ICD-10 code - Osteochondrosis of the spine (M42)
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is a degenerative-dystrophic lesion in 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 deterioration.
Sources of disease
Medicine does not name clear reasons that can cause this disease in both women and men.Thus, we can conclude that the disease is multifactorial.The most popular theory for 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 vertebral 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 microtraumas, as well as autoimmune disorders.
- Causes related to pathological processes of internal organs.
People who have suffered a back injury or lead a sedentary lifestyle are more prone to developing osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.
Symptoms of the disease
Medicine will highlight the following symptoms, which appear in different degrees of the disease in both women and men:
- 1st degree.You may notice the manifestation of pain, which is caused by the irritation of the nerve endings.Local, acute or dull symptoms of pain in the lumbar spine are felt.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 in the internal organs.As a result of impaired blood circulation, pain symptoms appear in the area where the ligaments attach to the bone.Compression is also observed in this area.Symptoms of pain appear in the lumbosacral segment, 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 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.Symptoms at first are expressed by increased sensitivity, burning, tingling sensations.Then, 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 signs with radicular syndrome, there is a violation of sensitivity and motor function of the lower extremities.
- 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 diagnosis made.MRI, EKG, ultrasound and other studies will help establish the correct diagnosis.You should also have an x-ray examination.
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 the 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 sessions, contribute to a faster recovery.
Blockade as treatment
Blockade for osteochondrosis consists of injections with drugs that are injected into the affected area.Treatment with a method such as a block will help relieve pain instantly.The block consists of local anesthetic drugs.
Treatment in this way, 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 for osteochondrosis is the safest method of treatment.
The blockade generally does not cause side effects, because the effect of the drug is local.Treatment with a method such as blockade can be carried out indefinitely, with any aggravation of the disease.
In addition, to relieve pain, blockade is used to eliminate inflammation, swelling and improve metabolism.To prolong the therapeutic effect, a method such as blockade should include several drugs simultaneously (novocaine and corticosteroids).The blockade should be performed by an experienced doctor.
Proper nutrition is the key to health
In the case of osteochondrosis, as in any other disease, food should be balanced, low in calories, rich in various vitamins and minerals.
The diet of women and men should be rich in collagen, which acts as a chondroprotector.
Jellied fish and jellied meat are saturated with this ingredient.If you include jelly meat in your diet, you can significantly improve the condition of the connective tissue.Also, the food should include a sufficient amount of fluid consumed to maintain the condition of the tissues in the intervertebral discs.
There are various dietary foods for people with osteochondrosis.Which is appropriate for each specific case will be determined by the attending physician.
Circles as a means of prevention
Such a tool as hoops has been known since the time of our parents.Rings are used both to improve well-being and to maintain a figure.You can spin the circle 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 ring has its drawbacks.Before spinning a circle, you should consult a doctor.If there is a lumbar hernia, spinning the circle is prohibited.If a diagnosis of thoracic spine is made, preventive exercises can be done.
If you rotate a circle in a healthy person from osteochondrosis, you can improve the functioning of the back muscles.The circle also promotes the active functioning of the spinal region, which is an excellent preventive measure.
To summarize, it is worth noting that if you twist a circle with osteochondrosis of the lumbar region, the entire load falls on the affected area.The circle may cause pain relief, but after a while it will return again and with greater force.
Hirudotherapy as a method for the 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 leeches, painful manifestations are reduced, the therapeutic effect of consumed drugs and physical exercises is improved, and the patient's recovery process is accelerated.
Treatment using a leech is based on the beneficial effects of the enzyme it produces.This enzyme is secreted with the help of leech saliva.
During the treatment process, the doctor applies a leech to the affected area.The leech bites through the top layer of the skin, releasing its saliva into it, which can cure blood clots, prevent blood clots, and speed up the biochemical process.Also, the action of the leech is aimed at strengthening the walls of the blood vessels, as well as their expansion.
Medicinal leeches are completely sterile.To cure a disease with leech, you must follow a sequence of actions - the duration of the first two sessions of treatment with a leech lasts no more than thirty minutes.The third session involves keeping the leeches on the body for an hour.The wound after the leech is not treated with anything, and after the leech is removed, the patient is not allowed to lie on his back.This is necessary to prevent bleeding.
Osteochondrosis can be cured in both women and men with ten procedures, between which you should take a break of five days.
And the most important rule: timely consultation with a doctor will help to avoid negative consequences.