Moderate degenerative changes in the lumbar spine. Folk remedies against degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine

Degenerative dystrophic changes lumbosacral spine - unhurried destruction of tissue structures related to discs. All this happens for the simple reason that the tissues are no longer supplied with enough nutrition, and this leads to their dryness and loss of elasticity.

Dystrophic changes in the lumbosacral spine is a dangerous disease. It is almost impossible to detect pathology immediately. In such situations, there is nothing left to do but take various medications and go to the hospital for procedures. The situation is further aggravated by the fact that in order to bring the spine back to normal, it may be necessary to change some habits, and not rely only on the power of medicine.

DDSD include several pathological conditions in their group. They are united by some generalized signs and features. In practice, the following types of changes are traditionally encountered:

- problems associated with the broken integrity of the disks, their thinning, deformation;
spondylosis - a manifestation of growths of a pathological nature in the region of the vertebrae, these elements limit the patient's motor capabilities;
spondylarthrosis is a phenomenon in which there is a violation of the joints, which entails strong pain when moving.

These are the types of these states. In order for the clinical picture to be revealed as clearly and clearly as possible, a detailed diagnosis is necessary.

Causes of the disease

There are several causal factors of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the lumbosacral region:

Leading a sedentary lifestyle. If the body is healthy, there is a uniform distribution of the load along the spine. But lack of mobility leads to excessive weakness of the muscular corset and weakening of the muscles. Therefore, even a minimal load factor can lead to displacement of the vertebrae.
Excessive physical activity. Lead to pathology, maybe the opposite state of affairs, when a person is intensively involved in sports, not sparing his own muscles. Statistics show that joint diseases occur in 90% of athletes.
traumatic events. If a we are talking about young patients, then such pathologies (arthrosis, nerve infringement, hernia) are most often caused by injuries, including birth processes.
Aging is another process that causes irreversible changes. In the treatment process, there can be no talk of surgery, since dystrophy is natural. Only supportive therapy is considered acceptable.
Irrational nutrition. Due to problems with metabolic reactions, body cells do not receive the proper quality of nutrition. It renders Negative influence on the state of the whole organism and creates an extra load.
inflammatory processes. Changes can occur against the background of inflammation. For example, the most common pathogens similar states are arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis.

So, degenerative changes lumbar spine can manifest itself in various ways causative factors. For their exact establishment, it is necessary to pay a visit to the attending specialist.

The course of development of pathology

The spinal column, especially the sacral region, is an object of increased load during any body movements. Because of this, there are violations of the supply of nutrients to cells and tissues. The discs lack blood vessels that could hypothetically provide direct nutrition. Therefore, there is a gradual loss of tissue elasticity and its slow destruction. In the next step, the tissue becomes thinner and more loose.

The cartilage shrinks, the discs lose their height. In response to these processes, active work comes immune function. Her cellular structures inflammation inductors begin to be produced. As a result, the tissues swell, pain appears. Usually, the course of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the lumbosacral spine is slow and chronic. In the future, against their background, the development of other dangerous conditions may occur.

Stages of progression and main symptoms

In the lion's share of clinical situations, there are problems in self-determination the onset of the disease. The fact is that pronounced signs initially absent. As shows practical side question, there are 4 stages of progression of pathology. And each of them is accompanied by special signs.

First stage. Man without medical education may not notice any changes in health, since in fact there are no signs of degenerative-dystrophic changes. Some patients note that they have experienced excessive stiffness in the lumbar region.
Second stage. In this process, more severe symptoms may come into play. First of all, we are talking about limiting movements in the lumbar spine. Even with the slightest bending, shooting pain and attacks of initial sciatica can make themselves felt.
Third stage. There are problems with the nutrition of the soft tissues that surround the spinal column. As for the physical manifestations, there is increasing pain, numbness of the limbs and a convulsive state.
Fourth stage. This is the most neglected condition in which obvious damage can progress. spinal cord and roots. This condition entails the formation of paresis and paralysis.

As you can see, there is a direct relationship between the stage to which the pathological process has passed, and characteristic manifestations ailment. Thus, DDSD of the lumbar spine proceeds within several stages and is a dangerous condition. It is important to determine the condition as early as possible in order to start the treatment process in a timely manner.

