Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine - prevention and treatment of back pain
Osteochondrosis is a spinal pathology known to every person. Its first signs can sometimes be detected at 18-20 years of age. Doctors do not consider osteochondrosis a disease, they consider it as inevitable age-related changes in the vertebrae.
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But this does not mean that all people after 50-60 years suffer from back pain. If you take proper care of your lower back and other parts of the spine, osteochondrosis may not manifest itself at all.
What is osteochondrosis?
As we age, the structure of the vertebrae and the discs between them change. The vertebral bodies can become deformed, and osteophytes and spikes often form on them. Intervertebral discs gradually lose moisture, lose their elasticity and become more fragile.
Because of this, the distance between the vertebrae decreases, and they are displaced relative to each other. Also, ligaments and facet joints are involved in the pathological process, which leads to instability of the spine.
With significant physical loads, the fibrous disc begins to go beyond the vertebrae, such a bulge is called a protrusion. Over time, it turns into an intervertebral hernia and can press on the nerve roots or even the spinal cord.
Contributing to the development of osteochondrosis are such factors:
Because of this, the distance between the vertebrae decreases, and they are displaced relative to each other. Also, ligaments and facet joints are involved in the pathological process, which leads to instability of the spine.
With significant physical loads, the fibrous disc begins to go beyond the vertebrae, such a bulge is called a protrusion. Over time, it turns into an intervertebral hernia and can press on the nerve roots or even the spinal cord.
Contributing to the development of osteochondrosis are such factors:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- posture disorders, constant staying in an uncomfortable position;
- excessive physical exertion;
- injuries to the spine.
Most often pronounced osteochondrosis develops in the lumbar spine, and it is it that runs with vivid symptoms
Most often pronounced osteochondrosis develops in the lumbar spine, and it is it that runs with vivid symptoms
How does osteochondrosis manifest itself?
Osteochondrosis of the spine is manifested by pain. It can be sharp, associated with movements, or constant, dull. Very often patients complain that it is difficult to:
To keep the affected segment of the spine in the desired position, a person begins to compensatorily tense the lumbar muscles. However, their prolonged spasm leads to swelling of soft tissues, and the pain becomes even stronger. Also, the tension of the musculature limits the movements of the spine. With concomitant root impingement (radiculitis), there are sensory disorders - a feeling of numbness, tingling, burning.
- to bend over;
- bend over;
- sitting for long periods of time, driving;
- walking long distances.
To keep the affected segment of the spine in the desired position, a person begins to compensatorily tense the lumbar muscles. However, their prolonged spasm leads to swelling of soft tissues, and the pain becomes even stronger. Also, the tension of the musculature limits the movements of the spine. With concomitant root impingement (radiculitis), there are sensory disorders - a feeling of numbness, tingling, burning.
How do you treat osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis and its complications are easier to prevent than to treat. Doctors recommend watching your posture and practicing kinesitherapy. It strengthens the back muscles and forms a “corset” that helps keep the spine in the correct position without compensatory overstretching of the musculature.
When pain occurs, doctors usually prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics and medications that relieve muscle spasm. They also recommend that you be sure to wear a back belt. In case of moderate pain syndrome and hypertonus of muscles, a medical elastic belt is suitable - it will warm the lower back and help to maintain correct posture.
When pain occurs, doctors usually prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics and medications that relieve muscle spasm. They also recommend that you be sure to wear a back belt. In case of moderate pain syndrome and hypertonus of muscles, a medical elastic belt is suitable - it will warm the lower back and help to maintain correct posture.
Features of the elastic back belt
The medical elastic back belt contains 16% sheep's wool and 47% cotton. It both warms the lower back and wicks away excess moisture, preventing sweating. This belt is reversible: in winter it can be worn with the wool part inside and in summer with the cotton part. Regardless of the weather, the muscles will be able to warm up and relax, but the patient will not feel discomfort.
The EXTRA elastic medical belt is also suitable for lower back pain. It is made of wool (45%), cotton (44%), polyamide (6%) and latex (5%).
The elastic back warming belt stretches perfectly, so it will fit a person with any figure. Besides, it is available in different sizes - from XS to XXXL, which means that the product can be used by a slim teenager as well as a very large man.
The EXTRA elastic medical belt is also suitable for lower back pain. It is made of wool (45%), cotton (44%), polyamide (6%) and latex (5%).
The elastic back warming belt stretches perfectly, so it will fit a person with any figure. Besides, it is available in different sizes - from XS to XXXL, which means that the product can be used by a slim teenager as well as a very large man.
Doctors also recommend wearing a medical elastic waistband to prevent lower back pain - when working in a forced posture for long periods of time or constant hypothermia
Doctors also recommend wearing a medical elastic waistband to prevent lower back pain - when working in a forced posture for long periods of time or constant hypothermia