain syndrome for a long time.

However, in the first stages of osteochondrosis, it is important to place the main emphasis on pathogenetic treatment - that is, normalization of metabolic processes in the cartilage tissue of the intervertebral discs by taking chondroprotectors. This is a group of drugs that restores metabolism in cartilage, normalizes its structural and functional state, and prevents the destruction of cartilage tissue. For example, the chondroprotector Dona® has proven itself well in the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis. The active ingredient of the drug is crystalline glucosamine sulfate. It is a substrate of natural components of healthy cartilage tissue, without which normal metabolism in it is impossible. As part of the chondroprotector glucosamine sulfate promotes the synthesis of structural proteins (proteoglycans) of cartilage.

With progressive lumbar osteochondrosis of the spine, treatment with NSAIDs and chondroprotectors becomes insufficient. In this case, the doctor may recommend adding glucocorticosteroid drugs to the treatment program to effectively eliminate the inflammatory syndrome. To relieve swelling in the muscles surrounding the spine and pinched nerve roots, diuretics are used, and antispasmodics are used to eliminate muscle spasms.

In the event that a herniated disc has developed, or destruction of the vertebrae has developed as a result of advanced pathology, the only treatment option is surgical.

Thoracic osteochondrosis: physiotherapeutic treatment

If the pathological process is in remission, the patient is indicated for physiotherapeutic treatment. During an exacerbation, its use is prohibited: physiotherapeutic methods can provoke aggravation of the pathological process, however, in remission, the effect of such methods is extremely beneficial, they help stimulate blood circulation in the tissues of the spine, nutrition of the cartilage, and normalization of metabolic processes in it. Thus, the duration of the remission period increases significantly. With regular, at least twice a year, individually selected courses of physiotherapy, you can achieve stable, long-term remission of lumbar osteochondrosis.

Among the effective methods of physical therapy are magnetic and laser therapy, electrophoresis, darsonvalization, acupuncture, ultrasound therapy, traction therapy (traction) of the spine, mud therapy, paraffin therapy, massage, and manual therapy. Any manipulations should be as gentle and careful as possible, so as not to provoke additional damage to the tissue of the intervertebral discs.

As a preventive measure, your doctor may recommend wearing a corset. It allows you to temporarily relieve the muscles and spine and prevent its curvature. However, wearing a corset should not be permanent, otherwise, after unloading the muscles, they will weaken.

Lumbar osteochondrosis (osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region) is a very common disease. Almost every third person has experienced lower back pain at least once in their life, and their most common cause is lumbar osteochondrosis. It affects men and women equally.

What is lumbar osteochondrosis? Like other types of osteochondrosis, lumbar osteochondrosis is damage to the cartilage tissue of the spine, which, as the disease develops, leads to damage to the vertebrae themselves. With lumbar osteochondrosis, destructive changes are observed in the lumbosacral spine.

Causes of lumbar osteochondrosis

Reasons lumbar osteochondrosis are most often caused by back injuries and a sedentary lifestyle. At risk for lumbar osteochondrosis are people whose profession involves stress on the back: loaders, builders, even waiters, as well as those who have a sedentary job: drivers, computer technicians and other office workers.

Unfavorable heredity plays a significant role in the development of the disease. The relative contribution of hereditary factors to the development of neurological manifestations of lumbar osteochondrosis is approximately 68%, the rest is unfavorable external influences on the spine.

Pain in lumbar osteochondrosis can be of a different nature - aching, occurring after a long period of sitting or sleeping at night, or sharp shooting pain that catches you in the most uncomfortable position and does not allow you to straighten up. All of them are associated with pinched nerve roots, irritation of the spinal column’s own nerves, as well as swelling and irritation of the muscles and ligaments in the innervation zone of the lumbar spine.

It is worth noting that in practice it is very rare to encounter isolated lumbar osteochondrosis; more often it is observed simultaneously with cervical osteochondrosis.

Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis

With lumbar osteochondrosis, the onset of pain or its exacerbation is most often preceded by physical overload, and a painful reaction to it can occur both after the load and a day after it. Most often, patients experience dull, aching pain in the lower back (lumbodynia), sometimes radiating to the leg. Complaints of pain in the leg are possible, which intensifies when trying to lift something heavy, when shaking, sneezing, coughing, changing the position of the body, and also if it is in one position for a long time.

With exacerbation of lumbar osteochondrosis, patients complain of the inability to straighten up or move - since any movement increases the pain, and of strong and constant tension in the back muscles. Even after a short stay in the cold, acute pain in the lower back (“lumbago”) may occur.

Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis are also:

• loss of sensitivity in the buttocks, thighs and legs, sometimes in the foot,
• goose bumps and tingling in the legs,
• chilliness of the legs, spasm of the arteries of the feet - sometimes even the pulse disappears,
• sweating disorder
• dryness and flaking of the skin in areas of pain or loss of sensitivity.

If, with lumbar osteochondrosis, the spinal cord is pinched, there is a disturbance in urination or defecation, as well as a disturbance in the sensitivity of the bladder or genital organs.

The most unpleasant complication lumbar osteochondrosis- vertebral instability. The disc no longer secures the vertebra, and when loaded under the influence of gravity, the lumbar region “slides” from the sacrum. And this already provokes dangerous disorders in the internal organs, especially in the genitourinary system: women have problems with the appendages, uterus, ovaries; in men - with potency.

Diseases contributing to the development of lumbar osteochondrosis

Many diseases of the internal organs contribute to the occurrence of lumbar osteochondrosis and the appearance of pain. Thus, more than 28% of patients with clinical manifestations of lumbar osteochondrosis suffer from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and liver. The reason is that in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, pancreas, etc., the flow of pain impulses causes tension and spasm of muscles and blood vessels. This leads to oxygen starvation and the development of a degenerative process in the corresponding areas of the body. The process aggravates the metabolic disorders observed in these diseases. Diseases of the pelvic organs can also provoke lumbar pain: in women - inflammation of the uterine appendages (adnexitis), in men - inflammation of the prostate gland (prostatitis). Congestion in the pelvic cavity, observed with these diseases, as well as with hemorrhoids, chronic colitis , constipation, also contribute to the manifestation of lumbar osteochondrosis.

What is osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine? What are its symptoms? How to treat lumbar osteochondrosis?

About causes and symptoms osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region spine and new treatment methods, Ph.D. E.L. Shakhramanova, doctor of the consultative and outpatient department of the Research Institute of Rheumatology.

