Osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine in which the intervertebral discs (and subsequently the vertebral bodies, joints and ligaments) lose their normal function.
The lumbar spine is very susceptible to disorders such as osteochondrosis.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis are often quite difficult to identify, since the course of the disease has many forms.
Symptoms
At the beginning of the development, the symptoms are very mild: patients mainly complain of pain in the lumbar region, which increases with movement and bending.
After 1-2 years from the onset of lumbar osteochondrosis, the pain may spread to the buttocks or groin.Stiffness of movements occurs in the lumbar region.
Lumbar osteochondrosis develops slowly, but over time, periods of exacerbation occur more often, and symptoms intensify as more and more new vertebrae are affected.
The most common variant of lumbar osteochondrosis is chronic lumbodynia.With this form, the following symptoms can be observed:
- Symptoms appear in periods and waves.
- Not too intense 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.
- There may be a sudden increase in pain, "lumbago", usually also due to physical exertion - acute lumbago.Symptoms of acute lumbago may appear for 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 may not progress according to the textbook.Do not try to treat yourself - consult a doctor.
During an exacerbation, a one-week hospital stay is recommended.The patient is advised to rest in bed;it is recommended to walk with the help of crutches, thus relieving the lumbar region.
For the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis, various spinal stretches and back massages are performed.
Drug therapy includes pain relievers, sedatives, and vitamins.In some cases, blockade with anesthetics is indicated.
Physiotherapy includes ultraviolet irradiation of the lower back, electrophoresis with novocaine and ultrasound therapy.
Therapeutic practice of lumbar osteochondrosis is a mandatory part of the treatment.It is designed to strengthen the back muscles.
Exercises include flexion and extension, abduction and adduction, and rotation.Exercises in the pool are the most effective, as the water reduces the load on the spine.
When symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis worsen, as well as when combined with spina bifida, therapeutic exercises consist of breathing exercises.
In the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis at home, a good effect is provided by daily rubbing of painful areas with iodine, as well as paprika and mustard plasters.
Traditional treatment for lumbar osteochondrosis includes a warming compress with birch leaves or black radish juice.
Proper nutrition can significantly improve your condition.