Signs of pronounced degenerative dystrophic changes in gop. Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the lumbar spine: symptoms, causes, treatment. Lumbar and sacral

Spinal dystrophy is a pathological process during which osteoporosis is formed, but the normal morphology and functioning of the intervertebral discs are preserved. Dystrophic changes in the vertebral bodies are observed during the development of osteochondrosis, spondylarthrosis, spondylosis, cartilage nodes.

The mechanism of the occurrence of pathology

Gradually, the vertebral bodies begin to flatten, and the gelatinous nucleus expands and leads to deflection of the adjacent end plates of the vertebral bodies, especially their central sections. As a result of the above processes, the discs become biconvex, and the vertebrae become biconcave and look like the vertebrae of fish. Because of this similarity, Schmorl suggested calling the disease a deformity of the vertebrae like a fish.

Nerve fibers extending from the spinal cord are pinched and swollen, due to which signals do not pass well from the brain to the organs. In some cases, the nerves completely lose their ability to conduct signals and atrophy.

Dystrophic changes in the vertebral bodies cause changes in the growth processes of bone tissue: the bone begins to grow in width, trying to increase the area of the vertebral body, reducing the load on the vertebra. Osteochondrosis develops.

If bacteria (mainly chlamydia) or fungi penetrate the spine, then arthrosis and arthritis occur, leading to changes in the cartilaginous discs and the appearance of hernias.

It is also possible displacement of the vertebrae and the development of scoliosis.

Causes of pathology

Basically, violations in the spine appear due to excessive loads and their incorrect distribution.

The disease can be caused:

overweight;
frequent weight lifting;
incorrect posture;
weak muscular corset;
sedentary work;
injuries;
inflammatory processes;
body aging.

There is no blood supply in the intervertebral discs. Therefore, even small damage to the disk can lead to its destruction.

Symptoms of degenerative processes

Dystrophic changes in the vertebral bodies are accompanied by:

deformation of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs;
feeling of discomfort and fatigue in the spine;
pain syndrome;
numbness and tingling in the legs (if a hernia has formed).

Pain sensations:

localized in the lower back and last more than 1.5 months;
may spread into the thigh;
in the lower back dull and aching, and in the legs - burning;
aggravated in a sitting position, with prolonged standing, with bending, turning and lifting objects.

Diagnosis of dystrophic changes

To make a diagnosis, the doctor examines the history, examines the patient and sends him to an x-ray or.

If there are dystrophic changes in the vertebral bodies, then the examination will show:

destruction of disk space by more than half;
the onset of degenerative changes in the disk space, primarily its dehydration;
the presence of cartilage erosion;
rupture of the fibrous ring;
or intervertebral hernia.

Treatment of the disease

Basically, dystrophic changes in the vertebral bodies are treated conservatively, with the help of medications and physiotherapy.

First of all, the patient is credited with several days of bed rest, which is not canceled immediately, but gradually.

Treatment begins with the appointment of anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal drugs. They will help relieve inflammation, swelling, as a result of which the compression of the nerve roots disappears, and, consequently, pain. In some cases, it may be necessary to use analgesics (for very severe pain), muscle relaxants if there are muscle spasms, and chondroprotectors (they will help restore damaged cartilage tissue).

When swelling and inflammation disappear, and the pain subsides significantly, they move on to physiotherapy procedures: traction, massage and therapeutic exercises.

Traction allows you to increase the distance between the vertebrae, which contributes to the flow of water and nutrients to the intervertebral disc.

Massage and therapeutic exercises will strengthen the muscular corset, restore the normal functioning of the ligamentous apparatus, restore mobility to the vertebrae and eliminate residual pain.

Comprehensive treatment will not only relieve pain, but also completely defeat the disease.

But if the patient's condition is too neglected and degenerative changes began to affect the work internal organs need to resort to surgical intervention.

The spine is the basis and support of the entire body. And the first pains should be a serious signal that our support needs protection and help. There is an opinion among doctors that diseases of the spine or degenerative dystrophic changes in the spine are a retribution for the fact that a person walks straight. It is the spine that is subject to the greatest loads, constant weight pressure. muscle mass on it and on the intervertebral discs.

