How to treat lumbar osteochondrosis with traditional folk remedies?

According to statistics, 8 out of 10 people suffer from spinal discomfort and pain.Although most people do not believe that it is related to any pathology, the cause is attributed to characteristic inconveniences related to the course of life.

What is osteochondrosis?

Osteochondrosis is a degenerative dystrophic disease that causes complex damage to spinal cartilage.During development, the process may spread to bone cells and tendons.The stress placed on the spine can lead to the development of this disease.

Lumbar osteochondrosis occurs in the coccyx region and is short-lived in nature and has acute painful effects.

Lumbar osteochondrosis

Once diagnosed, lumbosacral osteochondrosis is defined as loss of elasticity, cartilage wear, and deformation of the intervertebral discs.Over time, the ligaments and adjacent vertebrae also undergo a deformation process.Typical symptoms include limited mobility due to back and leg pain.

Most commonly, this osteochondrosis occurs in the chest and neck due to the load on the sacrum and lower back.Regular exercise and innate specificity may lead to such defects.

According to ICD-10, the codes for lumbosacral osteochondrosis are M42, M91-M93 - connective cell diseases, with the following types:

• multi-segment- Considered a common and dangerous disease; pathological processes occur in several segments of the spine and in its various parts.If complications arise due to lack of treatment, prompt diagnosis and treatment need to be initiated.
• Aggressive- This is a progressive disc injury with severe symptoms.The progression of the disease is monitored using CT or X-rays.The main criterion is the preservation of hardened ring plates.
• deformation- Indicates permanent pathology of the joint, associated with which is the development of degenerative inflammatory processes.This process destroys the structure of the joint and leads to rapid aging.The cause of this pathology is excessive stress, although it may depend on other factors.

Treatment and Rehabilitation

drug treatment

In the treatment of lumbar spine, chondroprotective agents are mainly used, which are available in the form of tablets and injections.For active use, a treatment regimen with multiple forms of the drug is required.The injection is very short-lived and is considered painful due to the direct injection into the spine.

Additionally, these drugs have anti-inflammatory effects and come with side effects such as nausea and rash.

In the treatment of the lumbosacral spine, nonsteroidal drugs (NSAIDs) are used; they have an anti-inflammatory effect and are suitable for both chronic and acute pain. 

Taking a combination of vitamins, chondroprotectants, and glucosamine can also promote recovery.

Osteochondrosis blockade

If severe pain affects normal sleep, you can usedrug blockade.This treatment method is suitable for all types of osteochondrosis localization.

This application only provides temporary pain relief; the medication is inserted through a syringe into the spine.Commonly used therapeutic blockade is with strong analgesics.

physical therapy methods

Physical therapy includes reducing pain and inflammation:

• Vibration effect using vibration massageIt is the main method of physical therapy.
• Ultrasound therapy is also used, allows you to treat pain symptoms, with three factors that affect the body: thermal, physicochemical, and mechanical.
• Physiotherapy DarsenvarIt is performed by applying electric current to the skin through vacuum electrodes.When exposed to air ionization, a weak electrical discharge occurs.As the voltage increases and the air becomes secondary ionized, a stronger discharge occurs.

massage

When blood vessels in the spinal cord are compressed, asymmetry in the muscles of the joints can occur.In the deformed areas, compaction occurs, accompanied by spasms, pain and scarring of the muscle tissue.

Massage can promote:

• Reduces pressure on nerve root arteries;
• spasms disappear;
• Movement of the vertebrae is improved;
• normalization of blood circulation;
• Tissue breakdown slows;
• Prevent the development of disease;
• Prevents muscle atrophy and restores tone.

Improve the patient's overall health; in the early stages, through massage combined with other methods, symptoms will disappear.

Magnet therapy

To eliminate the progression of osteochondrosis, magnetic field therapy is used.With this treatment, pain disappears, blood circulation normalizes, muscles relax, and nutrition of the intervertebral discs improves.

The program is used at exacerbations and in all stages of the disease, and is used at home with stationary devices, as well as with portable devices.

Manual therapy and acupuncture

Manual therapy methods include using different techniques to perform jerking movements with the hands to restore mobility:

• sleight of handIncludes measured, slow stretching of the spinal joints and a variety of bends and turns.
• Soft approachIt is thought to be designed to relax, to gradually reduce pain and loosen muscle tightness.

Acupuncture based on bioregions and research on bioregional effects deserves close attention.Reduce the patient's need for anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics.

therapeutic exercise

Participation in an exercise program for osteochondrosis is considered necessary, but taking into account the various stages of the disease, you need to choose sports carefully:

• Exercises on the spine simulatorFacilitates the treatment of spinal curvature, scoliosis, kyphosis, disc herniation and the strengthening of muscle bundles.
• Therapeutic exercises in the swimming poolGives good results and is considered safe as there are no injuries.Complete muscle relaxation is achieved without much effort during the 30-45 minute water program.Such activities can help improve mood and normalize sleep.Experts also suggest that swimming can strengthen waist muscles.
• People with osteochondrosis walkingIn this regard it is necessary to use Nordic walking, which is considered effective by experts.Thanks to the action of the sticks, the load is evenly distributed on the shoulder straps and arms, reducing stress on the joints and spine.

It is prohibited to participate in any sports such as:

• tennis.
• Discuss throwing the discus.
• high jump.
• Engage in regular physical activity.

The same contraindications for osteochondrosis apply to:

• Lumbar disc herniation.
• It is in the aggravation stage.

