One of the most common diseases of the spine is lumbar osteochondrosis. Treating with folk remedies can relieve symptoms, but for maximum effect, you should not abandon traditional remedies.
At the first signs of pathology, it is necessary to consult a doctor and follow his advice in the future.
symptoms of disease
Problems like osteochondrosis, previously thought to be the fate of the elderly, today affect even the young. Particularly vulnerable are the lumbar and sacral regions. If the manifestations of the disease are ignored for a prolonged period of time, a person is at risk of losing normal activities.
You should watch for symptoms like:
- Lower back pain that can radiate to the buttocks and abdomen;
- stooped appearance;
- unsteady pace;
- numbness in the legs;
- Varicose veins;
- lower extremity spasms;
- Maneuverability deteriorates, especially when cornering and banked.
It is these manifestations that are characteristic of lumbar osteochondrosis. They are aggravated by heavy lifting, prolonged sitting, or walking.
If you don't start treatment, pinching of nerve endings may occur in the future, resulting in partial or complete paralysis of the leg.
reason
The prevalence of lumbar osteochondrosis is due to the causative factors that everyone faces on a daily basis.
The reason for the development of the problem may be:
- Long-term static load on the lower back;
- passive lifestyle;
- incorrect posture;
- Lifting and improperly handling heavy objects;
- frequent stress;
- Violation of metabolic processes;
- loop problem;
- lack of vitamins and minerals;
- trauma;
- obesity;
- low temperature;
- hormonal disorders;
- frequent bank and turns;
- uncomfortable beds;
- Congenital diseases of the spine;
- Diseases of adjacent organs;
- age-related changes;
- hereditary.
The waist is under a huge load. Any physical activity and weight lifting can affect the condition of this area. This is why loaders, builders, weight lifters, professional representatives who need to walk or stand for long periods of time most often suffer from osteochondrosis. In office workers, not only the lower back is affected, but also the sacrum. If not protected by the influencing factors, the effect of the treatment is many times less.
possible complications
In the initial stages of osteochondrosis, a person does not experience any particular problems other than temporary discomfort. Gradually, destruction of the intervertebral disc and vertebral annulus occurs, which causes an increase in symptoms and the development of complications. Since the sacrum and lumbar spine are closely related to adjacent organs, a variety of diseases cannot be ruled out.
First, they suffer:
- gastrointestinal tract;
- pelvic organs;
- liver;
- kidney;
- Nervous and vascular system.
In addition, there are many negative consequences associated with the spine itself:
- extensive osteochondrosis;
- clamp nerve roots and blood vessels;
- neuritis;
- intervertebral hernia;
- paralysis of the legs;
- stimulate the sciatic nerve;
- Involuntary urination or emptying;
- Osteophyte development.
To prevent the development of severe pain and disability, immediate treatment of osteochondrosis is required.
The lumbosacral region is characterized by the presence of the so-called cauda equina, a bundle of nerve roots. If they are pinched, a person has the potential to become disabled.
Treat with traditional methods
If you suspect osteochondrosis, the most reasonable course of action is to consult a doctor to ensure a correct diagnosis, determine the extent of the disease's progression, and obtain professional advice on further treatment.
Traditional remedies include:
- Efficacy. Nocaine blockers are used to stop pain attacks, especially when nerves are pinched. NSAIDs, warm ointments, muscle relaxants, vitamin-mineral complexes are also prescribed. Glucocorticoids, chondroprotective agents, and drugs that stimulate blood circulation and metabolic processes in tissues to speed recovery may also be prescribed;
- physiotherapy. These are electrical, magnetic, laser, pneumatic and other types of stimulation of the spine in question. It also includes reflexology techniques, mud therapy, salt baths, and more;
- Massage and Orthopedics. Patients are prescribed therapeutic massage sessions designed to accelerate tissue repair and relieve stress. Manual therapy is also available to adjust posture and stretch the spine. Apply "dry" traction and water;
- Exercise therapy. There is a set of exercises designed to develop and strengthen the lower back area. Severe pain requires the control of a coach, and gymnastics can be performed at home in the initial and preventive stages of the disease;
- operation treatment. In advanced cases and in cases of nerve root compression, surgery is required. Surgical intervention involves opening the problem vertebra, releasing the compressed tissue, and installing a prosthesis if necessary to compensate for wear on the disc.
As an adjunct home method, folk remedies are permitted.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine - treatment with folk remedies
In some cases, osteochondrosis can be overcome with folk remedies. It is advisable to 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:
- relieve pain;
- Relieve stress;
- Physical fitness;
- promote blood circulation;
- restore the spine;
- Eliminate inflammation.
The following recipes are considered some of the most popular in home remedies:
- Compress from an infusion of burdock leaves. Help relieve pain and stop the inflammatory process;
- Dandelion root soup. Good anti-inflammatory agent to strengthen the body;
- Bath with chamomile and knotweed decoction. relaxes and relieves inflammation;
- Ointment based on beeswax and propolis, unrefined sunflower oil, honey and decoction of St. John's wort. They not only help in the treatment of osteochondrosis, but also in various joint problems;
- Alcoholic tincture of white lilac flowers. Warms the back and relieves symptoms of illness;
- Horseradish Alcohol Tincture. Excellent warm-up, anti-inflammatory, swelling, pain relief;
- Arnica, Walnut and Bulb Soup. A mixture of these ingredients is made to be taken by mouth before meals. It relieves inflammation and stimulates regenerative processes in the body.
The presence of complications may necessitate adjustment of the treatment regimen, so unauthorized choice of prescription is highly undesirable.
Precaution
In order to treat osteochondrosis without surgery, or even better to prevent this disease completely, preventive measures are recommended. They are designed to strengthen the spine and protect it from injury.
Prevention Tips:
- Avoid strenuous exercise, especially weight lifting;
- Wear an orthopedic belt or corset to support heavy loads or as directed by a doctor to support back muscles and prevent disc prolapse;
- Pay attention to your weight, as obesity is one of the causes of disorders of the musculoskeletal system;
- Do not sit in uncomfortable positions, pay attention to your posture, get up and warm up regularly;
- Sleep on an orthopaedic mattress in a comfortable position;
- Avoid injuries, sudden and frequently repeated movements of the same type, static loads;
- Eat a complete diet to promote health;
- Regular visits to masseuses for adequate rest and relaxation;
- Live an active lifestyle and exercise.
Be mindful of your health and avoid factors that could harm your lower back. If you can't prevent disease, don't start!