Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region - treatment, causes and symptoms

Author

: Grachev Ilya Illarionovich
Editor
: Efremov Mikhail Mikhailovich

Date of publication: 05.13.2014 Date of update: 12.11.2020

This disease causes deformation and weakening of the intervertebral discs, as a result the distance between the vertebrae decreases, which leads to severe pain.

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine occurs quite often; people who lead a sedentary lifestyle and often spend time driving a car or at the computer are susceptible to it. It is necessary to start treatment as early as possible, before the disease progresses to a serious stage, threatening loss of working capacity and disability.

Each type of osteochondrosis has serious complications, so you should not delay treatment.
See how easy it is to cure diseases in 10 sessions

Causes of lumbar osteochondrosis

Improper load on the spine and lack of physical activity are the main causes of osteochondrosis. That is why, in addition to the above, people who are overweight are at risk. Other reasons can provoke this disease:

Falls on the back, injuries sustained
Infectious diseases
Presence of congenital spinal defects
Frequent stress also often causes osteochondrosis, undermining the immune system
Genetic predisposition

What will happen during an acupuncture session?

Treatment with a reflexologist always begins with a conversation and examination. Do you think that since the diagnosis is already known, why ask so many questions, just take it and treat it?

A good acupuncturist does not act according to a template. He owns the technique and applies it to each patient separately. This picture shows how many factors influence the choice of points and methods of influence.

That is why the acupuncturist needs himself , form his own opinion about what is happening, see how your disease progresses, which symptom is more pronounced than others. Only after this will he be able to correctly draw up a treatment program. And the actual acupuncture procedure begins. Which, by the way, is nothing to worry about.

The needles are always disposable. The package is opened in front of you, so you can see for yourself.

Before starting work, sometimes they do a small massage of the area where work is to be done.

You most likely will not feel the moment the needle is inserted at all. Pain is possible (for example, due to your body overreacting), but the doctor knows how to manage it. It will also warn you about other sensations. It can be warmth, fullness, or vice versa, complete relaxation. Feel free to ask questions!

Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis

Good to know

Acupuncture for osteochondrosis
Manual therapy for osteochondrosis
Low back pain is a common condition
Complex physiotherapy for osteochondrosis

Considering the main symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis, we can highlight the most important ones – muscle tension and pain in the lumbar region. The type of pain can be anything: shooting, sharp, radiating to the leg. With physical activity, the pain increases sharply. Other obvious symptoms:

Numbness of the legs, often referred to by patients as the appearance of pins and needles
Urinary problems, sexual dysfunction in men
Sometimes double vision occurs
In severe forms of the disease - complete loss of sensation in the limbs, muscle atrophy

What is POSSIBLE for diseases of the spine

What NOT to do for spinal diseases

Patient reviews

Acupuncture has many good reviews from people with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.

Most patients note that acupuncture sessions in combination with basic therapy helped them quickly and effectively improve their well-being , reduce pain, relax muscles, eliminate dizziness and headaches.

For many, the procedure seemed quite painless ; during the procedure, only itching, slight tingling and warmth were felt. Most patients tolerated acupuncture sessions well and did not experience any side effects.

Rare patients experienced a feeling of numbness, heaviness, decreased blood pressure , tinnitus, a feeling of nausea and other unpleasant conditions. A few complained of a temporary increase in pain, which subsided after some time.

Treatment methods for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine

Regardless of the severity of the disease, in our clinic each patient is prescribed individual comprehensive treatment for lumbar osteochondrosis. First of all, doctors eliminate the root cause of the disease, and then relieve all pain syndromes caused by the disease. Doctors at our center use exclusively highly effective techniques to treat patients:

Traction technique allows you to release pinched nerves and improve blood flow to the spine.
Hirudotherapy improves blood circulation and accelerates the healing of inflammation.
Acupuncture eliminates osteochondrosis due to its active influence on biological points on the body.
Tszyu therapy relieves pain, reduces swelling, and improves the patient’s overall well-being.
Herbal medicine improves metabolism, promotes tissue nutrition and healing of inflammation.
PRP therapy is the latest technique for stimulating recovery processes. It is used to restore the functions of various organs after diseases and injuries, including to restore the function of the musculoskeletal system.