Swimming lessons may be taken with a doctor's permission or under the supervision of an instructor.

practise

During therapeutic exercises, pressure is applied to problem areas to avoid damage and return them to their normal shape:

• You need to lie on a flat floorPlace one hand on your belly and the other on top of your chest.When you inhale smoothly, your stomach rises first, then your chest.Exhale slowly.It needs to be repeated 10 times, 4-3 times during the day.
• Assume a lying position and raise your headPlace your hands in front of your body and maintain this position for 1-2 minutes.Then slowly assume the starting position and repeat the exercise 3-4 times a day.
• Unlock upper back upwardsWhile taking a deep breath, slowly bend the back of the chair backwards.Then bend forward as you exhale and do this exercise 4-5 times.
• for lower back- Stand up, place your hands on your hips, and gently bend forward, backward, and sideways.Then slowly move your pelvis back and forth, repeating 10 times in each direction.

Yoga and Pilates

The use of yoga or Pilates involves the smooth and precise gradual transition of one movement into the other.It is necessary to mentally monitor the condition of the muscles in each pose.

Deep breathing can have a relaxing and calming effect; these exercises are similar to yoga:

• Stand and as you inhale, raise your arms above your headAs you exhale, bend down and touch your right foot.Lean toward your left leg and repeat the same movement.In this case, keep your back straight; the entire procedure lasts 2 minutes.
• sport cobra- Lie on your chest with your palms close to each other. When inhaling, place your hands on the ground and tilt your head back first.Straighten your arms, breathe lightly, open your chest, and maintain this position for 20 seconds.
• Turn your head left and rightHold for 10 seconds at the same time, then tilt your head down and try to reach the jugular vein with your chin, hold for a while, then tilt your head back and hold.Repeat the exercise for 5 minutes.

Orthopedic instruments

Orthopedic devices for spinal correction are suitable for osteochondrosis:

• orthopedic bra- Used to treat muscle weakness, it does not restrict movement and prevents disc displacement, and also helps restore the spine.After the first use, relief occurs and cramping and pain subside due to immobilization.
• Pillow— Reduces the load on the lumbar area by taking the load off the pelvic organs.This orthotic device reduces pain, maintains muscle tone, and reduces vibration.There is another type of pillow device designed specifically for the cervical spine while sleeping.

Dr. Bubnovsky’s Author Tips

Everyone, regardless of profession or age, can apply Dr. Bubnovsky's methods.After diagnosis, your doctor will develop an individualized treatment based on the location and nature of the pain.

Gymnastics using this method can be performed independently or on multifunctional fitness equipment under the supervision of an expert.This allows you to specifically distribute load to specific muscle groups while helping to relieve swelling, pain, and cramping.

What can and cannot be done with osteochondrosis?

To avoid recurrence, patients with osteochondrosis try different treatments.In this case, you need to give up the usual things, but you can leave the warm-up in the bathhouse.

Sauna promotes good warmth and stimulates physiological processes, thereby reducing tension, swelling and pain.It is recommended to stay in the steam room for no more than 10 minutes at a time and take breaks for the same amount of time.

You can also use:

• massage.
• yoga.
• swim.
• sports.

What is not recommended for osteochondrosis:

• weightlifting.
• Overeating.
• Wear uncomfortable shoes.

Treatment at home using folk remedies

To treat osteochondrosis at home, folk methods can be combined with traditional treatments:

• Propolis- To do this, you need to roll it into a pancake, cut it into the desired size to apply on the painful area.Immobilize the area and leave it there for 1-2 days; the procedure requires 12 hours of rest until the pain completely subsides.
• leech—The essence of prevention is the relief of pain caused by stagnation of the outflow of blood from the veins and the onset of inflammation.Leeches bite through the skin of the affected area and suck out the blood, injecting hirudin, which has therapeutic effects and improves biochemical processes.
• Kiyo— Used in diseases of the musculoskeletal system, with stimulating, regenerative and anti-inflammatory effects.For osteochondrosis, a 300 mg dressing may be used.Dissolve mumiyo in a glass of water and apply the compress.
• mustard plaster- Has healing and warming properties.As blood vessels dilate, they are able to disperse blood while increasing the supply of useful elements and oxygen.They can also relieve pain and inflammation and improve the condition of your spinal discs.

Kuznetsov applicatorIts construction is fairly simple, consisting of a plastic plate with spikes attached to a sturdy base.Depending on the pain, the applicator comes in different shapes: flat pad, roller or band with fasteners.

It also has attachments with spikes and magnetic elements.The size of the spikes ranges from 2 to 5 mm, with a median length of 2 to 8 mm.

Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis

Neurologists who treat acute osteochondrosis recommend swimming only in swimming pools, since the presence of currents in natural bodies of water increases the load on the spine.The appropriate water temperature is 30 degrees, which can then be lowered to 23 degrees. The swimming style should be selected according to the condition.

Additionally, for prevention, you need to follow rules for proper sleep, which include:

• Choose the right mattress;
• Smooth base with medium hardness;
• orthopedic pillows;
• A proper diet includes eating foods containing vitamins C, PP, E, and B3.

Rules for sitting – This requires a chair or chair that is not soft and does not put weight on the lower back.The body itself should be located on the ischial tuberosity, which is only possible on a hard seat.

Sick Leave - Lumbar Osteochondrosis

Sick leave and its duration depend on the complications and nature of the illness:

• Pain syndrome.
• Inactivity due to illness.
• Working conditions and occupations.
• Also from treatments prescribed by a doctor.
• In radicular syndrome, it can last up to 3 weeks.
• If complications arise, it can take more than six months.
• Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine - Depending on the localization site, the severity of the pain syndrome depends on complications and lasts for at least a week.

Severe cases require hospitalization, after which doctors recommend a change of career.