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 disability, in addition to invalidity.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine has a chronic course, with a period of exacerbation.
disease sources
Medicine does not mention unequivocal reasons that can cause such a 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 of the muscular system, non-physiological muscular tension, as a result of which the vertebral segments are overloaded and their blood circulation worsens. As a result, the degeneration of the intervertebral discs, which leads to the appearance of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.
The following causes of the development of the disease in women and men are no less common:
- Causes that lie in endocrine and metabolic disorders.
- Causes, consisting of a hereditary predisposition to the disease.
- Causes that derive from microtrauma, as well as autoimmune disorders.
- Causes that are associated with pathological processes of internal organs.
The most predisposed to the development of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine are people who have suffered a back injury or lead a sedentary life.
disease symptoms
Medicine will highlight the following symptoms, which manifest themselves in different degrees of the disease in both women and men:
- 1 degreeYou can notice the manifestation of pain, which causes irritation of the nerve endings. There are local, sharp or dull symptoms of pain in the lumbar spine. Often the pain manifests itself elsewhere and is called a reflex. The following symptoms can also be observed: impaired circulation of the limbs and ligaments, as well as internal organs. As a result of impaired blood circulation, pain symptoms appear in the area of attachment of the ligaments to the bone. Seals are also seen in this area. There are symptoms of pain in the lumbosacral segment, radiating to the lower extremities. The functioning of the urinary system may be altered.
- 2nd grade.You can notice the symptoms of discomfort in the lumbar spine, constant muscle fatigue.
- 3rd grade.There are symptoms associated with radicular syndrome. Such symptoms caused by radicular syndrome consist in a violation of the sensitivity of the affected area. The symptoms associated with radicular syndrome do not appear immediately. At its onset, the symptoms are expressed in hypersensitivity, burning, tingling. Subsequently, there is a feeling of numbness, up to a total loss of sensitivity. Symptoms associated with radicular syndrome cause dysfunction of the motor system, including paralysis and atrophy. Also, the symptoms associated with radicular syndrome are the manifestation of pain, which is localized along the legs. In addition to signs with radicular syndrome, there is a violation of the sensitivity and motor functioning of the lower extremities.
- 4th grade.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 diagnosis. MRI, ECG, ultrasound and other studies will help establish the correct diagnosis. You also need to do an X-ray exam.
How to treat lumbar osteochondrosis in women and men? Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine involves complex treatment that lasts a long time. As a rule, such treatment works at 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 case.
Treatment of muscle spasms should be carried out with the help of drugs - muscle relaxants.
Medicine determines that treatment with muscle relaxants, together with the use of NSAIDs, physiotherapy sessions and massages, contributes to a faster recovery.
Blocking as a remedy
Blockade in osteochondrosis consists of injections with drugs that are injected into the affected area. Treatment with such a method as blocking will help relieve pain instantly. The block consists of local anesthetic drugs.
Treatment such as novocaine blockade is the most popular in modern medicine. To relieve pain, the blockade is performed once every three days. It can also be noted that the blockade of osteochondrosis is the safest method of treatment.
The blockade, in general, does not cause side effects, because the effect of the drug is local. It is possible to carry out treatment with such a method as a blockade indefinitely, with each exacerbation of the disease.
Also, to relieve pain, the blockade is used to eliminate inflammation, swelling and improve metabolism. To prolong the therapeutic effect, such a method as blockade should include several drugs at the same time (novocaine and corticosteroids). The block must be performed by an experienced doctor.
Proper nutrition is the key to health.
In the case of osteochondrosis, as in any other disease, the diet must be balanced, hypocaloric, rich in various vitamins and minerals.
The nutrition of both women and men should be rich in collagen, which acts as a chondroprotector.
Jellied fish and jelly are saturated with this component. If you include jellied meat in your diet, you can significantly improve the condition of connective tissue. Also, nutrition should include a sufficient amount of fluid intake to maintain the state of the tissues in the intervertebral discs.
There is a different diet for people with osteochondrosis. Which one is suitable for each specific case, will be determined by the treating physician.
The ring as a means of prevention
Such a tool as a hoop has been known since the time of our fathers. 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 simplicity.
But treatment with such a hoop method has its drawbacks. Before twisting the hoop, you should consult a doctor. If there is a hernia of the lumbar region, it is forbidden to twist the hoop. If a diagnosis of the thoracic spine is established, preventive exercises can be performed.
If you spin the hoop to a healthy person with osteochondrosis, you can improve the functioning of the back muscles. Also, the ring contributes to the active functioning of the vertebral section, making it an excellent prophylactic.
Summing up, it is worth noting that if you turn the hoop with lumbar osteochondrosis, the entire load falls on the affected area. The ring may ease the pain, but after a while it will come back again and with greater 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. Due to the action of the leech, there is a decrease in painful manifestations, the therapeutic effect of the consumed drugs and physical education is enhanced, and the patient's recovery process is accelerated.
Treatment with the application of a leech is the beneficial effect of the enzyme produced by it. Such an enzyme is secreted with the help of leech saliva.
During treatment, the doctor applies a leech to the affected area. The leech bites into the upper layer of the skin, releasing saliva into it, which can cure thrombosis, prevent blood coagulation, speed up the biochemical process. Also, the action of a 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 need to follow the sequence of actions: the duration of the first two sessions of treatment with a leech lasts no more than thirty minutes. The third session consists of the presence of a leech in the body for one hour. The wound after the leech is not treated with anything, and after removing the leech, the patient is prohibited from lying on his back. This is necessary to prevent bleeding.
It is possible to cure osteochondrosis in both women and men with ten procedures, between which you need to take a five-day break.
And the most important rule - a timely visit to a doctor will help avoid negative consequences.