Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is a degenerative-dystrophic pathology of the lower parts of the spine. In most cases, it affects the intervertebral discs, deforming them, flaking and reducing their original height. The development of the disease without the necessary treatment is fraught with dangerous complications that lead to reduced mobility.
Earlier it was believed that the manifestations of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine are an age-related disease, but in recent decades it has been observed not only in the elderly, but also in young people 30-35 years old.
Complications of osteochondrosis in the lower spine
If the pathology of the lower section of the vertebrae is not treated in a timely manner, then the symptoms will spread to the entire body. These are malfunctions of the genitourinary system, kidney pain, urinary retention and general malaise, often for no reason.
Often the presence of signs of lumbodynia and a symptom such as inflammation of the sciatic nerve. These factors further limit movement and render the patient helpless.
Causes of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
This disease of the spine develops due to constant loads, and the more frequent and intense they are, the more likely the occurrence of osteochondrosis. Patients who are overweight and employees whose daily work involves lifting and carrying heavy objects are particularly at risk.
Another factor that increases the risk of lumbar osteochondrosis is incorrect posture due to the sitting position during work or due to the natural structural features of the spine. The problem is aggravated by a sedentary unhealthy lifestyle and improperly performed movements. As a result, improperly distributed loads become an impetus for the development of diseases of the lumbar spine.
Injuries are also of great importance, so athletes are advised to pay more attention to the condition of the spine.
In some patients, the pathology occurs due to inflammatory diseases of the lumbar spine and joints. So Bechterew's disease and rheumatoid arthritis are considered probable causes of osteochondrosis in the future.
In addition to these requirements, the list of causes of the disease includes the following points:
- Improper sleep and rest;
- unhealthy diet;
- Regular stress;
- metabolic disorders;
- Genetic predisposition, weak lumbar spine;
- The porous structure of the tissues of the spine.
Signs of osteochondrosis in the lumbar region
The main symptoms of this pathology are regular pain and a deterioration in the general condition. The strongest pain occurs spontaneously, with sudden movements, physical exertion, but can also be disturbing at rest. Pain can be felt in the lumbar region, as well as in the upper back and buttocks. Severe pain in later stages can also bother the patient when coughing or sneezing, as well as minimal physical activity that does not stress the spine. Due to severe discomfort, mobility is restricted, movements become restricted and unsafe. Inclinations, turns and changes in position are given to the patient with great difficulty.
In addition to pain, osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine manifests itself as a symptom inherent in many diseases - mental disorders. The patient becomes irritable, withdrawn, insomnia appears, as a result of which a strong breakdown is felt.
Without the necessary treatment in the clinic, osteochondrosis can chain the patient to the bed, depriving him of the opportunity to serve himself and lead an even more normal life.
An exception are patients in whom pain appears only a long time after the onset of the disease. Often they have herniated discs, hernias, spondylolisthesis, which they could not suspect due to the absence of significant discomfort.
Traditional treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
From when osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine began to develop, the treatment directly depends.
Osteochondrosis, especially lumbar spine, involves the rejection of heavy loads, but not complete rest. Since the muscular framework is the noticeable support of the spine, it must be used to strengthen it in order to align the posture as much as possible.
Traditional methods include:
- Massage;
- Stretch;
- Manual therapy;
- The course of therapeutic physical culture.
Disadvantages of traditional methods
This disease is not always amenable to non-surgical treatment. In such situations, the development of an intervertebral hernia requiring surgery is very likely.
In modern medicine, discectomy is used more often than others - a surgical method of removing an intervertebral disc damaged by a disease, which is most effective in osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine. The surgical procedure is usually performed endoscopically.
Osteopathic diagnosis of osteochondrosis
To make a diagnosis, the osteopath uses several test options:
- passive and active testing;
- "Fascial tension" test;
- tensile test;
- axial load tests;
- Craniosacral rhythm test.
In the course of such a diagnosis, the patient undergoes a detailed comprehensive examination of the flexibility and elasticity of the vertebrae and the tissues connecting them, as well as the degree of their damage. The weakest parts of the spine are exposed.
At the same time, if the stage of the disease is such that it can cause it, the osteopath detects deviations in the position of the internal organs and a change in their size.
The study helps to find tension in the tissues of the muscles that interfere with their normal work. During the diagnosis, the doctor also learns about the degree of erasure of the intervertebral discs.
