Lumbar osteochondrosis is a degenerative dystrophic pathology of the lower spine. In most cases, it affects the discs, deforming them, flaking off and reducing their original height. Development of the disease without necessary treatment is associated with dangerous complications leading to limited mobility.
The presentation of lumbar osteochondrosis was previously thought to be an age-related disorder, but in recent decades it has been observed not only in the elderly but also in young adults aged 30-35 years.
Complications of osteochondrosis of the lower spine
If the lesions of the lower vertebral body are not treated in time, the symptoms will spread to the whole body. These are genitourinary dysfunction, kidney pain, urinary retention and general malaise, often without cause.
Signs of low back pain and inflammation of the sciatic nerve are often present. These factors further limit movement and render the patient helpless.
Causes of lumbar osteochondrosis
This spinal disorder develops as a result of continuous loading, and the more frequent and intense the loading, the greater the likelihood of osteochondrosis. Particularly at risk are overweight patients and professionals who perform day-to-day tasks related to lifting and carrying heavy objects.
Another factor that increases the risk of lumbar osteochondrosis is incorrect posture due to sitting during work or natural features of the spinal structure. A sedentary, unhealthy regimen and improper movement can exacerbate the problem. As a result, an incorrectly distributed load becomes the driving force behind the development of lumbar spine disease.
Injuries are also important, so athletes are advised to pay more attention to the condition of the spine.
In some patients, the pathology occurs due to inflammatory disease of the lumbar spine and joints. Therefore, Bechterew's disease and rheumatoid arthritis are considered as possible causes of future osteochondrosis.
In addition to these prerequisites, the list of causes of illness includes the following items:
- Improper sleep and rest;
- unhealthy diet;
- regular stress;
- metabolic disorders;
- Genetic susceptibility, weakness of the lumbar spine;
- Porous structure of spinal tissue.
Signs of Low Back Osteochondrosis
The main symptoms of this pathology are recurrent pain and general deterioration. The most severe pain is felt spontaneously, with sudden movement and physical exertion, but it may also be disturbed at rest. Pain can be felt in the lower back, upper back, and buttocks. Post-severe pain, even when coughing or sneezing, can be distressing to the patient, as well as minimal physical activity that does not tax the spine. With severe discomfort, mobility is impaired, and movement becomes limited and uncertain. Banks, turns and position changes are very difficult.
In addition to pain, lumbar osteochondrosis itself manifests itself as a psychiatric disorder inherent in many diseases. The patient becomes irritable, withdrawn, insomniac, and as a result experiences an intense breakdown.
Without the necessary treatment in the clinic, osteochondrosis can lock the patient in bed, completely depriving him of the opportunity to serve himself independently and even lead a normal life.
An exception is when patients begin to experience pain long after the onset of the disease. They often have herniated discs, hernias, spondylolisthesis, and because there is no obvious discomfort, they cannot suspect it.
Traditional treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine begins to develop, and treatment depends directly on it.
Osteochondrosis, especially lumbar spondylosis, involves the refusal of heavy loads, but not complete rest. Since the physical support of the spine is the muscular framework, it is necessary to resort to strengthening it to align the posture as much as possible.
Traditional methods include:
- massage;
- stretch;
- manual therapy;
- Therapeutic sports culture course.
Disadvantages of traditional methods
The disease is not always suitable for non-surgical treatment. In this case, a hernia requiring surgery is likely to occur.
In modern medicine, discectomy is more commonly used than other methods - a surgical procedure to remove a disc damaged by disease, and is most effective for osteochondrosis in the lumbar region. Typically, the surgical approach is performed endoscopically.
Bone disease diagnosis of osteochondrosis
To make a diagnosis, osteopaths use several testing options:
- passive and active testing;
- "Fascia Tension" test;
- Stretching test;
- Axial load inspection;
- Craniosacral rhythm test.
During such a diagnosis, the patient will undergo a detailed comprehensive examination of the flexibility and elasticity of the vertebrae and the tissues that connect them, as well as the extent of their damage. The weakest part of the spine is revealed.