We combine proven techniques of the East and innovative methods of Western medicine
Read more about our unique method of treating osteochondrosis

Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis at the Paramita clinic

In the process of treating the lumbar spine, it is necessary not only to eliminate the cause of the disease and its symptoms, but also to restore all functions of the intervertebral discs and stabilize the overall performance of the body. The clinic’s doctors, who have extensive experience, are guaranteed to help you with this. You will not find medications or surgical treatment with us.

We recommend seeking help as soon as the first symptoms appear. Our doctors will select a comprehensive treatment for the disease, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient and his condition, and osteochondrosis will remain an unpleasant memory for you. The combination of affordable prices and high quality work will certainly leave you with only positive impressions after treatment at the Paramita clinic.

Video - treatment of osteochondrosis

How is the treatment going?

What makes us go for help? Strong pain. With cervical osteochondrosis, the head and neck hurt, radiating to the back of the head and shoulder blade. Any movement makes it worse. It may hurt in the heart area. Fingers may become numb and swollen.

The main means of control at the time of exacerbation are rest, warmth, analgesics. But if you combine them with acupuncture, improvement can occur very quickly, literally in 1 session.

For example, on the auricle we have two points from which treatment is often started. AP55 (the most important pain-relieving point) and AP37 (the point that corresponds to the cervical spine) - when exposed to them, the pain disappears immediately.

The patient’s sensations with cervical osteochondrosis may be different. Therefore, there is no single scheme of points that “treat osteochondrosis.” As a rule, the doctor uses points that are located in the pain zone (shoulders, back of the head, shoulder blades, the so-called cervical-collar zone - where it is located, as the name suggests), and points on the arms . But not only.

You're probably wondering where the doctor puts the needles in certain situations? Here are some more examples.

If your head hurts...

This is probably what patients come with most often. Pain in the neck, back of the head, tense muscles, stiffness, dizziness. Very unpleasant.

The main points for influence are the neck, the area between the shoulder blades, the arms, as well as the points of the median meridian (which runs along the midline of the body). A soothing method is applied to the points that correspond to the painful side, and a tonic method is used on the opposite side.

When your back hurts...

If the pain covers the back of the neck, shoulders, or radiates to the arm, the acupuncturist, first of all, uses points that are located in these areas (collar region, neck, back of the head), a point in the area of the seventh vertebra (the one that is easily palpable), point on the bend of the shoulder. On the side of the sore hand, the points soothe, on the opposite side they tone.

When your heart hurts...

The cause of pain in the heart may be osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. If you turn incorrectly, your heart will press, pound, and sometimes even your entire upper body will ache, and nitroglycerin and similar medications do not help. Examinations show nothing, there are no changes on the ECG.

And in this case, acupuncture gives very good results. There are many points that help. These are already known to us points of the neck and collar zone, points on the ear, heart meridian, pericardial meridian and others. Most often, a calming effect is used.

But it is very important to remember: for any pain in the heart, consultation with a cardiologist is mandatory!

The methods of work of acupuncturists differ. Everyone has their own achievements, their own experience. But you want to know what awaits you before you see the doctor, right? Therefore, read on →

Diagnosis of lumbar osteochondrosis

An examination using Tibetan and Chinese diagnostic methods will help to accurately determine the disease and prescribe treatment for osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine. Our clinic uses the following research methods:

Pulse diagnostics, during which the doctor finds out the degree of disturbance in the interconnected systems of the patient’s body.
The stress tests necessary to determine the severity of injuries are used by the doctor, which are weak in strength and harmless to the patient.

Hardware examination measures are used only to clarify the diagnosis, including:

Radiography is an examination of the condition of the spine by obtaining images of it using X-rays.
Computed tomography (CT) is a safe research method based on computer analysis.
Other laboratory tests (blood tests) ordered by your doctor.