If not so long ago it was believed that changes in cervical region, in the lumbar, and indeed in the entire spine, are associated with age. That, now diseases of a backbone have considerably rejuvenated. The root cause can be called a sedentary lifestyle, poor ecology, bad habits. Even at the moment when a person is in a sitting position at a table or driving a car, the spine experiences tremendous stress. As a result, degenerative diseases of the spine. These include:

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osteoporosis;
intervertebral hernia;
intervertebral articular arthrosis;
stenosis.

If we dwell on the main causes that contribute to the onset of the disease, we can distinguish two inflammatory and non-inflammatory degenerative dystrophic diseases.

Inflammatory

In this type of disease, the process of changes in the spine is caused by inflammatory processes in the muscles (myositis), in the ligament and nerve endings (sciatica). Among the root causes are hypothermia, colds, viral or bacterial infections.

Not inflammatory

This group includes the most popular today, no matter how cruel it sounds, osteochondrosis, scoliosis, hernia. So far, no one has been able to determine any root cause, and doctors every time stop at lifestyle modern man. But, many factors influence the course of degenerative and dystrophic changes in the spine.

Symptoms of degenerative dystrophic changes in the spine

The cause for concern should be pain, discomfort during movement, difficulty in movement. Many people may not respond adequately to the so-called lumbago or sharp pain. I rubbed my back and it's gone. Perhaps an accident or an awkward movement was the cause. And such opinions are the biggest mistake, since such a symptom is the first signal of an incipient terrible disease. And it is in this period that it can be quickly stopped so as not to wait for surgical intervention. Let us consider in more detail what is characteristic of each type of pain.

sharp, sharp pain, the same lumbago, speak of an approaching sciatica. Dull, aching pain can signal inflammatory processes in the paravertebral muscles or the onset of osteochondrosis. During the development of the disease, the spinal cord and spinal nerves are involved in the process, which causes pain syndromes of varying strength. Often such pains can be given to the limbs, especially during movement and with minor physical exertion.
Violation of motor functions. No less unpleasant course of disease. Picking up a piece of paper that has fallen to the floor turns into real torture. Dressing up processes also become very difficult. Any movement is difficult and accompanied by pain.
Failures in the work of internal organs. Sometimes changes in the spine can be accompanied by headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. Blood pressure often rises. People who do not know the cause can associate such symptoms with other diseases and prolong the disease into a chronic condition. Similar situations arise when the disease affects the nerve endings connected to the internal organs.

If something like this occurs in the body, you should not try to solve the problem yourself. The effectiveness of treatment depends on the correct and timely diagnosis.

Treatment of degenerative dystrophic changes in the spine

If the disease is diagnosed on time and has not become chronic, then treatment is usually not long-term with positive dynamics. For each individual case, a specific treatment option is determined. So the treatment of the cervical spine cannot proceed in the same way as the treatment of other types of diseases. But, it must be a complex, which includes drug treatment, exercise therapy, massage and so on. Properly uplifted version with an individual technique helps to achieve a stable positive result.

First of all, appointed nonsteroidal drugs anti-inflammatory action. However, long-term use can lead to problems with the gastrointestinal tract and mucous membranes, the composition of the blood changes, and metabolism in cartilage tissues is disturbed. Therefore, massive courses should be used, which consist of ten days, after which a break is recommended. However, it is not worth stopping massage courses and therapeutic exercises.

After the end of treatment, it is necessary from time to time, but at regular intervals, preventive exercises. This will help strengthen your back muscles and relieve stress on your spine. ethnoscience rich in recipes that can help in the treatment of the spine. But, you should not choose and use it yourself. Modern medicine does not prevent the use of such methods and it is likely that after a thorough examination, the attending physician will introduce one of the drugs from traditional medicine into the set of measures.

Disease prevention

There are several preventive measures that will help to avoid the difficult fate prepared by degenerative dystrophic changes in the spine:

keep your back warm and dry, avoid hypothermia;
exclude heavy physical exertion;
regularly perform exercises that strengthen the muscles of the back;
do simple exercises for those who have a sedentary job.