At the same time, the osteopath will detect deviations in the position of internal organs and changes in their size, if the stage of the disease is what can cause it.
The research helps uncover the tension in muscle tissue that interferes with its normal work. Also, during the diagnosis process, the doctor will find out the extent of the disc erasure.
osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
The main goal of osteopathy is to restore the spine to its correct position while preventing tissue degeneration.
This method of treatment provides the best results in the shortest possible time, however, patients are given several courses of treatment anyway.
The nuances of the upcoming surgery are carefully selected by the doctor before impacting the lumbar region. It takes into account the characteristics and accompanying symptoms of the lower vertebral disease course.
Treatment also needs to take into account the patient's age, his daily life, the general condition of his body, possible concomitant diseases, which may be the result of disease and unrelated pathologies.
During the procedure, the doctor gently pushes the vertebrae into their natural position. In most cases, results will be noticed after the first or second treatment, manifested as more freedom of movement, absence of pain and stiffness.
After the treatment, the patient must 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 treatments.
important! The bone disease effects of osteochondrosis can only occur between episodes.
The benefits of osteopathy for lumbar osteochondrosis
Today, many scientists and doctors endorse osteopathy. There should be many reasons for treating lumbar osteochondrosis in this way.
The unique feature of this treatment is that during the treatment, the patient does not need medication supplements. This is true for allergy sufferers, liver disease sufferers, and many other ailments for which frequent medication use is not desirable.
After one session, not only the spine, but all the internal organs are in their natural position. This has resulted in a gradual improvement in the general condition of patients with lumbar osteochondrosis. In this respect, all the processes of the body are restored and every organ is functioning in the correct mode.
Considering that changes in the structure of the spine can also lead to disorganization of muscle tissue, osteopathy performs another task - removing tension and clamps in the muscles. These troubles may be the cause of pain, exacerbating the patient's already difficult condition.
The edema and inflammation in osteochondrosis, and the pain associated with it, is easily resolved after the first surgery. The return of mobility and flexibility makes one viable and independent again.
Equally important, blood circulation in muscle and vertebral tissue is restored in the same volume, thus excluding hypoxia associated with insufficient blood supply.
Normalization of sensitivity and function of nerve endings. Numbness and general discomfort in the back. Due to the treatment, the natural mechanisms of regeneration and self-regulation are restarted in the body.
Are there complications from osteopathic treatment?
Another advantage is that when choosing a method to eliminate symptoms and lumbar osteochondrosis itself, it is decisive to guarantee that there will be no recurrence in the future. This places osteopathy at a higher level than traditional methods, which allow for termination of relief and new problems that negatively affect the spine and the general condition of the person.
Contraindications for orthopedic treatment
Osteopathic lumbar osteochondrosis is contraindicated if the patient has:
- increased body temperature;
- thrombosis;
- tumor;
- Serious disease of infectious origin;
- epilepsy;
- various mental illnesses.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis
Prevention is necessary in order not to develop osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, or at least begin to manifest at a very old age. Regular visits to an osteopath are recommended for timely detection of signs of spinal pathology.
To prevent the lumbar spine disease under consideration, a series of actions have been developed, including several directions.
Therefore, in order to eliminate the possibility of lumbosacral lesions, the norms and rules of healthy eating should be followed. Introduce as many low-calorie foods as possible into your diet and eliminate fatty and high-calorie foods. To reduce the risk of lumbar osteochondrosis, certain product advantages are ideal:
- sea fish;
- vegetable oil;
- fresh yogurt, cheese;
- gelatin dishes;
- Broth on bones and cartilage;
- Fresh vegetables and fruits, vegetables;
- mineral water.
It also helps prevent manifestations of osteochondrosis, including the lumbar spine and other parts of the spine, with a course of vitamin and mineral preparations, repeated 1-2 times a year.
To prevent symptoms, patients should lead an active lifestyle and participate in physical education. Swimming, walking and gymnastics have a very positive effect on the structure of the lumbar spine.
Hydrotherapy is very useful for osteochondrosis in any area, including lumbar row disorders. For this reason, patients with lumbar osteochondrosis often continue treatment and prevention while visiting specialized nursing homes.