Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is a degenerative-dystrophic pathology of the lower part of the spine. In most cases, it affects the intervertebral discs, deforms them, peels and reduces their original height. Without the necessary treatment, the development of the disease is accompanied by dangerous complications that lead to limited mobility.
It was previously thought that the manifestation of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is an age-related disorder, but in recent decades it has been observed not only in the elderly but also in young people between the ages of 30 and 35 years.
Complications of osteochondrosis of the lower spine
If the pathology of the lower vertebra is not treated in time, the symptoms will spread throughout the body. These include urinary tract dysfunction, kidney pain, urinary retention, and general discomfort, often for no reason.
Often the presence of signs of lumbodynia and symptoms such as inflammation of the sciatic nerve. These factors further restrict movement and make the patient helpless.
Causes of lumbar osteochondrosis
This spinal disease is caused by constant exertion, and the more frequent and intense it is, the more likely it is to develop osteochondrosis. Overweight patients and those working in specialties whose daily work involves lifting and transporting heavy objects are particularly at risk.
Another factor that increases the risk of developing lumbar osteochondrosis is improper posture due to sitting position during work or natural features of the spinal structure. The problem is exacerbated by a sedentary, unhealthy lifestyle and improper exercise. As a result, improperly distributed loads give impetus to the development of lumbar spine disorders.
Injuries are also of great importance, so athletes need to pay close attention to the condition of their spine.
In some patients, the pathology is due to inflammatory diseases of the lumbar and joints. So Bechterew’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis are likely causes of osteochondrosis in the future.
In addition to these prerequisites, the list of causes of the disease includes the following elements:
- inadequate sleep and rest;
- unhealthy eating;
- Regular stress;
- Metabolic disorders;
- Genetic predisposition, weak lumbar;
- Porous structure of spinal tissues.
Signs of osteochondrosis in the lumbar region
The main symptoms of this pathology are regular pain and worsening of the general condition. The strongest pain occurs spontaneously, with sudden movements and physical exertion, but it can also interfere with rest. The pain is felt both in the lumbar region and in the upper back and buttocks. Intense pain in the later stages, even in the case of coughing or sneezing, can disturb the patient, as well as minimal physical activity that does not strain the spine. Due to severe discomfort, mobility will be impaired, movements will be limited and uncertain. Tilting, turning, position changes are very difficult for the patient.
In addition to pain, osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is a symptom of many diseases, including mental disorders. The patient becomes irritable, recedes, and develops insomnia, resulting in a severe collapse.
Without the necessary treatment at the clinic, osteochondrosis can chain the patient to bed, completely depriving them of the opportunity to serve themselves, and even more so to a normal life.
An exception is patients whose pain only occurs long after the onset of the disease. They often have cartilage protrusions, hernias, spondylolisthesis that they could not suspect due to a lack of significant discomfort.
Traditional treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
From the onset of lumbar spine osteochondrosis, treatment is directly dependent.
Osteochondrosis, especially of the lumbar region, involves rejection of a heavy load but not complete rest. As the tangible support of the spine is the muscular skeleton, this should be reinforced to adjust the posture as much as possible.
The traditional methods are:
- Massage;
- Stretching;
- Manual therapy;
- The course of therapeutic physical culture.
Disadvantages of traditional methods
This disease is not always suitable for 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 often than others - a surgical method of removing a vertebral disc damaged by a disease that is most effective in osteochondrosis of the lumbar zones. Usually the surgical method is performed endoscopically.
Osteopathic diagnosis of osteochondrosis
To make a diagnosis, an osteopath uses several testing options:
- Passive and active testing;
- "face tension" test;
- Tensile test;
- Axial load control;
- Craniosacral rhythm test.
During such a diagnosis, the patient undergoes a detailed comprehensive examination of the elasticity of the vertebrae and the tissues connecting them, and the extent of their damage. The weakest points of the spine are revealed.
At the same time, the osteopath detects changes in the position and size of the internal organs if the stage of the disease is such that it can cause it.