IN Lately about 80 percent of the population suffer from diseases that are caused by degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine. In order for your own life not to become a nightmare, accompanied by pain, it is necessary to lead healthy lifestyle life, fix correct mode nutrition, increase physical activity on the back, eliminate stressful situations. There is nothing complicated in these recommendations, but your own spine will respond with gratitude in the form of a healthy and long life without back pain.

According to statistics, the vast majority of people over the age of 55 and 30% of those over the age of 30 have spinal problems. If earlier degenerative-dystrophic changes in the lumbar spine were the consequences of the natural aging of the body, then today dystrophic changes also occur due to adverse environmental factors and the wrong lifestyle of a modern person. Degenerative changes in the spine not only worsen the quality of life of patients, but also lead to the development of complications.

Degenerative-dystrophic changes occurring in the lumbosacral region are the result of the gradual destruction of the cartilaginous and bone tissues of the spine. Over time, the elasticity of the intervertebral discs weakens and the vertebrae lose their shape, deformation of the cartilaginous tissues occurs. As the vertebra thickens, it causes pressure on nearby nerves, causing the person to feel pain. Unlike other organs, the intervertebral discs are not provided with a circulatory system, so they are not capable of recovery.

Dystrophic changes in the lumbar spine proceed quite slowly, for this reason, in the early stages of the disease, patients may not pay attention to minor pain.

Having figured out what dystrophic changes in the lumbar spine are, we will consider the types of pathologies, causes, symptoms and methods of treating the disease.

Types (forms) of degenerative changes

Under degenerative-dystrophic changes and pathologies (DDZP) of the lumbosacral spine, a generalization of several diseases is meant. They have both common features and their own characteristics. It is not uncommon to have several diseases at the same time. There are the following types of changes:

chondrosis - violation of the integrity of the disks;
osteochondrosis - thinning and deformation of discs, complication of chondrosis;
spondylosis - the formation of pathological growths on the vertebrae that restrict movement;
spondylarthrosis - destruction of the intervertebral joints, causing severe pain at the slightest movement.

While chondrosis is most often observed in the cervical spine, due to its strong mobility, osteochondrosis often affects the lumbar spine. Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is diagnosed less frequently.

Causes

According to scientists, the development of DDZP of the spine is a kind of human retribution for upright posture. Pathologies can develop especially rapidly if they are provoked by the following factors:

intense physical activity associated with increased pressure on the lower back;
injuries of the muscles and ligaments of the back;
sedentary (sedentary) lifestyle, leading to gradual muscle atrophy;
obesity;
infectious diseases, violation of the hormonal state of the body;
the presence of bad habits, eating disorders;
elderly age;
poor environmental conditions;
hereditary predisposition.

People whose activities and lifestyle contain one or more of the listed factors are at risk of degenerative-dystrophic changes that occur in the lumbar spine.

Symptoms and signs of degenerative changes in the lumbar spine

Destructive processes in the body can be stopped only in the case of timely treatment for medical care. But the initial degenerative changes are often too subtle to be of great concern. People tend to treat aching lower back pain with various home remedies or even write it off as normal fatigue. Thus, moderate degenerative changes gradually turn into severe forms diseases that are difficult to treat.

It is very important to pay attention to the following symptoms:

constant aching pain in the lower back, aggravated by prolonged sitting or bending over;
numbness and chilliness of the lower extremities;
decreased mobility of the spine;
increased dryness and flaking of the skin.

In severe cases, DDSD of the lumbar spine can lead to paresis and paralysis.

Diagnostic methods

Diagnosis of changes in the spine begins with a general medical examination in order to determine the location of the pain. The result of the examination may be the reason for a complete blood count, X-ray of the spine, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Modern medicine considers the last two of the above methods as the most reliable and accurate. They make it possible to detect pathology even on early stages diseases. The MR picture shows even those changes that physically almost do not make themselves felt.

