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, exfoliating them and reducing their original height. The development of the disease without the necessary treatment is associated with dangerous complications that lead to limited mobility.
The manifestations of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine were previously believed to be 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 will spread throughout the body. They are dysfunctions of the genitourinary system, kidney pain, urinary retention and general discomfort, often for no reason.
Often, the presence of lumbodynia signs and a symptom such as inflammation of the sciatic nerve. These factors further restrict movement and make the patient helpless.
Causes of osteochondrosis of the lumbar
This spinal disease develops due to constant loads, and the more frequent and intense, the greater the likelihood of the appearance of osteochondrosis. Particularly at risk are patients with excess body weight and people in work specialties whose daily work is associated with lifting and carrying heavy objects.
Another factor that increases the risk of developing lumbar osteochondrosis is incorrect posture due to sitting position during work or due to the natural characteristics of the spine structure. The problem is compounded 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 lumbar and joints. Thus, Bechterew's disease and rheumatoid arthritis are considered likely causes of osteochondrosis in the future.
In addition to these prerequisites, the list of causes of the disease includes the following items:
- Inadequate sleep and rest;
- unhealthy diet;
- regular stress;
- Metabolic disorders;
- Genetic predisposition, weak lower back;
- The porous structure of spinal tissues.
Signs of osteochondrosis in the lower back
The main symptoms of this pathology are regular pain and deterioration of the general condition. The most intense pain is felt spontaneously, with sudden movements, physical exertion, but it can also bother you at rest. The pain can be felt both in the lower back and 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 strain 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 the bed, completely depriving him of the opportunity to serve himself independently and, even more, to lead a normal life.
An exception is patients in whom pain begins to appear only long 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
From when osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine began to develop, treatment directly depends.
Osteochondrosis, especially lumbar, involves 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;
- Stretching;
- Manual therapy;
- The course of therapeutic physical culture.
Disadvantages of traditional methods
This disease is not always amenable to non-surgical treatment. In such situations, the development of an intervertebral hernia, which requires surgery, is very likely.
In modern medicine, discectomy is used more than others - a surgical method to remove a spinal disc damaged by a disease, which is more effective in osteochondrosis of the lumbar zones. 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;
- Traction test;
- Axial load checks;
- Craniosacral rhythm test.
In the course of such a diagnosis, the patient undergoes a detailed and comprehensive examination of the flexibility and elasticity of the vertebrae and the tissues that connect them, the degree of damage. The weakest points of the spine are revealed.
At the same time, the osteopath detects deviations in the position of internal organs and a change in their size, if the stage of the disease is such that it can cause it.
The study helps to find tension in the tissues of the muscles that interfere with their normal work. Also, during 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 approach to treatment provides the best result in the shortest possible time, however, in any case, patients are presented over the course of several sessions.
Before proceeding with the impact on the lumbar spine region, 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, daily lifestyle, the general state of the body, possible concomitant disorders, which may be 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 noticed after the first or second session, which is expressed in freer movement and absence of pain and stiffness.
After the end of treatment, the patient should 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! Osteopathic impact on osteochondrosis disease can be realized only in the period between attacks.
Benefits of osteopathy for lumbar osteochondrosis
Today, osteopathic methods of therapy are recognized by many scientists and physicians. Treating osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine in this way must be for several reasons.
This treatment method is unique because during the course, patients do not need drug 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 the internal organs assume their natural position. This contributes to the fact that gradually the general condition of the patient with lumbar osteochondrosis is improving. In this regard, all body processes are restored, each organ works in the right way.
Taking into account the fact that changes in the structure of the spine also cause disturbances in the muscle tissues, osteopathic therapy sessions perform another task - the elimination of tension and cramps in the muscles. These problems can be the cause of the pain, aggravating the patient's already difficult condition.
The swelling and inflammation in osteochondrosis, as well as the pain associated with them, are easily removed after the first procedure. Mobility and flexibility return, which makes the person functional 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 the lack of oxygen associated with the lack of blood supply is excluded.
Sensitivity and functioning of nerve endings are normalized. There is numbness and general discomfort in the back. Thanks to the treatment, the body's natural regeneration and self-regulation mechanisms are relaunched.
Can there be complications from osteopathic treatment?
Another advantage that, when choosing a method to eliminate the symptoms and the lumbar osteochondrosis itself, is of decisive importance is the guarantee of the absence of recurrences in the future. This puts osteopathy at a higher level than classical methods, which allow for 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:
- Increase in 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 early detection of signs of spinal pathologies.
For the prevention of the considered disease of the lumbar spine, a whole range of actions was developed, consisting of several directions.
Therefore, to eliminate the likelihood of developing pathology of the lumbar sacral region, one should follow 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 caloric foods. To reduce the risk of lumbar osteochondrosis, the predominance of certain products is ideal:
- Sea fish;
- vegetable oils;
- Fresh and sour milk, cheeses;
- Dishes with gelatin;
- Bone and cartilage broths;
- Fresh vegetables and fruits, greens;
- Mineral water.
It also helps to prevent the manifestation of osteochondrosis, including the lumbar and other parts of the spine, a course of vitamin and mineral preparations, repeated 1-2 times a year.
To prevent symptoms from manifesting, patients should lead an active lifestyle, practice physical education. Swimming, walking and gymnastics have an extremely positive effect on the structure of the lumbar vertebrae.
With osteochondrosis of any zone, including diseases of the lumbar spine, water procedures are very helpful. For this reason, patients who have developed osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine often continue treatment and prevention while traveling to specialized sanatoriums.