ICD-10 code - Osteochondrosis of the spine (M42)
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is a degenerative-dystrophic damage to the spine.This disease of the lumbosacral spine is one of the most common in modern medicine.In both women and men, the disease can cause temporary incapacitation as well as disability.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine has a chronic course with a period of exacerbation.
Sources of disease
Medicine does not indicate clear reasons that can cause this disease in both women and men.Therefore, we can conclude that the disease is multifactorial.The most popular theory of the development of the disease is a systematic process of tension in the muscular system, non-physiological muscle tension, as a result of which the spinal segments are overloaded and their blood circulation deteriorates.The result is degeneration of the intervertebral discs, which leads to osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.
The following reasons for the development of the disease in women and men are no less common:
- The reasons lie in endocrine and metabolic disorders.
- The reasons are hereditary predisposition to the disease.
- Causes arising from microtrauma as well as autoimmune diseases.
- Causes that are related to pathological processes of internal organs.
People who have suffered a back injury or lead a sedentary lifestyle are most prone to developing osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.
Symptoms of the disease
Medicine will emphasize the following symptoms that appear in different degrees of the disease in both women and men:
- 1st degree.You can notice the manifestation of pain, which is caused by irritation of the nerve endings.Local, sharp or dull pain symptoms are felt in the lumbar spine.Often the pain manifests itself in another place and is called reflex.The following symptoms can also be noted: impaired blood circulation in the limbs and ligaments, as well as internal organs.As a result of impaired blood circulation, symptoms of pain appear in the area of attachment of the ligaments to the bone.Seals are also noted in this area.Symptoms of pain in the lumbosacral segment appear, which radiate to the lower extremities.The functioning of the excretory system may be impaired.
- 2nd degree.Symptoms of discomfort in the lumbar spine and constant muscle fatigue may be noted.
- 3rd degree.Symptoms related to radicular syndrome appear.Such symptoms caused by radicular syndrome consist of impaired sensitivity in the affected area.Symptoms associated with radicular syndrome do not appear immediately.In the beginning, the symptoms are expressed in increased sensitivity, burning, tingling.Subsequently, a feeling of numbness appears, up to a complete loss of sensitivity.Symptoms associated with radicular syndrome cause dysfunction of the motor system, including paralysis and atrophy.Also, symptoms associated with radicular syndrome include pain that is localized along the length of the legs.In addition to the signs of radicular syndrome, there is a violation of sensitivity and motor function of the lower limbs.
- 4th degree.Pain symptoms with radicular syndrome are less pronounced.At the same time, the range of motion of the spine is limited.
Basic treatment
The doctor makes a diagnosis based on the performed diagnostics.MRI, EKG, ultrasound and other studies will help establish the correct diagnosis.You should also have an X-ray.
How to treat lumbar osteochondrosis in women and men?Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine requires complex treatment that lasts a long time.As a rule, such treatment works in an advanced stage of the disease, when there are multiple protrusions or intervertebral hernias.
Treatment must be selected and carried out strictly individually in each specific case.
Treatment of muscle spasms should be carried out with the help of drugs - muscle relaxants.
Medicine determines that treatment with muscle relaxants, along with the use of NSAIDs, physical therapy and massage sessions, contribute to faster recovery.
Blockade as treatment
Blockade in osteochondrosis consists of drug injections that are injected into the affected area.Treatment with a method such as blockade will help to relieve pain immediately.The block consists of local anesthetics.
Treatment in this way, such as novocaine blockade, is the most popular in modern medicine.To relieve pain, the blockade is carried out once every three days.It can also be noted that the blockade for osteochondrosis is the safest method of treatment.
The blockade usually does not cause side effects, since the effect of the drug is local.Treatment with such a method as a blockade can be carried out indefinitely, with each exacerbation of the disease.
In addition, to relieve pain, blockade is used to eliminate inflammation, swelling and improve metabolism.In order to prolong the therapeutic effect, a method such as a blockade should include several drugs at the same time (novocaine and corticosteroids).Blockade should be performed by an experienced physician.
Proper nutrition is the key to health
In the case of osteochondrosis, as in any other disease, nutrition should be balanced, low-calorie, rich in various vitamins and minerals.
The diet of both women and men should be rich in collagen, which acts as chondroprotectors.
Jellied fish and jellied meat are saturated with this component.If you include jellied meat in your diet, you can significantly improve the condition of the connective tissue.Also, the diet should include a sufficient amount of liquid consumed to maintain the condition of the tissues in the intervertebral discs.
There are various dietary foods for people with osteochondrosis.Which of them is suitable for each specific case will be determined by the attending physician.
Hoop as a means of prevention
Such a tool as a hoop has been known since the time of our parents.The hoop is used both to improve well-being and to maintain a figure.You can spin a hoop both at home and in the gym.The most important advantage is the availability of gymnastics and its simplicity.
But treatment with such a method as a hoop has its drawbacks.Before turning a hoop, you should consult a doctor.If there is a lumbar hernia, the rotation of the hoop is prohibited.With an established diagnosis of thoracic vertebrae, preventive exercises can be done.
If you spin a hoop on a healthy person from osteochondrosis, you can improve the functioning of the back muscles.The hoop also promotes the active functioning of the spinal region, which is an excellent preventive measure.
To summarize, it is worth noting that if you rotate a hoop with osteochondrosis of the lumbar region, the entire load falls on the affected area.The hoop may cause pain relief, but after a while it will return again and with greater force.
Hirudotherapy as a method of treatment of osteochondrosis
It is possible and possible to cure the disease with hirudotherapy!Leeches have a healing effect on the human body.Thanks to the action of the leech, painful manifestations are reduced, the therapeutic effect of the drugs and physical exercises taken is enhanced, and the patient's recovery process is accelerated.
Leech treatment is based on the beneficial effect of the enzyme it produces.This enzyme is secreted using the leech's saliva.
During the treatment process, the doctor applies leech to the affected area.The leech bites the top layer of the skin, releasing its saliva into it, which can heal blood clots, prevent blood clotting and speed up the biochemical process.Also, the action of the leech is aimed at strengthening the walls of blood vessels, as well as at their expansion.
Medical leeches are completely sterile.To cure a disease with a leech, you must follow a sequence of actions - the duration of the first two sessions of leech treatment lasts no more than thirty minutes.The third session involves keeping the leech on the body for an hour.The wound after the leech is not treated with anything, and after removing the leech, the patient should not be placed on his back.This is necessary to prevent bleeding.
Osteochondrosis is treated in both women and men with ten procedures, between which you need to take a break of five days.
And the most important rule: timely consultation with a doctor will help to avoid negative consequences.