Treatment of degenerative-dystrophic changes

The main goal of treatment is to relieve pain. For this purpose, drugs are prescribed that restore blood supply, relieve swelling of soft tissues and muscle spasms, and improve the condition of cartilage.

To eliminate pain in the lumbar spine, novocaine blockade is prescribed. For general strengthening doctors prescribe sedatives and B vitamins. Ointments for the back and neck are used as painkillers. In order to maintain the mobility of the spine during therapy, the patient is recommended to wear a special orthopedic bandage. He supports his back correct position, reduces stress on the muscles, relieves pain.

Other common methods include therapeutic exercises, massage, swimming, water aerobics. In the process of repairing damaged tissues, acupuncture and hirudotherapy are used.

Another method worth mentioning is spinal extension. Not all doctors approve of this method of treatment, it is considered painful and dangerous.

Elimination of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine may take several years. And, it will help to improve the condition of damaged areas of the spine, only complex treatment.

In rare cases, if conservative treatment has not given the desired effect, surgical intervention is performed. Usually, the damaged disk is removed.

Complications

In the absence of proper treatment of degenerative changes in the lumbar region, the disease can be complicated by the development of an intervertebral hernia. This is a displacement of a deformed intervertebral disc, often requiring surgical intervention. Also to possible complications include inflammation of the sciatic nerve and disorders in the genitourinary system.

Prevention measures

There are no drugs that will prevent age-related changes in the patient's body. But slowing down these processes is within the power of each person. Various preventive measures allow you to save your back from degenerative and dystrophic changes and back pain for many years.

physical exercises to strengthen the muscles of the back;
an even position of the back, especially while sitting at a table or computer;
sleep on a high-quality orthopedic mattress;
fight against excess weight;
refusal of heavy physical exertion;
walk in the fresh air.

Attentive attitude to one's health and working conditions, timely elimination of pain syndromes in the lower back, food rich in vitamins will not allow age-related changes express themselves prematurely and interfere with the usual way of life.

Due to the active lifestyle of many inhabitants, the spine is subjected to stable and sometimes excessive loads. Sedentary work also plays its negative role. Eventually various diseases spine can be considered as one of the most common.

Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine

Intervertebral discs can be affected by destructive processes for various reasons: malnutrition, excessive nervous reactions, muscle strain, inflammatory diseases, etc. All these factors lead to metabolic disorders that affect the condition of the intervertebral discs.

And if we take into account the signs of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine, it is worth noting that they are the result of the development of three key diseases: spondylarthrosis, osteochondrosis and spondylosis. By old age, such processes are observed in the vast majority of people.

Spondylarthrosis

This disease, in fact, is arthrosis of the intervertebral joints. Doctors have long confirmed the fact that degenerative processes in peripheral and intervertebral joints do not have fundamental differences. That is, spondylarthrosis can be defined as one of the varieties of osteoarthritis. It is for this reason that it makes sense to use drugs that belong to the chondroprotective series for its treatment.

Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine in old age are most often caused by spondylarthrosis. In this condition, unlike discogenic pain, the sensations are bilateral. Their localization occurs paravertebral. The feeling of pain during extension and standing increases, and during walking and in the sitting position it subsides.

Osteochondrosis

In this case, we are talking about such a consequence of dystrophic processes as a decrease in the height of the intervertebral disc. There are no inflammations. The result of such a disease is the development of segmental instability (the vertebrae slide backward during extension or forward during flexion), as well as a change in the physiological curvature of the spine. There is also a convergence of the vertebrae and, accordingly, the articular processes. The resulting excess friction leads to localized spondylarthrosis.

Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine, expressed in the form of osteochondrosis, are an x-ray diagnosis, but not a clinical one. This process, in fact, is an inevitable factor in aging.

Spondylosis

As a key feature this disease it is possible to determine the appearance of marginal bone growths. They are present on both the upper and lower edges of the vertebrae and appear as vertical spines on x-ray.

Clinical spondylosis is of minimal importance. The bottom line is that this disease can be characterized as an adaptive process. This means the following fact: degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine, expressed through osteophytes (marginal growths), ankylosis of the facet joints, fibrosis of the discs and thickening of the ligaments, lead to the immobilization of the spinal motion segment, which is problematic. As a result, there is an expansion of the bodies and the supporting surface of the vertebrae.

