The main methods of treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar-sacral spine

During the course of the mentioned disease, the intervertebral discs lose their correct shape and elasticity: their gradual deformation occurs. The distance between the vertebrae decreases, which causes compression of the nerves and pain. Of all parts of the spine, the lumbosacral is the most sensitive to these pathological changes.

Causes and symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis - how does the disease manifest itself?

This disease occurs due to inadequate distribution of the load on the spine. This is the main reason for the diagnosis of lumbar osteochondrosis. There are many factors that can cause the appearance and development of this disease.

• Passive lifestyle. This includes people who lead a mostly sedentary lifestyle. In the sitting position, the corset muscles relax, which increases the load on the lower back.
• Localized inflammatory phenomena in the joints of the spine.
• Errors in the work of the endocrine system, hormonal imbalance.
• Serious infectious diseases affecting bones and joints (tuberculosis, osteomyelitis).
• Disturbances in the work of the gastrointestinal tract and heart.
• Lifestyle related to heavy physical work (loaders, weightlifters, construction workers).
• Uneven posture, improper walking.
• Poor cartilage tissue density (hereditary factor).
• Congenital pathologies related to the structure of the spine/skeleton. Deviations in the work of the musculoskeletal system.
• Obesity.
• Unbalanced work and rest mode.
• Age. In humans, after the age of 50, the intervertebral discs become less flexible and immobile.
• Chemical poisoning.
• Straight legs. With the correct structure of the foot, the load is absorbed during walking. If there is a flat foot, the intervertebral discs receive the maximum load, which leads to their deformation and destruction.
• Back injury.

The symptoms of this disease are divided into three groups. Reflex symptoms (pain). They have several manifestations:

• Lumbago. It is caused by a sudden movement (jumping from a height, running, coughing). This pain is paroxysmal in nature (lumbago). During this attack, the patient bends his body forward and remains in this position for some time: attempts to correct it cause a new wave of pain. Lumbago occurs as a result of compression of nerve roots.
• Lumbodynia. Pain in the lumbar region increases in nature. At first, the patient feels a certain discomfort, which can turn into severe, regular pain. Lumbodynia can be caused by a sedentary lifestyle and excessive physical activity. Lumbodynia can develop against the background of lumbago.
• Sciatica. Pain sensations spread along the sciatic nerve. The main place is the lower extremities. This phenomenon occurs when the nerve roots of the spinal cord are compressed. If the motor fibers are involved in the destructive process, the patient experiences muscle spasms and muscle weakness. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to muscle atrophy in the future.

Radicular syndrome. It is characterized by the following manifestations:

• the skin of the feet periodically loses sensitivity;
• the patient complains of burning pain in the lumbar region;
• there are disturbances in the sweating system.

Radicular-vascular symptoms. They occur against the background of compression of blood vessels. The patient has the following complaints:

• heat / cold in the lower extremities;
• mild tingling/growing pain in legs;
• swelling (when blood vessels are compressed).

Lack of adequate treatment can lead to spinal stroke, which can lead to partial/complete paralysis of the lower limbs, as well as serious pelvic organ failure. Lumbar osteochondrosis negatively affects the structure of the vertebrae: over time, they can be displaced. This violation can cause a number of negative events.

• Malfunctions in internal organs and genitourinary system.
• Frequent fatigue.
• Weakness.
• Irritation.

Symptoms of lumbosacral osteochondrosis depending on the degree - how is the disease diagnosed?

Based on the manifestation and strength of clinical symptoms, the disease in question is divided into several degrees. The first is primary, the second is light, and the third is heavy.

1st degree lumbar osteochondrosis.

It is characterized by the main symptoms:

• Lumbago (lumbago) occurs due to a tear in the disc capsule (intervertebral).
• Tissue swelling.
• Muscle spasm.
• Constant pain.

A patient with 1 degree lumbar osteochondrosis may experience additional symptoms caused by compression of blood vessels and nerve roots.

• Imitation of disorders related to the functioning of the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract.
• Periodic abdominal pain caused by abdominal muscle spasm.

2nd degree lumbar osteochondrosis.

