The lumbar spine includes five spinal discs connecting the sacrum and thorax. This part of the musculoskeletal system takes heavy loads. It is the most mobile and susceptible to diseases, the symptoms of which can appear at different ages. One of these diseases is lumbar osteochondrosis. In addition, the patient may develop polysegmental osteochondrosis (affecting all parts of the spine). A description of the disease can be found in the International Classification of Diseases - ICD-10, where the common code M42 is assigned to osteochondrosis.
There are many ways to prevent and treat not only osteochondrosis of the lumbar region, but also polysegmental (M 42 code according to ICD-10).
Signs of osteochondrosis of the lower back
The reason for the development of the disease may be:
- Excessive strain on the lumbar, sacral spine, which is characteristic of manual workers (loaders, dock workers, etc. ).
- Excessive weight of the patient, putting too much pressure on the spine. It is common in both women and men.
- Lack of physical activity, lack of physical activity, deterioration of blood circulation, lack of nutrition on discs with essential substances, vitamins.
- Posture disorder caused by the habit of improper sitting, often at home (hunched over, crooked).
- Injuries during sports, exercises performed incorrectly.
- The age factor when in women and elderly men, the bones become prone to deformity.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis in the lumbar region
Pain, which indicates the urgent need for treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine (code M 42 according to ICD-10), can occur even when sneezing or coughing. Manifestations of pain in the lumbosacral region can be caused by sudden movement, tilt, transfer of weight.
The tingling may be localized or spread upwards from the lower back. The pain can also spread to the buttocks and legs. The patient's back loses flexibility. It becomes difficult for a person to perform turns, inclines. General discomfort leads to sleep disorders, irritability, loss of strength.
As one of the possible complications of the disease - disorders of the genitourinary system. Kidney pain may occur. There may be difficulty in urinating.
Treatment
In order to successfully cure lumbar osteochondrosis (code M 42 according to ICD-10), the patient will have to radically reconsider most of his daily habits. From now on, you will have to work on your health every day. If it is different, then even in case of victory over the symptoms of the disease, it can come back again. Unfortunately, this happens in many cases.
Medicines are often prescribed to the patient during the first visit to the doctor. Drugs against osteochondrosis of the lumbar region relieve pain, prevent inflammatory processes.
And in folk medicine there are many recipes for medicinal infusions, ointments that can help diagnose "osteochondrosis" (lumbar or polysegmental, code M 42 according to ICD-10). Folk remedies are used externally or taken orally to relieve pain and inflammation.
However, it is known that drug therapy only stops the manifestations of the disease (pain relief), but it is not enough to completely defeat the disease, it does not eliminate the root cause of the disease. Complex rehabilitation measures are required for a full course of treatment. Without them, the treatment will not be effective, and the successes achieved will be short-lived. In some cases, a belt for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine (corset) may be prescribed, which should also be worn at home.
A special place in the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis (code M 42 according to ICD-10) occupies the therapeutic therapy (physiotherapy exercises), special gymnastics. A set of individual exercises should be chosen by a physician, and the appointment should be made under the guidance of a qualified coach. In case the patient has a pronounced problem with overweight, you should follow a diet and increase daily physical activity. The complex of these measures can cure osteochondrosis.
It is also recommended to perform acupuncture for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.
Vitamin therapy for osteochondrosis
An integrated approach is important to cure the disease. This treatment should include vitamins that can often be taken at home.
B vitamins
They are prescribed in the early stages of the disease in order to relieve painful symptoms. Often this is enough to treat osteochondrosis and eliminate pain.
In addition to the fact that B vitamins reduce pain, they can also be used to improve metabolic processes, restore immunity and sensitivity of tissues affected by the disease. They are used both in the form of injections (intramuscular or intravenous) and in the form of tablets.
B vitamins are found in:
- B1 (thiamine) - in grain, bread (coarse flour), in yeast;
- B6 (pyridoxine) - in vegetables, eggs, milk, liver, meat, fish;
- B12 (cyanocobalamin) - in animal products: meat, beef liver.
