Osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine in which the intervertebral discs (and subsequently the vertebral bodies, joints and ligaments) lose the ability to function normally.
The lumbar spine is very vulnerable to diseases such as osteochondrosis.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis are often quite difficult to identify, since the course of the disease takes many forms.
Symptoms
At the beginning of development, symptoms are very mild: patients complain mainly of pain in the lower back, which intensifies with movement and bending.
After 1-2 years from the beginning of the development of lumbar osteochondrosis, the pain may spread to the buttocks or groin area.Stiffness of movement occurs in the lumbar region.
Lumbar osteochondrosis develops slowly, but over time, periods of exacerbations occur more frequently and symptoms intensify as more and more new vertebrae continue to be affected.
The most common variant of lumbar osteochondrosis is chronic lumbodynia.With this form, the following symptoms are observed:
- The appearance of symptoms occurs in periods, waves.
- Not very intense pain in the lower back, worse in the morning.
- Stiffness in the back.
- The pain subsides after 30 minutes, but even a little stress can trigger it again.
- There may be a sudden increase in pain, a “low back pain”, usually also due to physical exertion – acute low back pain.Symptoms of acute low back pain may appear within 1 to 2 weeks, after which they are replaced by symptoms of chronic low back pain.
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
The same symptoms may be signs of different diseases, and the disease may not proceed according to the textbook.Do not try to treat yourself - consult a doctor.
During an exacerbation, hospitalization for a week is indicated.It is recommended that the patient rest in bed;It is recommended to walk with the aid of crutches, thus unloading the lower back.
To treat lumbar osteochondrosis, various spinal tractions and back massages are performed.
Drug therapy includes analgesics, sedatives and vitamins.In some cases, blockage with anesthetics is indicated.
Physiotherapy includes ultraviolet irradiation of the lower back, novocaine electrophoresis and ultrasound therapy.
Therapeutic exercises for lumbar osteochondrosis are an obligatory part of the treatment.It is designed to strengthen your back muscles.
Exercises include flexion and extension, abduction and adduction, and rotation.Exercises in the pool are more effective, as the water reduces the load on the spine.
With the worsening of symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis, as well as when associated with spina bifida, therapeutic exercises consist of breathing exercises.
At home, a good effect in the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis is provided by daily application of iodine to painful areas, as well as pepper and mustard plasters.
Traditional medicine for lumbar osteochondrosis includes compresses heated with birch leaves or black radish juice.
Proper nutrition can significantly improve your condition.