Types of manifestations of lumbar osteochondrosis

The most complete and systematized classification of vertebrogenic (spine-related) diseases of the peripheral nervous system was proposed by I. P. Antonov. According to this classification, the following clinical syndromes can be distinguished: lumbar osteochondrosis:

1. Reflex- lumbago, lumbodynia, lumboischialgia.
2. Radicular- vertebrogenic (discogenic) lumbosacral radiculitis with damage, more often than not, to the fifth lumbar or first sacral root.
3. Radicular-vascular syndromes- radiculoischemia, or compression along with the root of vessels (radicular artery, vein).

The therapeutic pain-relieving anti-inflammatory patch NANOPLAST forte can provide great assistance in the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis.

Lumbar osteochondrosis: treatment with NANOPLAST forte therapeutic patch

With therapeutic treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis Various drugs are used, such as NSAIDs, muscle relaxants and other drugs. All these remedies are effective, but if used for a long time they can cause harm to the body. Therefore, it is very important to minimize side effects and increase the effectiveness of treatment for lumbar osteochondrosis. A new generation drug can help with this - the pain-relieving anti-inflammatory medical patch NANOPLAST forte.

In the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis, the therapeutic plaster NANOPLAST forte is very effective, it allows you to relieve pain and inflammation, improve blood circulation in the area affected by lumbar osteochondrosis, and allows you to reduce the dose of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs.

For lumbar osteochondrosis, the therapeutic plaster NANOPLAST forte is applied to the lumbar region. To achieve maximum effect, the patch must be applied transversely to the spine. It is usually recommended to use the patch in the morning for 12 hours, but it can also be used at night. The course of treatment is from 9 days.

High efficiency, unique composition, long-term (up to 12 hours!) therapeutic effects, ease of use and affordable price make NANOPLAST forte the drug of choice in the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis.

From this article you will learn about the causes, symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine. Its stages, first aid, medication therapy, at home. Prognosis for recovery from the disease.

Article publication date: 06/17/2019

Article updated date: 01/18/2020

Lumbar osteochondrosis is a disease in which the intervertebral discs of the lumbar spine lose their ability to absorb moisture and nutrients. As a result, they collapse, delaminate and “sag” under the pressure of neighboring vertebrae.

Elastic intervertebral discs perform several functions:

• soften shocks and protect the vertebrae from damage when walking, jumping and running;
• provide mobility of the lumbar spine.

Changes in the lumbar spine often begin under the influence of various provoking factors - physical activity, excess weight, circulatory disorders, age. Intervertebral discs dry out, crack, lose height, lose their functions, protrude to the side and irritate adjacent tissues (nerve endings, ligaments, muscles).

Changes in intervertebral discs in osteochondrosis

During various activities involving bending or turning, a person with lumbar osteochondrosis experiences acute, shooting spinal pain radiating to the leg (sciatica).

Since the lower back bears an increased load (the weight of the body and arms), lumbar osteochondrosis is considered the most common form of the disease.

To one degree or another, it appears in 80–90% of people after 40 years of age, regardless of gender.

Most at risk:

• obese people;
• people engaged in heavy physical labor (masons, weightlifters);
• people leading a sedentary lifestyle (office workers, drivers).

Osteochondrosis is dangerous: it can cause compression of the spinal cord by a herniated disc protrusion, loss of ability to work, and disability as a result of these processes.

How to treat lumbar osteochondrosis? The disease cannot be cured completely, since it is based on the natural aging of intervertebral disc tissue. But in the early stages you can successfully and permanently stop its development.

A specialist who treats any diseases of the spine is. However, if necessary or if such a specialist is not available, you can contact orthopedists and arthrologists.

The mechanism of development of osteochondrosis (including the lumbar region)

What is the cause of disorders occurring in the intervertebral discs? Until a certain age (10–15 years) in humans, nutrients are delivered to the intervertebral discs through blood vessels.

After this age, the vessels lose their functions (empty), and nutrients enter the disc from bone tissue by diffusion (exchange of molecules across the entire surface with which they come into contact).

When the intervertebral disc is loaded and compressed, moisture is squeezed out of it into the vertebral body, and the disc itself is slightly flattened. Then it absorbs moisture again, swells and takes on its original shape.

Click on photo to enlarge

As a result of excessive, constant loads, the tissue of the intervertebral disc begins to crack, micro-tears form, and in their place are small foci of inflammation.

Since the load does not stop, there are more and more such ruptures and foci of inflammation, this has a bad effect on the disc’s ability to absorb nutrients and water.

The disc becomes less elastic, delaminates, and its central part (nucleus pulposus), under pressure from the bodies of neighboring vertebrae, protrudes to the side (protrusion of the intervertebral disc).

With the appearance of protrusion, the patient experiences symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis - pain in a certain point of the back, muscle tension. The protrusion irritates the adjacent tissues, causing them to become inflamed and muscle spasms occur.

The next stage of the disease occurs when the central part of the intervertebral disc breaks through the tissue (hernia). This causes the development of aseptic inflammation (exacerbation of osteochondrosis).

A decrease in the height of the intervertebral discs provokes weakening of the ligaments and displacement of the vertebrae, which can also cause compression of the spinal cord roots.

Also, bone outgrowths begin to form along the edges of the vertebral bodies (a mechanism of protection against compression), which limit the mobility of the lumbar region.

It is at this moment that a whole complex of symptoms appears under the general name “sciatica”: pain syndrome associated with degenerative diseases of the spine.

One of the next exacerbations leads to compression of the vertebral artery, which feeds this part of the spinal cord. This causes oxygen starvation (ischemia) and disruption of all functions.

At the last stage, the surrounding tissues are absorbed and the central part of the intervertebral disc, which has extended beyond its limits, is dissolved. Damaged ligaments ossify, and all symptoms of the disease, except stiffness, subside.

Causes of the disease

We have found out what osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is. What are the reasons for its appearance?

One of the main ones is the natural aging of intervertebral disc tissue (abbreviated IVD), accelerated by factors such as:

1. Excessive or insufficient physical activity.
2. Excess weight.
3. Injuries, circulatory disorders.
4. Curvature of the spinal column.
5. Diseases (infectious inflammation of bone tissue, metabolic disorders).

