Dystrophic degenerative changes in the spine: causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Pathologies of the musculoskeletal system are currently among the most common problems among the adult population. Most often diagnosed degenerative changes in the spine, which with age can lead to disability or even disability.

What is spinal degeneration?

Many people are familiar with the pain in the back, which is habitually associated with fatigue, salt deposition and other all sorts of reasons. In fact, the cause should be sought in the deterioration of the properties and characteristics of the vertebrae.

Degenerative-dystrophic changes represent irreversible metabolic disorders of the bone tissue of the vertebrae, loss of their elasticity and premature aging. In neglected cases, degeneration can lead to serious disturbances in the functioning of internal organs.

Pathological changes affect different parts of the spine: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral. Experts argue that this is a kind of payoff for the ability of a person to move directly. With the correct distribution of the load and regular exercise, a significant extension of the "shelf life" of the spine is possible.

Causes of development

The majority of physicians tend to one main reason, causing irreversible changes in the spinal column. Its essence lies in the wrong distribution of the load, which can be associated with both professional work and with the usual way of life. 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 ligaments of nerve endings and muscles. Similar problems with health 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).
• Pathology of blood vessels.
• Violations of the hormonal background.
• Bruises, trauma.
• Sedentary lifestyle.
• Genetic predisposition.

Degenerative changes in the spine: Species

Pathology manifests itself in various diseases, among which the main is osteochondrosis. 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 spinal disease, spondyloarthrosis. For the disease it is characteristic to affect all the components of the spinal column: cartilage, ligaments, vertebral surfaces. During the development of pathology, the cartilage tissue gradually dies. Inflammation occurs against the background of ingress of fragments of cartilage into the synovial fluid. Most often, the disease occurs in elderly patients, but there are cases when young people face typical symptoms.

Degenerative and dystrophic changes in the spine (any cervical, thoracic lumbosacral) can be expressed as an intervertebral hernia, slipping of the vertebrae, narrowing of the canal.

Problems with the cervical department

The increased stress is constantly experienced by the cervical spine. The development of dystrophy is caused by the structure of the vertebrae itself and the high concentration of veins, arteries and nerve plexuses. Even the slightest violation leads to a squeezing 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, giving to the upper back.

- Discomfort.

- Increased fatigue.

- Muscle tension.

Overload of vertebral segments (two vertebrae and a disc separating them) leads to blockade of metabolic processes, which subsequently causes more severe 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 the spinal cord.

Pathological condition of the thoracic department

Due to limited movements of the vertebrae of the thoracic department, dystrophy is rarely observed here. Most cases occur in osteochondrosis. The peculiarity of the arrangement of nerve roots contributes to the fact that symptoms characteristic of the disease can be expressed weakly or completely absent.

To the reasons that are capable of provoking degenerative changes in this department, first of all, the curvature of the spine (congenital or acquired) and trauma. Also, the presence of hereditary pathologies associated with a disturbance in the supply of cartilaginous tissue, a decrease in the volume of blood flow.

When inflammation of the cartilaginous tissue develop symptoms such as aching pain, worse during movement, a violation of sensitivity (numbness, tingling), disruption of the internal organs.

Lumbar and Sacral Department

In medical practice, cases of degenerative lesions of the lumbosacral spine are most often diagnosed. On the lower back is the greatest burden, which provokes the development of premature aging of bone and cartilaginous tissue of the vertebrae, slowing down metabolic processes. The disposable factor that allows the development of ailment is a sedentary lifestyle (sedentary work, lack of regular physical activity).

Degenerative changes of the lumbosacral section occur in young patients 20-25 years. Wearing the fibrous ring leads to the onset of the inflammatory process and irritation of the nerve roots. Determine the presence of a pathological condition can be with the appearance of pain that can give to the gluteal muscle, causing tension.

Pain can be either permanent or periodic. The main place of localization is the lower back. There is also numbness of the toes, and in neglected cases, a violation of the functionality of the internal organs located in the small pelvis is possible. Similar symptoms are characteristic of the intervertebral hernia.

The degenerative-dystrophic changes in the lumbar region are irreversible. Therapy usually consists of arresting the pain syndrome, removing inflammation and preventing deterioration.

Diagnostics

Having discovered the symptoms of the pathology of the spinal column, the patient must first of all seek the help of a neurologist. The specialist will conduct an examination, collect an anamnesis and prescribe an additional examination. The most accurate methods of diagnosis, allowing to determine the slightest violation, is computer and magnetic resonance imaging.

CT and MRI refer to modern methods of medical examination. Irreversible changes in the spine can be identified at the earliest stage. Radiography can diagnose the disease only at a late stage.

Treatment

It is impossible to completely cure degenerative changes occurring in the spine. Available medical methods make it possible only to stop the development of pathology and eliminate painful symptoms. Drug therapy involves the taking of analgesic drugs from a group of analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Local preparations in the form of ointments and gels can also be used.

Decrease in degenerative and dystrophic processes is facilitated by chondroprotectors, in whose strength to strengthen the collapsing vertebra and cartilaginous tissue. Muscle tension will help to remove medications from a group of muscle relaxants. It is mandatory to use the vitamins of group B (first in the form of injections, and then in tablet form).

A good result and relief of symptoms brings therapeutic exercise. Exercises for each patient are selected by a specialist-rehabilitologist, taking into account the localization of the affected area. Also, do not forget about dietary nutrition, enriched with products that have gelatin in the composition.

Surgical intervention is indicated only in severe cases. After the operation, the patient is in for a long and difficult rehabilitation.

Prevention

The main method of prevention is the formation and strengthening of the muscular corset. For this, you need to exercise regularly. Excess weight is an unnecessary burden on the spine, which should be sure to get rid of.