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, scaling them and reducing their original height. The development of the disease without the necessary treatment is associated with dangerous complications that lead to limited mobility.
Previously it was believed that the manifestations of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine are an age-related disorder, but in recent decades it has been observed not only in the elderly, but also in young people, whose age is 30-35 years.
Complications of osteochondrosis in the lower spine.
If the pathology of the lower vertebral section is not treated in time, the symptoms spread throughout the body. These are dysfunctions of the genitourinary system, kidney pain, urinary retention and general malaise, often for no reason.
Often the presence of signs of lumbodynia and such a symptom as inflammation of the sciatic nerve. These factors further restrict movement and render the patient helpless.
Causes of osteochondrosis of the lumbar area
This disease of the spine develops due to constant loads, and the more frequent and intense they are, the more likely the appearance of osteochondrosis. Particularly at risk are patients with excessive body weight and people with occupational 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 during work or due to natural features of the spinal structure. The problem is aggravated by an unhealthy sedentary regimen and incorrectly performed movements. As a result, poorly distributed loads become an impetus for the formation of disorders in the lumbar spine.
Injuries are also of great importance, so athletes are advised to pay more attention to the condition of the spine.
In some patients, the pathology occurs due to inflammatory diseases of the lower back and joints. Therefore, Bechterew's disease and rheumatoid arthritis are considered probable causes of osteochondrosis in the future.
In addition to these prerequisites, the list of causes of the disease includes the following items:
- Inadequate sleep and rest;
- unhealthy diet;
- regular stress;
- metabolic disorders;
- Genetic predisposition, weak lumbar;
- The porous structure of the tissues of the spinal column.
Signs of osteochondrosis in the lumbar region.
The main symptoms of this pathology are regular pain and deterioration of the general condition. The most intense pain is felt spontaneously, with sudden movements, physical exertion, but can also disturb rest. The pain can be felt in the lower back as well as in the upper back and buttocks. Severe pain in the later stages can bother the patient even when coughing or sneezing, as well as minimal physical activity that does not load the spine. Due to severe discomfort, mobility is impaired, movements become limited and uncertain. Tilts, turns and changes of position are 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 collapse is felt.
Without the necessary treatment in the clinic, osteochondrosis can chain the patient to bed, completely depriving him of the opportunity to independently care for himself, and even more so to lead a normal life.
An exception is patients in whom pain begins to appear only after a long time after the onset of the disease. They often have disc bulges, hernias, spondylolisthesis, which they could not suspect due to the absence of significant discomfort.
Traditional treatment for lumbar osteochondrosis
Since osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine began to develop, treatment depends directly.
Osteochondrosis, especially lumbar, implies the rejection of heavy loads, but not complete rest. Since the tangible support of the spine is the muscular structure, it is necessary to resort to strengthening it to align the posture as much as possible.
Traditional methods include:
- Massage;
- Extension;
- 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, an intervertebral hernia is very likely to develop, which requires surgery.
In modern medicine, discectomy is used more often than others - a surgical method of removing a spinal disc damaged by disease, which is most effective in osteochondrosis of the lumbar areas. As a rule, the surgical method is carried out endoscopically.
Osteopathic diagnosis of osteochondrosis
To make a diagnosis, the osteopath uses several testing options:
- passive and active tests;
- "fascial tension" test;
- tensile test;
- Axial load checks;
- Craniosacral rhythm test.
In the course of such a diagnosis, the patient undergoes a full and detailed examination of the flexibility and elasticity of the vertebrae and the tissues that connect them, the degree of their damage. The weakest points of the spine are revealed.
At the same time, the osteopath detects deviations in the position of the internal organs and a change in their size, if the stage of the disease is such that it can cause it.
The study helps find tension in the tissues of the muscles that interfere with their normal work. Also, during the diagnosis, the doctor finds out the degree of effacement of the intervertebral discs.
Osteopathy for lumbar osteochondrosis
The main goal of osteopathic therapy is to return the spine to its correct position while stopping tissue degeneration.
This treatment approach provides the best result in the shortest possible time, however, in any case, patients are shown a course of several sessions.
Before proceeding to the impact on the lumbar region of the spine, 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 accompanying symptoms.
Treatment also requires taking into account the patient's age, his daily lifestyle, the general condition of the body, possible concomitant disorders, which can be both a consequence of the disease and unrelated pathologies.
During the procedure, the doctor gently pushes the vertebrae into a natural position. In most cases, the result is noticeable after the first or second session, which is expressed in freer movements and the absence of pain and stiffness.
After completion of treatment, 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 impact on the disease of osteochondrosis can only be carried out in the period between attacks.
Benefits of osteopathy for lumbar osteochondrosis
Today, osteopathic therapy methods are recognized by many scientists and physicians. Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine in this way should be for several reasons.
This method of treatment is unique because during the course, patients do not require medication supplements. This is true for allergy sufferers, people with liver disease, and many other disorders where frequent medication use is undesirable.
After a course of sessions, not only the vertebrae, but also all internal organs take their natural position. This contributes to the general condition of the patient with lumbar osteochondrosis gradually improving. In this regard, all processes in the body are restored, each organ works in the correct mode.
Taking into account the fact that changes in the structure of the spine also cause alterations in muscle tissues, osteopathic therapy sessions perform another task - the removal of tension and clamps in the muscles. These problems can be the cause of the pain, aggravating the patient's already difficult condition.
Edema and inflammation in osteochondrosis, as well as the pain associated with them, are easily eliminated after the first procedure. Mobility and flexibility return, making a person functional and independent again.
It is also important that the blood circulation in the tissues of the muscles and vertebrae is restored in the same volumes, due to which the lack of oxygen associated with the lack of blood supply is excluded.
The sensitivity and functioning 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 of the organism are reactivated.
Can there be complications from osteopathic treatment?
Another advantage that, when choosing a method to eliminate symptoms and lumbar osteochondrosis itself, is of decisive importance is the guarantee of the absence of relapses in the future. This puts osteopathy at a higher level than the classical methods, which allow the termination of 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 has the following conditions:
- Increased body temperature;
- Thrombosis;
- tumors;
- Serious diseases 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 in old age, it is necessary to carry out prevention. It is advisable to regularly visit an osteopath for timely detection of signs of pathologies of the spine.
For the prevention of the considered disease of the lumbar spine, a wide range of actions has been developed, consisting of several directions.
So, in order to eliminate the probability of developing pathology of the lumbar sacral region, one must adhere to the norms and rules of a healthy diet. It is necessary to introduce the maximum number of low-calorie foods in the diet and eliminate fatty and excessively high-calorie foods. To reduce the risk of lumbar osteochondrosis, the predominance of certain products is ideal:
- Sea fish;
- vegetable oils;
- Fresh and sour milk, cheeses;
- Jelly dishes;
- Bone and cartilage broths;
- Fresh vegetables and fruits, vegetables;
- Mineral water.
Also helps prevent the manifestation of osteochondrosis, including the lower back and other parts of the spine, a course of vitamin-mineral preparations, repeated 1-2 times a year.
To prevent symptoms from manifesting, patients should lead an active lifestyle and engage in physical education. Swimming, walking and gymnastics have an extremely positive effect on the structure of the lumbar vertebrae.
With osteochondrosis of any zone, including diseases of the lumbar vertebral row, water procedures are very useful. For this reason, patients who have developed osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine often continue treatment and prevention while traveling to specialized sanatoriums.