Man, unlike animals, moves on two legs with a straight back. In this regard, the main center of gravity is shifted in such a way that the greatest load goes to the lumbar spine. Additional factors that add to the load are obesity, weight lifting and flat feet. At the same time, the fibrous ring of the intervertebral discs becomes thinner over time, resulting in the formation of bulges and hernias. The vertebrae themselves acquire an irregular shape due to the formation of outgrowths (osteophytes). It is this process that sooner or later leads to the development of lumbar osteochondrosis.
Symptoms and diagnostic methods
To understand how to cure osteochondrosis of the lumbar, it is necessary to find out all the causes of its appearance and establish the degree of damage to the surrounding tissues. The diagnosis of the disease is based on the examination, collection of anamnesis data on the clinical picture (manifestations and symptoms) and instrumental methods.
The clinical picture of lumbar osteochondrosis consists of the following symptoms:
- the appearance of pain in the lower back, leg and buttock on the side of the injury;
- sensory disturbance (anaesthesia, paraesthesia);
- decreased motor activity of the lower extremities;
- involvement in the process of pelvic organ dysfunction (urinary incontinence, impotence).
Symptoms usually increase gradually as pathological changes progress. Based on these manifestations, the doctor can only suspect lumbar osteochondrosis. It is possible to make a final diagnosis only after examination and carrying out several studies.
After the examination, a competent specialist will definitely check for the presence of several characteristic reflexes:
- Lages reflex, in which the doctor lifts the patient's outstretched leg and the pain intensifies. After bending the limb at the knee joint, the pain instantly disappears.
- The Bekhterev reflex consists of the occurrence of pain when pressing the straightened knees on a flat surface.
Instrumental methods allow obtaining additional information about the state of the spinal cord and the nervous tissue of the roots located in the immediate vicinity of the spinal injury. X-rays and MRIs are usually performed, and sometimes CT scans.
After establishing the fact of the presence of the disease, it is necessary to decide how to treat lumbar osteochondrosis. To do this, there are a huge number of possibilities, ranging from taking pills to ending the surgery. In some cases, reflexology and massage help.
Medical treatment
Drug treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis aims to eliminate its manifestations. To reduce the severity of pain and reduce inflammation, use:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. By reducing inflammatory manifestations and blocking pain receptors, taking these drugs reduces the pain associated with nerve root irritation. These drugs can be used in various pharmaceutical forms (injections, pills, ointments and gels).
- Glucocorticosteroid hormones are used when pain relievers are ineffective. Its action is stronger, reducing the swelling of nervous tissue and therefore reducing the irritating effect of bone growths on the roots. However, due to possible systemic effects and side effects, its long-term use is not recommended.
To protect cartilage tissue from further destruction, drugs for the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis necessarily include chondroprotectors. And while their effectiveness has yet to be proven, this group of drugs is widely used to treat this condition.
In order to reduce the manifestations of mental disorders (depression, neurosis), which often accompany this disease, sedative drugs are prescribed for lumbar osteochondrosis. They help the patient to deal with the pain. With a pronounced decrease in mood, antidepressants are used.
Also, it is necessary to use vitamin preparations for lumbar osteochondrosis, as they help to reduce the negative effect on the spinal cord and its roots. Group B and C drugs are usually prescribed, as they are the ones that protect the nervous tissue the most.
physiotherapy procedures
The treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine outside of periods of exacerbation should be complemented with effective physiotherapeutic procedures. Most of the time, various effects are used on the reflexes responsible for the blood supply and nutrition of the affected area. These areas can be influenced by:
- magnetotherapy;
- acupuncture;
- electroacupuncture;
- cauterization with cold or heat;
- application or administration of medication (pharmacopuncture).
With pharmacopuncture, by directly injecting the solution into the affected area, it is possible to significantly reduce the drug concentration and thus eliminate most unwanted side effects. The use of these additional methods may increase the effectiveness of drug treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis.
Manual therapy
Manual therapy or massage necessarily includes the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis in the complex.
