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 a stock of the elderly, now affects young people as well. Areas of the lumbar and sacral spine are especially vulnerable. If you neglect the manifestations of the disease for a long time, the person risks losing the ability to move normally.
Attention should be paid to such symptoms:
- aching and shooting pain in the lower back, may radiate to the buttocks and abdominal region;
- the appearance of bending;
- unstable gait;
- numbness of the legs;
- phlebeurism;
- lower extremity cramps;
- impaired mobility, especially when turning and leaning.
It is these manifestations that are characteristic of lumbar osteochondrosis. They are intensified by lifting heavy loads, sitting for a long time or walking.
If you do not start treatment, pinching of nerve endings can occur in the future, leading to partial or complete paralysis of the legs.
Causes
The prevalence of lumbar osteochondrosis is explained by the fact that every person faces the factors that cause the disease on a daily basis.
Reasons for developing problems can be:
- prolonged static load on the lower back;
- passive lifestyle;
- improper posture;
- lifting and improperly carrying weights;
- frequent stress;
- violation of metabolic processes;
- circulation problems;
- vitamin and mineral deficiency;
- trauma;
- obesity;
- hypothermia;
- hormonal disorders;
- frequent tilting and turning;
- uncomfortable bed;
- congenital pathologies of the spine;
- diseases of adjacent organs;
- age changes;
- heredity.
There is a large load on the lumbar region. Every physical exercise and lifting of heavy loads affects the condition of this area. That is why loaders, builders, weightlifters, representatives of professions that require long walks or standing are the most common patients with osteochondrosis. In office workers, not only the lower back suffers, but also the sacrum. Without protection from influential factors, the effectiveness of treatment will be many times less.
Possible complications
In the initial stage of osteochondrosis, the person does not experience any special problems, except for temporary discomfort. Gradually, the intervertebral discs and the fibrous ring of the spine are destroyed, which causes an increase in symptoms and the development of complications. Since there is a close connection 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;
- leg paralysis;
- sciatic nerve irritation;
- involuntary urination or urination;
- osteophyte development.
In order to prevent severe pain and the development of disability, urgent treatment of osteochondrosis is needed.
The lumbosacral zone is characterized by the presence of the so-called cauda equina, ie the bundle of nerve roots. If they are trapped, the person risks becoming disabled.
Treatment by traditional methods
It is most reasonable to consult a doctor if you suspect osteochondrosis in order to make sure of the correct diagnosis, determine the degree of disease progression and get expert advice on its further treatment.
Traditional therapies include:
- healing effect. Novocaine blockades are used to stop pain attacks, especially when the nerve is tight. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, warming ointments, muscle relaxants, vitamin-mineral complexes are also prescribed. Glucocorticosteroids, chondroprotectors, and drugs that stimulate blood circulation and metabolic processes in tissues may also be prescribed to speed recovery;
- 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 more;
- Massage and orthopedics. The patient is prescribed a course of therapeutic massage with the aim of accelerating tissue repair and relieving stress. Manual therapy can also be performed to straighten 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. Severe pain requires control by a coach, 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 of opening the problematic vertebra, releasing trapped tissues and, if necessary, installing a prosthesis to compensate for the wear of the intervertebral disc.
As an auxiliary home method, the use of folk remedies is allowed.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region - treatment with folk remedies
In some cases, osteochondrosis can be beaten with folk remedies. It is recommended that you consult a doctor in advance, as some prescriptions may be contraindicated.
The essence of folk methods is that with their help the following effects can be achieved:
- 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:
- Burdock infusion compresses. They help relieve pain and stop the inflammatory process;
- Dandelion root decoction. Good anti-inflammatory agent, strengthens the body;
- Baths with a decoction of chamomile and grass jam. Relax and alleviate 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 flower. It warms the back and relieves the symptoms of the disease;
- Alcoholic tincture with rhubarb root. Great warms, relieves inflammation, swelling and pain;
- Arnica, green walnuts and decoction of onions. From these components a mixture is prepared for oral administration before meals. Relieves inflammation, stimulates regenerative processes in the body.
The presence of complications may require adjustment of the treatment program, so unauthorized selection of prescriptions is highly undesirable.
Preventive actions
In order not to require surgical treatment of osteochondrosis, and even better to prevent this disease completely, it is recommended to take preventive measures. They are aimed at strengthening the spine and protecting against injuries.
Prevention tips:
- Avoid strenuous exercise, especially lifting heavy loads;
- Wear an orthopedic belt or corset for heavy loads or as directed by your doctor to support your back muscles and protect against intervertebral disc prolapse;
- Pay attention to your own weight, because obesity is one of the causes of diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
- Do not sit in an awkward position, pay attention to posture, occasionally get up and warm up;
- Sleep on an orthopedic mattress in a comfortable position for you;
- Avoid injuries, sudden and frequent movements of the same type, static load;
- The diet should be complete to promote health;
- Occasionally visit a massage therapist, rest and relax completely;
- Lead an active lifestyle, exercise.
Take care of your health and avoid factors that can damage your lower back. Do not start the disease if it was not possible to prevent it!