Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is a degenerative-dystrophic pathology of the lower spine. In most cases, it affects the intervertebral disc, changes its shape, peels off and reduces its original height. The development of the disease without the necessary treatment is associated with dangerous complications that lead to limited mobility.
It was previously believed that the manifestation of lumbar spine osteochondrosis was an age-related disorder, but in recent decades it has been observed not only in the elderly, but also in young people, aged 30-35 years.
Complications of osteochondrosis in the lower spine
If the pathology of the lower spine is not treated in a timely manner, then the symptoms spread throughout the body. These are damage to the genitourinary system, pain in the kidneys, urinary retention and general discomfort, often for no apparent reason.
Often there are signs of lumbodynia and symptoms such as inflammation of the sciatic nerve. These factors restrict movement and render the patient helpless.
Causes of lumbar osteochondrosis
This spinal disease develops due to constant load, and the more frequent and intense, the greater the likelihood of the onset of osteochondrosis. Particularly at risk are patients who are overweight and those who work with 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 position while working or due to natural features of the spinal structure. This problem is exacerbated by an unhealthy inactive regimen and improper movement. As a result, improperly distributed loads become the impetus for the formation of disorders in the lumbar spine.
Injuries are also very important, 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 lumbar and joints. So Bechterew’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis are considered to be the causes of osteochondrosis in the future.
In addition to these prerequisites, the list of causes of the disease includes the following:
- Improper sleep and rest;
- unhealthy diet;
- Constant pressure;
- Metabolic disorders;
- Genetic predisposition, weak lumbar;
- Porous structure of spinal tissue.
Signs of osteochondrosis in the lumbar region
The main symptoms of this pathology are common pain and deterioration of the general condition. The most severe pain is felt spontaneously, with sudden movements, physical exertion, but it can also interfere during rest. Pain can be felt in the lumbar region, and in the upper back and buttocks. Severe pain in the final stages can bother the patient even during coughing or sneezing, as well as minimal physical activity that does not load the spine. Due to severe discomfort, mobility is impaired, movement becomes restricted and erratic. Tilt, rotation and change of position are given to patients 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, withdraws, insomnia appears, as a result of which a strong breakdown is felt.
Without the necessary treatment in the clinic, osteochondrosis can chain a patient to bed, completely denying him the opportunity to serve independently, and even more so to lead a normal life.
The exception is patients in whom pain begins to appear only after a long time after the onset of the disease. Often they have disc protrusion, hernia, spondylolisthesis, which they can not suspect due to the absence of significant discomfort.
Traditional treatment for lumbar osteochondrosis
Since osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine begins to develop, treatment depends directly.
Osteochondrosis, especially lumbar, involves the rejection of heavy loads, but not complete rest. Since the significant support for the spinal column is the muscular skeleton, it is necessary to strengthen it to coordinate the posture as much as possible.
Traditional methods include:
- massage;
- Stretches;
- Manual therapy;
- Therapeutic physical culture course.
Weaknesses of the Traditional Method
This disease is not always suitable for non -surgical treatment. In such situations, the development of an intervertebral hernia, which requires surgery, is very possible.
In modern medicine, discectomy is more often used than others - a surgical method to remove a vertebral disc damaged by disease, which is most effective in osteochondrosis of the lumbar zone. As a rule, surgical methods are performed endoscopically.
Diagnosis of osteopathic osteochondrosis
To make a diagnosis, osteopaths use several options for testing:
- Passive and active testing;
- "facial tension" test;
- Tension test;
- Axial load inspection;
- Craniosacral rhythm test.
During such a diagnosis, the patient undergoes a detailed comprehensive examination of the flexibility and elasticity of the vertebrae and the tissues that connect them, the degree of its damage. The weakest point on the spinal column is revealed.
At the same time, osteopaths detect deviations in the position of internal organs and changes in their size, if the stage of the disease is such that it can cause it.
This study helps find the tension in the muscle tissues that interferes with their normal work. Also, during diagnosis, the doctor finds out the degree of deletion of the intervertebral disc.
