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.
It was previously believed that the manifestations of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine are an age-related disorder, but in recent decades they have been observed not only in the elderly, but also in young people aged 30 to35 years.
Complications of osteochondrosis in the lower spine
If the pathology of the lower vertebral section is not treated in time, the symptoms spread to the whole body. These are dysfunctions of the genitourinary system, pain in the kidneys, urinary retention and general discomfort, 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 lumbar osteochondrosis
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. Patients with excessive body weight and people of occupational specialties whose daily work is associated with lifting and carrying heavy objects are particularly at risk.
Another factor that increases the risk of developing lumbar osteochondrosis is incorrect posture due to sitting while working or due to natural features of the spinal structure. The problem is aggravated by an unhealthy sedentary diet and poorly executed movements. As a result, poorly distributed loads become an impetus for the formation of disorders of the lumbar spine.
Injuries are also of great importance, so athletes are advised to pay increased attention to the condition of the spine.
In some patients, the pathology is due to inflammatory diseases of the lumbar and joints. Bechterew's disease and rheumatoid arthritis are therefore considered probable causes of osteochondrosis in the future.
In addition to these prerequisites, the list of causes of the disease includes the following:
- improper sleep and rest;
- bad eating habits;
- Regular stress;
- Metabolic disorders;
- Genetic predisposition, weak lumbar;
- The porous structure of spinal tissues.
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 it can also disturb at rest. The pain can be felt both in the lumbar region and in the upper back and buttocks. Severe pain in 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 constrained and uncertain. Inclines, 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 appears, as a result of which a strong depression makes itself felt.
Without the necessary treatment in the clinic, osteochondrosis can chain the patient to bed, completely depriving him of the opportunity to serve himself independently, and even more so to lead a normal life.
An exception are patients in whom pain does not begin to appear until long after the onset of the disease. Often they have disc protrusions, hernias, spondylolisthesis, which they could not suspect due to the absence of significant discomfort.
Traditional treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
From the time when osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine began to develop, the treatment directly depends.
Osteochondrosis, especially lumbar, involves the rejection of heavy loads, but not complete rest. The tangible support of the spine being the muscular framework, it is necessary to resort to its reinforcement to align the posture as much as possible.
Traditional methods include:
- Massage;
- Elongation;
- 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 surgical intervention, is very likely.
In modern medicine, discectomy is more often used than others - a surgical method for removing a spinal disc damaged by disease, which is most effective in osteochondrosis of the lumbar zones. As a rule, the surgical method is performed endoscopically.
Osteopathic diagnosis of osteochondrosis
To establish a diagnosis, the osteopath uses several test options:
- Passive and active tests;
- "fascial tension" test;
- Tensile test;
- Axial load checks;
- Craniosacral rhythm test.
During such a diagnosis, the patient undergoes a comprehensive and detailed examination of the flexibility and elasticity of the vertebrae and the tissues connecting 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 may be the cause.
The study helps to find tensions in the tissues of the muscles that interfere with their normal work. Also, during the diagnosis, the doctor finds out 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, however, in any case, patients undergo a course of several sessions.
Before performing the impact on the lumbar spinal region, 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 accompanying symptoms.
Treatment also requires taking into account the age of the patient, his daily lifestyle, the general condition of the organism, possible concomitant disorders, which can be both a consequence of the disease and of pathologies notrelated.
During the procedure, the doctor gently pushes the vertebrae into a natural position. In most cases, the result is noted after the first or second session, which translates into freer movements and the absence of pain and stiffness.
After completing the treatment, the patient should follow the doctor's instructions: within 2-3 days, give up exercise, drink at least 1. 5 liters of water and do not use other therapeutic methods.
Important! Osteopathic impact in the disease of osteochondrosis can be realized only in the period between attacks.
Benefits of osteopathy for lumbar osteochondrosis
Today, osteopathic therapeutic methods are recognized by many scientists and doctors. To treat osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine in this way should be for a number of reasons.
This method of treatment is unique in that during the course patients do not need drug supplements. This is true for people with allergies, people with diseased livers, and many other disorders in which frequent use of medications is undesirable.
After a series of sessions, not only the vertebrae, but also all internal organs return to their natural position. This contributes to the fact that gradually the general condition of the patient with lumbar osteochondrosis improves. In this regard, all processes in the body are restored, each organ works in the correct mode.
Taking into account that changes in the structure of the spine also cause disturbances in the muscle tissues, osteopathic therapy sessions accomplish another task - the elimination of tension and clamps in the muscles. These disorders can cause pain, aggravating the patient's already difficult condition.
Edema and inflammation in osteochondrosis, as well as the pain associated with it, 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, so that oxygen starvation associated with a 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 natural mechanisms of regeneration and self-regulation are revived in the body.
Can there be complications from osteopathic treatment?
Another advantage, which, when choosing a method for eliminating symptoms and lumbar osteochondrosis itself, is of decisive importance is ensuring the absence of relapses in the future. This puts osteopathy on a higher level than classical methods, which allow to end remission and new problems that negatively affect the spine and the general condition of a person.
Contraindications to 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;
- Different types of mental illnesses.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis
In order for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine not to develop, or at least to begin to manifest itself at a very old age, it is necessary to carry out prevention. It is advisable to regularly consult an osteopath for the rapid detection of signs of pathologies of the spine.
For the prevention of the considered disease of the lumbar spine, a whole range of actions has been developed, consisting in several directions.
Thus, to eliminate the risk of developing pathology of the lumbar sacral region, one should adhere to the norms and rules of a healthy diet. It is necessary to introduce the maximum amount of low-calorie foods into the diet and eliminate fatty and 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, cheeses;
- Dishes with gelatin;
- Broths on bones and cartilages;
- Fresh vegetables and fruits, green vegetables;
- 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 occurring, 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 all areas, 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 visiting specialized sanatoria.