What is protrusion of the intervertebral discs, 60% of older patients have to find out. This is the initial stage of the formation of a vertebral hernia, a consequence of osteochondrosis. The pathological process can proceed without visible clinical manifestations or be accompanied by severe pain. It matters where the protrusion has formed, as well as at what stage the pathological process is.
Osteochondrosis
A chronic disease in which chronic changes occur in the vertebrae and discs located between them, sooner or later develops in everyone. Osteochondrosis is a natural process associated with aging. However, if a person leads a correct lifestyle, monitors posture and body weight, unpleasant symptoms appear already in old age. Stoop, extra pounds, excessive physical activity - all this leads to the fact thatosteochondrosis pesters already at a young age.
Degenerative changes occur over time in the vertebrae. Gradually, protrusion of the intervertebral discs may develop. Symptoms of the pathological process do not always appear. Sometimes the patient learns about his disease only during the preventive examination.
The development of osteochondrosis and protrusions is promoted by a constant load on the spinal motion segment. In people with a large body weight and poor posture, the disease manifests itself earlier. Unpleasant symptoms at a young age can also occur in people of sedentary professions (office workers, dispatchers, truck drivers, etc.). Unfortunately, the pathological process is not always possible to diagnose in a timely manner. Patients seek help when there is acute pain in the lower back or neck.
It is impossible to completely cure osteochondrosis. Degenerative changes in the vertebrae are irreversible. However, timely therapy allows you to stop the process of destruction, reduce the likelihood of dangerous complications.
Hernia of the spine and protrusion of the intervertebral discs are the result of osteochondrosis not detected in a timely manner. The pathological process develops if the disc located between the vertebrae begins to protrude beyond the boundaries of the intervertebral space. At the same time, the integrity of the outer part of the fibrous ring is preserved. Statistical data show that protrusions most often develop in the lumbar spine, less often in the thoracic orneck.
What is protrusion of the intervertebral discs of the lumbar, the patient can learn at any age. Most often, the first symptoms of the pathological process appear after 35 years. Women and men get sick equally often. The risk group includes people with spinal curvature, as well as patients leading a sedentary lifestyle.
The main causes of the pathological process
Despite the fact that osteochondrosis sooner or later develops in almost everyone, not everyone has to find out what protrusions of the intervertebral discs are. Most often, unpleasant symptoms occur in patients with reduced physical activity. Due to physical inactivity, the tissues of the spine are not sufficiently supplied with blood, the muscular corset of the back weakens. As a result, the disk power is reduced and the pressure on it is increased.
What is protrusion of the intervertebral discs, young patients who do not monitor their posture can find out. The situation is aggravated by the improper organization of the workplace for a schoolchild or an office worker. Prolonged stay in an uncomfortable position sooner or later leads to a curvature of the spine and the development of protrusions. Patients with congenital anomalies of the spine also fall into the risk group. The curvature leads to the fact that the load on the spinal column is distributed unevenly, the intervertebral space increases.
What is the protrusion of the intervertebral discs of the lumbar, at a young age have to learn patients suffering from endocrine diseases. Because ofviolations of metabolic processes in the body, the tissues of the spine do not receive sufficient nutrition, wear out faster. Often this problem is faced by people with diabetes.
Protrusions of the intervertebral discs can develop as a result of professional activities. Athletes often experience pathology due to excessive physical activity (especially men and women involved in weightlifting).
Against the background of all the factors described above, the elasticity of the fibrous ring surrounding the nucleus of the intervertebral disc decreases. As a result, microcracks form in its inner part. The pressure on the disc increases against the background of changes in the intervertebral space. The nucleus is displaced to the outer part of the disk, a protrusion is formed. The size of the protruding part can be from 4 to 6-7 mm.
Classification
How are intervertebral disc protrusions treated? The method of therapy is chosen based on the type of disease, its clinical manifestations. The localization of the pathology also matters.
In most cases, diffuse protrusion of the intervertebral discs is diagnosed. With this disease, uneven protrusion of tissues is observed. The least painful is the anterior (ventral) type of pathological process. The intervertebral disc protrudes from the spine to the abdomen. The disease proceeds without affecting the spinal structures. Most often, there are no clinical manifestations of the pathological process.
The more common is the lateral (lateral) protrusion. The protrusion is observed on the side ofspine. Such a protrusion adversely affects the spinal root. Special attention deserves a formal protrusion, which is located along the spinal foramen.
If the protrusion is observed towards the back, the diagnosis is "dorsal protrusion". With a large size, such a protrusion can affect the spinal tissues. Dorsal protrusion of the intervertebral disc is one of the most dangerous. This pathology most often leads to the formation of hernias.
Even more unpleasant is the circular protrusion of the intervertebral disc. With this pathology, a circular protrusion of tissues is observed. Against the background of this process, the nerve roots are infringed, unpleasant neurological symptoms appear. The patient may complain of pain, numbness of the limbs, etc.
