Osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine in which the intervertebral discs (and subsequently the vertebral bodies, joints and ligaments) lose their ability to function normally.
The lumbar spine is very sensitive to diseases such as osteochondrosis.
It is often quite difficult to determine the symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis, because there are many forms of the course of the disease.
Symptoms
At the beginning of the development, the symptoms are very mild: patients mainly complain of pain in the lumbar region, which is aggravated by movement and bending.
1-2 years after the onset of lumbar osteochondrosis, the pain may spread to the hip or groin.Stiffness of movements occurs in the lumbar region.
Lumbar osteochondrosis develops slowly, but over time, periods of exacerbation occur more often, and as more new vertebrae are affected, the symptoms intensify.
The most common variant of lumbar osteochondrosis is chronic lumbodynia.The following symptoms are observed with this form:
- The appearance of symptoms occurs in cycles, in waves.
- Not very strong pain in the lumbar region, worse in the morning.
- Stiffness in the back.
- The pain subsides after 30 minutes, but even minor stress can trigger it again.
- A sudden increase in pain can be "lumbago", usually due to physical exertion - acute lumbago.Symptoms of acute lumbago may appear within 1-2 weeks, after which they are replaced by symptoms of chronic lumbago.
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
The same symptoms can be signs of different diseases, and the disease cannot proceed according to the textbook.Do not try to treat yourself - consult a doctor.
A one-week hospital stay is indicated during an exacerbation.The patient is advised to rest in bed;it is recommended to walk with the help of crutches, thus freeing the lower back.
For the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis, various spinal stretching and back massage are performed.
Drug therapy includes analgesics, sedatives, and vitamins.In some cases, blockade with anesthetics is indicated.
Physiotherapy includes ultraviolet radiation of the lumbar region, electrophoresis with novocaine and ultrasound therapy.
Therapeutic exercises for lumbar osteochondrosis are a mandatory part of treatment.Designed to strengthen the back muscles.
Exercises include flexion and extension, abduction and adduction, and rotation.Exercises in the pool are the most effective because the water reduces the load on the spine.
When the symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis worsen, as well as when it is combined with spina bifida, therapeutic exercises consist of breathing exercises.
At home, a good effect in the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis is ensured by daily smearing of painful areas with iodine, as well as pepper plaster and mustard plasters.
Traditional medicine for lumbar osteochondrosis includes warming compresses with birch leaves or black radish juice.
Proper nutrition can significantly improve your condition.