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 initial height. The development of the disease without the necessary treatment is associated with dangerous complications that lead to limited mobility.
Lumbar spinal osteochondrosis was previously thought to be an age-related disease, but in recent decades it has been observed not only in the elderly but also in young people aged 30-35.
Complications of osteochondrosis in the lower spine
If the pathology of the lower spine is not treated in time, then the symptoms spread throughout the body. These include genitourinary disorders, kidney pain, urinary retention and general discomfort, often for no reason.
Often the presence of signs of lumbodia and a symptom such as sciatica. These factors further restrict movement and make the patient helpless.
Causes of osteochondrosis of the lumbar region
This disease of the spine develops due to constant stress and the more frequent and intense they are, the more likely it is to develop osteochondrosis. Particularly at risk are overweight patients and people from working specialties whose daily work involves lifting and carrying heavy objects.
Another factor that increases the risk of developing lumbar osteochondrosis is improper posture due to sitting during work or due to the natural features of the structure of the spine. The problem is aggravated by a sedentary unhealthy regime and improperly performed movements. As a result, improperly distributed loads trigger the formation of disorders in the lumbar spine.
Injuries are also important, so athletes are advised to pay close 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 probable causes of osteochondrosis in the future.
In addition to these prerequisites, the list of causes of the disease includes the following elements:
- Improper sleep and rest;
- unhealthy diet;
- Regular stress;
- Metabolic disorders;
- Genetic predisposition, weak lumbar;
- 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 deterioration of the general condition. The strongest pain is felt spontaneously, with sudden movements, physical exertion, but can also be disturbing at rest. The pain can be felt both in the lumbar region and in the upper back and buttocks. Intense 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. Slopes, bends 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 occurs, as a result of which a severe breakdown is felt.
Without the necessary treatment in the clinic, osteochondrosis can tie the patient to bed, completely depriving him of the opportunity to self-care and even more to lead a normal life.
Exceptions are patients in whom the pain begins to appear only long after the onset of the disease. They often have disc protrusions, hernias, spondylolisthesis, which they could not suspect due to the lack of significant discomfort.
Traditional treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
From when 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 tangible support for the spine is the muscular frame, it is necessary to resort to its strengthening in order to level the posture as much as possible.
Traditional methods include:
- Massage;
- Stretching;
- Manual therapy;
- The course of healing 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 that requires surgery is very likely.
In modern medicine, discectomy is used more often than others - a surgical method to remove a spinal disc damaged by disease, which is most effective in osteochondrosis of the lumbar region. As a rule, the surgical method is performed endoscopically.
Osteopathic diagnosis of osteochondrosis
To make a diagnosis, the osteopath uses several research options:
- Passive and active testing;
- "fascial tension" test;
- Tensile test;
- Axial load checks;
- 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 their connective tissues, the degree of their damage. The weakest points of the spine are revealed.
At the same time, the osteopath detects abnormalities 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 test helps to find tension in the muscle tissues, which interferes with their normal functioning. Also, during the diagnosis, the doctor determines the degree of erasure 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, but in each 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 upcoming procedure. It takes into account the peculiarities of the disease of the lower vertebrae and the symptoms that accompany it.
Treatment also requires consideration of 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 so that they take a natural position. In most cases, the result is noticeable after the first or second session, which is expressed in freer movements and lack of pain and stiffness.
After completion of treatment, the patient should follow the doctor's instructions: within 2-3 days to give up exercise, drink at least 1. 5 liters of water and do not use other therapeutic methods.
Important! Osteopathic effects in osteochondrosis can be performed only in the period between attacks.
Advantages of osteopathy in lumbar osteochondrosis
Today, osteopathic therapies are recognized by many scientists and physicians. The treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine in this way should be for a number of reasons.
This method of treatment is unique in that patients do not need medication supplements during the course. This is true for allergy sufferers, people with liver disease and many other diseases in which frequent medication is undesirable.
After a course 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 the processes in the body are restored, each organ functions in the right mode.
Given the fact that changes in the structure of the spine also cause disorders in muscle tissue, osteopathic therapy sessions perform another task - removing tension and clamps in the muscles. These troubles can be a cause of pain, exacerbating the patient's already serious condition.
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 a person able to work 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, so that oxygen starvation, associated with a lack of blood supply, is excluded.
The sensitivity and functioning of the nerve endings is normalized. There is tingling and general discomfort in the back. Thanks to the treatment, the body's natural mechanisms of regeneration and self-regulation are activated again.
Is it possible to have complications in osteopathic treatment?
Another plus that is crucial when choosing a method to eliminate the symptoms and lumbar osteochondrosis itself is the guarantee of no recurrence in the future. This puts osteopathy at a level higher than classical methods that allow the cessation of remission and new problems that negatively affect the spine and general condition of a person.
Contraindications to osteopathic treatment
Osteopathy for lumbar osteochondrosis is contraindicated if the patient has the following conditions:
- Fever;
- Thrombosis;
- tumors;
- Severe diseases of infectious origin;
- Epilepsy;
- Different types of mental illness.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis
In order not to develop osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine or at least begin to manifest itself in very old age, it is necessary to carry out prevention. It is advisable to visit an osteopath regularly for timely detection of signs of spinal pathology.
To prevent the disease of the lumbar spine in question, a whole range of actions has been developed, consisting of several directions.
So, in order to eliminate the possibility of developing pathology of the lumbar sacral region, you must adhere to the norms and rules of healthy eating. It is necessary to introduce the maximum number of low-calorie foods in the diet and to 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;
- Gelatin dishes;
- Broths on bone and cartilage;
- Fresh vegetables and fruits, vegetables;
- Mineral water.
It also helps prevent the onset of osteochondrosis, including lumbar and other parts of the spine, a course of vitamin and mineral preparations, repeated 1-2 times a year.
To prevent the onset of symptoms, patients should lead an active lifestyle, engage in physical education. Swimming, walking and gymnastics have an extremely positive effect on the structure of the lumbar vertebrae.
In osteochondrosis of all areas, including diseases of the lumbar spine, 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.