Pathology of the musculoskeletal system is currently a common problem 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 degeneration?
Many people are familiar with pain in the back, which is usually associated with fatigue, salt deposition and other various causes. 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 work of internal organs.
Pathological changes affect different parts of the spinal column: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral. Experts say that this is a kind of reckoning for a person's ability to move directly. With proper load distribution and regular exercise, a significant extension of the “shelf life” of the spine is possible.
Development reasons
Most physicians are inclined toward 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 the limited mobility during the day and the lack of exercise.
Degenerative changes can be caused by inflammatory processes that occur in the bundles of nerve endings and muscles. Similar health problems occur after a viral, bacterial pathology. Non-inflammatory causes include intervertebral hernia, scoliosis.
The following factors are capable of provoking the development of degenerative-dystrophic changes:
- Aging of the body (vertebrae).
- Pathology of blood vessels.
- Disorders of the hormonal background.
- 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 over time lead to the development of another spinal disease - spondylarthrosis. It is characteristic of an ailment to affect all the components of the spinal column: cartilage, ligaments, and vertebral surfaces. In the process of development of pathology, the cartilage tissue gradually dies. Inflammation occurs when cartilage fragments enter the synovial fluid. Most often, the disease occurs in elderly patients, but there are cases when young people encounter 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
An increased load is constantly experiencing the cervical spine. 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 disturbance leads to compression of the spinal cord and vertebral artery, which can lead to cerebral ischemia.
For a long time, symptoms of a pathological condition may be absent. Over time, the patient will begin to feel the following symptoms:
- Pain giving to the upper back.
- The discomfort.
- Increased fatigue.
- muscle tension.
Overload of the vertebral segments (two vertebrae and the disk separating them) leads to blockade of metabolic processes, which subsequently causes more serious consequences - intervertebral hernia or protrusion. Degenerative changes in the cervical spine in the form of a hernia are considered the most serious 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 vertebrae of the thoracic region, dystrophy is rarely observed here. Most cases are osteochondrosis. The peculiarity of the location of the nerve roots contributes to the fact that the symptoms characteristic of the disease can be mild or even absent.
The reasons that can provoke degenerative changes in this department include, first of all, curvature of the spine (congenital or acquired) and trauma. Also affected by the presence of hereditary pathologies associated with malnutrition of cartilage, a decrease in blood flow.
With inflammation of the cartilage, symptoms such as aching pain, aggravating during movement, impaired sensitivity (numbness, tingling), and a malfunction of internal organs develop.
Lumbar and sacral
In medical practice, cases of degenerative lesions of the lumbosacral spine are most often diagnosed. The lumbar has the greatest load, which provokes the development of premature aging of the bone and cartilage of the vertebrae, and a slowdown in metabolic processes. A sedentary 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 are found in young patients aged 20-25. Wear of the fibrous ring leads to the onset of the inflammatory process and irritation of the nerve roots. It is possible to determine the presence of a pathological condition with the appearance of pains that can give to the gluteal muscle, causing tension.
The pain can be either constant or periodic. The main place of localization is the lower back. Numbness of the toes also appears, and in advanced cases, the functionality of the internal organs located in the small pelvis may be impaired. Similar symptoms are characteristic of an intervertebral hernia.
The ongoing degenerative-dystrophic changes in the lumbar region are irreversible. Therapy usually consists in stopping the pain, relieving inflammation and preventing deterioration.
Diagnostics
Having discovered the symptoms of pathology of the spinal column, the patient should first of all seek the help of a neurologist. The specialist will conduct an examination, collect an anamnesis and appoint an additional examination. The most accurate diagnostic methods to determine the slightest violation is considered to be computed and magnetic resonance imaging.
CT and MRI are modern methods of medical examination. Irreversible changes in the spine can be detected at an early stage. Radiography allows you to diagnose the disease only at a late stage.
Treatment
It is impossible to completely cure 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, which can strengthen the collapsing vertebra and cartilage tissue. Muscle tension will help relieve drugs from the group of muscle relaxants. Without fail, the use of B vitamins is recommended (first in the form of injections, and then in tablet form).
Physical therapy brings good results and symptom relief. Exercises for each patient are selected by a specialist rehabilitologist, given the localization of the affected area. Also, do not forget about diet food enriched with products containing gelatin.
Surgical intervention is indicated only in severe cases. After surgery, the patient is waiting for a long and difficult rehabilitation.
Prevention
The main method of prevention is the formation and strengthening of the muscle corset. To do this, you need to exercise regularly. Excess weight is an unnecessary load on the spine, which you should definitely get rid of.