The main symptoms of degenerative changes

In diseases of this category, the symptoms manifest themselves the brighter, the stronger the destructive processes, which is quite logical. As the pathological process develops, the patient begins to feel heaviness and stiffness in the lumbar region. But if we consider the signs of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the lumbar spine, as well as in other areas of it, then as a key symptom, one can determine palpable pain during walking, with prolonged sitting in one position, physical exertion and inclinations.

At the same time, pain sensations have a wave character: they appear quickly, and then they decrease or completely disappear. The degenerative process progressing in the intervertebral discs can lead to serious problems. Therefore, having recognized the symptoms, you should not postpone a visit to the doctor.

It is worth noting the fact that degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine (any) develop in stages.

Signs of the initial stage

As mentioned above, diseases of the spine make themselves felt through pain. Moreover, the pain syndrome is so strong that a person is forced to limit his movements. This inevitably affects the quality of life and, of course, performance.

Second stage

The subsequent development of the disease has the following symptoms:

- "lumbago", which are felt in the lower part of the spine;

So-called goosebumps or tingling in the buttocks and limbs;

Significant mobility restrictions.

Also, this stage is characterized by the development of radicular syndrome. It's about nerve compression.

How to recognize the third stage

At this stage, degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine lead to circulatory disorders, the cause of which is compression of the radicular vessel. This process contributes to the development of ischemia.

In addition to such a symptom as ever-growing pain, the third stage can be identified by the following signs:

convulsions;

Pain in the perineum;

Numbness of the pelvis.

Thus, degenerative-dystrophic changes in the lumbar spine are a frequent occurrence due to constant and illiterate loads.

As for spondylarthrosis, in most cases it is also a consequence of overload. Under certain conditions, even bone formation (spondylosis) is possible. These diseases can develop both separately and in combination with each other.

If degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine progress, treatment, in fact, involves the same methods that are focused on restoring blood circulation, flexibility and mobility. And only in the case when traditional therapeutic measures do not help, surgical intervention can be performed.

As a result, it is worth noting that spinal diseases are too serious a problem to be ignored or treated on your own.

The spine is the main supporting structure of our body. The spinal column performs the following functions: supporting, motor, innervation. In addition, it provides flexibility. This structure is quite complex (34 bone vertebrae connected by a cartilaginous layer), so premature aging of tissues often occurs. Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the tissues of the spine develop, which threaten osteochondrosis and severe pain.

Degenerative diseases of the spine (DSD) are common. Most often they are diagnosed in people over 30 years old. They cause unpleasant symptoms, and if left untreated, the likelihood of loss of working capacity, as well as disability, increases. Therefore, it is important to identify DZP in time and conduct competent therapy.

Basic information

Many patients are interested in the question of what degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine (DDIP) mean. This is a whole group of diseases in which cartilage and bone tissue is affected. They occur due to the fact that the intervertebral discs (IVD) lose their elasticity.

Reference. Usually, DDIP develops due to a passive lifestyle, excess weight, wrong posture. Due to the destruction of bones, ligaments, joints, metabolic processes and cell nutrition are disturbed. The vertebrae thicken, deform, provoke hernias, cracks, pinch the nerve endings. As a result, movement is limited, a person loses his ability to work, and in advanced cases becomes disabled.

To better understand how spinal pathologies develop, you need to study such concepts as degeneration and dystrophy.

Dystrophy of the intervertebral discs occurs due to the fact that their nutrition is disturbed (there is a lack of fluid, oxygen, nutrients, vitamins, minerals). The fibrocartilaginous formation does not have blood vessels, therefore, fluid and nutrients enter it only as a result of the exchange between the fibrous ring (the outer part of the IVD) and the muscles surrounding it.

With dystrophy, the structure of the intervertebral discs is disturbed, dehydration occurs, and their functionality is impaired. They thicken, lose their shape, depreciation function is disturbed. The bodies of the vertebrae, as well as their processes, become porous, sometimes covered with osteophytes (growths). Muscle volume decreases, after which they are unable to conduct a nerve impulse, contract or relax.