Osteopathy in lumbar osteochondrosis
The main goal of osteopathic therapy is to return the spine to its correct position while stopping tissue degeneration.
This approach to treatment gives the best result in the shortest possible time, but in any case, patients are shown a course of several sessions.
Before proceeding to the effect on the lumbar spine, the doctor carefully selects the nuances of the upcoming procedure. It takes into account the peculiarities of the course of the disease of the lower vertebrae and the associated symptoms.
Also, treatment requires taking into account the patient's age, his daily lifestyle, the general condition of the body, possible concomitant diseases that can be both a consequence of the disease and independent pathologies.
During the procedure, the doctor gently presses the vertebrae so that they assume a natural position. In most cases, results are seen after the first or second session, with freer movement and a lack of pain and stiffness.
After stopping treatment, the patient must follow the doctor's instructions: within 2-3 days, give up sports, drink at least 1. 5 liters of water and do not use other therapeutic methods.
Important! The osteopathic effect in the disease osteochondrosis can only be carried out in the time between the attacks.
Benefits of osteopathy in lumbar osteochondrosis
Today, osteopathic therapy methods are recognized by many scientists and doctors. Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine in this way should have several reasons.
This method of treatment is unique in that patients do not require any drug supplementation during the course. This applies to allergy sufferers, liver diseases and many other diseases where frequent medication is undesirable.
After a series of sessions, not only the vertebrae, but also all internal organs take their natural position. This contributes to the fact that the general condition of the patient with lumbar osteochondrosis gradually improves. In this regard, all processes in the body are restored, each organ works in the right mode.
Taking into account the fact that changes in the structure of the spine also cause disorders in muscle tissue, osteopathic therapy sessions perform another task - the elimination of tension and pinching in the muscles. These ailments can be the source of pain and aggravate the patient's already difficult condition.
Edema and inflammation in osteochondrosis, as well as the associated pain, are easily eliminated after the first procedure. Mobility and flexibility return, which makes a person able to work and independent again.
It is also important that blood circulation in the tissues of the muscles and vertebrae is restored in the same volumes, so that oxygen starvation associated with a lack of blood supply is excluded.
The sensitivity and function of the nerve endings is normalized. There is numbness and general discomfort in the back. Thanks to the treatment, the natural mechanisms of regeneration and self-regulation in the body are set in motion again.
Can osteopathic treatment lead to complications?
Another plus, which is crucial when choosing a method to eliminate symptoms and lumbar osteochondrosis itself, is the guarantee that there will be no relapses in the future. This puts osteopathy on a higher level than the classic methods that allow ending remission and new problems that negatively affect the spine and the general condition of a person.
Contraindications for osteopathic treatment
Osteopathy for lumbar osteochondrosis is contraindicated if the patient suffers from the following conditions:
- increased body temperature;
- Thrombosis;
- tumors;
- Serious diseases of infectious origin;
- Epilepsy;
- Different types of mental illness.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis
In order for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine not to develop, or at least to manifest itself in old age, prevention is necessary. It is advisable to visit an osteopath regularly in order to timely identify signs of diseases of the spine.
To prevent the disease of the lumbar spine under consideration, a whole series of measures have been developed, which exist in several directions.
So, in order to eliminate the likelihood of pathology of the lumbar-sacral region, one should adhere to the norms and rules of healthy eating. It is necessary to include in the diet the maximum number of low-calorie foods and eliminate fatty and excessively high-calorie foods. To reduce the risk of lumbar osteochondrosis, the predominance of certain products is ideal:
- sea fish;
- vegetable oils;
- milk, fresh and sour, cheese;
- dishes containing gelatin;
- broths on bones and cartilage;
- Fresh vegetables and fruits, vegetables;
- Mineral water.
It also helps prevent the manifestation of osteochondrosis, including the lumbar spine and other parts of the spine, a course of vitamin and mineral preparations, repeated 1-2 times a year.
To prevent symptoms from manifesting themselves, patients should lead an active lifestyle and play sports. Swimming, walking and gymnastics have an extremely positive effect on the structure of the lumbar vertebrae.
With osteochondrosis of all zones, including diseases of the lumbar spine, water procedures are very useful. That is why patients who have developed osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine often continue treatment and prevention while traveling to specialized sanatoriums.