Spinal osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic pathology of the lower parts of the spine. In most cases, it affects the intervertebral discs, deforming them, exfoliating and lowering their original height. The development of the disease without the necessary treatment is associated with dangerous complications leading to limited movement.
It was previously believed that the manifestations of lumbar spine osteochondrosis are an age-related disorder, but in recent decades it has been observed not only in the elderly but also in the young, whose age is 30-35 years.
Complications of osteochondrosis of the lower spine
If the pathology of the lower spine is not treated in time, then the symptoms spread throughout the body. These are malfunctions of the genitourinary system, pain in the kidneys, urinary retention and general discomfort, often without reason.
Often the presence of signs of lumbodynia and a symptom such as inflammation of the sciatic nerve. These factors further restrict movement and make the patient powerless.
Causes of lumbar osteochondrosis
This spinal disease develops due to constant loads and the more frequent and intense they are, the more likely osteochondrosis will occur. Particularly at risk are overweight patients and persons of occupational specialties, whose daily work is accompanied by the lifting and holding of heavy objects.
Another factor that increases the risk of developing lumbar osteochondrosis is the wrong posture due to the sitting position at work or due to the natural features of the spinal structure. The problem is exacerbated by an unhealthy sedentary regime and incorrectly performed movements. As a result, improperly distributed loads become an impetus for the formation of lumbar spine disorders.
Injuries are also very important, so it is advisable for athletes to pay more attention to the condition of the spine.
In some patients, the pathology occurs due to inflammatory diseases of the lumbar and joints. So Bechterew's disease and rheumatoid arthritis are considered as possible causes of osteochondrosis in the future.
In addition to these prerequisites, the list of causes of the disease includes the following points:
- Improper sleep and rest;
- unhealthy diet;
- Regular stress;
- Metabolic disorders;
- Genetic predisposition, weak lumbar;
- The porous structure of the spinal tissue.
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 is felt spontaneously, with sudden movements, physical exertion, but it can also bother at rest. The pain can be felt in the lumbar region as well as in the upper back and buttocks. Severe pain in the later stages can bother the patient even when coughing or sneezing, as well as minimal physical activity that does not burden the spine. Due to severe discomfort, mobility is impaired, movements become restricted and unsafe. Bends, bends, and position changes are given to the patient with great difficulty.
In addition to pain, lumbar spine osteochondrosis manifests as a natural symptom in many diseases - mental disorders. The patient becomes irritable, withdrawn, insomnia appears, as a result of which a strong breakdown is felt.
Without the necessary treatment in the clinic, osteochondrosis can tie the patient to the bed, completely depriving him of the opportunity to serve himself independently and even more so to lead a normal life.
Exceptions are patients in whom the pain begins to appear only after a long time after the onset of the disease. Often they have disc herniation, hernias, spondylolisthesis, of which they could not suspect due to lack of considerable discomfort.
Traditional treatment for lumbar osteochondrosis
Ever since osteochondrosis of the spine began to develop, treatment depends directly.
Osteochondrosis, especially lumbar, involves the rejection of heavy loads, but not complete rest. Since the tangible support for the spine is the muscular frame, it is necessary to focus on its strengthening in order to approximate the posture as much as possible.
Traditional methods include:
- Massage;
- Laying down;
- Manual therapy;
- Therapeutic physical culture course.
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 surgical intervention, is very likely.
In modern medicine, discectomy is used more often than others - a surgical method for removing a damaged vertebral disc from a disease, which is most effective in osteochondrosis of the lumbar areas. As a rule, the surgical method is performed endoscopically.
Osteopathic diagnosis of osteochondrosis
To make a diagnosis, osteopathy uses several testing options:
- Passive and active testing;
- the "fascial tension" test;
- Attraction proof;
- Axial load controls;
- Craniosacral rhythm test.
During such a diagnosis, the patient undergoes a comprehensive detailed examination of the flexibility and elasticity of the vertebrae and connective tissues, the degree of their damage. The weakest points of the spine are revealed.