Degenerative changes are manifested by the replacement of healthy tissues with useless connective tissue, as well as by the deposition of salts. As a result, their functionality is impaired.

Normally, the cartilaginous tissue of the intervertebral disc absorbs fluid and releases it to the surrounding tissues. Therefore, it remains elastic and provides good cushioning. With scarring, the fibrous ring becomes more solid, then it is unable to absorb fluid. Appear on it lime deposits, calcifications, therefore, its fragility and fragility increase.

Reference. Degenerative-dystrophic changes (DDI) can be observed in the elbow, hip, ankle, shoulder joints, etc.

Types of DDIP

Most often, the following degenerative diseases of the joints and other parts of the spinal column are diagnosed:

Osteochondrosis is characterized by a decrease in the elasticity and strength of the intervertebral discs. In addition, their height is reduced.
In chronic osteochondrosis, against the background of IVD deformation, the fibrous ring breaks, and its contents (nucleus pulposus) bulge outward. So there is an intervertebral hernia. The nucleus pulposus compresses the nerve endings of the spinal cord, causing severe pain.
Arthrosis of the joints of the spinal column. Due to pathological changes in the bone tissue, the IVD height decreases, and the pressure on the facet (intervertebral) joints increases. Then the surface of the joints wears out faster and deforms.

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar is a common disease

Reference. Osteoarthritis often damages the knee and hip joints, and the spine less often. In the first case, the disease occurs as a result of injury or infection and is accompanied by damage to the menisci (cartilage formations in the knee joint).

With spondyloarthrosis, the facet joints become thinner and destroyed. Degenerative processes in the bone adjacent to the joint join arthrosis early, which threatens to restrict or completely immobilize the joint.
Spondylosis is a disease with a chronic course, in which spiny growths appear along the edges of the vertebral bodies.
With spondylolisthesis, one of the vertebrae is displaced anteriorly, posteriorly, to the right or to the left.
Spinal stenosis is a chronic pathology that manifests itself as a narrowing of the central spinal canal, as well as compression of the spinal cord and roots.

These degenerative diseases of the spine require timely and competent treatment.

There is such a disease as ankylosing spondylitis (Bekhterev's syndrome). This rare pathology is more common in middle-aged men and provokes dangerous complications. The inflammatory process affects the intervertebral joints, which threatens the fusion of the joints. If left untreated, the likelihood of damage to the hip, shoulder, knee, ankles, and sacrum increases.

Reference. DDI of the lumbosacral spine is diagnosed more often, as this area is subjected to more stress than the cervical or thoracic. Therefore, doctors often diagnose osteochondrosis L5-S1 (lesion between the fifth lumbar and the first sacral disc). With this disease, the likelihood of the formation of herniated discs, as well as paralysis of the legs, increases. Osteochondrosis in the L1-S1 segments is less common, it indicates damage to the discs in the entire lumbar region. These pathologies are characterized by a slow progressive and chronic course.

Causes

DZP are dangerous because they become chronic over time. According to statistics, 85% of patients with this diagnosis develop constant pain in the back and limbs.

Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the cervical spine (CS) occur for the following reasons:

Stretching of the muscles that flex the back due to a long stay in a half-bent state.
Decreased muscle tone due to the fact that a person leads a passive lifestyle, for example, working at a computer or driving a car for a long time.
Pathologically formed vertebrae due to hereditary predisposition.

A little less often, degenerative changes occur for the following reasons: cervical injuries, metabolic disorders in the intervertebral discs, heart disease, blood vessels, hormonal imbalance, malnutrition, frequent stress.

DDI of the thoracic spine (TSS) is provoked by the following factors:

Sedentary lifestyle.
Prolonged alcohol abuse.
Smoking.

This leads to excess weight and muscle weakness.

