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 ability to work, as well as disability.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine has a chronic course, with a period of exacerbation.
Sources of disease
Medicine does not name clear reasons that can provoke this disease in women and men.We can therefore 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.This results in degeneration of the intervertebral discs, leading 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 diseases.
- Causes associated with pathological processes of internal organs.
People who have suffered a back injury or lead a sedentary lifestyle are most predisposed to developing osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.
Symptoms of the disease
Medicine will highlight the following symptoms, which appear at different degrees of the disease in both women and men:
- 1st degree.You may note the manifestation of pain caused by irritation of the nerve endings.Local, acute or dull symptoms of pain in the lumbar spine are felt.Often the pain manifests elsewhere and is called a reflex.The following symptoms may also be noted: impaired blood circulation in the limbs and ligaments, as well as in internal organs.Due to impaired blood circulation, pain symptoms appear in the area where the ligaments attach to the bone.Compaction is also noted in this area.Symptoms of pain in the lumbosacral segment appear, which radiate to the lower extremities.The functioning of the urinary system may be impaired.
- 2nd degree.Symptoms of discomfort in the lumbar spine and constant muscle fatigue may be noted.
- 3rd degree.Symptoms associated with radicular syndrome appear.These symptoms caused by radicular syndrome consist of altered sensitivity in the affected area.Symptoms associated with radicular syndrome do not appear immediately.At first, symptoms are expressed as increased sensitivity, burning, tingling.Subsequently, a feeling of numbness appears, which can lead to a complete loss of sensitivity.Symptoms associated with radicular syndrome cause dysfunction of the motor system, including paralysis and atrophy.Additionally, symptoms associated with radicular syndrome include localized pain along the entire length of the legs.In addition to signs of radicular syndrome, there is a violation of sensitivity and motor functioning of the lower extremities.
- 4th degree.The symptoms of pain associated 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 diagnoses made.MRI, ECG, ultrasound and other studies will help make the correct diagnosis.You must also do an x-ray examination.
How to treat lumbar osteochondrosis in women and men?Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine requires complex and long-term treatment.As a rule, such treatment works in advanced stages of the disease, when there are multiple intervertebral protrusions or hernias.
Treatment should be chosen and carried out strictly individually in each specific case.
Treatment of muscle spasms should be carried out using medications - muscle relaxants.
Medicine determines that treatment with muscle relaxants, combined with the use of NSAIDs, physiotherapy and massage sessions, contributes to faster recovery.
Blockade as treatment
Blocking osteochondrosis consists of injections of drugs injected into the affected area.Treatment with a method such as a blockade will help instantly relieve pain.The blockade 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 blocking 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 a method such as blocking can be carried out unlimitedly, with each exacerbation of the disease.
Additionally, to relieve pain, the blockade is used to eliminate inflammation, swelling and improve metabolism.To prolong the therapeutic effect, a method such as a blockade should include several drugs simultaneously (Novocaine and corticosteroids).The blockade should be carried out by an experienced doctor.
Good nutrition is the key to health
In the case of osteochondrosis, as with any other disease, nutrition should be balanced, low in calories, 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 meats are saturated with this component.If you include jellied meat in your diet, you can significantly improve the condition of your connective tissue.In addition, nutrition should include a sufficient amount of fluid consumed to maintain the condition of the tissues of the intervertebral discs.
There are different diet foods for people suffering from osteochondrosis.Which one is suitable for each specific case will be determined by the attending physician.
The hoop as a means of prevention
A tool such as a hoop has been known since the times of our parents.The hoop is used both to improve well-being and to maintain the figure.You can spin the hoop at home and in the gym.The most important advantage is the availability of gymnastics and its simplicity.
But treatment with a method such as a hoop has its drawbacks.Before spinning a hoop, you should consult a doctor.In the event of a lumbar hernia, it is prohibited to rotate the hoop.If a thoracic spine diagnosis is made, preventative exercises can be performed.
If you spin a hula hoop to a healthy person suffering from osteochondrosis, you can improve the functioning of your back muscles.The hoop also promotes active functioning of the spinal region, which is an excellent preventative measure.
Summing up, it should be noted that if you twist a hoop with osteochondrosis of the lumbar region, the entire load falls on the affected area.The hoop can relieve the pain, but after a while it will return with more force.
Hirudotherapy as a method of treating 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 consumed medications and physical exercise is enhanced, and the patient's recovery process is accelerated.
Treatment with a leech is based on the beneficial effects of the enzyme it produces.This enzyme is secreted using leech saliva.
During the treatment process, the doctor applies a leech to the affected area.The leech bites the upper layer of the skin, releasing its saliva there, 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 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 treatment with a leech is 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 the leech is removed, the patient should not be placed on his back.This is necessary to prevent bleeding.
Osteochondrosis can be cured in both women and men with ten procedures, between which you need to take a five-day break.
And the most important rule: timely consultation with a doctor will help avoid negative consequences.