Lumbar osteochondrosis. Symptoms and treatment drugs, gymnastics at home

lumbar osteochondrosis It has a wide variety of symptoms that it is important to notice in time. Timely diagnosis and early treatment can help prevent the development of disease.

The causes of lumbar degenerative disc disease

The primary cause of pathology is a severe burden on the lumbar region - work in slope (e.g., in the garden area) lifting weights and even overweight. If a person overweight, the upper part of his body presses against the lower back. Intervertebral discs may not withstand excessive loads, and these destructive changes begin to occur.

Also, the development of osteoarthritis contribute to the following factors:

• complete lack of exercise, sedentary lifestyle;
• lumbar injury and nearby departments;
• slouch;
• curvature of the spinal column (kyphosis, scoliosis);
• the weakness of the muscular system;
• inflammatory disease of the vertebrae and joints, especially in the lumbar region;
• flat or clubfoot;
• constant presence in unnatural positions, strong bending at the waist;
• prolonged hypothermia waist;
• genetic predisposition to osteochondrosis;
• elderly age;
• stress and nervous shock;
• improper nutrition (deficiency of micro-and macro);
• violation of calcium and phosphorus metabolism in the body;
• diseases of the nervous, endocrine and cardiovascular systems;
• pregnancy (since in this period increases the load on the spine due to weight gain and gestation).

The degree of lumbar degenerative disc disease

Lumbar degenerative disc disease, symptoms and treatment that also depend on the reasons mentioned above, has 4 stages of development:

Stage	Description
stage 1	The initial stage proceeds almost asymptomatic. The patient may feel mild pain in the lower back, chill feet. Changes in the structure of the intervertebral discs are not significant, the vertebral column is not deformed.
stage 2	Pain amplified; Degenerative changes in the intervertebral disc are visible.
stage 3	The deformation (curvature) of the spine intervertebral hernias arise, may develop hump.
stage 4	The patient becomes difficult to walk or perform any action. Painful sensations arise at the slightest movement, shifting the vertebrae. There are failures in the pelvis, the patient can not control the processes of urination and defecation. At stage 4 the person is given a disability as the disease brings severe discomfort.

Lumbar degenerative disc disease (symptoms and treatment will be described later in this article) it is difficult to determine, based only patient complaints. The diagnosis is established only after a complete diagnostic tool.

The symptoms of degenerative disc disease of the lumbar

The main symptom is pain, which may be of a dull or aching in nature and is worse when bending, deflections, coughing, and other movements. Pain may be accompanied by constant muscle tension.

The following symptoms are also the presence of lumbar degenerative disc disease indicate:

• difficulties in the extension back after a long stay in the same position;
• stiffness of the lumbar;
• backache;
• muscle spasms;
• tingling, burning sensation and tingling in the buttocks and thighs;
• Foot numbness;
• constant feeling of cold feet, increased sensitivity to cold feet;
• varicose veins in the legs;
• problems with menstruation;
• disorders of potency in men.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of lumbar degenerative disc disease begins with a tour of the back of the patient and anamnesis - the doctor should know about all chronic diseases, lifestyle and kind of patient training, as well as cases of degenerative disc disease (regardless of location) in old. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases involved orthopedist and surgeon.

For accurate diagnosis is necessary instrumental methods of diagnosis:

• Radiography - ineffective in the diagnosis of osteoarthritis, because they do not show the slightest change in the structure of the intervertebral discs. However, using this method it is possible to detect other diseases of the spinal column, which may be the cause of osteoarthritis.
• Computed tomography (CT) - more precise and detailed method by which you can see the damage to the structures of the musculoskeletal system and the degree of progression.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - the most accurate method of diagnosis, which allows to thoroughly examine the state of the intervertebral discs and view them at close range. With MRI you can even see the minimum disruption in the structure of the elements of the spine.
• Myelography - for its use of a contrast agent which is administered in the lumbar region and further X-ray translucent. If the patient has an intervertebral hernia, the contrast will show it.
• US - with it you can detect inflammation in the muscle tissue, which can cause degenerative disc disease.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine

Lumbar degenerative disc disease, the symptoms of which are hard to miss, it requires complex treatment. At 1 and 2 disease stage used standard treatment - medicines, blockade, massage and other methods. And if the pathology progresses rapidly, the patient needs a surgical intervention.