Four stages

Stages	Signs
Stage 1 (degree)	Loss of elasticity, subsidence, microdamage to intervertebral disc tissue
	Formation of protrusion (protrusion of IVD tissue beyond the fibrous ring), bone growths along the edge of the adjacent vertebral bodies
	Intervertebral disc rupture (herniation) Increase in the number and size of bone spines Partial ossification of the spinal ligaments (at the points of attachment to the vertebral body)
	Acute manifestations of the disease subside, soft tissues ossify In 4–5% of cases, loss of ability to work occurs, disability

Characteristic symptoms of the disease, their dependence on the stage

Osteochondrosis begins gradually.

The first obvious sign of pathology is dull, aching, constant or prolonged local pain. It occurs when a person walks, stands or sits in one position for a long time (lumbodynia), and goes away as soon as he lies down and relaxes.

At stage 1, tension is felt and the lumbar muscles quickly tire.

At the following stages, several pain syndromes join the first symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis:

• lumbago, or lumbago (pain syndrome), when lifting heavy objects or awkward sudden movements;
• pain radiating to the leg, combined with numbness, tingling of the limb (lumboischialgia).

Symptoms gradually increase. During an exacerbation, pain may appear with the most minor but sudden movements - sneezing, coughing.

A person develops a “rooster” gait - he raises his leg high and throws it forward, slapping his feet on the floor.

Stages	Signs
Stage 1 (degree)	Tension, fatigue, fatigue, and occasionally muscle pain
	Dull, aching, prolonged pain, aggravated by prolonged exercise or staying in one position Stiffness and crunching in the lower back
	Constant and severe pain spreads along the affected nerves, radiating to the leg With awkward and sudden movements, lumbago occurs At stage 3 of lumbar osteochondrosis, pain is combined with tingling, numbness of the limb, dysfunction of the pelvic organs (up to fecal and urinary incontinence) and supporting function, muscle weakness Movement is severely limited (mainly due to constant pain)
	Acute manifestations of the disease subside due to ossification of soft tissues The most pronounced signs of this stage are stiffness of the spine, smoothing of the natural curve in the lower back Sometimes the disease can be complicated by death of adjacent tissues (bedsores, necrosis), ischemic stroke of the spinal cord, and patient disability (4–5%)

Possible complications (consequences of the disease):

• hernia - a breakthrough and release of the central part of the intervertebral disc into the spinal canal;
• compression of the spinal artery of Adamkiewicz - a circulatory disorder that causes ischemic stroke and tissue death;
• compression of the spinal cord by a hernia - loss of ability to work, disability.

Symptoms are almost the same in men and women. The slight difference is that:

• in men, all symptoms are more pronounced, muscles quickly weaken and lose their functions;
• Women are more often diagnosed with various complications of the pathology.

Diagnostics

The disease is diagnosed based on numerous diagnostic signs (for example, smoothing of the subgluteal fold due to relaxation of the gluteal muscle).

To confirm use:

1. X-rays reveal changes in the height of intervertebral discs, bone growths, and vertebral displacements.
2. MRI makes it possible to diagnose IVD hernia, exclude malignant tumors, ankylosing spondylitis (an inflammatory disease of the spinal joints with a decrease in their mobility), rheumatism.
3. Discography with the introduction of contrast - if you need to examine the most minor and deep damage to the IVD.
4. Electromyography (assessment of electrical activity of muscles) - to determine the localization of inflammation along the affected nerve.

If the roots of the spinal cord are compressed and severe neurological symptoms appear (pain in the lumbar region, upper thigh, gluteal region, limited mobility in the lumbar region), in addition to the vertebrologist, drug treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is carried out by a neurologist.

Treatment methods

Spinal osteochondrosis itself is incurable. The pathology is based on irreversible but natural processes of aging of body tissues.

But in the early stages it can be stopped with therapeutic exercises and other preventive measures.

When pronounced symptoms of the disease appear (at times of exacerbation of osteochondrosis), the pathology is treated with conservative methods.

For osteochondrosis of the lumbar region, surgical treatment is rarely used - if there is a threat of compression of the spinal cord by an intervertebral hernia.

First aid (relieving exacerbation)

For further treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis to be effective, severe pain in the lower back must be relieved.

How to give first aid at home:

• place the patient on a flat and hard surface (a board instead of a mattress);
• rub your lower back with an anesthetic gel (Diklak, Fastum) or apply a transdermal anesthetic patch (Olfen);
• give a pain reliever (Ketoprofen, Ketorolac).

Bed rest must be observed for 3 to 5 days. If the pain does not go away during this time, an anesthetic blockade (medicine injections in the lumbar region, for example, Diclofenac, Novocaine) will help. However, it can only be done in a hospital setting.

Conservative therapy

After the pain has been relieved, the patient is prescribed medications.

With lumbar osteochondrosis, symptoms and medication treatment are closely related. The doctor selects medications based on the pronounced signs of the disease:

• anti-inflammatory drugs (Diclofenac, Indomethacin, Meloxicam) in injections, tablets and ointments for the lumbar region;
• analgesics for pain relief (Flupirtine);
• glucocorticoids in injections into the lumbar region (blockades with Hydrocortisone, Prednisolone for severe pain, inflammation, signs of compression of the spinal cord roots);
• vasodilators that improve blood supply and nutrition of paravertebral tissues (Trental, Pentoxifylline in injections);
• muscle relaxants that relax the spinal muscles (Tolperisone, Sirdalud);
• vitamin complexes to normalize metabolism (Milgamma);
• antidepressants (Sertraline), anticonvulsants (Gabapentin) when neurological symptoms (signs of compression of nerve endings) appear.

Click on photo to enlarge

To prevent further destruction of intervertebral discs in the early stages, a long course of taking medications from the group of chondroprotectors (at least 6 months), for example Teraflex, is effective.

Conservative therapy for exacerbations lasts up to 3 weeks. All this time, the patient must observe a gentle regime (preferably in bed), and when walking, relieve the spine with the help of an orthopedic corset.

Physiotherapy

In order to quickly relieve pain and inflammation, restore the functions of the spine, and improve its blood supply, the patient is prescribed physiotherapeutic procedures.

In the early stages of treatment - electrophoresis (injection of drugs through the skin using an electric current) with painkillers or hormonal agents to the lumbar region.

In the future apply:

Therapeutic massage is very effective. With its help, it is possible to relieve residual effects of the disease, improve the tone or relieve tension in the lower back muscles, improve blood circulation, and quickly restore the functions of the spine.

During the recovery period and throughout life, the patient is recommended to perform gymnastic exercises.

