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 lead to a temporary loss of ability to work and disability.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is chronic with an exacerbation phase.
Causes of the disease
Medicine does not name clear reasons that can cause this disease in both women and men.From this we can conclude that the disease is multifactorial.The most popular theory about the origin of the disease is a systematic process of muscle tension, unphysiological muscle tension, which leads to overloading of the vertebral segments and a deterioration in their blood circulation.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 a hereditary predisposition to the disease.
- Causes arising from microtrauma and autoimmune diseases.
- Causes associated with pathological processes of internal organs.
People who have suffered a back injury or lead a sedentary lifestyle are most susceptible to developing osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.
Symptoms of the disease
Medicine will highlight the following symptoms, which occur in varying degrees of disease in both women and men:
- 1st degree.You may notice the manifestation of pain caused by irritation of the nerve endings.Local, acute or dull pain symptoms occur in the lumbar spine area.Often the pain manifests itself in another location and is called a reflex.In addition, the following symptoms can be noted: circulatory disorders in the limbs and ligaments as well as internal organs.As a result of a circulatory disorder, pain occurs in the area where the ligaments attach to the bone.There are also densifications in this area.Pain occurs in the lumbosacral segment, radiating to the lower extremities.The function 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 appear that are associated with radicular syndrome.Such symptoms caused by radicular syndrome consist of impaired sensitivity in the affected area.The symptoms associated with radicular syndrome do not appear immediately.Initially, the symptoms manifest themselves as increased sensitivity, burning and tingling.This is followed by a feeling of numbness and even a complete loss of sensitivity.The symptoms associated with radicular syndrome lead to dysfunction of the motor system, including paralysis and atrophy.Symptoms associated with radicular syndrome also include pain localized along the length of the legs.In addition to the signs of radicular syndrome, there is a violation of the sensitivity and motor function of the lower extremities.
- 4th degree.The pain symptoms in radicular syndrome are less pronounced.At the same time, the range of motion of the spine is restricted.
Basic treatment
The doctor makes a diagnosis based on the diagnostics carried out.MRI, ECG, ultrasound and other examinations help make the correct diagnosis.You will also need to do an x-ray.
How to treat lumbar osteochondrosis in women and men?Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine requires complex and lengthy treatment.As a rule, such treatment is effective in the advanced stages of the disease, when there are multiple bulges or intervertebral hernias.
The treatment must be selected and carried out strictly individually in each individual case.
The treatment of muscle spasms should be carried out with the help of medications - muscle relaxants.
Medicine notes that treatment with muscle relaxants along with taking NSAIDs, physiotherapy and massage sessions contributes to faster recovery.
Blockade as treatment
The blockade for osteochondrosis consists of injections of medication that are injected into the affected area.Treatment with a method such as a block will help relieve pain immediately.The blockage consists of local anesthetics.
Such treatment, for example, novocaine blockade, is the most popular in modern medicine.To relieve pain, the block is performed every three days.It can also be noted that blockade of 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 exacerbation of the disease.
In addition, the block is used to relieve pain, eliminate inflammation and swelling, and improve metabolism.To prolong the therapeutic effect, a method such as blockade must include several drugs at once (novocaine and corticosteroids).The block must be carried out by an experienced doctor.
Proper nutrition is the key to health
With osteochondrosis, as with any other disease, the diet should be balanced, low in calories and rich in various vitamins and minerals.
The diet of women and men should be rich in collagen, which acts like 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, the diet should include adequate fluid intake to maintain the condition of the tissues in the intervertebral discs.
There are various dietary foods for people with osteochondrosis.The treating doctor decides which is suitable in each individual case.
Tires as a means of prevention
Such a tool as a tire has been known since the time of our parents.The hoop serves both to improve well-being and to maintain your figure.You can rotate 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 a hoop has its disadvantages.Before rotating a tire, you should consult a doctor.In the event of a lumbar hernia, rotating the tire is prohibited.If the diagnosis of thoracic spine is established, preventative exercises can be carried out.
If you twist a tire to a person suffering from osteochondrosis, you can improve the functioning of your back muscles.The tire also promotes the active function of the spinal region, which is an excellent preventive measure.
In conclusion, when rotating a tire in osteochondrosis of the lumbar region, the entire load falls on the affected area.The tire may cause the pain to subside, but after a while it returns 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 phenomena are reduced, the therapeutic effect of taken medications and physical exercise is increased, 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 released 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 skin and releases its saliva, which can heal blood clots, prevent blood clotting and accelerate the biochemical process.The action of the leech is also aimed at strengthening and expanding the walls of blood vessels.
Medicinal leeches are completely sterile.To cure a disease with a leech, you must follow a number of measures - the duration of the first two treatment sessions with a leech is no more than 30 minutes.In the third session, the leech is left on the body for an hour.The wound after the leech is not treated with anything and after the leech is removed, the patient must not be laid on his back.This is necessary to prevent bleeding.
Osteochondrosis can be cured in both women and men with ten procedures, between which there must be a break of five days.
And the most important rule: timely consultation with a doctor will help avoid negative consequences.