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 a temporary loss of the ability to work, as well as disability.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine has a chronic course, with a period of exacerbation.
Sources of the disease.
Medicine does not mention the 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 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 vertebral segments are overloaded and their blood circulation worsens.The result is degeneration of the intervertebral discs, which leads to osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.
No less common are the following reasons for the development of the disease in women and men:
- The reasons lie in endocrine and metabolic disorders.
- The reasons are hereditary predisposition to the disease.
- Causes arising from microtrauma, as well as autoimmune disorders.
- Causes that are associated with pathological processes of internal organs.
People who have suffered a back injury or who lead a sedentary lifestyle are most predisposed to developing osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.
Symptoms of the disease
The medicine will highlight the following symptoms, which appear at different degrees of the disease in both women and men:
- 1st grade.You may notice the manifestation of pain, which is caused by irritation of the nerve endings.Local, sharp or dull symptoms of pain in the lumbar spine are felt.Often the pain manifests itself elsewhere and is called a reflex.The following symptoms can also be observed: impaired blood circulation in the extremities and ligaments, as well as internal organs.As a result of poor blood circulation, pain symptoms appear in the area where the ligaments attach to the bone.Compactions are also observed in this area.Pain symptoms occur in the lumbosacral segment, which radiate to the lower extremities.The functioning of the urinary system may be affected.
- 2nd grade.You may notice symptoms of discomfort in the lumbar spine and constant muscle fatigue.
- 3rd grade.Symptoms associated with radicular syndrome occur.The symptoms caused by radicular syndrome consist of an alteration in sensitivity in the affected area.The symptoms associated with radicular syndrome do not appear immediately.At first, symptoms are expressed in hypersensitivity, burning and tingling.Subsequently, a sensation of numbness occurs, up to the total loss of sensitivity.Symptoms associated with radicular syndrome cause motor system dysfunction, including paralysis and atrophy.Additionally, symptoms associated with radicular syndrome include pain that is located along the legs.In addition to the signs of 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 diagnoses made.MRI, ECG, ultrasound and other studies will help establish the correct diagnosis.An X-ray examination is also necessary.
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 intervertebral protrusions or hernias.
Treatment must be selected and carried out in a strictly individualized manner in each specific case.
Treatment of muscle spasms should be carried out with the help of medications - muscle relaxants.
Medicine determines that treatment with muscle relaxants, together with the use of NSAIDs, physiotherapy and massage sessions, contributes to a faster recovery.
Blockade as treatment
Blocking osteochondrosis consists of injections of drugs that are injected into the affected area.Treatment with a method such as a block will help relieve pain instantly.The blockade consists of local anesthetic drugs.
Treatment of this type, such as novocaine blockade, is the most popular in modern medicine.To relieve pain, the block is performed 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, because 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 blocking must 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 with any other disease, nutrition should be balanced, low in calories and 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 meat 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 state of the tissues of the intervertebral discs.
There are different dietary foods for people with osteochondrosis.Which one is appropriate for each specific case will be determined by the treating doctor.
The hoop as a means of prevention.
A tool like the 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 its simplicity.
But treatment with a method such as hooping has its drawbacks.Before spinning a hoop, you should consult a doctor.If there is a lumbar hernia, it is prohibited to rotate the hoop.If a diagnosis of thoracic spine is established, preventive exercises can be performed.
If you spin a hoop for a healthy person with osteochondrosis, you can improve the functioning of the back muscles.The hoop also promotes the active functioning of the spinal region, which is an excellent preventive measure.
Summing up, it is worth noting that if you rotate a hoop with osteochondrosis of the lumbar region, the entire load falls on the affected area.The hoop may make the pain decrease, but after a while it will return 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.Thanks to the action of the leech, painful manifestations are reduced, the therapeutic effect of the medications consumed and physical exercise is enhanced, and the patient's recovery process is accelerated.
Leech treatment 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 the upper layer of the skin and releases saliva into it, which can heal blood clots, prevent blood clotting, and accelerate the biochemical process.In addition, 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 lasts no more than thirty minutes.The third session consists of keeping the leech on the body for one hour.The wound after the leech is not treated with anything, and after removing the leech, 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 it is necessary to take a five-day break.
And the most important rule: timely consultation with a doctor will help avoid negative consequences.