medicines

When osteochondrosis any type and form complex used drug treatment:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics ( "Nise", "Ibuprofen", "Diclofenac"). This group of medicines called NSAIDs - non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They effectively fight inflammation and help to eliminate pain.
• Chondroprotectors ( "Teraflex", "Chondroxide", "Don"). Improve the nutrition of cartilage and vertebrae, contribute to the regeneration of cartilage tissue of joints and eliminate stiffness of the affected areas. Some drugs have a mild analgesic effect.
• Hormonal injections ( "Prednisolone"). Apply at strong and unbearable pain, usually in the later stages of the disease.
• Antispasmodics ( "Mydocalm", "Sirdalud"). Relieve muscle tension, have a moderate analgesic effect. Improve the permeability of the tissue.
• Vasodilators ( "Aktovegin"). Drugs in this group promote vasodilation and better tissue nutrition.

All groups of drugs are available in various dosage forms as tablets, suspensions, gels and ointments, injections. The choice of form of medication depends on the pathology and the individual characteristics of the patient.

Blockade in lumbar osteochondrosis

Blockade is a conventional anesthetic injections which are administered into the diseased region of the spine near the location of the nerve endings. The procedure allows to eliminate the time ( "disable") the pain reflex to stop swelling near the nerve root or to improve his diet.

Subject to all rules and regulations of the procedure (including antiseptic treatment tools), the blockade is completely safe.

Its advantage lies in the following:

• Analgesic effect achieved within fast time.
• The active substance goes directly into the "sick" point.
• Also an analgesic effect, the blockade relieves spasms and muscle tension.

Massage

Massage helps to improve blood circulation and metabolism in the tissues of the muscles and vertebrae, as well as eliminate the pain, tension and spasm. It is recommended to undergo a course of massage - 10-15 procedures that will be performed by an experienced specialist. You can also do easy self-massage at home using a special mat or vibrating belt.

magnetotherapy

Magnetic therapy refers to physiotherapy. It eliminates pain at the waist, enhances circulation in this region and increases tissue permeability. For effective results, you need 10-15 procedures and then take a course of magnetic therapy 1-2 times per year.

Chiropractic, acupuncture

Manipulation of action is similar to massage, but specialist manualshchiku acts more deeply and develops not only muscles, but also other structures. With the help of manual therapy can correct the position of the shifted vertebrae, correct the motor spins the activity as a whole and to improve blood and lymph circulation in the affected area.

Acupuncture, in turn, refers to acupuncture. The method helps to increase the sensitivity of the back and leg muscles, eliminate pain and discomfort, and reduce the risk of neurological complications.

Exercising at home

Exercising is an important element in the treatment of degenerative disc disease. It helps to eliminate the stiffness of muscles and joints, improve blood circulation to the area being worked out, get rid of the pain. In the hospital patients with conduct exercise therapy (therapy), and in the home can be an easy to perform exercises according to the procedure of the doctor Bubnovskogo.

You can also attend classes in yoga or pilates - these activities are aimed at the elaboration of all muscle groups and the formation of correct posture. Classes should lead an experienced and qualified coach. To date, there are special techniques of yoga for patients with osteochondrosis.

We must remember that before the start of classes should consult a doctor to avoid complications and progression of the disease. Gymnastics, and exercise therapy can be practiced only if the patient has 1 or 2 stage osteoarthritis.

orthopedic appliances

The patient needs girdle, which provides a reliable fixation of the lumbar and helps reduce the burden on him. As a result, slowing down the progression of osteoarthritis. If the patient has scoliosis or incorrect posture, he needs a corset that supports the spine in the correct position.

Wearing such a device helps to restore the natural position of the spine.

In the clubfoot, flat feet or physician prescribes special insoles insoles - they support stop vaults in the anatomically correct position and ensure a uniform load on the musculoskeletal apparatus. Also, in some cases, such insoles prescribe and those who have no problems with the feet.

Surgical intervention

Lumbar osteochondrosis symptoms which require care and treatment in the consideration, can be eliminated by surgery. By resorting to this method only if the disease is progressing at a rapid rate, and conservative methods do not help.