Make an appointment with us - we have everything you need to make an accurate diagnosis and overcome the disease.

What does an acupuncturist do?

And on the energetic level, problems in the cervical spine mean an incorrect flow of vital energy in this area. When the doctor uses a needle to influence acupuncture points, the flow of energy along the meridians returns to normal.

At the physical level, the first task of the acupuncturist is the same - to remove everything that prevents the spine from living normally:

relieve pain
relax tense muscles,
restore blood circulation and nutrition of the intervertebral discs.

Under these conditions, our body is able to launch its own recovery processes .

Through acupuncture points, the doctor interacts with the nervous system, as if pressing control buttons.

Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis

Taking care of the spine is necessary not only for those diagnosed with lumbar osteochondrosis, but also for everyone who wants to maintain health. The following rules will help reduce the risk of developing the disease:

watch your posture, do not stay in one position for a long time;
engage in water sports and be physically active;
prevent hypothermia of the body;
correctly distribute the load when carrying heavy objects;
carefully organize a comfortable place to sleep;
Do not wear high-heeled shoes for a long time.

Side effects and contraindications

Most patients tolerate the procedure well, but in rare cases there are side effects such as:

low blood pressure;
dizziness;
sensation of darkening in the eyes
hematoma.

Discomfort or pain during the procedure most likely occurs when the points are incorrectly identified.

Acupuncture is contraindicated for:

high blood pressure;
the presence of a neoplasm - benign or malignant;
infectious diseases;
chronic disease at the acute stage;
pregnancy;
general exhaustion of the body.

There are certain age restrictions for acupuncture - the procedure is not performed on children under 3 years of age and elderly patients. Needles should not be inserted into scars or moles.

Proper nutrition for osteochondrosis

To prevent the problem from developing and help eliminate it, the clinic doctor develops an individual diet. Basic principles of proper nutrition for osteochondrosis:

increase the amount of fresh fruits in the diet;
eat more greens and vegetables (tomatoes, onions, carrots, cabbage);
include dairy products in the area;
drink only purified and still water;
consume more foods containing calcium (sesame, almonds);
increase the consumption of wheat, eggs, barley, which contain a lot of proteins;
eat more seafood.

In addition, it is necessary to maintain the level of vitamins A, B and D in the body.

At the same time, it is necessary to reduce consumption or completely abandon:

spicy foods and foods high in salt;
strong coffee and tea;
alcohol, including low-alcohol drinks (beer);
fried, dried and smoked products (fish, meat);
products with artificial inclusions (GMO).

Proper nutrition will protect intervertebral discs from premature damage and reduce the risk of their displacement.

Why does my back hurt?

The spinal column is the support of the skeleton, which consists of vertebrae. Between the vertebrae there is an intervertebral disc made of cartilage tissue. Inside it is the nucleus pulposus, which consists of almost 80% water. Due to aging, the disc becomes damaged over time. If the same muscles work for a long time, they become overstrained and spasm, while others, without load, weaken and atrophy. This changes the geometry of the body and disrupts the nutrition of the disc. Various symptoms begin to appear: from general stiffness in the back in the morning to “lumbago” and “jamming” when you take a certain body position.

Exercise therapy for lumbar osteochondrosis

Moderate physical activity for osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region will prevent the development of spinal cord damage. The exercises prescribed by the specialist are carried out 2-3 times a day, excluding periods of exacerbation:

While kneeling, stretch one leg back while throwing your head back. During exhalation, return to the starting position.
From the starting position described in the previous exercise, sit on your heels, then return to the starting position, stretching one leg back.
Lying on your back, extend your arms along your body. While inhaling, pull your knees towards your chest, stretching them out as you exhale. Repeat up to 6 times.
Lying on your back, extend your arms along your body. While inhaling, lift them up and spread them to the side. Exhale and take the starting position.
Standing on your knees with emphasis on your elbows, round your back as you exhale and lower your head. While inhaling, return to the starting position. Repeat up to 8 times.

