One of the most common diseases of the spine is osteochondrosis of the spine. Folk remedies can relieve symptoms, but you should not give up traditional therapies to get the maximum effect.
At the first signs of pathology, it is necessary to consult a doctor and follow his recommendations in the future.
Symptoms of the disease
Problems such as osteochondrosis, once considered a problem of the elderly, today affect even young people. The lumbar and sacral lumbar regions are particularly sensitive. If you ignore the symptoms of the disease for a long time, a person runs the risk of losing the ability to move normally.
You should pay attention to such symptoms:
- Painful and severe pain in the lower back, may spread to the hips and abdomen;
- bending appearance;
- unstable gait;
- leg numbness;
- flebeurism;
- spasms of the lower extremities;
- deterioration of mobility, especially during turning and bending.
These manifestations are characteristic of lumbar osteochondrosis. They are aggravated by heavy lifting, long sitting or walking.
If you do not start treatment, pinching of the nerve endings may occur in the future, leading to partial or complete paralysis of the legs.
Reasons
The prevalence of lumbar osteochondrosis is explained by the fact that everyone is exposed to disease-causing factors on a daily basis.
The reasons for the development of the problem may be:
- long static load on the lower back;
- passive lifestyle;
- wrong posture;
- lifting weights and mishandling;
- frequent stress;
- disruption of metabolic processes;
- circulatory problems;
- vitamin and mineral deficiencies;
- trauma;
- obesity;
- hypothermia;
- hormonal disorders;
- frequent bends and twists;
- restless bed;
- congenital pathologies of the spine;
- diseases of neighboring organs;
- age-related changes;
- heredity.
There is a large load in the lumbar region. Any physical exercise and lifting heavy loads affects the condition of this area. Therefore, loaders, builders, weightlifters, professionals who require long walks or stops, suffer the most from osteochondrosis. Office workers suffer not only from the lower back, but also from the sacrum. Without protection from the influencing factors, the effectiveness of treatment will be many times less.
Possible complications
In the early stages of osteochondrosis, a person does not have any specific problems, except for temporary discomfort. Gradual destruction of the intervertebral discs and the fibrous ring of the vertebrae occurs, which leads to an increase in symptoms and the development of complications. Due to the close contact 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 associated with the spine itself:
- widespread osteochondrosis;
- constriction of nerve roots and blood vessels;
- neuritis;
- intervertebral hernia;
- paralysis of the legs;
- sciatic nerve irritation;
- forced urination or ejaculation;
- development of osteophytes.
Immediate treatment of osteochondrosis is required to prevent the development of severe pain and disability.
The lumbar-sacral zone is distinguished by the presence of the so-called cauda equina, ie a group of nerve roots. If they are compressed, a person is at risk of becoming disabled.
Treatment by traditional methods
If you suspect osteochondrosis, it is best to consult a doctor to make sure the diagnosis is correct, to determine the extent of the disease and to seek professional advice for further treatment.
Traditional treatments include:
- medicinal effects. Novocaine blockers are used to stop pain attacks, especially when the nerves are constricted. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, warming ointments, muscle relaxants, vitamin-mineral complexes are also prescribed. Glucocorticosteroids, chondoprotectants, and drugs that stimulate blood circulation and metabolic processes in tissues may also be prescribed to accelerate healing;
- Physiotherapy. These are electrical, magnetic, laser, pneumatic and other types of stimulation of the problem spine. It also includes reflexology, mud therapy, salt baths and 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 correct posture and stretch the spine. Apply "dry" traction and water;
- exercise therapy. There are a number of exercises aimed at developing and strengthening the lumbar region. Severe pain requires the supervision of a coach, and gymnastics can be performed at home in the early stages of the disease and for prevention;
- Surgical intervention. In advanced cases and with compressed nerve roots, surgical treatment is required. Surgery involves opening the problematic vertebra, releasing compressed tissue, and, if necessary, installing a prosthesis to compensate for the wear of the intervertebral disc.
The use of folk remedies is allowed as an adjunct home remedy.
Lumbar osteochondrosis - treatment with folk remedies
In some cases, osteochondrosis can be overcome 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:
- relieve 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 relieve pain and stop the inflammatory process;
- Decoction of dandelion root. A good anti-inflammatory agent, strengthens the body;
- Baths with chamomile and knotweed decoction. Relax and eliminate 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 eliminates the symptoms of the disease;
- Alcohol tincture with horseradish root. Excellent warms, relieves inflammation, swelling and pain;
- A decoction of arnica, green walnuts and onions. A mixture of these components is prepared for oral administration before meals. It eliminates inflammation and stimulates regenerative processes in the body.
The presence of complications may require adjustments to the treatment program, so unauthorized selection of prescriptions is highly undesirable.
Preventive measures
It is recommended not to require surgical treatment of osteochondrosis and even to take better preventive measures to completely prevent this disease. They are aimed at strengthening the spine and protecting it from injury.
Tips for prevention:
- Avoid strenuous exercise, especially lifting heavy loads;
- Wear an orthopedic belt or corset for heavy loads or as directed by a physician to support the back muscles and protect against intervertebral disc prolapse;
- Pay attention to your weight, because obesity is one of the causes of diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
- Do not sit in an uncomfortable position, watch your posture, get up from time to time and do not warm up;
- Lie on an orthopedic mattress in a comfortable position for you;
- Avoid injuries, sudden and frequent repetitions of the same type, static load;
- The diet should be complete to increase health;
- Visit a massage therapist from time to time, relax completely and relax;
- Live an active lifestyle, do sports.
Take care of your health and avoid factors that can damage your back. If the disease cannot be prevented, do not start it!