Basic methods of treating osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine

During the course of the disease in question, the proper shape and flexibility of the intervertebral discs are lost: their gradual deformation occurs. The distance between the vertebrae decreases, which leads to pinched nerves and pain. Of all parts of the spine, the lumbosacral one is most often susceptible to these pathological changes.

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

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

• Passive lifestyle. This includes people who lead a predominantly sedentary lifestyle. In a sitting position, the corset muscles relax, which increases the load on the lumbar spine.
• Inflammatory phenomena that are localized in the joints of the spine.
• Errors in the functioning of the endocrine system, hormonal imbalance.
• Serious infectious diseases affecting bones and joints (tuberculosis, osteomyelitis).
• Malfunctions of the gastrointestinal tract and heart.
• A lifestyle associated with heavy physical work (loaders, weightlifters, construction workers).
• Uneven posture, improper walking.
• Poor cartilage tissue density (hereditary factor).
• Congenital pathologies associated with the structure of the spine/skeleton. Deviations in the functioning of the musculoskeletal system.
• Obesity.
• Unbalanced work and rest regime.
• Age. In people, after crossing the 50-year mark, intervertebral discs become less elastic and inactive.
• Chemical poisoning.
• Flat feet. With the correct structure of the foot, the load is absorbed during walking. If there is flatfoot, the intervertebral discs receive the maximum load, which leads to their deformation and destruction.
• Back injury.

The signs of the disease in question are divided into three groups. Reflex signs (pain). They have several manifestations:

• Lumbago. Occurs as a result of sudden movement (high jump, running, coughing). This pain is paroxysmal in nature (lumbago). During this attack, the patient tilts his torso forward and remains in this position for a certain time: attempts to straighten up cause a new wave of pain. Lumbago occurs as a result of pinched nerve roots.
• Lumbodynia. The pain that occurs in the lumbar region is increasing in nature. Initially, the patient feels a certain discomfort, which can develop into severe, regular pain. The cause of lumbodynia can be 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 location is the lower extremities. This phenomenon occurs when the nerve roots of the spinal cord are pinched. If 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. Characterized by the following manifestations:

• the skin of the legs periodically loses sensitivity;
• the patient complains of shooting pain in the lumbar region;
• disruptions occur in the sweating system.

Radicular-vascular signs. They occur against the background of compression of blood vessels. The following complaints are noted from the patient:

• heat/coldness in the lower extremities;
• slight tingling/increasing pain in the feet;
• swelling (when veins are compressed).

The lack of adequate treatment can provoke a spinal stroke, which can lead to partial/complete paralysis of the lower extremities, as well as serious malfunctions of the pelvic organs. Lumbar osteochondrosis negatively affects the structure of the vertebrae: over time, they may become displaced. This violation can provoke a number of negative phenomena.

• Malfunctions in the functioning of internal organs and the genitourinary system.
• Frequent fatigue.
• Weakness.
• Irritability.

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

Based on the set and strength of manifestation of clinical signs, the disease in question is divided into several degrees. The first is initial, the second degree is mild, the third is severe.

Lumbar osteochondrosis of the 1st degree.

Characterized by main symptoms:

• Lumbago (lumbago), which occurs due to a tear in the capsule of the disc (intervertebral).
• Swelling of tissues.
• Muscle spasm.
• Regular pain.

With grade 1 lumbar osteochondrosis, the patient may experience additional symptoms caused by compression of blood vessels and nerve roots.

• Imitation of disorders associated with the functioning of the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract.
• Periodic abdominal pain that occurs against the background of spasm of the abdominal muscles.

Lumbar osteochondrosis 2nd degree.

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

• Regular pain (lumbodynia). The location of the pain, which can have varying intensity, is the lower back.
• Non-standard mobility in the joints of the spine. A tight bandage on the lower back can briefly improve the patient's general condition and reduce pain.
• Malfunctions (not always) of internal organs. In some cases, a patient with lumbar osteochondrosis may experience bronchial asthma and errors in the functioning of the biliary/urinary tract.
• Pain in the lower extremities that goes in the direction of the sciatic nerve.

Lumbar osteochondrosis of the 3rd degree.

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

• Spinal deformities: curvature to the right/left (scoliosis); arching forward (lordosis), arching the lumbar spine (kyphosis).
• Constant, severe, acute pain that makes itself felt at the slightest physical activity (change of position, coughing, sneezing).
• Swelling of muscle tissue, ligaments.
• Periodic/regular lack of sensation in the lower part of the body (lower back, legs, feet).
• Malfunctions of the genitourinary system.

Treatment methods for 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 will necessarily be taken into account by the attending physician.

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

• To eliminate osteochondrosis of the lumbar region, an integrated approach is needed.
• Treatment measures (intensity, duration) will be determined by the level of neglect of the pathology in question.

