Pathologies of the musculoskeletal system are currently among the most common problems among the adult population. Most often, degenerative changes in the spine are diagnosed, which with age can lead to disability or even disability.
What is spinal dystrophy?
Many people are familiar with pain in the back, which is usually associated with fatigue, s alt deposits and all sorts of other reasons. In fact, the cause should be sought in the deterioration of the properties and characteristics of the vertebrae.
Degenerative-dystrophic changes are irreversible metabolic disorders of the bone tissue of the vertebrae, loss of their elasticity and premature aging. In advanced cases, degeneration can lead to serious disturbances in the functioning of internal organs.
Pathological changes affect different parts of the spinal column: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral. Specialistsargue that this is a kind of retribution for the ability of a person to move straight. With proper load distribution and regular exercise, a significant extension of the “shelf life” of the spine is possible.
Reason for development
Most doctors are inclined to one main reason that causes irreversible changes in the spinal column. Its essence lies in the incorrect distribution of the load, which can be associated both with professional activities and with the usual way of life. The weakening of the back muscles is directly related to limited mobility during the day and lack of exercise.
Degenerative changes can be caused by inflammatory processes occurring in the bundles of nerve endings and muscles. Similar he alth problems arise after a viral, bacterial pathology. Non-inflammatory causes include intervertebral hernia, scoliosis.
The following factors can provoke the development of degenerative-dystrophic changes:
- Aging of the body (vertebrae).
- Pathologies of blood vessels.
- Hormonal disorders.
- Bruises, injuries.
- Sedentary lifestyle.
- Genetic predisposition.
Degenerative changes in the spine: types
Pathology is manifested by various diseases, among which osteochondrosis is considered the main one. The disease is a dystrophic process, during which the height of the intervertebral disc decreases.
In the absence of adequate therapy, degenerative changes eventually lead to the development of another disease of the spine - spondylarthrosis. It is typical for the disease to affect all the components of the spinal column: cartilage, ligaments, surfaces of the vertebrae. In the process of development of pathology, the gradual death of cartilage tissue occurs. Inflammation occurs when fragments of cartilage enter the synovial fluid. Most often, the disease occurs in elderly patients, but there are cases when young people experience characteristic symptoms.
Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine (any - cervical, thoracic lumbosacral) can be expressed as an intervertebral hernia, slippage of the vertebrae, narrowing of the canal.
Cervical problems
The cervical spine is constantly experiencing increased stress. The development of dystrophy is caused by the structure of the vertebrae themselves and a high concentration of veins, arteries and nerve plexuses. Even the slightest violation leads to compression of the spinal cord and vertebral artery, which can lead to cerebral ischemia.
For a long time, the symptoms of a pathological condition may be absent. Over time, the patient will begin to experience the following symptoms:
- Pain syndrome radiating to the upper back.
- Discomfort.
- Increased fatigue.
- Muscle tension.
Overload of the vertebral segments (two vertebrae and the disc separating them) leads to blockade of the exchangeprocesses, which later causes more severe consequences - intervertebral hernia or protrusion. Degenerative changes in the cervical spine in the form of a hernia are considered the most severe complication. In the advanced stage, the formation puts pressure on the nerve roots and spinal cord.
Pathological condition of the thoracic region
Due to the limited movements of the thoracic vertebrae, dystrophy is quite rare here. Most cases are due to osteochondrosis. The peculiarity of the location of the nerve roots contributes to the fact that the symptoms characteristic of the disease may be mild or absent altogether.
The causes that can provoke degenerative changes in this department are primarily curvature of the spine (congenital or acquired) and trauma. It also affects the presence of hereditary pathologies associated with malnutrition of cartilage tissue, a decrease in blood flow.
Inflammation of the cartilage tissue develops symptoms such as aching pain that increases during movement, impaired sensitivity (numbness, tingling), disruption of the internal organs.
Lumbar and sacrum
In medical practice, cases of degenerative lesions of the lumbosacral spine are most often diagnosed. The lower back has the greatest load, which provokes the development of premature aging of the bone and cartilage tissue of the vertebrae, slowing down metabolic processes. A predisposing factor that allows the development of the disease is a sedentary lifestyle (sedentary work, lack of regular physical activity).
Degenerative changes in the lumbosacral region occur in young patients 20-25 years old. Wear of the fibrous ring leads to the onset of the inflammatory process and irritation of the nerve roots. You can determine the presence of a pathological condition when pain appears, which can radiate to the gluteal muscle, causing tension.
Pain can be either constant or intermittent. The main place of localization is the lower back. Numbness of the toes also appears, and in advanced cases, there may be a violation of the functionality of the internal organs located in the small pelvis. Similar symptoms are characteristic of a herniated disc.
The ongoing degenerative-dystrophic changes in the lumbar region are irreversible. Therapy usually consists of relieving pain, relieving inflammation and preventing deterioration.
Diagnosis
Having found the symptoms of the pathology of the spinal column, the patient should first of all seek help from a neurologist. The specialist will conduct an examination, collect an anamnesis and prescribe an additional examination. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are considered the most accurate diagnostic methods that allow determining the slightest violation.
CT and MRI are modern methodsmedical examination. Irreversible changes in the spine can be detected at a very early stage. Radiography allows you to diagnose the disease only at a late stage.
Treatment
It is impossible to completely cure the degenerative changes that occur in the spine. Available medical methods make it possible only to suspend the development of pathology and eliminate painful symptoms. Drug therapy involves taking painkillers from the group of analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Topical preparations in the form of ointments and gels may also be used.
Chondroprotectors contribute to the reduction of degeneration and dystrophic processes, in the power of which to strengthen the collapsing vertebra and cartilaginous tissue. Muscle tension will help relieve medications from the group of muscle relaxants. The use of B vitamins is mandatory (first in the form of injections, and then in tablet form).
Exercise therapy brings good results and relief of symptoms. Exercises for each patient are selected by a rehabilitation specialist, taking into account the localization of the affected area. Also, do not forget about diet food enriched with products containing gelatin.
Surgery is indicated only in severe cases. After the operation, the patient is waiting for a long and difficult rehabilitation.
Prevention
The main method of prevention is to form and strengthen musclecorset. To do this, you need to exercise regularly. Excess weight is an unnecessary load on the spine, which you should definitely get rid of.