The doctor can set a number of tasks that differ depending on the individual patient:
- relax tense back muscles by stroking and vibrating;
- improve blood circulation in the lower back;
- strengthen the muscle structure due to deep kneading;
- return the dislocated vertebra to its place.
An individual approach allows you to develop an optimal strategy and determine how to treat lumbar osteochondrosis with maximum efficiency.
Physiotherapy
Sometimes it happens that the patient cannot see a doctor in the near future and begins to ask friends how to treat lumbar osteochondrosis. In this case, the safest is the use of a gymnastic complex, specially designed to strengthen the lower back.
It should be remembered that during periods of exacerbation, you cannot carry out any loading other than breathing exercises and relaxation. In the future, you can include other exercises aimed at strengthening the press and back muscles (push-ups, leg swings, etc. ). At the same time, it is important not to make sudden movements with great amplitude, as the fragile vertebrae can simply move. In this regard, it is highly desirable to start classes with a medical instructor and continue alone at home.
ethnoscience
Folk remedies for lumbar osteochondrosis should be used in addition to, but not in place of, the main treatment. Due to the fact that any intervention can harm the patient, it is first necessary to coordinate all your actions and the use of alternative methods with your doctor.
Typically, various plant-based raw material products are used for this:
- To prepare a locally irritating ointment that will improve the blood supply to the affected area, you will need five red pepper berries and 100 ml of kerosene and vegetable oil. After receiving the infusion, it is necessary to lubricate the painful places at night. A dry wool compress is applied on top.
- Butter and hop cones are mixed in equal amounts. The resulting ointment is applied to the lower back as needed.
- An infusion of arnica, nuts and a medicinal letter should be taken after each meal, a spoonful.
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis with folk remedies can be effective in the early stages of the process. Therefore, it is necessary to start therapy immediately after the onset of symptoms.
Surgical intervention
Surgical treatment of lumbosacral osteochondrosis is carried out very rarely and only in the absence of significant effects of other methods within six months. Other indications for surgery include cauda equina syndrome passing through the spinal canal in this area and acute nerve root compression.
The most common type of surgery is the removal of a damaged disc (discectomy). During the operation, the doctor removes the interfering parts of the vertebrae and discs and, if possible, fixes the spine in the correct position.
This operation is considered the most productive method in this case, but at the same time it is prescribed only if other treatment methods do not bring results within six months. In addition, the microsurgical and endoscopic treatment method of the spine is widespread.
Since intervention in the structure of the spine can lead to very serious consequences (paresis, complete paralysis), the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis should be carried out only in a proven neurosurgical clinic.
How to treat exacerbation of lumbar osteochondrosis
Treatment for exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the lumbar, as a rule, medication. However, to eliminate severe symptoms, medical intervention is required. To eliminate sharp pain, you can perform a so-called block. To do this, use an anesthetic, which is injected with a special needle directly into the affected area.
To relax the spasmodic muscles of the back during an exacerbation of the disease, muscle relaxants are used. These drugs block neuromuscular conduction and help to relax the muscles and eliminate the "blockage".
If the patient is in severe pain, it is necessary to perform an injection of an anesthetic into a vein or muscle. Sometimes this is enough to alleviate the condition.
Disease prevention
In order not to wonder how to cure lumbar osteochondrosis, the best option is to prevent this disease. Basic rules to help with this include:
- do not stay in a forced position for more than half an hour, try to warm up and, if possible, change your position;
- do not lift heavy objects and, when exercising in the gym, coordinate all loads with the instructor;
- do not lie in a crib or hammock, it is better to sleep and rest on a hard bed to avoid deflection and displacement of the vertebrae;
- wear comfortable shoes with a small heel (less than 4 cm);
- avoid increasing your own weight;
- replace the bag with a backpack so that the load is evenly distributed;
- swim in the pool or ponds to give your lower back a rest.
By following these simple recommendations, you may never think about how to get rid of lumbar osteochondrosis. If this disease still develops, it will be necessary to consult a doctor in time. With the help of a complex therapeutic effect, in most cases it is possible to eliminate the symptoms of this pathology and continue to lead a normal life.