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.
disease symptoms
Such a problem as osteochondrosis, which was once considered the lot of the elderly, today affects even 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:
- shooting, stabbing pain in the lower back, may radiate to the buttocks and abdominal region;
- the appearance of stooping;
- unsteady gait;
- leg numbness;
- phlebeurysm;
- spasms of the lower extremities;
- impaired mobility, especially when turning and bending.
It is these manifestations that are characteristic of lumbar osteochondrosis. They are aggravated by heavy lifting, prolonged sitting, or walking.
If you do not start treatment, pinching of the nerve endings may occur in the future, 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 factors that provoke the disease.
The reasons for the development of the problem may be:
- prolonged static load on the lower back;
- passive lifestyle;
- wrong posture;
- improper lifting and carrying of weights;
- frequent stress;
- violations of metabolic processes;
- circulatory problems;
- vitamin and mineral deficiency;
- trauma;
- obesity;
- hypothermia;
- hormonal disturbances;
- frequent tilts and turns;
- uncomfortable bed;
- congenital pathologies of the spine;
- diseases of neighboring organs;
- age-related changes;
- inheritance.
There is a large load on the lumbar region. Any physical exercise and lifting heavy objects affect the state of this area. That is why loaders, builders, weightlifters, representatives of professions that require long walks or standing, often suffer from osteochondrosis. In office workers, not only the lower back suffers, but also the sacrum. Without protection against influencing factors, the effectiveness of treatment will be many times lower.
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 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 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:
- generalized osteochondrosis;
- pinching of nerve roots and blood vessels;
- neuritis;
- intervertebral hernia;
- leg paralysis;
- sciatic nerve irritation;
- involuntary urination or emptying;
- osteophyte development.
To prevent severe pain and the development of disability, immediate treatment of osteochondrosis is required.
The lumbosacral area is distinguished by the presence of the so-called cauda equina, that is, a bundle of nerve roots. If they are pinched, a person is at risk of becoming disabled.
Treatment with traditional methods
It is most reasonable to consult a doctor if you suspect osteochondrosis to ensure that the diagnosis is correct, determine the degree of progression of the disease, and obtain professional advice on further treatment.
Traditional therapies include:
- medicinal effectNovocaine locks are used to stop pain attacks, especially when a nerve is pinched. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, hot ointments, muscle relaxants, vitamin-mineral complexes are also prescribed. Glucocorticoids, chondoprotectors and drugs that stimulate blood circulation and metabolic processes in the 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 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 used to align posture and stretch the spine. Apply "dry" traction and water;
- exercise therapyThere is a set of exercises aimed at developing and strengthening the lower back. With severe pain, the control of the trainer 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 problematic vertebra, freeing the pinched tissues and, if necessary, installing a prosthesis to compensate for the wear of the intervertebral disc.
As auxiliary folk methods, the use of folk remedies is allowed.
Osteochondrosis of the lower back - treatment with folk remedies
In some cases, osteochondrosis can be beaten 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. 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 knuckles. Relaxes and relieves inflammation;
- Ointments based on beeswax and propolis, unrefined sunflower oil, honey and hypericum decoction. They help not only with osteochondrosis, but also with various joint problems;
- Alcohol tincture of white lilac flowers. It warms the back and relieves the symptoms of the disease;
- Alcohol tincture with horseradish root. Excellent heats, relieves inflammation, swelling and pain;
- Arnica, green walnuts and a decoction of the bulb. From these components, a mixture for oral administration before meals is prepared. Relieves inflammation, stimulates regenerative processes in the body.
The presence of complications may require adjustments in the treatment schedule, making unauthorized selection of prescriptions 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. Its goal is to strengthen the spine and protect it from injury.
Prevention tips:
- Avoid strenuous exercise, especially heavy lifting;
- Wear a heavy-duty back brace or brace or as directed by a doctor to support your back muscles and protect against intervertebral disc prolapse;
- Watch your own weight, since 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 must be complete to promote health;
- Periodically visit a massage therapist, rest and completely relax;
- 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 has not been possible to prevent it!