Lumbar osteochondrosis is one of the most common diseases of the spine. Treatment with folk remedies can relieve symptoms, but for maximum effect you should not abandon folk therapeutic methods.
At the first signs of pathology, it is necessary to consult a doctor and follow his recommendations in the future.
Disease symptoms
A problem like osteochondrosis, once considered the lot of the elderly, today affects even young people. The lumbar and sacral spine areas are particularly vulnerable. If you ignore the manifestations of the disease for a long time, a person may lose the ability to move normally.
You should pay attention to these symptoms:
- aching, throbbing pain in the lower back, which may radiate to the buttocks and abdominal region;
- the appearance of porch;
- unsteady gait;
- numbness of the legs;
- phlebeurysm;
- spasms of the lower limbs;
- deterioration of mobility, especially when turning and tilting.
It is these manifestations that are characteristic of lumbar osteochondrosis. They are aggravated by heavy lifting, sitting or walking for a long time.
If you do not start treatment, pinching of nerve endings may occur in the future, which will lead to partial or complete paralysis of the legs.
causes
The prevalence of lumbar osteochondrosis is explained by the fact that every person daily faces pathogenic factors.
The reasons for the development of the problem may be:
- prolonged static load on the lower back;
- passive lifestyle;
- incorrect posture;
- lifting and carrying weights improperly;
- frequent stress;
- violations of metabolic processes;
- circulatory problems;
- vitamin and mineral deficiency;
- trauma;
- obesity;
- hypothermia;
- hormonal disturbances;
- frequent inclines and turns;
- uncomfortable bed;
- congenital pathologies of the spine;
- diseases of neighboring organs;
- age-related changes;
- heredity.
There is a huge load on the lumbar region. Any physical exercise and heavy lifting affect the condition of this area. That is why loaders, builders, weightlifters, representatives of professions requiring long walks or standing most often suffer from osteochondrosis. In office workers, not only the lower back suffers, but also the sacrum. Without protection from influencing factors, the effectiveness of treatment will be several times less.
Possible complications
At the initial stage of osteochondrosis, a person does not experience any special problems, except for temporary discomfort. Gradually, the destruction of the intervertebral discs and the fibrous ring of the vertebra occurs, which causes an increase in symptoms and the development of complications. Since there is a close relationship between the sacral and lumbar regions with neighboring organs, the development of a number of diseases is not excluded.
First, they suffer:
- digestive tract;
- pelvic organs;
- liver;
- kidneys;
- nervous and vascular systems.
In addition, there are a number of negative consequences related to the spine itself:
- generalized osteochondrosis;
- pinching of nerve roots and blood vessels;
- neuritis;
- intervertebral hernia;
- leg paralysis;
- sciatic nerve irritation;
- involuntary urination or emptying;
- development of osteophytes.
To prevent severe pain and the development of disability, immediate treatment of osteochondrosis is necessary.
The lumbosacral zone is distinguished by the presence of the so-called ponytail, that is, a bundle of nerve roots. If they are pinched, a person risks becoming disabled.
Treatment with traditional methods
It is more reasonable to consult a doctor if you suspect osteochondrosis to make sure that the diagnosis is correct, determine the degree of progression of the disease and get professional advice on its further treatment.
Traditional therapies include:
- medicinal effect. Novocaine blockades are used to stop pain attacks, especially when a nerve is pinched. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, warming ointments, muscle relaxants, vitamin-mineral complexes are also prescribed. Glucocorticosteroids, chondoprotectors, and drugs that stimulate blood flow and metabolic processes in tissues to speed recovery may also be prescribed;
- Physiotherapy. These are electrical, magnetic, laser, pneumatic and other stimulations of the problematic spine. It also includes reflexology techniques, mud therapy, salt baths and much more;
- Massage and orthopedics. The patient is prescribed a course of therapeutic massage aimed at accelerating tissue repair and relieving stress. Manual therapy can also be performed to align posture and stretch the spine. Apply a "dry" pull and water;
- exercise therapy. There is a series of exercises aimed at developing and strengthening the lumbar area. In severe pain, control of the trainer is necessary, and in the early stages of the disease and for prevention, gymnastics can be done at home;
- Surgical intervention. In advanced cases and with pinched nerve roots, surgical treatment is necessary. The surgical intervention consists of opening the problematic vertebra, freeing the pinched tissues and, if necessary, placing a prosthesis to compensate for the wear of the intervertebral disc.
As auxiliary home methods, the use of folk remedies is allowed.
Lumbar osteochondrosis - treatment with folk remedies
In some cases, osteochondrosis can be overcome with folk remedies. It is recommended to consult a doctor beforehand, as some prescriptions may be contraindicated.
The essence of folk methods is that with their help it is possible to achieve the following effects:
- eliminate pain;
- relieve stress;
- strengthen the body;
- stimulate blood circulation;
- restore the spine;
- eliminate inflammation.
The following recipes are considered the most popular in home treatment:
- Compresses from the infusion of burdock leaves. Helps relieve pain and stop the inflammatory process;
- Dandelion root decoction. A good anti-inflammatory agent, strengthens the body;
- Baths with a decoction of chamomile and knotweed grass. Relax and relieve inflammation;
- Ointments based on beeswax and propolis, unrefined sunflower oil, honey and decoction of St. John's wort. They help not only with osteochondrosis, but also with various joint problems;
- Alcoholic tincture of white lilac flowers. Warms the back and relieves the symptoms of the disease;
- Horseradish root alcohol tincture. Excellent warms, relieves inflammation, swelling and pain;
- Arnica, green walnuts and bulb decoction. From these components, a mixture is prepared for oral administration before meals. It relieves inflammation, stimulates regenerative processes in the body.
The presence of complications may require adjustments to the treatment program, so the unauthorized selection of prescriptions is highly undesirable.
Preventive actions
In order not to require surgical treatment of osteochondrosis, and even better to completely prevent this disease, it is recommended to take preventive measures. They aim to strengthen the spine and protect it from injury.
Prevention Tips:
- Avoid strenuous exercise, especially heavy lifting;
- Wear an orthopedic belt or brace for heavy loads or as directed by a physician to support back muscles and protect against intervertebral disc prolapse;
- Watch your own weight, because obesity is one of the causes of diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
- Do not sit in an awkward position, watch your posture, periodically get up and warm up;
- Sleep on an orthopedic mattress in a comfortable position for you;
- Avoid injury, sudden and often repeated movements of the same type, static load;
- The diet must be complete to promote health;
- Periodically visit a massage therapist, fully rest and relax;
- Lead an active lifestyle, exercise.
Monitor your health and avoid factors that can harm your lower back. Do not trigger the disease if it was not possible to prevent it!