They allow you to restore the functions of the lumbar spine, strengthen the back muscles, preventing further destruction of the intervertebral discs and displacement of the vertebrae.

Traction

Orthopedic traction – mechanical traction of the spine (on special tables, in water). This method of treating osteochondrosis is very effective.

It is used to:

• increase the distance between the vertebrae;
• relieve the load from the lumbar region;
• reduce the pressure of protrusion and hernia on adjacent tissues;
• relieve the remaining (pain, inflammation, swelling) after you have managed to cope with the severe signs of the disease.

After each procedure (a total course consists of 10–12 procedures), the patient needs to lie in a horizontal position on a hard surface for about 1 hour.

Between procedures, to unload the spine, it is recommended to wear a corset, as well as perform a set of special exercises that help consolidate the positive result.

Folk remedies

Manifestations of the pathology can be successfully treated at home on your own (in case of exacerbation of the disease, you should definitely consult a doctor):

How to treat lumbar osteochondrosis with these drugs? If there is no irritation or rash on the skin, use until symptoms disappear completely.

In addition to traditional ointments and rubs, pharmaceutical preparations (Capsicam, Espol, Gevkamen) can be used for treatment at home.

Prevention

Preventive measures for the occurrence of the disease:

1. Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis by treating the diseases leading to it.
2. Lack of excessive or too infrequent physical activity.
3. Limiting loads on the lower back.
4. Good nutrition (food rich in vitamins, minerals and amino acids).
5. Losing excess weight.
6. Special orthopedic mattress or sleep board.
7. Therapeutic exercise to strengthen the back muscles.

For patients with osteochondrosis, swimming (allows you to relieve stress from the lumbar region), constant exercise therapy, massage or manual therapy 2 times a year, mud or mineral baths are useful.

Prognosis for recovery

Lumbar osteochondrosis is a common disease (to one degree or another, it appears in 90% of people after 40–45 years). Due to the load on this part of the spine, it is diagnosed more often than other forms (cervical, thoracic).

Despite the fact that osteochondrosis is an incurable disease, the prognosis with early treatment is good.

In 80% of cases, the appearance of severe pain syndromes (lumbago, lumboischialgia) and complications can be prevented by a set of exercise therapy exercises, regular massage courses and other physiotherapeutic procedures.

After the appearance of severe symptoms, the patient is treated in a hospital, relieving the exacerbation with medications. This takes from 1 to 3 weeks.

It takes up to 8 months to fully restore the functions of the lumbar region (physiotherapy, wearing a corset, using chondroprotectors and local agents that improve blood circulation).

Primary sources of information, scientific materials on the topic

• Traumatology and orthopedics, Kavalersky G. M. Electronic version, section: degenerative diseases of the spine, osteochondrosis.
• Osteochondrosis of the spine. Yumashev G. S. El. option, section “Lumbar osteochondrosis”.

Osteochondrosis is a disease with a high risk of complications and dangerous consequences. The pathology is especially characteristic of adulthood, but is often diagnosed in young people. In the lumbar spine, degenerative processes develop almost as often as in the collar area.

Regardless of a person’s lifestyle, the sacral region is subject to constant stress. Due to its mobility and vulnerability, the lower back is often subject to destructive changes. The intervertebral discs of the sacral spine are primarily affected. The destruction of cartilage tissue always has consequences - muscles, ligaments, and bone structures (vertebral bodies) are gradually involved in pathological processes.

Therapy for osteochondrosis of the sacral region is a gradual and complex process. In most clinical situations, treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis at home is practiced. The therapeutic effect is carried out under the supervision and guidance of a competent specialist - a vertebrologist, traumatologist or orthopedist.

In what situations can lumbar osteochondrosis be treated at home?

Patients diagnosed with osteochondrosis should take their disease with the utmost seriousness. A significant portion of patients believe that degenerative processes in the vertebral structures are temporary, caused by overwork, fatigue, “salt deposition” and can go away on their own. This is a dangerous and fundamentally wrong approach to the disease.

Osteochondrosis must be treated, and treated professionally. Below we will describe in detail how to treat lumbar osteochondrosis at home, in which cases this type of therapy is justified and effective. Basic home treatment methods that are safe for the spinal column and general well-being of the patient will be discussed.

Lumbar osteochondrosis does not appear out of nowhere - degenerative changes are always preceded by an initial stage, accompanied by general discomfort and fatigue in the lumbar region, low performance and rapid fatigue during physical and sports activities.

The general rule for successful treatment of osteochondrosis is: the earlier treatment procedures are started, the more pronounced the healing dynamics are. Until degenerative and destructive processes have passed from cartilage to nearby tissues, it is possible to stop the disease and stop its symptoms.

The main therapeutic task in the early stages of spinal degeneration is to prevent the progression of the disease and the development of dangerous complications (protrusions, intervertebral hernias, pinched nerve endings). In the lumbar region, disc herniations are fraught with dysfunction of the genital and excretory organs and even partial paralysis.

Treatment of sacral osteochondrosis at home can be carried out under the following conditions:

• When a clinical diagnosis is made;
• When osteochondrosis is at the initial or middle stage;
• When there are no complications, there is no danger of displacement of discs and vertebral bodies;
• When independent home therapy is sanctioned and approved by a specialist.

This type of treatment can be carried out as a prevention of relapse at the rehabilitation stage after the main therapeutic course.

A full diagnosis and consultation with a doctor are mandatory stages of treatment. Without a confirmed diagnosis, any treatment, even the most progressive and modern, can lead to irreversible consequences. Even if you are sure that you have osteochondrosis, it is worth determining the stage of the disease, identifying the degree of tissue destruction and associated pathologies.

In the lumbar region there are the most important areas of the spinal cord that regulate the activity of internal organs and limbs. Even slight displacement of intervertebral discs and vertebral bodies from their anatomical position can cause compression of nerves, blood vessels and spinal cord stenosis.

If compression and radicular syndrome are present even to a minimal extent, it is dangerous to carry out home treatment for lumbar osteochondrosis. Massage, hardware and other therapeutic procedures for unstable disc position can only be practiced by professionals.

Home treatment rules

Home therapy should be approached strictly scientifically and consistently. If you really want to get rid of pain and restore your lower back to its former mobility, you should start treatment as early as possible, ideally when the initial signs of degenerative transformations appear.

Self-treatment is a useful and, in the vast majority of cases, necessary measure, without which sustainable healing dynamics are unattainable. But such therapy should be carried out only with the permission of a doctor and following strict rules.