The main reasons for the development of irreversible changes in the GOP:

Congenital pathologies of the spine, against the background of which blood circulation is disturbed.
Posture disorder.
Diseases associated with malnutrition of cartilaginous tissues.
Mechanical damage to the thoracic region.
Violation of the hormonal background.
Infection, inflammatory diseases that affect the spinal column.
Excessive physical activity, due to which microtraumas appear.

Pathological changes in the lumbar spine occur for the following reasons:

Passive lifestyle.
Injuries during childbirth or throughout life.
Excessive physical activity.
Hypothermia.
Inflammatory diseases of the spine (eg, arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis).
Age-related changes in the body, as a result of which the necessary components are washed out of the cartilaginous and bone tissues.
Improper diet, which leads to obesity.

Reference. As a rule, diseases of the musculoskeletal system are detected in patients who lead a sedentary lifestyle and have overweight. They experience disk deformation even with light household loads, as the muscles are weakened.

Symptoms

When the cervical calving is affected, pain appears in the indicated area, which can spread to the shoulders and back of the head. Muscle spasm is accompanied by limited mobility of the neck, so the patient's head tilts unnaturally.

When defeated cervical area spine pain can radiate to the shoulders and back of the head

Other signs of dystrophic changes in the cervical vertebrae:

increased fatigue, weakness;
frequent headaches;
vertigo (headache);
hypertension;
hearing and vision disorders;
absent-mindedness, memory impairment;
numbness of the hands;
nausea.

Reference. Diseases of the spine associated with a violation of the statics of the cervical region are rare, these include: lordosis (discs slip and come forward), kyphosis (discs slide back), dislocations, osteophyte (growths in bone tissue). These pathologies are accompanied by headache, impaired mobility of the neck, dizziness, etc.

Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs of the thoracic region are manifested by the following symptoms:

pain in the back, chest, the space between the ribs;
restriction of mobility;
violation of the sensitivity of the limbs, as well as other parts of the body;
discomfort in the area of internal organs;
erectile disfunction.

Clinical manifestations of degenerative-dystrophic disorders of the lumbar segment:

dull or sharp pain in the lumbar region;
there is weakness in the legs;
it is difficult for the patient to bend and turn;
stool disorders, urination;
violation of the symmetry of the body;
swelling, redness of the skin of the lower back.

The severity of symptoms depends on the stage of the pathological process. The initial course of the disease is erased, dull pain occurs only after physical activity. At stage 2, moderate degenerative-dystrophic changes occur: limitation of movements in the lower back, pain of a stabbing nature. Stage 3 is considered acute, as the pain intensifies, leg numbness and convulsions occur. At stage 4, the risk of paralysis of the lower extremities increases.

Complications

In the absence of competent therapy for dystrophic disorders of the SHOP, the likelihood of such complications increases:

Scoliosis (curvature of the spinal column).
Protrusion of the discs (damage to the fibers of the fibrous ring).
Paresis (decrease in muscle strength, limitation of movements).
Arthrosis (slow destruction of cartilage inside the joint).
Herniated disc.
Chondropathy (destruction of spongy bone tissue, which threatens with microfractures).

In the absence of competent treatment of degenerative-dystrophic lesions of the spine, the likelihood of scoliosis increases

DDI of the thoracic region early stages do not show severe symptoms. Painful sensations occur when the intervertebral canal narrows or the nerve endings are infringed.

Complications of DDI of the thoracic spine:

Arthritis (inflammation of the joints).
Arthrosis.
Chondropathy.
Thoracic sciatica (compression or irritation of the intercostal nerves).
Scoliosis due to weakening of the muscles of the back, chest, press.
Muscle limitation or paralysis.

Degenerative changes in the lumbar region threaten with the following consequences:

Hernia formation.
Chondropathy.
Limitation of mobility and sensitivity of the lower extremities.
Paralysis of the legs.
Disorders of the stool, urination.
Sexual dysfunction.

To avoid such complications, it is necessary to identify the first signs of DZP, conduct a thorough diagnosis and adequate treatment.

Diagnostic Measures

To identify degenerative-dystrophic changes in the cervical region, radiography is prescribed. To clarify the diagnosis, computed or magnetic resonance imaging is performed.

