One of the most common diseases of the spine is lumbar osteochondrosis. Treatment with folk remedies can relieve symptoms, but to achieve the 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 fate of the elderly, now also 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, stabbing pain in the lower back, may radiate to the buttocks and abdominal region;
- the appearance of the curve;
- unstable gait;
- numbness in the legs;
- phlebeurysm;
- spasms of the lower limbs;
- impairment 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 treatment is not started, pinching of the nerve endings may 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 each person daily faces factors that provoke diseases.
The reasons for the development of the problem can be:
- prolonged static load on the lower back;
- passive lifestyle;
- incorrect posture;
- improper lifting and carrying of weights;
- frequent stress;
- violations of metabolic processes;
- circulatory problems;
- deficiency of vitamins and minerals;
- trauma;
- obesity;
- hypothermia;
- hormonal disruptions;
- frequent inclinations and turns;
- uncomfortable bed;
- congenital pathologies of the spine;
- diseases of neighboring organs;
- age-related changes;
- inheritance.
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 walks or standing are often sick with osteochondrosis. In office workers, not only the lower back suffers, but the sacrum as well. Without protection from influencing factors, the effectiveness of the treatment will be several times lower.
Possible complications
In the initial stage of osteochondrosis, a person has no 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 system.
In addition, there are a number of negative consequences related to the spine itself:
- diffuse osteochondrosis;
- pinching of nerve roots and blood vessels;
- neuritis;
- intervertebral hernia;
- paralysis of the legs;
- irritation of the sciatic nerve;
- involuntary urination or voiding;
- development of osteophytes.
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 risks becoming disabled.
Treatment with traditional methods
It is more reasonable to consult a doctor if osteochondrosis is suspected to ensure that the diagnosis is correct, to determine the degree of disease progression, and to obtain professional advice on its further treatment.
Traditional therapies include:
- medicinal effect. Novocaine blocks 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 the tissues can also be prescribed to accelerate recovery;
- Physiotherapy. These are electrical, magnetic, laser, pneumatic, and other types of stimulation of the problem 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 done to align posture and lengthen the spine. Apply "dry" traction and water;
- physical therapy. There is a number of exercises aimed at developing and strengthening the lower back. With severe pain, coach 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. The surgery consists of opening the problematic 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.
Lumbar osteochondrosis - treatment with folk remedies
In some cases, osteochondrosis can be defeated with folk remedies. It is advisable 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:
- Compress from the infusion of burdock leaves. Helps 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 polygonal grass. Relax and relieve 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;
- Alcoholic tincture of white lilac flowers. Warms the back and relieves the symptoms of the disease;
- Alcoholic tincture with horseradish root. Excellent warms, relieves inflammation, swelling and pain;
- Arnica, green walnuts and a bulb decoction. 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 adjustments to the treatment schedule, so 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 intended to strengthen the spine and protect 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 back muscles and protect against intervertebral disc prolapse;
- Pay attention to your weight, since obesity is one of the causes of diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
- Do not sit in an uncomfortable position, observe 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 comprehensive to promote health;
- Periodically visit a massage therapist, rest and relax completely;
- Lead an active lifestyle, exercise.
Watch 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!