Almost all types of conservative treatment (except, of course, a number of hardware techniques that require professional equipment) can be practiced at home. Modern medicine has created many medicines, massagers, and orthopedic devices that can relieve pain, improve the condition of the muscle corset, and stimulate nutrition and blood circulation in the affected area.

Unconventional methods of therapy are invariably popular among the population - various compresses and applications to the affected area made from honey, propolis, herbs, clay and other natural products. The methods are quite effective and often help relieve pain and inflammation.

There are several rules for home treatment that all patients with lumbar osteochondrosis should remember:

• Tablets, ointments, and other medications can only be taken if prescribed by a doctor;
• Massage is not performed if the disc is displaced;
• Methods of alternative medicine must be agreed with a doctor;
• If pain occurs during procedures, you should stop exercising;
• Regular monitoring in the clinic is mandatory.

Experts are not at all against independent home therapy, since carrying out long-term complex treatment on an outpatient basis, and even more so on an inpatient basis, is expensive for the patient and the doctor. Only certain procedures (mainly physiotherapy and professional hardware massage) are necessarily carried out in the clinic.

A qualified specialist usually prescribes or recommends one or another method of home treatment. At the same time, he explains in detail how the remedy is used, how the procedure is carried out, and what effect should be expected. The main task of any medical practice is not only to eliminate symptoms, but also to eliminate the causes of the disease.

Home therapy methods

The following treatments can be practiced at home:

• Medicinal effects;
• Massage and self-massage;
• Hardware massage and use of orthopedic devices;
• Therapeutic gymnastics;
• Methods of non-traditional treatment.

The effectiveness of these methods depends on the susceptibility, physical condition, age of the patient, stage and type of his disease.

It is important to practice therapeutic procedures in combination, then the productivity of treatment will increase significantly. A good orthopedist (vertebrologist) always tries to convey to the patient the need to literally follow medical orders.

Complete treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis involves a radical change in lifestyle. In practice, this means a transition to a balanced diet and a complete review of work and rest schedules.

Let us consider the main methods of home therapy for lumbar osteochondrosis in more detail.

Dosed physical activity is one of the main conditions for the functionality of the spine at any age and the basis for effective therapy. A gymnastic complex for degenerative diseases of the lower back is developed jointly by a doctor and a therapeutic gymnastics instructor. Exercises are selected individually.

Therapeutic gymnastics solves a number of therapeutic problems:

• Development and strengthening of ligaments and muscles of the lumbar region;
• Stabilization of the patient’s weight;
• Stimulation of blood circulation and nutrition in the affected area;
• Stimulation of metabolism and improvement of the condition of cartilage tissue;
• Pain relief;
• Elimination of blocks and spasms in muscles.

It is better to spend the first couple of sessions together with an instructor, then you can practice gymnastics at home. Wear comfortable shoes and loose clothing made of natural fabric in a well-ventilated area.

Indicators of the usefulness of physical education are a decrease in pain, fatigue, back discomfort, an increase in motor amplitude and endurance. To prevent the discs and vertebral bodies from shifting into a dangerous position during exercise, perform movements smoothly and avoid jumping and hitting.

Massage

A competent massage eliminates pain, stimulates blood flow and removes toxins from the problem area of ​​the back. Self-massage of the lower back can be performed if you master basic manual techniques and are aware of proper stroking, kneading and rubbing. The technique can be taught by a professional massage therapist. Avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the spine and pinching soft tissue.

Methods of hardware influence - mechanical and electrical devices - deserve special attention. Such devices are very useful and effective, but they should be used only after a medical prescription or recommendation. Modern massagers are multifunctional, convenient, and have software control.

Applicators and orthopedic devices combine two therapeutic methods – massage and reflexology. Devices such as Lyapko or Kuznetsov applicators affect the reflex zones of the lower back, eliminating pain and at the same time triggering internal healing mechanisms.

Unconventional methods

Compresses, applications, lotions made from clay, honey, vodka, mustard and herbal preparations are designed for an immediate effect and help well with severe pain and inflammation. The use of folk remedies in the early stages of the disease eliminates the symptoms, but not the underlying causes of osteochondrosis.

The main condition for using folk remedies is the absence of allergies and other contraindications. Do not forget that modern medicine offers more convenient and more effective natural-based remedies. In most cases, it is better to use pharmaceutical drugs instead of “grandmother’s” recipes.

How to treat lumbar osteochondrosis at home

Lumbar osteochondrosis - how to treat it? What methods are the most effective in the fight against this insidious disease? How to treat osteochondrosis at home? All the secrets of treating degenerative disc changes.

The etiology of osteochondrosis is degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs, which affect the functioning of adjacent vertebrae and the entire spinal column.

Intervertebral discs become stratified, deformed and reduced in size. In this case, each vertebra moves from its usual place and the load on the spine is not distributed correctly.

As the disease develops, the patient experiences the following symptoms:

• Aching pain in the lumbar region, sometimes radiating to the buttock or sciatic nerve;
• Muscle shooting in the abdominal cavity, back and lower limbs;
• Impaired sensitivity of the skin in the back and legs;
• Fast fatiguability;
• The occurrence of intervertebral hernias in the event of a rupture of the membrane of the intervertebral disc;
• Muscle stiffness;
• Problems with genitourinary function.

Failure to promptly seek help from specialists can cause serious deviations in the patient’s health and even bind him to a wheelchair. Having diagnosed osteochondrosis, treatment should begin immediately. First of all, you need to contact a neurologist, he will conduct a series of examinations and draw up a picture of the disease. How to treat lumbar osteochondrosis is decided solely by the attending physician.

Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis at home can only be carried out after visiting a qualified specialist. There are medical and traditional methods of treating osteochondrosis, but the use of both must be agreed with a doctor.

Treatment with medications for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine

Drugs for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine are prescribed by the attending physician after a complete examination. Medicines for lumbar osteochondrosis are selected individually for each patient, based on the stage of the disease and the characteristics of the body. The beginning of rehabilitation measures for lumbosacral osteochondrosis is considered to be the elimination of pain from the affected area; this is the first rule for starting treatment. To combat the disease, complex drug treatment is used immediately:

1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Non-steroidal drugs for lumbar osteochondrosis are used to eliminate pain and relieve inflammation at the sites of disease formation.

2. Muscle relaxants

With the help of muscle relaxants, they relieve spasms in tissues and relax them. Without the use of muscle relaxants, it is impossible to get rid of pain, because it is spasms that cause pain syndromes and lumbago in the muscles.