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 a standard; it may change. However, today doctors often use certain medications to combat the manifestations of this disease.

• Chondroprotectors. They stop the destructive processes in the cartilage tissues of the spine that take place at the initial stage of the disease.
• Anti-inflammatory (non-steroidal) drugs. Used for the treatment of 2nd degree lumbosacral osteochondrosis. This group of medications 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 eliminate discomfort caused by increased muscle tone.
• Vasodilators. Helps improve blood circulation, preventing stagnation, minimizing the risk of infection in the body.
• Local anesthetics. In case of severe, constant pain, the anesthesiologist performs a blockade. A solution is injected into the painful area using a special needle. The pain goes away immediately and does not bother you for several weeks. Such a blockade should be used only in extreme cases: it has a lot of negative consequences.
• Vitamin and mineral complexes. Often prescribed for elderly patients, in order to increase the strength of tendons and ligaments.

Massage for lumbar osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region

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

Massage should be performed on a healthy (not affected! ) area. During the procedure, the patient is positioned on a flat, hard couch on his stomach. Place a pillow/cushion under your stomach. It is also necessary to ensure that the patient's legs are raised (45 degrees). The forehead should rest against a hard surface.

To carry out a massage, it is better to use special products (oils, creams, lotions) that have warming properties, or conduct the session immediately after thermal procedures (bath, sauna). Today there are many massage techniques, let’s highlight the main ones:

• Stroking. There are several types of strokes: hook-shaped, transverse flat, fan-shaped, ending with symmetrical strokes in the area of the sternum muscles.
• Squeezing. Performed in combination with stroking. This massage technique ensures muscle stretching.
• Kneading.
• Shaking.
• Trituration. Often used to improve the functioning of tendons, ligaments, and joints.
• Point impact. Not every massage therapist is able to perform the procedure using the acupressure technique.

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

The entire complex of physical exercises used in diagnosing lumbar osteochondrosis should help increase the mobility of the lumbar region.

Therapeutic gymnastics will not be effective if the exercises are carried out occasionally. The main principle of exercise therapy is regularity. Constantly performing a certain set of exercises will help eliminate destructive processes in the intervertebral joints. It is forbidden to perform exercise therapy 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. However, to achieve the desired result you need to spend a lot of time. Using several types of physiotherapy at once helps speed up recovery. This treatment method has many contraindications that cannot be ignored. Often, physiotherapy is prescribed for children, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and elderly patients.

It is prohibited to use physiotherapy in the following cases:

• cancer;
• acute stages of osteochondrosis;
• serious disruptions in the functioning of the central nervous system;
• injury to the area where physiotherapy should be performed.

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 improve blood supply, eliminate spasms, and eliminate pain.
• Magnetotherapy, electrophoresis. The application of the method involves exposing the painful area of the spine to a magnetic/electric field. Through this effect, it is possible to establish the body’s metabolic processes, eliminate (fully/partially) inflammatory phenomena, and speed up recovery.
• Laser therapy. The condition of the affected spinal roots is significantly improved due to the influence of helium-neon emitters on them.
• Balneotherapy. The main component that is used to carry out the physical procedure in question is therapeutic mud and mineral waters.
• Detensor therapy (mechanical stretching of the spinal column). Relevant for severe back pain.

Folk remedies for lumbar osteochondrosis

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

Often, in the fight against the disease, rubbing and compresses are used:

• Red pepper tincture: for rubbing painful areas of the lower back. To prepare the drug you need to mix 1 tbsp. vodka (diluted medical alcohol), 20-25 gr. dry ground red pepper. It is necessary to infuse (stirring occasionally) these ingredients for 5-7 days.
• Camphor and mustard: for daily rubbing before bed. To prepare the product, mix mustard powder (50 g), camphor alcohol (50 ml), medical alcohol (90-100 ml), beaten egg whites (3 pcs. ). After thorough mixing, 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). Before use, this mixture should sit for 10-12 hours.
• Horseradish root and alcohol: for rubbing 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): for rubbing into painful areas of the lower back.
• Cabbage leaf peeled from thick veins: for compresses. Before applying, the cabbage leaf should be immersed in hot (no more than 60 C) water. You can secure the leaf on your lower back using a bandage/gauze. After changing the leaf color, the procedure can be repeated.

Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis

Prevention of the disease in question involves a whole range of measures.

Proper nutrition. The diet should be balanced and low in calories. It is not recommended to have meals more than 6 times a day. Certain foods should predominate in your daily diet.

• Fish (sea).
• Vegetable fats (olive, flaxseed oil).
• Dairy products with a minimum content of dyes and sugar.
• Dishes containing gelatin (jellied meat, jelly).
• Animal cartilage (can be used for preparing first courses).
• Fresh fruits, vegetables.
• Greenery.
• Mineral water.

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

Active lifestyle

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

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

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