Lumbar osteochondrosis affects many patients. This is an unpleasant and very dangerous disease, which can lead to unpleasant complications later. By the way, among all types of this disease, it is much more common in medical practice, since the lower back has the most loads. In this case, the spine does not receive enough nutrients, the intervertebral discs lose their elasticity and simply dry out. The back cannot withstand such heavy loads, the fiber ring protrudes in different directions and breaks.
Diagnosis
If a patient complains of acute pain in the lumbar region, it does not mean that they have osteochondrosis of the lumbar or lumbosacral region. Butin order to identify the cause of the disease, the doctor mustdiagnose the patient. And for that:
- examines the affected area and tries to identify the inflammatory processes that the patient is complaining about;
- evaluates the posture, whether it looks straight or not, how curved it is;
- can send a patient for additional examination - X-ray;
- appoints an additional examination using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.
Symptoms
The most important symptom of lumbar osteochondrosis is unbearable pain in the lower back. And this symptom occurs either immediately or after a while after heavy physical exertion. In this case, the type of pain can be completely different:
- aching pain in the lower back area becomes unbearable and can radiate to the leg.
- When a patient tries to do any kind of physical work, the pain increases. In addition, this symptom can appear with coughing, chewing, as well as with any change in posture.
- Once the patient has been in the same position for a long time, any attempt to change position will cause pain in the lumbar region.
- the back muscles are constantly tense, as if the patient is constantly carrying weights;
- As a result of the slightest hypothermia, the lower back begins to "shoot";
- Nerve endings in the buttocks, knees and feet begin to wither, ie the sensitivity in these areas decreases;
- Goosebumps and slight tingling sensations occur in the legs; Feet get cold;
- The arteries in the feet can cramp and the pulse can be badly felt.
- the patient begins to actively sweat;
- In the affected area, the skin becomes dry and begins to peel off.
Help: It should be noted that osteochondrosis can become an acute stage if the primary symptoms continue to strain the back or the body is overcooled.
Lumbar spine osteochondrosis, treatment
In our time there are different schemes for treating the disease. There is drug therapy, acupuncture and there is also gymnastics for osteochondrosis. In any case, the doctor will prescribe the method of treatment.When a patient self-mediates, it can make the disease worse and end very badly.
Important: It should be noted that osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is a disease from which it is very difficult to recover. You can not get rid of it completely until the first or second stage.
Protocol and scheme
There are many methods of treating osteochondrosis, but the treatment regimen is the same. It is necessary to reduce the load on the spine and strengthen the muscles of the back and lumbar spine. It is also necessary to normalize the nutrition of the spine by restoring metabolic processes and blood circulation. And the ultimate victory will be to regain the sensitivity of the lower body.
First aid
- If a sudden sharp pain affects the lumbar spine, this area must first be insulated with something warm (woolen scarf, heating pad, etc. ). But at the same time, you need to make sure that the affected area is warm, not hot.
- The body must be placed on something solid and level (bench, board, plank, floor).
- A roll should be placed under the back in the lumbar spine. However, if the lower limbs are tense, then the roller should be placed under the knees.
- Call a doctor and take some pain medication before he arrives.
Conservative and operative methods
Methods of treating osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine are divided into conservative treatment methods and surgical treatment methods. What is the difference? Andthe difference is that in conservative treatment methods, the doctor uses a complex technique that affects different areas of medicine.
That is, this technique implies long-term and sometimes unsuccessful treatment. Surgical intervention depends on the neglect of the disease. For example, as one of the methods of surgical treatment, surgery is extreme, but without it it is impossible.
Effective conservative methods
In the early stages, drugs and wellness gymnastics are suitable for suppressing pain and normalizing the metabolism. However, if the disease progresses into more severe phases, the doctor can prescribe physical therapy and an operation. In addition, in the latter case, such a procedure is considered extreme, but quite effective. The most important thing in the treatment of osteochondrosis is not to load the spine and at the same time try to immobilize the foci of inflammation.
Medicines
- The most basic and effective drug for acute pain are pain relievers (analgin, amidopyrine, phenacetin, etc. ). Medicines relieve pain, but do not eliminate the cause.
- Also, doctors prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs that affect the radicular nerves and remove swelling. Such drugs reduce and eliminate foci of inflammation.
- With a disease of 3-4 degrees, local anesthetics are prescribed (for example, novocaine).
- To avoid spastic muscle contraction, the doctor prescribes muscle relaxants.
- Chondoprotectors are used to normalize metabolism and restore cartilage tissue. This treatment reduces the risk of cartilage deformation and tissue destruction.
- In combination with medicinal products, the patient is prescribed vitamin B. This group of vitamins improves the body's metabolism, reduces inflammation, and is a natural diuretic that helps you get rid of excess fluids.
- Diuretics can also be prescribed.
- In order to improve the patient's condition, he is prescribed drugs that increase the immunity of the entire body.