At the same time, osteopathy detects deviations in the position of internal organs and a change in their size, if the stage of the disease is such that it can cause it.
The study helps to find the tension in the muscle tissues that interferes with their normal work. Also, during the diagnosis, the doctor ascertains the degree of deletion of the intervertebral discs.
Osteopathy for lumbar osteochondrosis
The main goal of osteopathic therapy is to return the spine to the proper position by stopping tissue degeneration.
This approach to treatment ensures the best result in the shortest time possible, however, in any case, patients are shown a course of several sessions.
Before proceeding with the impact on the lumbar spine region, the doctor carefully chooses the nuances of the future procedure. It takes into account the peculiarities of the course of the disease of the lower vertebrae and the symptoms that accompany it.
Treatment also requires taking into account the patient's age, his daily lifestyle, general body condition, possible concomitant disorders, which may be as a consequence of the disease, as well as unrelated pathologies.
During the procedure, the doctor gently pushes the vertebrae so that they take on a natural position. In most cases, the result is noticed after the first or second session, which is expressed in freer movements and lack of pain and stiffness.
After completion of treatment, the patient should follow the instructions of the doctor: within 2-3 days to give up exercise, drink at least 1, 5 liters of water and not use other therapeutic methods.
Important! Osteopathic influence on osteochondrosis disease can be carried out only in the period between attacks.
Benefits of osteopathy for lumbar osteochondrosis
Today, osteopathic methods of therapy are known by many scientists and physicians. Treating spinal osteochondrosis this way should be for a variety of reasons.
This method of treatment is unique in that during the course, patients do not need medication supplements. This is true for those suffering from allergies, people with diseased liver and many other disorders in which frequent use of medications is undesirable.
After a course of sessions, not only the vertebrae but also all the internal organs assume their natural position. This contributes to the fact that gradually the general condition of the patient with lumbar osteochondrosis is improving. In this regard, all processes in the body are restored, each organ functions properly.
Given the fact that changes in the structure of the spine also cause disturbances in muscle tissue, osteopathic therapy sessions perform another task - the elimination of tension and clamps in the muscles. These troubles can be the cause of pain, worsening the already difficult condition of the patient.
Edema and inflammation in osteochondrosis, as well as the pain associated with them, are easily removed after the first procedure. Mobility and flexibility come back, which makes a person workable and independent again.
It is also important that blood circulation to the muscle and vertebral tissues is restored to the same volumes, so that oxygen starvation associated with a lack of blood supply is ruled out.
Sensitivity and functioning of nerve endings is normalized. There is general numbness and discomfort in the back. Thanks to treatment, the natural mechanisms of regeneration and self-regulation resume in the body.
Could there be complications of osteopathic treatment?
Another plus, which when choosing a method for eliminating the symptoms and lumbar osteochondrosis itself, is of crucial importance is the guarantee of the absence of relapses in the future. This puts osteopathy at a higher level than the classical methods, which allow the cessation of 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:
- Increased body temperature;
- Thrombosis;
- tumors;
- Severe diseases of infectious origin;
- Epilepsy;
- Different types of mental illness.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis
In order for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine not to develop, or at least begin to appear at a very old age, it is necessary to do prevention. It is advisable to visit an osteopath regularly for timely detection of signs of spinal pathologies.
For the prevention of the considered lumbar spine disease, a whole range of actions has been developed, consisting in several directions.
So, to eliminate the possibility of developing pathology of the lumbar sacral region, one must adhere to the norms and rules of a healthy diet. It is necessary to include the maximum number of low-calorie foods in the diet and eliminate fatty and extremely 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;
- Soup on bones and cartilage;
- Fresh vegetables and fruits, greens;
- Mineral water.
It also helps prevent the onset 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 the onset of symptoms, patients should lead an active lifestyle, engage in physical education. Swimming, walking and gymnastics have an extremely positive effect on the structure of the lumbar vertebrae.
With osteochondrosis of any area, including diseases of the lumbar spine, water procedures are very helpful. For this reason, patients who have developed lumbar spine osteochondrosis often continue treatment and prevention while traveling to specialized sanatoriums.