Surgical treatment is aimed at stabilizing the position of damaged vertebrae and intervertebral discs or replacement and removal of osteophytes. After surgery, the patient is waiting for a long rehabilitation.

Treatment of folk remedies at home

Folk remedies to help eliminate some of the symptoms of osteoarthritis (pain and inflammation) is not worse than drugs. For the treatment, various wraps, homemade ointments and other means. Lumbar degenerative disc disease, symptoms and treatment is different depending on the stage of the disease can not be cured only with folk remedies. They are used as a complementary therapy.

Adams root

Adams root is used to treat many diseases of the musculoskeletal system, including degenerative disc disease. The plant has an analgesic effect, suppresses inflammatory processes in joints and tissues promotes regeneration of damaged structures. From Adam's root tincture and make a poultice.

Recipe tincture:

200 g of crushed root Adamic add 0.5 liters vodka or ethyl alcohol and let set for 12 days in containers of dark glass and in a dark place, shaking occasionally. After this time, strain the infusion and rub it into the sore spots, wrapping their woolen clothes.

Recipe poultice:

2 tbsp. tablespoons minced root pour hot water (not boiling) and let stand for 5 minutes. Moisten gauze in the solution and attach to the sore spot for 30-40 min. Repeat 2-3 times a day for a week.

Horseradish

Against pains well help horseradish leaves. One sheet should be placed in boiling water for 1, to obtain and wait until it cools down a little. After that, attach the plate to the back, to wrap this place a warm scarf and leave it on all night.

Poultice of honey and potatoes

This tool helps to get rid of pain in the lower back and improve circulation in the area. Honey has an additional anti-inflammatory effect.

To prepare a compress you need 1 fresh potato rubbed on a fine grater and mix with equal quantity of honey each. The mixture was put on the back, roll up a cling film and tuck. After 15-20 min wash with water. The compress can be done not more than 2 times per week.

Analgesic cream with ginger

Such an ointment, not only effectively removes the pain, but also fights with inflammatory processes in joints and has a warming effect. For the preparation of ointments can be taken as ground ginger, and ginger root.

Manufacturing technology:

1. If you take ginger root, it is necessary to rub it on a grater in an amount of about 1.5-2 hours. l. If taken ground ginger (need 1 h. l.), it must mix with black pepper (1 hr. l.) and add a little honey.
2. Good mixing the resulting mixture with a small amount of petroleum jelly.
3. The ointment is applied to the lower back and wrap up the place a warm blanket or shawl.

Ointment can be kept on the skin is not more than 2 hours. Rinse with pure water must then not subjected to the waist and to cold drafts.

Bath with herbs

Herbal bath for many years used to treat degenerative disc disease is not only, but also other diseases. When osteochondrosis well help: oak bark, chamomile, juniper - these plants have an analgesic and antispasmodic action, improves motor activity of the joints.

Also at an osteochondrosis useful herbal:

• Oregano - 1 part nettle - 2 parts, chamomile - 3 parts, black currant leaves - 2 parts, melissa - 2 parts, a series - 5 parts.
• Chamomile, herb Polygonum bird, valerian root, thyme, chamomile, horsetail - all herbs taken in equal amounts.
• Birch buds, nettle, burdock root, bloodroot, dandelion, series, kupavka - all in equal amounts.

Pre herbs and herbal preparations you need to make and infuse for 2-3 hours, then pour into a full bath. Duration of treatment - no less than 15 and not more than 30 minutes.

Prognosis and complications

The patient with lumbar osteochondrosis has a chance to recover, if you follow all the doctor's recommendations. When you call a specialist to 1 or 2 stages of the disease progression is still possible to stop without surgical intervention.

If we ignore the symptoms or do not comply with the prescribed treatment, the lumbar osteochondrosis may lead to complications:

• herniation and protrusion of the vertebrae;
• radiculitis;
• amyotrophy;
• paralysis of the lower limbs;
• suffered a nervous endings and squeezing of the blood vessels;
• problems with urination and defecation;
• infertility.

Lumbar degenerative disc disease - a dangerous disease that can lead to disability. If the time to detect the symptoms and start the treatment, the patient has a good chance of recovery.

Video of lumbar osteochondrosis

Exercises for the treatment of lumbar degenerative disc disease: