One of the most common diseases of the spine is lumbar osteochondrosis. Treatment with folk remedies can relieve symptoms, but for maximum effect, you should not abandon traditional methods of therapy.
At the first signs of pathology, it is necessary to consult a doctor and follow his recommendations in the future.
Symptoms of the disease
A problem such as osteochondrosis, which was previously considered the lot of the elderly, today even affects young people. Particularly vulnerable are the areas of the lumbar and sacral spine. If you ignore the manifestations of the disease for a long time, a person risks losing the ability to move normally.
You should pay attention to such symptoms:
- aching and shooting pain in the lower back, can radiate to the buttocks and abdominal region;
- the appearance of stoop;
- unsteady gait;
- leg numbness;
- phlebeurysm;
- spasms of the lower extremities;
- deterioration of mobility, especially when turning and tilting.
It is these manifestations that are characteristic of lumbar osteochondrosis. They are aggravated by heavy lifting, long sitting or walking.
If you do not start treatment, in the future, pinching of the nerve endings may occur, which leads to partial or complete paralysis of the legs.
Causes
The prevalence of lumbar osteochondrosis is explained by the fact that every person daily faces disease-provoking factors.
The reasons for the development of the problem can be:
- prolonged static load on the lower back;
- passive lifestyle;
- incorrect posture;
- lifting and improper carrying of weights;
- frequent stress;
- violations of metabolic processes;
- circulatory problems;
- deficiency of vitamins and minerals;
- trauma;
- obesity;
- hypothermia;
- hormonal disruptions;
- frequent tilts 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 that require long walking or standing are most often ill with 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 many times less.
Possible Complications
At the initial stage of osteochondrosis, a person does not experience any special problems, with the exception of temporary discomfort. Gradually, the destruction of the intervertebral discs and the fibrous ring of the vertebra occurs, which provokes 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 of all, they suffer:
- gastrointestinal tract;
- pelvic organs;
- liver;
- kidneys;
- nervous and vascular systems.
In addition, there are a number of negative consequences related to the spine itself:
- widespread osteochondrosis;
- pinching of nerve roots and blood vessels;
- neuritis;
- intervertebral hernia;
- paralysis of the legs;
- irritation of the sciatic nerve;
- involuntary urination or emptying;
- development of osteophytes.
To prevent severe pain and the development of disability, immediate treatment of osteochondrosis is required.
The lumbosacral zone is distinguished by the presence of the so-called cauda equina, that is, a bundle of nerve roots. If they are pinched, a person risks becoming disabled.
Treatment with traditional methods
It is most reasonable to consult a doctor if you suspect osteochondrosis to make sure 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. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, warming ointments, muscle relaxants, vitamin-mineral complexes are also prescribed. Glucocorticosteroids, chondoprotectors and drugs that stimulate blood circulation and metabolic processes in tissues to speed up recovery can also be prescribed;
- Physiotherapy. These are electrical, magnetic, laser, pneumatic and other types of stimulation 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 "dry" traction and water;
- exercise therapy. There is a set of exercises aimed at developing and strengthening the lumbar zone. With severe pain, the trainer's control is required, and in the initial stages of the disease and for prevention, gymnastics can be performed at home;
- Surgical intervention. In advanced cases and with pinched nerve roots, surgical treatment is required. Surgical intervention consists in opening the problem vertebra, releasing the pinched tissues and, if necessary, installing a prosthesis to compensate for the wear of the intervertebral disc.
As auxiliary home methods, the use of folk remedies is allowed.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar - treatment with folk remedies
In some cases, osteochondrosis can be defeated with folk remedies. It is recommended to consult a doctor in advance, 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. Help to relieve pain and stop the inflammatory process;
- Decoction of dandelion root. A good anti-inflammatory agent, strengthens the body;
- Baths with a decoction of chamomile and knotweed herb. Relax and relieve inflammation;
- Ointments based on beeswax and propolis, unrefined sunflower oil, honey and St. John's wort decoction. They help not only with osteochondrosis, but also with various joint problems;
- Alcohol tincture of white lilac flowers. Warms the back and relieves the symptoms of the disease;
- Alcohol tincture with horseradish root. Excellent warms up, relieves inflammation, swelling and pain;
- Arnica, green walnuts and a decoction of the bulb. 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 carry out preventive measures. They are aimed at strengthening the spine and protecting it from injury.
Prevention Tips:
- Avoid strenuous exercise, especially heavy lifting;
- Wear an orthopedic belt or corset for heavy loads or as directed by a doctor to support the muscles of the back and protect against prolapse of the intervertebral disc;
- Watch your own weight, as obesity is one of the causes of diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
- Do not sit in an uncomfortable position, watch your posture, periodically get up and warm up;
- Sleep on an orthopedic mattress in a comfortable position for you;
- Avoid injuries, sudden and often repeated movements of the same type, static load;
- The diet should be complete to promote health;
- Periodically visit a massage therapist, fully rest and relax;
- Lead an active lifestyle, exercise.
Watch your health and avoid factors that can harm your lower back. Do not start the disease if it has not been possible to prevent it!