The introduction of B vitamins by injection is quite painful. However, in the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis, they are an excellent background for basic drug treatment.
D vitamins
Doctors recommend their use in combination with calcium, as this combination has a beneficial effect on bones, giving them strength. But the cartilage of the intervertebral discs, especially those suffering from osteochondrosis, is strengthened with the help of group D vitamins. Mostly to cure the disease, experts will prescribe vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) or D2 (ergocalciferol).
Vitamins D are found in:
- fever;
- flounder;
- milk;
- egg yolks;
- butter;
- sardines;
- tuna liver.
Vitamins A and E.
A and E are powerful antioxidants. They catalyze tissue regeneration. For example, vitamin A promotes the strengthening of the immune system, actively fights infections, is responsible for the harmonious circulation of calcium, phosphorus and repairs damaged tissues.
Vitamins A and E should be consumed in "tandem" - when absorbed by the intestine, their elements complement and activate each other. Thanks to them, the symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis (code M 42 according to ICD-10) disappear and the disease can not bespread further.
Contained in animal, plant foods:
- carrots, parsley, spinach, green onions, sea buckthorn, wild rose, apricots, mountain ash, black currants, blueberries, strawberries, blueberries;
- fish oil, liver, milk.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) increases the body's defenses. This is very necessary during the fight against any disease. This vitamin removes toxins, protects cartilage, muscles, bone tissue from internal and external damage.
Ascorbic acid is sold in tablets and in addition in ampoules for injections (this is also possible at home). Contains rose hips, red (sweet) peppers, peas, strawberries, cabbage (broccoli, white cabbage, Brussels sprouts), needles, tangerines, oranges, tomatoes, parsley, dill.
What gives swimming and exercise for osteochondrosis
Properly organized swimming contributes to:
- Relaxation. Osteochondrosis of the lower back and polysegmental (code M 42 according to ICD-10) leads to muscle spasms, their tension, which impedes movement. Water helps the entire spine to relax, eliminates muscle spasms and at the same time strengthens muscles.
- Acceleration of metabolic processes. The tissues of the damaged and still normal discs receive the food they need and begin to recover.
- Increase immunity. This is important for the treatment of any disease.
- Regular swimming and bathing and especially exercises in the water, which remove excess weight from the body.
- Swimming improves the functioning of the heart and respiratory system, helps to create a positive attitude to the treatment of osteochondrosis.
Exercises in water, swimming are recommended both for polysegmental osteochondrosis (code M 42 according to ICD-10) and for osteochondrosis of one of the departments of the spine.
If, while taking vitamins and other medications, you practice swimming and exercise in the pool, then you can heal the affected discs, improve the general condition of the entire spine and get rid of pain.
Doctors recommend swimming treatment only in special pools. Of course, such treatment is usually not possible at home. But in the river, in the sea, exercise is not recommended due to the fact that the flow of water bodies can cause additional stress on the spine.
When training in the pool, patients must follow a few basic rules. Improper swimming and exercise can worsen pain:
- The water temperature should not be lower than 23 degrees, and on the first visits to the pool - at the level of 27 - 30 degrees Celsius.
- Swimming will help cure osteochondrosis if you warm up before entering the pool. These can be simple exercises, massage. All this in a few minutes will increase blood flow to the spine and prepare it for the procedure.
- Patients diagnosed with lumbar (or polysegmental) osteochondrosis should avoid sudden movements in the pool.
- You can (recommended) visit the pool at least twice a week, and the optimal time for one session is 40-50 minutes.
- Special water exercises, swimming for men, as well as women with osteochondrosis, should be recommended by a specialist in therapeutic exercises.
So, if you have signs of osteochondrosis (either lumbar or polysegmental), then in addition to home treatment (vitamins, drugs), on the advice of a doctor, you should visit the pool or gym. Doctors emphasize that only an integrated approach, patience, perseverance in overcoming the disease will achieve positive results during treatment.