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 loss of working capacity, 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 cite clear reasons that can cause this disease in women and men.Thus, we can conclude that the disease is multifactorial.The most popular theory about 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 become overloaded and their blood circulation worsens.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 that arise from microtraumas, as well as autoimmune diseases.
- Causes associated with pathological processes of internal organs.
People who have suffered back injuries or who lead a sedentary lifestyle are more predisposed to developing osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.
Symptoms of the disease
Medicine will highlight the following symptoms, which appear at different degrees of the disease in women and men:
- 1st degree.You may notice the manifestation of pain 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 in another location and is called reflex.The following symptoms may also be observed: impaired blood circulation in the limbs and ligaments, as well as internal organs.As a result of impaired blood circulation, pain symptoms appear in the area where the ligaments attach to the bone.Compactions are also observed in this area.Symptoms of pain occur 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 noticed.
- 3rd degree.Symptoms associated with radicular syndrome occur.Such symptoms caused by radicular syndrome consist of impaired sensitivity in the affected area.Symptoms associated with radicular syndrome do not appear immediately.At first, symptoms are expressed in increased sensitivity, burning, tingling.Subsequently, there is a sensation of numbness, until complete loss of sensitivity.Symptoms associated with radicular syndrome cause motor system dysfunction, including paralysis and atrophy.Additionally, symptoms associated with radicular syndrome include localized pain along the legs.In addition to the signs of radicular syndrome, there is a violation of the sensitivity and motor functioning of the lower limbs.
- 4th degree.Pain symptoms in 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 carried out.MRI, ECG, ultrasound and other studies will help establish the correct diagnosis.You also need to have an x-ray examination.
How to treat lumbar osteochondrosis in women and men?Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine requires complex and long-term treatment.As a rule, this treatment works in 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 medications - muscle relaxants.
Medicine determines that treatment with muscle relaxants, combined with the use of NSAIDs, physiotherapy and massage sessions, contributes to a faster recovery.
Blockade as a treatment
Blocking osteochondrosis consists of injections of medications that are injected into the affected area.Treatment with a method such as blocking will help relieve pain instantly.The block consists of local anesthetics.
Treatment in this way, like 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 generally does not cause side effects, as the effect of the medication is local.Treatment with a method such as blockade can be carried out unlimitedly, with each exacerbation of the disease.
In addition, to relieve pain, the block is used to eliminate inflammation, swelling and improve metabolism.To prolong the therapeutic effect, a method such as blockade must include several medications simultaneously (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, low-calorie and rich in various vitamins and minerals.
The diet of women and men should be rich in collagen, which acts as a chondroprotector.
Chilled fish and 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 condition 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 attending physician.
Hoop as a means of prevention
A tool like the bow has been known since the time of our fathers.The bow is used both to improve well-being and to maintain the figure.You can rotate the hoop at home and in the gym.The most important advantage is the availability of gymnastics and its simplicity.
But treatment with a method like arching has its drawbacks.Before turning a bow, you should consult a doctor.If there is a lumbar hernia, it is prohibited to rotate the arch.If a thoracic spine diagnosis is established, preventive exercises can be done.
If you turn a hoop for a healthy person with osteochondrosis, you can improve the functioning of the back muscles.The arch also promotes the active functioning of the spinal region, which is an excellent preventive measure.
Summing up, it is important to note that if you twist an arch with osteochondrosis of the lumbar region, the entire load falls on the affected area.The arch may relieve the pain, 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 consumed medications 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 top layer of the skin, releasing saliva into it, which can cure 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 need to follow a sequence of actions - the duration of the first two leech treatment sessions lasts no more than thirty minutes.The third session involves keeping the leech on the body for an hour.The wound after 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.