Symptoms of the pathological process
What is protrusion of the intervertebral discs, many manage to find out only after the disease begins to progress rapidly and unpleasant symptoms appear. However, the manifestations of the pathological process largely depend on the size of the protrusion and its location. So, the posterior protrusion of the intervertebral discs begins to manifest itself almost immediately, but with the anterior protrusion, the signs of the disease will be absent for a long time.
Pain syndrome appears when the adjacent spinal root is irritated. Significantly earlier, symptoms of the pathological process appear with cervical protrusion. Pain may appear as early asprotrusion of 2 mm. The patient may complain of a burning sensation or "shoot" in the neck. Unpleasant symptoms extend to the shoulder girdle. As the pathological process progresses, a person is worried about the numbness of the fingers, the feeling of "goosebumps". Tilts and turns of the head can cause acute pain.
Dorsal protrusion of the intervertebral disc of the thoracic region may be accompanied by non-standard symptoms. The patient may complain of abdominal pain. Quite often, the patient begins to carry out treatment at home, go on a diet, believing that unpleasant symptoms are associated with a disease of the gastrointestinal tract. Protrusion may also be accompanied by tingling in the intercostal space. The patient may complain of pain in the heart.
Most often, protrusion of the intervertebral disc of the lumbar l5 develops. Pain is localized in the lower back, can be given to the lower back. The patient may complain of a crawling sensation in the legs. The patient feels tingling and burning. Movement becomes limited. With sharp bends or turns, the pain syndrome intensifies.
Protusion diagnosis
Due to the latent course, the pathological process is often detected when irreversible changes occur in the intervertebral space. Most often, patients seek help already at the stage of a hernia. Early detection of protrusion is possible thanks to a preventive examination. If a protrusion of the intervertebral disc is suspected, the orthopedist examines the patient. During palpation, it is possible to detect the affected area. Togetherprotrusion, there is a decrease in muscle reflexes, there is no pain sensitivity.
To confirm the diagnosis helps instrumental diagnostics. The following methods can be used:
- X-ray of the spine. The study makes it possible to assess the correctness of the anatomical location of bone structures. If there is a curvature of the spine, this can be determined during x-rays. The study is also carried out after suffering a spinal injury.
- MRI of the spine. The technique makes it possible to visualize the protrusion, assess its size, as well as the degree of damage to surrounding tissues. Rarely, CT of the spine is used. However, this technique is considered less informative, as it displays soft tissues worse.
- Electroneuromyography. This is a comprehensive study of the neuromuscular apparatus. The technique makes it possible to assess the condition of the muscles and the peripheral nervous system. If there is any damage caused by protrusion, it will be possible to find out during the study.
Differential diagnosis is of great importance. It is important to distinguish protrusions from oncological diseases and pathologies of internal organs.
Drug therapy
The main symptom of osteochondrosis with protrusions of the intervertebral discs is acute pain. Therefore, drug therapy is primarily aimed at normalizing the patient's condition, relieving pain. For this purpose, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used in the form of tablets and solutions.for injection. Good results are shown by Diclofenac, Nimesulide, Ibuprofen, Dolgit, Movasin, etc. Such drugs not only normalize the patient's well-being, but also relieve inflammation in soft tissues.
Protrusion of the intervertebral discs of the cervical, lumbar or thoracic region leads to increased muscle tension. Against this background, narrowing of the blood vessels is observed, secondary symptoms of the pathological process develop (numbness of the extremities, dizziness, etc.). It is possible to avoid such unpleasant manifestations with the help of vasodilators. For osteochondrosis and protrusions, drugs such as Trental, Actovegin are widely used.
Muscle relaxants have a relaxing and calming effect on the muscles. Such drugs also contribute to the normalization of blood circulation in the tissues. As a result, the healing process is faster. Drugs such as Mydocalm, Sirdalud, Baclofen may be prescribed.
It is important to prevent further destruction of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs. For this purpose, the patient is prescribed chondroprotectors. Drugs from this category must be taken for a long time. The first results can be seen only after 6 months of regular therapy. Preparations "Chondroxide", "Struktum", "Teraflex" can be used. Treatment is complemented by vitamin therapy.
Nutrition for osteochondrosis and protrusions
Osteochondrosis is a chronic process. Changes that have already occurred in the spine cannot be eliminated. However, the processdestruction can be slowed down through moderate physical activity, the rejection of bad habits and proper nutrition. With food, the patient's body should receive a large amount of vitamins and minerals necessary for the full functioning of bone and muscle tissue.
Food should be varied. The daily diet should contain:
- Animal proteins (lean meat, fish, eggs, milk, dairy products).
- Minerals. For the full functioning of the spine, substances such as manganese, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium are important. These minerals are found in large quantities in cabbage, cucumbers, spinach, sunflower seeds, liver, cottage cheese.