Osteopathy for lumbar osteochondrosis
The main goal of osteopathic therapy is to return the spine to the correct position while stopping tissue degeneration.
This treatment approach gives the best results in the shortest possible time, however, in any case, the patient is shown a course of several sessions.
Before proceeding with the effect on the lumbar spine area, the doctor carefully selects the nuances of the next procedure. It takes into account the peculiarities of the course of the disease of the lower vertebrae and the symptoms that accompany it.
Treatment also requires taking into account the age of the patient, his daily lifestyle, the general condition of the body, the possibility of concomitant disorders, which can be the result of unrelated diseases and pathologies.
During the procedure, the doctor gently pushes the vertebrae so that they assume a natural position. In most cases, the result is observed after the first or second session, which is expressed in more free movement and the absence of pain and stiffness.
After treatment is completed, the patient must follow the doctor's instructions: within 2-3 days, stop exercising, drink at least 1. 5 liters of water, and do not use other therapeutic methods.
Important! The osteopathic effect in osteochondrosis can be performed only in the period between attacks.
Benefits of osteopathy for lumbar osteochondrosis
Today, the method of osteopathic therapy is recognized by many scientists and doctors. Treating osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine in this way should be for a number of reasons.
This method of treatment is unique because during the course, the patient does not need a drug supplement. This is true for allergy sufferers, people with liver disease and many other disorders where frequent use of medications is undesirable.
After the course of the session, not only the vertebrae, but also all the internal organs assume their natural position. This contributes to the fact that gradually the general condition of patients with lumbar osteochondrosis is improving. In this case, all processes in the body are restored, each organ functions in the correct mode.
Taking into account the fact that changes in the structure of the spine also cause disorders of muscle tissue, osteopathic therapy sessions perform another task - the removal of tension and clamps on the muscles. This problem can be a source of pain, exacerbating an already difficult patient’s condition.
Edema and inflammation in osteochondrosis, as well as the pain associated with it, are easily removed after the first procedure. Mobility and flexibility return, which makes a person able to work and be self -reliant again.
It is also important that blood circulation in muscle and vertebral tissues is restored in equal amounts, so oxygen starvation associated with a lack of blood supply is excluded.
Sensitivity and function of nerve endings are normalized. There is numbness and general discomfort in the back. Thanks to treatment, the natural mechanisms of regeneration and self -regulation are re -launched in the body.
Can there be complications of osteopathic treatment?
Another advantage, which, when choosing a method to eliminate the symptoms and lumbar osteochondrosis itself, is important that determines is the guarantee of the absence of recurrence in the future. This puts osteopathy at a higher level than the classical method, which allows for the termination 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;
- tumor;
- Severe disease of infectious origin;
- Epilepsy;
- Various types of mental illness.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis
So that osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine does not develop, or at least begins to manifest itself at a very old age, it is necessary to take prevention. It is advisable to regularly visit an osteopath for timely detection of signs of spinal pathology.
For the prevention of considered lumbar spine diseases, various actions have been developed, consisting in several directions.
Therefore, to eliminate the possibility of developing pathology of the lumbar sacral region, one should adhere to the norms and rules of a healthy diet. It is necessary to introduce the maximum number of low -calorie foods into the diet, and eliminate fatty and overly high -calorie foods. To reduce the risk of lumbar osteochondrosis, the dominance of certain products is ideal:
- Sea fish;
- vegetable oil;
- Milk, fresh and sour, cheese;
- Dishes with gelatin;
- Soup on bones and cartilage;
- Fresh vegetables and fruits, greens;
- Mineral water.
It also helps to prevent manifestations of osteochondrosis, including the lumbar, and other parts of the spine, a course of preparation of vitamins and minerals, repeated 1-2 times a year.
To prevent symptoms from manifesting, patients should lead an active lifestyle, engaging in physical education. Swimming, walking, and gymnastics have a very positive effect on the structure of the lumbar vertebrae.
With osteochondrosis of any zone, including diseases of the lumbar vertebrae, water procedures are very useful. For this reason, patients who have experienced lumbar spine osteochondrosis often continue treatment and prevention while traveling to specialized sanatoriums.