Treatment of lumbosacral osteochondrosis - an effective course, prevention!

Osteochondrosis is a progressive dystrophic deformation process, accompanied by a number of complications of varying severity. One of the most affected areas of the human musculoskeletal system is the lumbar spine - this region has the highest load that occurs when moving in space, holding the set poses, performing a variety of physical work, etc.

Almost always mentioned lumbar lesion leads to involvement in the pathological process and the sacral department. Isolated sacral form of osteochondrosis, moreover, is very rarely diagnosed.

In the course of the following narrative you are invited to learn about the features of the manifestation of lumbosacral osteochondrosis, the methods of its diagnosis and treatment features.

Characteristic signs of the girdlelumbosacral osteochondrosis

The first visible signs of the patient's pathological process are noted mainly during the transition of the disease to the 2 nd stage of its development. The main symptom is pain in the lumbar region, which increases when you make sudden movements and expose the body to various loads. Periodically, the pain exacerbates to a very high intensity.

As the osteochondrosis progresses, the intervertebral discs become thin, provoking stiffness and limited movements - it becomes very difficult for a person to tilt, make turns or even just sit. Pain is transformed into aching, periodically changing acute and giving off to other parts of the body( mainly - the legs).

If the pathological process involves nerves, there is a violation of the sensitivity of the skin or the whole leg. Missing, untimely or incorrect treatment is fraught with a pathological decrease in muscle strength, suppression of tendon reflexes and other complications.

Diagnosis methods

After hearing complaints from the patient, the doctor will begin primary examination and palpation. In the course of this, existing violations will be identified and their severity assessed. The presence of osteochondrosis can be evidenced by the following signs:

• pain when probing certain points;
• flattening and curving of the vertebrae in the lumbosacral region;
• bias and asymmetry of affected areas.

For the most reliable assessment of the patient's condition, it is sent to magnetic resonance imaging - this examination allows you to make the most complete picture of the existing pathological process.

Treatment order

Treatment of osteochondrosis involves an integrated approach. In accordance with the average statistical data, the need for surgical intervention is revealed in no more than 10% of cases. In other situations, the following methods are bypassed.

Use of medicines

Anesthetic and anti-inflammatory drugs are used. Muscle relaxants are used to relieve muscle tension. During periods of exacerbation, injectable blockades can be indicated, suggesting the introduction of drugs that relieve severe pain and signs of inflammation.

In addition, local remedies are used in the form of gels and ointments. As a rule, these are painkillers, anti-inflammatory and warming drugs.

Manual therapy

A fairly effective, but not entirely unambiguous method - before starting such treatment, you need to find a truly competent and qualified specialist.

During manual therapy, it is possible to alleviate the condition of the patient as a whole and slow the progression of the disease. Before contacting a specialist in manual therapy, consult a physician with the main treatment.

Physiotherapy

Patients with osteochondrosis are assigned various methods of physiotherapy. The most effective is the amplipulse procedure, during which certain parts of the body are exposed to sinusoidal modulated currents. Helps reduce the intensity of painful sensations, normalize blood circulation, restore optimal muscle tone.

UHF-therapy is also actively used, during which the patient's body is treated with a magnetic field. This procedure helps to cope with inflammatory processes, reduce the severity of pain and speed up the recovery of affected areas.

Medical massage

Special massage techniques allow to get rid of muscle tension, stiffness, painful sensations and other adverse manifestations of osteochondrosis.

Important! During periods of exacerbation of the disease, massage is contraindicated. The only exception is the individual recommendations of the treating specialist.

Among the most commonly used massage techniques can be noted kneading, stroking, rubbing, and shaking and squeezing.

For the duration of the massage, the patient lays on the abdomen on a suitable solid foundation( usually a hard couch) so that the spinal column can not be deflected in the affected area. Under the belly should be placed a pillow or special roller. The shins, at the same time, rise approximately at a 45-degree angle. The head should be lowered below with respect to the couch, at the same time there should be an emphasis of the forehead in a stable support.

is more effective. The positive effect of massage becomes more pronounced when using warming methods or special heating means - the decision regarding these moments remains with the treating specialist.

Acupuncture

An effective non-traditional method of treatment of osteochondrosis. As in the case of manual therapy, it requires a competent and qualified approach - inexperienced specialists often do more harm than good.

The main tasks of acupuncture are to get rid of muscle strains and spasms, normalize blood circulation, reduce the severity of pain.

Recommendations for nutrition

A balanced diet is a very important component of the complex. Observe the basic postulates of a healthy diet - nothing super complicated and overly strict in these matters. Stick to a low-calorie diet, cook as much as possible on steam, eat often, but in small portions.

Pay attention to fresh vegetables and fruits, eat protein foods, sea fish, jelly, dairy products and in general everything that is rich in calcium, vitamins and other nutrients. Drink purified water, give up sweet soda and alcohol.

The procedure for exacerbating

In case of exacerbation of the osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral department, the doctor will prescribe the patient compliance with bed rest and appropriate medications - traditionally these are drugs of anti-inflammatory and analgesic groups. Also nicotinic acid, venotonicks, B vitamins can be shown.

In order to reduce the burden on the spine, stretching is practiced. With very severe pain, blockade can be made with glucocorticoids. Walking on crutches is recommended.

To improve the effectiveness of therapy, a physician can prescribe therapeutic gymnastics, electrophoresis, etc.

Prophylactic recommendations

The main prevention tasks are as follows:

• normalization of posture;
• restoration of natural spacing between vertebrae;
• strengthening of muscles;
• removal of loads from the affected vertebral column.

In order to reduce the risk of osteochondrosis progression, it is recommended to perform special exercises. A specific course is developed by a qualified physician individually for the patient, taking into account the general state of his health, the features of the course of the disease and the available contraindications.

Treatment of osteochondrosis is a complex and rather long process, requiring attention and diligence. Follow the doctor's recommendations, be patient and be healthy!

Video - Treatment of lumbosacral osteochondrosis