- Slow carbs. With their help, the body gains the energy necessary for a quick recovery. The daily menu should include cereals, durum wheat pasta, black bread.
Especial attention to nutrition should be given to patients suffering from overweight. A lot of weight leads to the fact that the vertebrae wear out quickly. The risk of transformation of the protrusion into a hernia increases. At the same time, a sharp weight loss will also not benefit the patient. Weight loss should be gradual. A holistic approach using a suitable diet and moderate exercise will give good results.
It is also important to observe the drinking regimen. The daily rate is calculated based on the formula: 30 ml of pure water per 1 kg of weight. So, an adult weighing 70 kg needs to consume at least two liters of water per day.
Physical Therapy
Most of the trouble is caused by posterior protrusion of the intervertebral discs of the spine. After pain relief, patients with this diagnosis are prescribed physiological treatment. The following techniques show good results:
- Laser therapy. The body absorbs light energy, which improves tissue nutrition, normalizes metabolism. With the help of a laser, it is possible to stop the pain syndrome, reduce the manifestations of the inflammatory process.
- Magnetotherapy. The technique is aimed at normalizing blood flow in the affected tissues.
- Acupuncture. Thanks to the effect on biologically active points, it is possible to stop pain, normalize tissue nutrition, and improve metabolism.
- Shock wave therapy. The treatment is aimed at increasing muscle tone, improving the passage of nerve impulses.
- Ozokerite applications. Healing mud heated to 40 degrees is applied to the affected area, slow heat transfer occurs. The procedure allows you to reduce muscle spasms, reduce pain.
Remedial gymnastics helps speed up the recovery process. The system of exercises is specially designed for each part of the spine. Classes are recommended to be carried out under the supervision of a doctor. Improper physical activity can lead to the development of complications.
Good results are also shown by manual therapy aimed at relieving pain and preventing exacerbations. Massagecontributes to the normalization of metabolic processes in the body, the restoration of damaged tissues.
Complications of protrusions
Both dorsal diffuse protrusions of the intervertebral discs and other types of the pathological process require timely therapy. Refusal of treatment can lead to the development of serious complications.
Cauda equina syndrome is a nuisance faced by many patients suffering from protrusions. Irreversible neurological changes occur in the body, almost all organs and systems suffer. The main cause of the pathological process is compression of the spinal roots. The patient has problems with defecation and urination, there are severe pains in the lower back and legs. In the most difficult cases, complete paralysis of the lower extremities occurs.
Those who managed to learn from their own experience what protrusions of the intervertebral discs of the lumbar or other department are, will confirm that treatment cannot be postponed. Refusal of timely therapy can lead to the development of another dangerous complication - a hernia. Severe pain, numbness of the arms and legs, problems with the gastrointestinal tract are just a small list of unpleasant symptoms. If left untreated, the risk of patient paralysis increases. With a hernia of the cervical spine, the patient may experience vestibular disorders (dizziness, tinnitus, fainting).
When surgery is needed
Complications, as a rule, have to be faced by those who have not learned in a timely manner how protrusion is treatedintervertebral discs. When a hernia develops, surgery may be necessary. The most demanded operation today to remove a hernia of the spine is endoscopic discectomy. This intervention has a number of advantages:
- The operation is carried out under visual control. Through a special hole, a camera is inserted into the affected area, the image is displayed on the monitor screen. The probability of damage to the nerve root during the manipulation is minimized.
- Minimal tissue damage. For surgical intervention, it is necessary to make several incisions no longer than 10 mm.
- Fast recovery period. The patient can be discharged from the clinic the very next day after the operation.
- It is not necessary to remove sections of the vertebrae. The natural stabilization of the spinal motion segment is preserved.
This technique has its drawbacks. A large hernia cannot be removed by endoscopy. In addition, the operation is contraindicated in case of instability in the spinal motion segment, narrowing of the spinal canal.
How protrusions of the intervertebral discs are treated has already been described above. However, conservative therapy does not always show good results, even if treatment was started in a timely manner. In this case, the patient may be shown nucleoplasty. The main goal of surgery is to reduce pressure in the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc. As a result, the compression of the nerve root stops.
Popularlaser nucleoplasty. Under the influence of high temperature, the core evaporates. Due to this, the pressure decreases. The disadvantage of this method is the burn of surrounding tissues, the recovery period is delayed. The nucleoplasty is performed under local anesthesia.
Prognosis of treatment and prevention
When seeking medical help in time, in 90% of cases it is possible to completely get rid of unpleasant symptoms. If conservative therapy does not show good results, surgery comes to the rescue. Refusal of treatment leads to the progression of the disease, the formation of hernias.
Prevention of protrusions of the intervertebral discs is of great importance. It consists in an active lifestyle, moderate physical activity, proper nutrition.