CT-signs of lesions of the SHOP:

vertebral deformity;
narrowing of the spinal canal;
compression of the nerve root;
calcification of soft tissues;
the presence of osteophytes, etc.

Reference. To diagnose dystrophic disorders of the GOP, an x-ray or myelography is prescribed (X-ray examination of the liquor-conducting tracts of the spinal cord using a contrast agent). To clarify the nature of the lesion, CT or MRI is used.

MRI picture of DDI of the thoracic region:

processes of the spinal column are deformed;
the height of the discs is reduced;
pathological growths appear on the surface of the bone tissue;
incomplete dislocation of the vertebrae.

Only a routine medical examination will help to identify DDI in the lumbar region at an early stage. But if there is pain, then this indicates that the disease is progressing.

First, the study is carried out by a neurologist, who then prescribes an x-ray, computed or magnetic resonance imaging. With the help of x-rays, pathology can be detected at a late stage. Magnetic resonance imaging is considered the most informative, as it accurately indicates degenerative disorders.

MRI picture of the lesion of the lumbar:

destruction of the spinal disc by more than 50%;
lack of water in the disk ( dark spot on MRI);
accurate definition of protrusions, hernias;
erosion of the cartilage plate.

Electroneuromyography can detect nerve damage. To detect endocrine and infectious diseases conduct laboratory blood tests.

Treatment Methods

If a patient has noticed symptoms of DDSD (degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the spine), then he needs the help of a specialist. This means that the patient should contact a therapist, vertebrologist, neurologist or orthopedist.

Attention. Treatment of degenerative-dystrophic disorders should be comprehensive: medication, exercise therapy, physiotherapy, surgery.

To combat the disease, the following medicines are used:

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are designed to relieve pain.
Muscle relaxants are prescribed to relax smooth muscles, eliminate spasms, swelling, and normalize blood circulation.
Novocaine blockades (supplying a low-concentration solution of novocaine into cellular spaces) are used to eliminate unbearable pain.
Steroid medications are taken if NSAIDs and other pain relievers are ineffective.
Vitamin-mineral complexes are used as part of complex treatment to normalize metabolic processes, saturate tissues, as well as muscles with nutrients.

Exercise therapy is used as part of the complex therapy of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spinal column

It is recommended to treat degenerative-dystrophic disorders of the spinal column with the help of physiotherapy exercises. Exercise therapy improves blood circulation in the affected area, relaxes the muscles, and helps to saturate depleted tissues with nutrients. Special exercises normalize metabolism, accelerate blood flow to the lower back, help get rid of excess weight.

The preparation of the complex exercise is carried out exclusively by a specialist for each patient separately. You can do gymnastics only after the pain has subsided a little.

During the treatment of pathologies of the spine, acupuncture is sometimes used.

Physiotherapy is carried out when pain and inflammation are absent:

Massage accelerates the metabolism in the affected tissues, eliminates spasm.
By using manual therapy the doctor returns the vertebrae to their normal position.
Acupuncture is the insertion of thin, sharp needles into specific points to relieve pain.
Magnetotherapy is a treatment using magnetic field to relieve pain, inflammation, accelerate tissue regeneration.
Iontophoresis is an introduction medicinal product through intact skin using galvanic current, which has an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, immunostimulating effect.
Ultrahigh-frequency therapy eliminates puffiness, stimulates blood circulation, relieves pain, spasm.

The question of the appointment of the operation is decided when conservative methods have proved to be ineffective. During the intervention, devices that support the spine are installed in the patient's body. This is necessary to relieve pressure from it, to stop the deformation of the intervertebral discs.

Surgical treatment is carried out with a strong lumbar hernia, when the disc extends beyond the boundaries of the spinal column. Then the nucleus pulposus is pulled out in the same way as fat deposits during liposuction, or burned out with a laser.

To avoid problems with the musculoskeletal system until old age, you need to protect your back from moisture, hypothermia, do not make sudden movements, avoid excessive stress, exercise and eat right. When the first symptoms of DDSD appear, it is urgent to seek medical help and conduct a comprehensive treatment.