3. Chondroprotectors

To restore the elasticity of the intervertebral disc and its previous shape, it is necessary to take chondroprotectors. With the help of chondroprotectors, the cartilage tissue of the discs is regenerated. One tablet will not help eliminate the pathology; chondroprotectors are taken in courses from 3 to 8 months.

4. Vitamin complexes

To restore nutrition to the intervertebral discs, complexes with vitamins B, A, C, D, E, calcium and phosphorus are taken.

It is important to understand that the disease will not go away quickly. Therefore, you need to tune in to a long course of treatment, only then can the disease be healed and long-term remission achieved.

Injections for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine

Injections for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine are used in the acute phase of the development of the pathology, when tablets do not help or do not bring quick results. The attending physician prescribes injections for lumbar osteochondrosis. They can have a therapeutic effect or pain relief.

What injections are used in the acute phase of osteochondrosis:

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: Diclofenac, Ketanol, Movalis

The injection is administered directly to the site of the disease to quickly relieve pain and swelling from the affected area;

Chondroprotectors: Aflutop, Dona, Rumalon

Vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12

The dosage and course of treatment are determined by the attending physician.

Injections for osteochondrosis also come in the form of blockades. To treat lumbar osteochondrosis, epidural and paravertebral blockades are used. Drug blockades are used in rare cases when there is a need to suddenly relieve spasms and pain. To do this, Novocaine or Lidocaine is injected into the sensitive cord of the spinal nerve. Blockades cause addiction to the drugs, therefore their frequent use for the treatment of osteochondrosis is not allowed.

Ointments for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine

Ointments for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine can be used as additional measures to drug treatment with tablets and injections. Ointment for lumbar osteochondrosis can be bought at any pharmacy, the main thing is to consult a doctor before and carefully read the instructions.

Cream and ointment are used for a warming effect, irritating effect, and pain relief from treated areas. You can use ointments with absorbable or thrombolytic properties, or you can use general strengthening and regenerating ones.

The list of drugs includes Finalgon, Voltaren Gel, Ketanol. Ointment for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine can cause a strong warming effect, so do not forget about safety precautions, do not exceed the recommended doses, so as not to get a burn or heat stroke.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine with exercise therapy and gymnastics

After eliminating the pain syndrome and returning the patient to work, it is necessary to work closely on strengthening the back muscles. Physical education and gymnastics are the best remedy for osteochondrosis to tone the muscles and provide the spine with reliable support.

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine in acute form excludes physical labor and gymnastic exercises. You can start classes only in the remission stage.

Exercises for lumbar osteochondrosis at home should be done after several sessions have been completed under the supervision of a doctor. An experienced specialist will draw up a training program for the patient and conduct several training lessons to avoid mistakes in further implementation.

Exercise therapy for lumbosacral osteochondrosis is performed daily, the session should be given at least 15-20 minutes a day. Treatment at home with the help of gymnastics and exercise therapy is even more useful, since the patient is not embarrassed by anyone and tries to perform the exercise correctly. Although there is a minus - laziness, the patient cannot always force himself to exercise. But health is most important, so it’s better not to skip training.

Massage for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine

Massage for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is just as indispensable as exercise therapy and gymnastics. With the help of massage, tightness in muscle tissue is eliminated, blood circulation is restored at the site of pathology development and muscle tone increases.

Massage for lumbar osteochondrosis is best done by a good massage therapist whose specialization is diseases of the spine. Not every type of massage is suitable for the treatment of osteochondrosis.

During the first lumbar massage procedures, treatment is carried out using the vibration method. When pain is completely eliminated and the sacrum and back do not feel discomfort, move on to classic massage.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine with traditional methods

Lumbar osteochondrosis can be treated independently at home only in the very early stages and this is worth taking into account. If the patient is bothered by pain and other symptoms appear, then, unfortunately, it is impossible to do without the help of a qualified doctor. Having diagnosed lumbar osteochondrosis, it is better to discuss treatment with traditional methods with a specialist.

Treatment with folk remedies includes warm compresses using parsley, cabbage leaves and honey. These components will help remove inflammatory processes from the lower back and reduce discomfort.

Folk remedies are more suitable for preventive measures in the fight against intervertebral disc pathology.

Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis at home may include taking a gelatin solution to maintain cartilage tissue and using propolis tincture. But you should not get carried away with traditional methods, since they also have side effects.

Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis is more effective due to proper load on the spine, regular physical exercise and taking vitamin complexes.

Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis at home: 20 best ways

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is one of the most common diseases. The development of the disease is accompanied by pathological changes in the condition of the intervertebral discs, which leads to their destruction. Lack of proper treatment can lead to major problems with the spine.

The development of the disease is accompanied by discomfort. The disease affects approximately half of the world's population, and patients include people of all ages. The article talks about how to cure the disease at home using exercise therapy, diet, massage and traditional medicine.

Etiology of the disease

At the initial stages, the disease is characterized by an asymptomatic course; as the pathological process progresses, difficulties in motor activity and muscle swelling are observed. When symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis appear, a diagnosis is required; based on the data obtained, treatment is prescribed, which is carried out, including at home.

There are many reasons that provoke the development of the disease

Osteochondrosis develops in the process of wear of intervertebral discs, which, in turn, occurs due to injury. There is a point of view according to which the disease develops as a result of the aging of the body, since by the age of 80 the pathology affects 90% of the world's population. This theory is not confirmed due to the fact that symptoms also appear at a young age.

Causes of the disease:

• sedentary lifestyle;
• abuse of bad habits;
• poor nutrition;
• increased stress on the spine (the situation is aggravated in a situation where daily activities involve the need to lift heavy objects);
• injuries, damage to the spinal column.

Symptoms

Pain syndrome is one of the first symptoms of the disease

• pain syndrome - occurs in the lumbar area, as the disease develops it spreads further, the pain can be aching, constant, intermittent, shooting;
• sensations of cold, burning - occurs due to a decrease in the space between the vertebrae;
• radicular syndrome - accompanied by intoxication of the body, the patient may feel sweating, fever, chills;
• ischemic syndrome - pain and spasms occur in the hips, buttocks, the condition is accompanied by narrowing of blood vessels, deterioration of blood circulation, and disruption of the supply of nutrients to organs;
• spinal syndrome - processes of deformation in the spine, deterioration of posture and gait are observed;
• dysfunction of the genitourinary system, urinary retention, incontinence.