This degree of lumbar osteochondrosis is also characterized by the following manifestations:

• Constant pain (lumbodynia). The location of the pain, which has different intensity, is the lower back.
• Non-standard mobility in the joints of the spine. A tight bandage on the lower back can improve the general condition of the patient for a short time and reduce pain.
• Malfunctions of internal organs (not always). In some cases, a patient with lumbar osteochondrosis may have bronchial asthma and errors in the work of the biliary/urinary tract.
• Pain in the lower extremities in the direction of the sciatic nerve.

3rd degree lumbar osteochondrosis.

At this stage of the disease, surgical treatment is required, otherwise paralysis and death may occur. The 3rd degree of lumbar osteochondrosis has its own characteristics.

• Deformations of the spine: curvature to the right/left (scoliosis); forward bending (lordosis), bending of the back (kyphosis).
• Constant, severe, sharp pain that makes itself felt at the slightest physical activity (change of position, coughing, sneezing).
• Swelling of muscle tissue, ligaments.
• Periodic/regular loss of sensation in lower body (lower back, legs, feet).
• Disorders of the genitourinary system.

Methods of treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis

The choice of treatment tactics for the disease in question will depend on the degree of osteochondrosis, the presence of additional diseases, the general condition of the patient and other factors that must be taken into account by the attending physician.

There are 2 important points that guide any doctor when prescribing treatment.

• An integrated approach is needed to eliminate osteochondrosis of the lumbar region.
• Treatment measures (intensity, duration) will be determined by the level of neglect of the said pathology.

Drug treatment of lumbosacral osteochondrosis - effective drugs

Every year, scientists develop new drugs that help relieve the symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis. The list of drugs given below is not standard and may change. But today, doctors often use certain drugs to fight the manifestations of this disease.

• Chondroprotectors. They stop the destructive processes occurring in the cartilage tissue of the spine at the initial stage of the disease.
• Anti-inflammatory (non-steroidal) drugs. It is used for the treatment of 2nd degree lumbosacral osteochondrosis. This group of drugs can be used in the form of injections (intramuscular), tablets, ointments, rectal suppositories, capsules and solutions. In case of exacerbation of the disease, the patient may be prescribed injections (16 mg/day).
• Muscle relaxants. Help relieve discomfort from increased muscle tone.
• Vasodilators. It helps improve blood circulation, prevents stagnation, and minimizes the risk of infection in the body.
• Local anesthetics. In case of severe, constant pain, the anesthesiologist performs blockade. A solution is injected into the painful area using a special needle. The pain disappears immediately and does not bother you for several weeks. Such a blockade should be used only in extreme cases: it has many negative consequences.
• Vitamin and mineral complexes. It is often prescribed for elderly patients to increase the strength of tendons and ligaments.

Massage for lumbar osteochondrosis of the lumbar-sacral region

This method of treatment will be useful in the subacute stage of the disease in question. Through massage, it is possible to relieve pain, get rid of muscle tension and stiffness.

Massage should be done on a healthy (unaffected! ) area. During the procedure, the patient is placed on his stomach on a flat, hard couch. Place a pillow/pillow under your stomach. It is also necessary to ensure that the patient's legs are elevated (45 degrees). The forehead should rest on a hard surface.

For massage, it is better to use special products with warming properties (oils, creams, lotions) or to hold a session immediately after thermal procedures (bath, sauna). Today there are many massage techniques, let's highlight the basics:

• Squeeze. There are several types of strokes: hook-shaped, transverse straight, fan-shaped, ending with symmetrical strokes in the area of the sternum muscles.
• squeeze. It is performed together with compression. This massage technique provides stretching of the muscles.
• Do not knead.
• Concussion.
• Trituration. It is often used to improve the functioning of tendons, ligaments and joints.
• Point effect. Not every massage therapist can perform the procedure using the acupressure technique.

Therapeutic gymnastics or exercise therapy for lumbar osteochondrosis - a set of exercises for the lumbosacral spine in the video.

All the complex of physical exercises used in the diagnosis of lumbar osteochondrosis should help increase the mobility of the lumbar region.

