ICD-10 code - Osteochondrosis of the spine (M42)
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is a degenerative-dystrophic lesion of the spine. This lumbosacral spine disease is one of the most common in modern medicine. In both women and men, the disease can cause temporary disability as well as disability.
Lumbar spine osteochondrosis has a chronic course, with a period of exacerbation.
Sources of the disease
Medicine does not name unambiguous reasons that can cause such a disease in both women and men. Hence, 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 muscle tension, due to which the vertebral segments are overloaded, their blood circulation worsens. As a result, the degeneration of the intervertebral discs, which leads to the occurrence 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 reside in endocrine and metabolic disorders.
- Causes, consisting of a hereditary predisposition to the disease.
- Causes resulting from microtrauma and autoimmune diseases.
- Causes 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 who lead a sedentary lifestyle.
Symptoms of the disease
Medicine will highlight the following symptoms, manifested at different degrees of the disease in both women and men:
- 1 degree.It is possible to notice the manifestation of pain, which causes irritation of the nerve endings. There are local, acute or dull symptoms of pain in the lumbar spine. Quite often the pain is shown in another place and is called a reflex. The following symptoms may also be noted: impaired circulation of the limbs and ligaments, as well as internal organs. Due to 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 pain symptoms in the lumbosacral segment, which radiate to the lower extremities. The functioning of the urinary system can be disturbed.
- 2 degrees.You can notice the symptoms of discomfort in the lumbar spine, constant muscle fatigue.
- 3 degrees.There are symptoms associated with radicular syndrome. Such symptoms caused by radicular syndrome consist in a violation of the sensitivity of the affected area. 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 complete loss of sensitivity. Symptoms associated with root syndrome cause motor system dysfunction, including paralysis and atrophy. In addition, the symptoms associated with radicular syndrome are the manifestation of pain, which is localized along the length of the legs. In addition to signs with radicular syndrome, there is a violation of the sensitivity and motor functioning of the lower extremities.
- 4 degrees.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 examination.
How to treat lumbar osteochondrosis in women and men? Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine involves a complex treatment that lasts a long time. As a rule, such treatment works at an advanced stage of the disease, when there are multiple intervertebral protrusions or 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, along with the use of NSAIDs, physiotherapy and massage sessions, contribute to faster healing.
Blockade as a remedy
Blockade in osteochondrosis consists of injections of drugs that are injected into the affected area. Treatment with a method such as blockade will help relieve pain instantly. The block consists of local anesthetic drugs.
Treatment in such a way as to block novocaine is the most popular in modern medicine. To relieve pain, the block is done once every three days. It can also be noted that osteochondrosis blockade 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 by such a method as an indefinite block, with each exacerbation of the disease.
Also, to relieve pain, 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 at once (novocaine and corticosteroids). The block 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 nutrition of men and women should be rich in collagen, which acts as a chondroprotector.
Gelatin and aspic are saturated with this component. If you include jellied meat in your diet, you can significantly improve the condition of the connective tissue. In addition, nutrition should include a sufficient amount of fluid intake to maintain the condition of the tissues in the intervertebral discs.
There is a different diet for people with osteochondrosis. Which one is suitable for each specific case, the attending physician will determine.
Hoop as a means of prevention
A tool such as a circle has been known since the days of our parents. The circle is used both to improve well-being and to maintain the figure. You can turn the circle both at home and in the gym. The most important advantage is the availability of gymnastics and simplicity.
But the treatment with such a method as a circle has its drawbacks. Before turning the frame, you need to consult a doctor. If there is a hernia of the lumbar region, it is forbidden to twist the circle. If a diagnosis of the thoracic spine is established, preventive exercises can be performed.
If you turn the circle on a healthy person from osteochondrosis, you can improve the functioning of the back muscles. In addition, the circle contributes to the active functioning of the vertebral section, which is an excellent prophylaxis.
Summing up, it is worth noting that if you rotate the rim with lumbar osteochondrosis, the entire load falls on the affected area. The hoop can relieve 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 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 the leech's saliva.
During treatment, the doctor applies a leech to the affected area. The leech bites the top layer of the skin, releasing its saliva, which can cure thrombosis, prevent blood clotting, and speed up the biochemical process. In addition, the action of a leech is aimed at strengthening the walls of blood vessels and their expansion.
Medical leeches are completely sterile. To cure a disease with a leech, it is necessary to follow the sequence of actions: the duration of the first two treatment sessions with a leech lasts no more than thirty minutes. The third session involves the presence of a leech on the body for an hour. The wound after the leech is not treated with anything, and after the removal of the leech, the patient is forbidden to lie 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 it is necessary to take a five-day break.
And the most important rule - a timely visit to a doctor will help avoid negative consequences.