Degrees and types of disease

There are the following stages of lumbar osteochondrosis:

1. The first is accompanied by minor pain in the lower back, which intensifies after prolonged physical activity. This symptom indicates the initial stage of the destructive process. The pain is predominantly dull, sometimes radiating to the buttocks, and occurs when lifting heavy objects or making sudden movements.
2. Second, at this stage there is a decrease in the distance between the vertebrae, which provokes destructive processes in the fibrous ring and surrounding tissues. The pain is sharp, radiating to the muscles of the lower extremities when walking; when it occurs, the patient bends in the opposite direction from its location. The affected area experiences cold and burning sensations.
3. The third is accompanied by the destruction of the fibrous ring and the appearance of intervertebral hernias. Degenerative processes develop in the lumbar region, the pain becomes stronger and more intense. Discomfortable sensations practically do not stop, regardless of the severity of the load and range of motion.
4. Fourth - the vertebrae in the lumbar region grow greatly, atrophy of cartilage tissue occurs, which creates difficulties in movement. As a result, there is a significant decrease in mobility and flexibility in the affected area, and the patient is assigned a disability group.

Lifestyle change

Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis at different stages at home requires lifestyle changes; the patient must be careful when performing daily activities.

The patient often has to change his usual lifestyle

1. You need to learn to lie down correctly. It is recommended to sleep on an orthopedic mattress. The surface should be flat and hard; if there is pain, it is recommended to place a cotton wool pad under the affected area. Many people prefer to sleep on their stomach; in this case, in order to prevent curvature of the spine, it is recommended to place a pillow under the stomach or a leg bent at the knee. Waking up with acute osteochondrosis can turn into real torture. Therefore, before getting out of bed, it is recommended to stretch several times, move your fingers and feet, lie on your stomach, and carefully lower your leg to the floor. Leaning on it, try to stand up slowly, without making sudden movements.
2. When sitting on a chair, it is important to monitor your posture. The body should rest on the seat, the surface of the chair should be hard, and the feet should rest on the floor. If you need to sit for a long time, you should look over your shoulder 2-3 times an hour. The spine should be perfectly straight, the shoulders should be turned. When driving a car, the body should be relaxed and the back should be supported. A cushion can be used for this purpose and should be placed between the back and the back of the seat. Long periods of sitting in front of the TV should also be interrupted for rest.
3. Change your supporting leg when standing. When standing on your feet, heavy loads are placed on the spine, so you should change your supporting leg every 10-25 minutes. Walking, raising and lowering your heels, and moving your shoulders back will help reduce the load. It is recommended to raise your hands up, inhale, and look over your shoulder.
   Particular care should be taken when lifting weights, as this is considered one of the most common causes of osteochondrosis. Cargo recommended

distribute evenly between two hands; sharp bending and extension are contraindicated in this case.

Nutrition

Maintaining a diet plays an important role in osteochondrosis. Meals should be fractional, portions should be small. You should eat 5-6 times a day. It is necessary to give up spicy, salty, smoked, canned foods, fast food, alcohol, carbonated drinks, and confectionery. Preference should be given to fish, seafood, fresh vegetables and fruits; fried foods should be replaced with boiled, stewed, steamed ones.

Physiotherapy

An effective way to treat lumbar osteochondrosis at home is physical therapy. The result of its implementation is comparable to a massage, only it lasts for a longer time. At first, it is recommended to practice under the supervision of a specialist; you should do the exercise in front of a mirror. Correct performance of gymnastics allows you to restore mobility and flexibility to the spine and helps normalize metabolic processes in the body.

Therapeutic exercise is an effective method of combating illness

Back exercises

1. You need to lie on your back, raise your left leg, bend at the knee and straighten it.
2. After this, lower your leg and repeat the same manipulations with the other leg. Also useful is the “bicycle”, which must be performed in different directions 10 times, starting with each leg.
3. The next step will be to perform the well-known “scissors”. This exercise needs to be done vertically and horizontally.

Despite the “old age” and simplicity of this complex, these types of exercises help maintain blood circulation and strengthen ligaments.

Doing exercises on your back

Side exercises

It will be effective to lie on your side and make sequential circular movements with each leg, first in one direction and then in the opposite direction. It will also be useful to make rotational movements with each leg in turn in different directions.

Doing exercises on your side

Abdominal exercises

It is very useful to perform movements reminiscent of regular swimming. At the same time, you should not raise your neck too high so as not to overload the vertebrae. In a relaxed state, lying on your stomach, you need to make movements with your arms, as when swimming.

Doing abdominal exercises

Massage and self-massage

As part of the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis at home, massage and self-massage are used. It is not recommended for use if the patient has pain; open wounds and skin diseases are also contraindications. Manual massage is highly effective in helping to relieve muscle tension and pain.

The procedure helps strengthen the body's defenses and activate metabolic processes. It is worth noting that a full course of massage will be very expensive; self-massage is considered an excellent alternative in this case. It is recommended that it be carried out very carefully; the rules must be followed.

Massagers

Massagers also provide the necessary massage effect on the affected area. There are a large number of devices; your doctor will help you choose the most suitable option. The specialist will determine the frequency of the procedure.

Orthopedic correction

Special orthopedic structures will help alleviate the condition during the acute period of the disease; if the lumbar region is affected, it is recommended to wear corsets. In their manufacture, a special breathable elastic material is used. All structures are reinforced with plastic or metal inserts, due to which the required level of rigidity is achieved.

• unloading of muscles, reducing the load on the vertebrae;
• fixation of the spinal column in the correct position, correction of postural defects, restoration of the functioning of internal organs;
• reduction of pain syndrome.

How to treat osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine?

A common disease affecting the spine is lumbar chondrosis: this disease is expressed in negative changes in the condition of the intervertebral discs, deformation and gradual destruction. Chondrosis is the initial stage of the development of osteochondrosis; in the absence of proper treatment, the disease can lead to serious back problems. In the first stages, the disease is often asymptomatic, but later pain, difficulty moving, and a feeling of muscle stiffness appear. Symptoms and treatment of chondrosis, methods of diagnosis and prevention will be discussed below.

Reasons for the problem

Chondrosis of the lower back occurs in the following cases:

• Poor posture, leading to uneven distribution of the load on the spinal column.
• Heavy physical labor, irregular exercise with a generally sedentary lifestyle.
• Weak muscle corset.
• Hypothermia of the lumbar region.
• Prolonged immobility, sedentary lifestyle, long hours of driving.
• Diseases of the cardiovascular and endocrine systems.
• Metabolic problems.
• Congenital or recently emerging pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.
• Professional sports activities associated with lifting heavy weights.

Chondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms of which do not appear immediately and require treatment to be started as soon as possible, most often appears in people aged 50 years and older, people suffering from physical inactivity, stress, and excess weight. Constant poor posture provokes degeneration of the intervertebral discs; a lack of nutrients and vitamins in the diet weakens the musculoskeletal system. Another problem that can increase the risk is wearing shoes with excessively high heels or platforms: this reason often causes chondrosis in the fair sex.

Symptoms of lumbar chondrosis

A characteristic sign of the problem is pain, concentrated in the lumbar region, sacrum and lower extremities. Other symptoms of the disease:

• Numb leg muscles.
• Problems with the genitourinary system, radiating pain.
• Sharp attacks of pain, shooting in the lumbar area with sudden changes in body posture (bending, straightening the back), during severe coughing, when lifting heavy objects.
• Dryness and change in skin tone to bluish.
• Scoliosis, distortions of the spinal column.

Patients often notice that after resting and being in a calm state, the pain becomes quieter and feels weaker, and when lifting heavy objects or sudden movement, the syndrome worsens, localizing in the lumbar region. In the absence of medical assistance, you may encounter the following consequences:

• Disorders of the nervous system, since displacement of the discs contributes to pinching of the nerve roots.
• Bone deformities, disc herniations.
• If deformity of the fourth lumbar nerve root occurs, difficulties with the knee reflex occur.
• With the development of lumbosacral chondrosis, the Achilles tendon and finger flexion reflexes may weaken or disappear.

The appearance of symptoms of the disease requires a comprehensive diagnosis. The procedure in the clinic consists of several stages: first, the specialist clarifies the clinical picture, learning about lifestyle, previous injuries, stress, type of pain syndrome and other points. A visual examination is carried out to check muscle tone, palpation reveals how symmetrically the vertebrae are located, at what distance from each other they are located.

If a visual examination does not allow an objective clinical picture to be drawn, the doctor may prescribe the following types of examination:

• X-ray. The image is taken in 2 projections to determine the condition of the spinal column, detect bone deformations, destruction of discs, and sealing processes.
• MRI to check the condition of blood vessels and fibrous rings.

Development of the disease

The disease progresses gradually and is classified into stages:

• At the first stage, discomfort appears in the lumbar area, pain rarely occurs, usually during physical activity (heavy lifting). The x-ray shows minor deformations of the bone tissue.
• At the second stage, the fibrous rings are destroyed, the intervertebral distance is reduced, and the mobility of the vertebrae is limited. The pain appears after physical activity and unplanned, becomes stronger. More often, patients come to the doctor precisely at this stage of development of chondrosis.
• The third stage occurs if treatment has not been prescribed; the pain becomes constant, serious vertebral deformities and disc herniations appear.
• At the fourth stage, the spinal column is severely curved, movement becomes difficult or impossible. When the condition is neglected, disability is often prescribed.

Treatment of chondrosis

Specialists prescribe therapy, which may include the following:

• Drug treatment. The doctor prescribes anti-inflammatory drugs, available in the form of tablets or liquid for intramuscular injection: these include Ketanov, Diclofenac, Ortofen and other drugs. To restore the condition of the intervertebral discs of the lower back and sacrum, chondroprotectors are used, and the immune system is supported by adding foods enriched with vitamin B to the diet. For severe pain, novocaine blockade is used.
• Exercise therapy. Therapeutic exercises accelerate blood circulation, strengthen muscle tissue, and help correct posture.
• Physiotherapy with ultraviolet irradiation and diadynamic current exposure (relevant during the recovery process).
• Shock wave treatment helps eliminate the manifestations of fibrosis.
• Manual therapy that restores blood flow and helps relax muscle tissue.
• Reflexology, which can enhance the effectiveness of treatment, relieve pain and improve sleep.
• In the final stages of chondrosis, surgical intervention is used to correct deformities, eliminate intervertebral hernia and complications.

To determine how to treat lumbar chondrosis, you need to consult a doctor; in some cases, the techniques are combined to achieve the best effect. The use of traditional medicine is also allowed, among which the following recipes are the most popular:

• Take 3 lemons, chop without removing the zest, put in a 1 liter glass jar and fill with boiling water. The product is infused for 5 hours, taken 1 tablespoon in the morning on an empty stomach. The jar must be stored in the refrigerator.
• A piece of cottage cheese is placed on a piece of cotton fabric, a couple of drops of vinegar are added, and a bandage is made. The fabric must be applied to the lumbar region and kept for 1.5-2 hours.
• Radish (350 g) is grated and mixed with vodka and honey (100 ml and 250 g, respectively). The mixture is used to rub the lumbar region.
• Also extremely effective massage using cups;
• Wearing a belt made of natural dog hair during the day; It is removed before going to bed.
• Pour common lilac flowers into a 0.5 liter jar, add vodka, close and place in a dry, dark place. The container is taken out after 21 days, filtered and consumed before meals 3 times a day. Duration of treatment – ​​3 months, dosage – 30 drops.
• Badyagu is mixed with olive oil (proportions 1 to 30), rubbed with the mixture on the affected area, covered with a plastic bag and a warm woolen cloth.

How to prevent chondrosis of the lumbar spine?

This disease can be prevented, and preventive measures can be as follows:

• Limiting loads on the spinal column.
• Control of metabolic processes, enrichment of the diet with vitamins, increased attention to the state of the endocrine system.
• Increasing activity, improving monotonous routine with the help of fitness, light exercises, exercises.
• Wearing orthopedic devices (corsets, belts);
• Sports activities, including swimming.
• Procedures for general hardening of the body.

Lumbar and lumbosacral chondrosis occurs in people who experience serious constant or irregular loads on the spine. The presence of a problem is indicated by acute paroxysmal pain, numbness and other symptoms, and treatment must be started as soon as possible. The method of therapy is prescribed by the doctor, and often the methods are combined to achieve results and get rid of the disease as quickly as possible.

Chiropractor, traumatologist-orthopedist, ozone therapist. Methods of influence: osteopathy, post-isometric relaxation, intra-articular injections, soft manual technique, deep tissue massage, analgesic technique, craniotherapy, acupuncture, intra-articular administration of drugs.

Medicines for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine

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