- The picture is complemented by drugs that improve blood circulation in the area where there is a lesion.
Physical education
Practice shows that physiotherapy exercises help with osteochondrosis. And it not only helps, in the Far East it is practiced daily and, above all, prescribed to patients. At the moment there are different methods of gym exercise to fight this disease.And under the old techniques they practice yoga, qigong, etc.
Which set of gymnastic exercises should be carried out is decided by the doctor together with the patient. However, it should be noted that each technique has its own indications and contraindications. For example, severe forms of the disease cannot be treated with physical therapy exercises. At the doctor's decision, gymnastics exercises can be combined with medication and physiotherapy.
Physiotherapy
It has happened that in our country, physiotherapy is basically prescribed after drug treatment is found to be invalid. Although a person is constantly affected by some physiological processes.
The principle of physiotherapy is that the body is influenced by simple physical processes (with the help of a current, a magnet, etc. ). In contrast to natural phenomena, however, physiotherapeutic methods help to direct the effects of the influence methods in the right direction. Take electrotherapy, for example. With the help of the current, doctors will help normalize metabolism or get rid of cramps.
Massage
Massage is prescribed for patients who are recovering. However, in some cases, during an exacerbation of the disease, massage can be prescribed. Then only healthy parts of the body are massaged.A session with a lesson usually lasts 15 to 20 minutes, and the number of sessions lasts up to 7 procedures.
But this technique is dangerous for an amateur, so it is best to make an appointment with a professional. At the same time, it is now possible to massage both with your hands and with special devices.
classes on special simulators
Doctors believe that the treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine largely depends on the desire and aspiration of the patient himself. The method of treating a disease is like choosing an instrument that can cure it.Exercise equipment is one of the tools that help improve condition and quickly recover from illness.. However, doctors recommend going to the gym when the patient recovers and the disease recedes.
These simulators that are helpful in this matter include:
- horizontal bar;
- expander;
- cardiovascular equipment;
- gym (in this case, it is best to sign up for special classes where the patient has their own personal trainer to help with the choice of simulators).
Joint injections
If the disease worsens, the doctor may prescribe injection treatments. It is an effective remedy in which the spine artificially absorbs all nutrients and trace elements. In this case, the injections act directly on the spine, the painful sensations pass much faster.However, this method is part of drug treatment, which means that it can have its own side effects. Therefore, injections must be performed under the clear guidance of the attending physician.
Swimming
Swimming is considered an additional treatment. At the same time everyone needs to know thatneeds to be warmed up in the water before training to warm up the muscles. In this case, the water should be at least 27-30 ° C. And after each lesson, you can safely bring the temperature down to 23 ° C. Correct breathing is the key to a successful workout. First you need to take a deep breath and then take a short breath. You should also choose the right exercises and swimming techniques.
To get positive results, you must first swim 30-100m with a pillow in hand. Then you need to rest a little, and then hold the pillow in your legs and swim the same amount, working only with your hands. Then rest again and swim 20-30 m chest without holding your breath. After a short break, you can continue.
First you need to dip your body in water up to your chest and get started and then just walk around the pool. Then, raise your knees as high as you can while spreading your arms to your sides. Think about your breaststroke. Do the same thing and just lean on the side. After that, you need to bend forward and keep your hands on the belt. Then imagine that you are a hippopotamus and stretch your stomach back and forth. Then, hold on to the side and do a few squats.
How much is treated and what happens if it is not treated?
The duration of treatment for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine depends on the neglect of the disease.. Basically, at the first visit to the patient, the doctor prescribes a treatment (course) that lasts for a certain time (it all depends on the method). You also need to take into account how the patient behaved during the course. Because this disease is chronic in severe stages of the disease, symptoms may return and treatment may need to be repeated.
Prevention
In order not to feel for yourself what osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is, the following rules must be observed:
- If your work involves physical activity, you don't need to put too much strain on your back and you need to rest.
- to do sports, especially to strengthen the back muscles;
- pay attention to your posture; Move more often, evening walks are best;
- observe proper nutrition (not to be confused with diet, proper nutrition is a complete balance of all vitamins and microelements);
- follow the correct rest routine;
- Osteochondrosis can cause other back problems. So, at this point, take care of your health.
Which doctor you should contact
If a patient has back pain, you must first consult a local doctor. In this case, however, he only identifies external symptoms and passes on for examination. And the first person he will write a referral to is, this is a neurologist or a vertebrologist.
These two doctors deal specifically with the problem of osteochondrosis. When a patient is in remission, massage therapists, gymnastics trainers, physical therapists, and many others come into play, depending on what type of recreational activities the doctor prescribes.
Conclusion
Osteochondrosis is a pretty nasty disease. As practice shows, the main patients in hospitals are those people who have not monitored their health. Therefore, remember that timely detection of the disease and its prevention will cost you much less than the advanced stage of the disease.