A set of classes and an exercise schedule are drawn up by a doctor. In our clinic, separate complexes can be prescribed for the subacute period and the recovery stage of the patient. Do not try to exercise on your own, or more intensely than prescribed.

Rehabilitation and lifestyle restoration

The patient may be prescribed a special diet that will improve metabolic processes and help saturate the body with vitamins, nutrients and minerals. For osteochondrosis, it is recommended to eat in small portions, about 5-6 times a day. The diet of those suffering from osteochondrosis should include fermented milk and dairy products, lean meat, fish and poultry, as well as jellied meat, olive oil and jellied dishes.

You should limit your intake of flour and confectionery products, and also eat less salty and sweet foods. During the day, it is important to drink at least 1.5 liters of liquid: preferably water. You should drink less strong tea, coffee, carbonated and alcoholic drinks.

How long does a spinal block last?

Usually the drug begins to act immediately after administration. Relief comes quite quickly. However, the injection remains only a temporary measure. The effect will last only 7-14 days.

Spinal blocks are a good way to relieve pain when intramuscular and intravenous injections do not help. However, we draw your attention to the fact that they do not cure, but only relieve pain. After relief of the condition, you should definitely consult a doctor to draw up a treatment plan.

Blockade of spinal protrusions

The reason for injections in the case of protrusions can only be pain that persists even after intravenous and intramuscular administration of analgesics of various origins.

Blockades are also necessary for noticeable myospasm that forms in the area of the damaged disc. Constant muscle tension leads to curvature of the spine and increased displacement of skeletal bones.

With the development of radicular syndrome (with dorsal protusions), the disc seems to protrude towards the spinal canal, pinching it. This leads to numbness of the limbs, paresis and paralysis. With this syndrome, a procedure is needed to block the irritated nerves.

IMPORTANT! Blockade injections DO NOT TREAT protrusions, they only help alleviate the patient's condition. They can only be cured by systematic conservative treatment or surgical intervention in advanced cases.

Blockade for spinal hernia

People can live with a vertebral hernia for years and sometimes not even realize that they have it. Especially if acute pain has never happened.

IMPORTANT! If the pathology develops, but does not cause any discomfort, then pain relief does not make sense.

But when, during an exacerbation, the patient begins to feel acute unbearable pain, which prevents him from leading his usual lifestyle, then he should consult a doctor and perform a spinal block. Most often, blocking the pain syndrome is necessary with a lumbar hernia, since there the pain affects not only the back, but also the lower extremities. Injections will help quickly relieve pain and make it possible to carry out therapeutic measures without discomfort.

Preparation for the procedure

The effectiveness of acupuncture depends on the professionalism of the doctor, as well as on the proper preparation of the patient. An acupuncture session is not performed immediately after:

training and physical activity;
a hearty lunch;
course of intravenous injections.

Before the procedure, you need to eat, but not overeat. The patient selects a comfortable position to achieve maximum effect. Throughout the entire course of acupuncture, it is necessary to exclude alcoholic beverages, spicy and spicy foods from the diet. It is forbidden to attend acupuncture sessions during menstruation, so as not to provoke bleeding.

Before your first session, tell your doctor what medications you are taking and what physical therapy procedures are being performed.

Diagnosis and treatment

Which doctor treats osteochondrosis? A neurologist, but if necessary, a chiropractor is also involved to alleviate the condition and eliminate the causes of the disease.

First, the medical center collects anamnesis, then the patient is prescribed functional tests, MRI, ultrasound, ECG, and laboratory tests.

For the treatment of cervicothoracic and lumbar osteochondrosis, the following are used:

drug therapy;
spinal block;
manual therapy;
massages;
droppers;
physiotherapy;
Exercise therapy.
traction traction of the spine using the Ormed-Professional apparatus

The course is about 4 weeks, depending on the severity of the condition.

Your health depends on where you treat osteochondrosis. Don't experiment. Come to the med. Thanks to high-precision equipment and their own experience, our neurologists identify the disease in the early stages and select effective treatment methods.