Therapeutic gymnastics will not be effective if exercises are performed periodically. The main principle of exercise therapy is regularity. Constantly performing a certain set of exercises will help eliminate destructive processes in the intervertebral joints. Exercise therapy is prohibited in the presence of acute pain. For severe pain, doctors recommend bed rest and wearing special corsets. When the pain subsides, you can try therapeutic exercises.

Physiotherapy for lumbar osteochondrosis

This method of conservative treatment is one of the most effective methods. But you have to spend a lot of time to get the desired result. The simultaneous use of several types of physiotherapy accelerates recovery. This method of treatment has many contraindications that cannot be ignored. Physiotherapy is often prescribed for children, pregnant women, nursing mothers and elderly patients.

It is forbidden to use physiotherapy in the following cases:

• cancer;
• acute stages of osteochondrosis;
• serious disturbances in the work of the central nervous system;
• damage to the area where physiotherapy should be carried out.

Today, a number of physiotherapy procedures have become popular in the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis.

• Ultraviolet radiation. The pathological area is exposed to heat, which helps to improve blood supply, relieve spasms and relieve pain.
• Magnetotherapy, electrophoresis. Application of the method involves exposing the painful part of the spine to a magnetic/electric field. Through this effect, it is possible to establish metabolic processes in the body, eliminate inflammatory phenomena (completely/partially) and accelerate healing.
• Laser therapy. The condition of the affected spinal roots improves significantly due to the effect of helium-neon emitters on them.
• Balneotherapy. The main component used to perform said physical procedure is healing mud and mineral waters.
• Detensor therapy (mechanical stretching of the spine). Suitable for severe back pain.

Folk remedies for lumbar osteochondrosis

This method of treatment involves the use of ointments, rubs and compresses containing medicinal plants. Such remedies help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. In the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis, it is recommended to use folk methods with caution: an allergic reaction may occur / develop.

Rubbing and compresses are often used in the fight against the disease:

• Tincture of red pepper: to rub on painful areas of the back. To prepare the medicine, you need to mix 1 tbsp. vodka (diluted medical alcohol), 20-25 g. dried red pepper. These ingredients should be brewed (stirring occasionally) for 5-7 days.
• Camphor and mustard: to apply daily before going to bed. To prepare the product, mix mustard powder (50 g), camphor alcohol (50 ml), medical alcohol (90-100 ml), beaten egg white (3 pcs. ). After mixing thoroughly, you should get a liquid ointment.
• Honey and aloe: for compresses on the lower back (2 times a day). To prepare this product, you need to use honey (100 ml), diluted medical alcohol (150 ml), aloe juice (50 ml). This mixture should sit for 10-12 hours before use.
• Horseradish root and alcohol: to rub the affected area of the back. To prepare this product, mix horseradish root juice and medical alcohol in equal proportions. After rubbing, wrap the treated area.
• Garlic juice and pork fat (1: 2): to rub on the painful areas of the lower back.
• Cabbage leaf peeled from thick veins: for compresses. Before application, cabbage leaves should be soaked in warm (not more than 60 C) water. You can tie the leaf below your waist using a bandage/tissue. After changing the leaf color, the procedure can be repeated.

Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis

Prevention of the said disease includes a number of measures.

Proper nutrition. The diet should be balanced and low-calorie. It is not recommended to eat more than 6 times a day. Certain foods should dominate your daily diet.

• Fish (sea).
• Vegetable oils (olive, linseed oil).
• Dairy products with a minimum content of dyes and sugar.
• Foods containing gelatin (jelly meat, jelly).
• Animal cartilage (can be used to prepare first dishes).
• Fresh fruits, vegetables.
• Greenery.
• Mineral water.

Taking vitamin and mineral complexes (1-2 times a year) will be useful.

Active lifestyle

• Swimming.
• Daily walks.
• Gymnastics exercises (also suitable for pregnant women).

Performing simple physical exercises (15-20 minutes a day) aimed at strengthening the back muscles.

Lumbar osteochondrosis can go from an acute stage to a chronic stage, and this means annual spending on massage, pain-relieving injections and warming ointments. If you do not treat all of these, the consequences can be very sad, even paralysis or death!