The test helps to find the tension in the tissues of the muscles that are interfering with their normal work. In addition, during the diagnosis, the doctor will know the extent of the intervertebral disc erasure.
Osteopathy in lumbar osteochondrosis
The main goal of osteopathic therapy is to restore the spine to the proper position while stopping tissue degeneration.
This treatment approach provides the best results in the shortest possible time, however, in each case, patients are presented with a course of multiple treatments.
Before proceeding with the lumbar spine, the doctor will carefully select the shades of the upcoming procedure. It takes into account the specifics of the course of lower vertebral disease and the accompanying symptoms.
Treatment should take into account the patient's age, daily lifestyle, general condition of the body, possible concomitant disorders, which may be a consequence of the disease and unrelated pathologies.
During the procedure, the doctor gently presses on the vertebrae to bring them back to a natural position. In most cases, the result is seen after the first or second session, which is expressed in freer movements and a lack of pain and stiffness.
After completing 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 any other method of therapy.
Important! The osteopathic effect in osteochondrosis is only possible in the period between seizures.
Benefits of osteopathy in lumbar osteochondrosis
Today, the methods of osteopathic therapy are recognized by many scientists and doctors. There are several reasons for treating lumbar spine osteochondrosis in this way.
This treatment is unique in that patients do not need medication during the course of treatment. This is true for allergy sufferers, liver patients, and many other diseases where frequent use of medications is undesirable.
During the treatments, not only the vertebrae but also all the internal organs assume their natural position. This contributes to the gradual improvement of the general condition of patients with lumbar osteochondrosis. In this respect, every process in the organization is restored, every organ is operating in the right mode.
Considering the fact that changes in the structure of the spine also cause disorders in the muscle tissues, osteopathic therapy sessions also have another function - to relieve muscle tension and tightness. These problems can cause pain, exacerbating the patient's already difficult condition.
The edema and inflammation that develops in osteochondrosis and the pain associated with them can be easily removed after the first procedure. Mobility and flexibility return, making you functional and independent again.
It is also important that the blood circulation in the muscles of the muscles and vertebrae is restored in the same volume, so that oxygen starvation associated with a lack of blood supply is ruled out.
The sensitivity and function of nerve endings return to normal. There are numbness and general discomfort in the back. Thanks to the treatment, the natural mechanisms of regeneration and self-regulation in the body restart.
Can there be complications from osteopathic treatment?
Another plus, which is crucial in choosing a method to eliminate the symptoms and the lumbar osteochondrosis itself, is to guarantee the absence of relapses in the future. This puts osteopathy at a higher level than classical methods that allow remission and the elimination of new problems that negatively affect the spine and the general condition of the person.
Contraindications to osteopathic treatment
Osteopathy of lumbar osteochondrosis is contraindicated in patients with the following conditions:
- Increased body temperature;
- Thrombosis;
- tumors;
- Serious infectious diseases;
- Epilepsy;
- Various mental illnesses.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis
In order to prevent the development of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, or at least to start manifesting it at a very old age, prevention should be performed. It is advisable to visit an osteopath regularly for early detection of signs of spinal pathologies.
A number of measures have been developed to prevent the affected lumbar spine disease in several directions.
Thus, in order to eliminate the likelihood of developing pathology of the sacral sacral region, the norms and rules of healthy eating must be followed. The maximum number of low-calorie foods should be included in the diet and fatty and high-calorie foods should be excluded. 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;
- Soups on bones and cartilage;
- Fresh vegetables and fruits, greens;
- Mineral water.
It also helps prevent the onset of osteochondrosis, including other parts of the lumbar and spine, with vitamin and mineral preparations repeated 1-2 times a year.
In order to prevent the onset of symptoms, patients should lead an active lifestyle and exercise. Swimming, walking, gymnastics have an extremely positive effect on the structure of the lumbar vertebrae.
With osteochondrosis of any zone, including diseases of the lumbar vertebrae, aquatic procedures are very useful. Because of this, patients with osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine often continue treatment and prevention while traveling to specialized sanatoriums.