ICD-10 code - Osteochondrosis of the spine (M42)
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is a degenerative-dystrophic lesion of 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 loss of working ability, as well as disability.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine has a chronic course, with a period of worsening.
Sources of disease
Medicine does not specify 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 about the origin of the disease is a systematic process of tension in the muscular system, non-physiological muscle tension, as a result of which the vertebrae are overloaded and their 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 a hereditary predisposition to the disease.
- Causes arising from microtrauma, as well as autoimmune disorders.
- Causes associated with pathological processes of internal organs.
People who have had a back injury or who lead a sedentary lifestyle are most prone to developing osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.
Symptoms of the disease
Medicine will highlight the following symptoms, which occur in different degrees of the disease in both women and men:
- 1st degree.You may notice a manifestation of pain caused by irritation of nerve endings.Local, acute or dull pain symptoms are felt in the lumbar spine.Often the pain is manifested in another place and is called a reflex.The following symptoms can also be observed: 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 where the ligaments attach to the bone.Compactions were also reported in this area.There are symptoms of pain in the lumbosacral segment that radiate to the lower extremities.The functioning of the urinary system may be disturbed.
- 2nd degree.Symptoms of discomfort in the lumbar spine and constant muscle fatigue may be observed.
- 3rd degree.Symptoms associated with 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.Initially, the symptoms are expressed by increased sensitivity, burning, stinging.After that, there is a feeling of numbness, until the 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 leg.In addition to signs of radicular syndrome, there is a violation of sensitivity and motor work of the lower extremities.
- 4th degree.Symptoms of pain 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 in establishing the correct diagnosis.You must 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 advanced stages 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, contributes to faster recovery.
Blockade as a treatment
Blockade for osteochondrosis consists of drug injections that are injected into the affected area.Treatment with a method such as a block will help provide immediate pain relief.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 of osteochondrosis is the safest method of treatment.
The blockade generally does not cause side effects, as the action of the drug is local.Treatment with such a method as blockade can be carried out indefinitely, with each aggravation of the disease.
In addition, to relieve pain, the blockade is used to remove inflammation, swelling and improve metabolism.In order to prolong the therapeutic effect, a method such as blockade must include several drugs at the same time (novocaine and corticosteroids).The blockade must be performed by an experienced physician.
Proper nutrition is the key to health
In the case of osteochondrosis, as with any other disease, the diet 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 a chondroprotector.
Fish jelly and meat jelly are saturated with this component.If you include jelly in your diet, you can significantly improve the condition of your connective tissue.Also, the diet should include a sufficient amount of liquid consumed to maintain the condition of the tissue in the intervertebral discs.
There are different dietary foods for people with osteochondrosis.Which one is suitable for each specific case, will be determined by the doctor.
The 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 the figure.You can spin the 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 the hoop, it is necessary to consult a doctor.If there is a lumbar hernia, spinning the hoop is prohibited.If a diagnosis of thoracic spine is made, preventive exercises can be done.
If you turn the hoop on a healthy person from osteochondrosis, you can improve the work of the back muscles.The hoop also encourages active functioning of the spinal region, which is an excellent preventive measure.
In short, it is worth noting that if you twist the 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 with greater force.
Hirudotherapy as a method of treating osteochondrosis
The disease is possible and can be cured 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 consumed drugs and physical exercise is enhanced, and the patient's recovery process is accelerated.
Treatment with leech is based on the beneficial effect of the enzymes it produces.This enzyme is secreted with the help of leech saliva.
During the treatment process, the doctor places a leech on the affected area.The leech bites through the upper 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 the disease with leech, you must follow the sequence of actions - the duration of the first two leech treatment sessions does not last more than thirty minutes.The third session involves keeping the leech on the body for an hour.The wound after leech is not treated with anything, and after removing the leech, the patient must not lie on his back.This is necessary to prevent bleeding.
Osteochondrosis can be cured in both women and men with ten procedures, between which it is necessary to take a break of five days.
And the most important rule: timely consultation with a doctor will help avoid negative consequences.