Diagnostic measures

The complex of surveys is quite simple and is carried out within the framework of three common stages.

Drafting common history diseases. In this case, attention is paid to the symptoms of the disease and general conditions within which the attack began.
Examination of the patient. At this stage, the specialist checks the characteristic signs of degeneration, examines the degree of mobility, determines muscle strength and the area in which the lesion is localized.
Holding. This activity serves to discover evidence base to dystrophic changes and causal factors in the development of pathology.

As additional tests in order to determine the dystrophic changes in the spine, other measures can be used. This is a blood test. But not all of these activities are able to demonstrate the symptoms of pathology at an early stage. The most in-depth examination methods are measures such as CT, MRI. But patients resort to them in the case when the lesion of the lumbar region has already begun to actively develop.

Complex of therapeutic measures

The list of methods of therapy is quite wide, most often it involves a complex of medical, physical and surgical treatment. The right way therapy is selected by a medical specialist.

Drugs for the treatment of the disease

First, doctors prescribe conservative treatment. It involves the use of drugs of analgesic, warming action. They allow you to relieve pain and ensure free movement and normal performance. Most often, preference is given to representatives of the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compounds:

Diclofenac.
Nise.
Meloxicam.
Ibuprofen.
Movalis.

They are effective, but are accompanied by quite dangerous side effects for the intestines, up to the formation of ulcers.

To improve overall well-being, degenerative-dystrophic change involves the use of simple medicinal formulations- Ketonal, Ketanov. The principle of action of drugs is to eliminate pain and alleviate general well-being.

In order to relax tense muscles, Sirdalud, Mydocalm are prescribed. These drugs are indicated for use only intermittently, since they have a serious effect on the condition of the muscles.

In addition to these remedies, doctors prescribe regular use, which are aimed at activating the regeneration of joints and tissues.

Complexes of special vitamins and minerals are often used to restore the body. Group B drugs have the greatest effect (6, 12).

If the pain sensation is strong enough and cannot be suppressed with popular medications, novocaine blockade is used. The procedure involves the introduction medicinal product directly to the spinal cord.

It is quite simple to cure dystrophic changes in the lumbar region if you follow all the rules for the use of drugs and follow the dosages.

Therapeutic exercise and massage

This set of procedures usually contributes to the normalization of the blood circulation option in problem area. It also targets muscle relaxation and providing thinned tissues with the necessary nutrition. Exercise therapy for degenerative lesions improves metabolic processes and brings blood to the lumbar region. In addition, the event will be useful for obese people, as it helps to eliminate excess weight.

It is important to correctly plan a set of physical activities, and as a result, it will be possible to achieve muscle strengthening, which will subsequently be able to take on moderate loads.

The main nuance of these activities is the possibility of increasing the distance between the vertebrae of the lower back, as well as the ability to release nerves that have been compressed. So, with degenerative-dystrophic changes in the lumbosacral spine, it will be possible to get rid of the pain syndrome and relieve inflammation.

And it is also advisable to sign up for a pool, because high-quality classes will help strengthen the muscles and ensure their smooth stretching. Through weight loss, you can achieve the removal of excess stress. But at this time it is important to correctly think over and plan a diet so that the body receives enough vitamin and mineral substances.

Surgery

Fortunately, in huge number clinical cases aided by the use of medicines and therapies exercise. The operation is needed only in case of active progression of the disease, even with timely and regularly taken therapy measures. At the same time, the doctor looks at the MR picture of degenerative-dystrophic changes. During the event, devices are installed that help maintain the lumbar spine. This approach allows you to remove excess pressure and prevent further process of deformation of the intervertebral discs.

Another common case is the formation of a serious lumbar hernia, suggesting the release of the disk from the vertebral borders. The pulp that has left the disc is then cauterized with a laser or pulled out.

The operation process implies the possibility of solving several clinical problems at the same time:

decompression in the region of the nerves of the spinal type;
elimination of an object that leads to compression of nerve fibers;
removal of stenosis that has developed in the spinal cord.

If the phenomenon of degenerative change is sharp character, shows the implementation of emergency intervention. It is intended to warn neurological disorders. Through this measure, specialists can eliminate brain compression and restore the options of the pelvic organs.

Preventive actions

Because of the vast scope in which these changes are propagated, some preventive measures. They will help to protect against loss of ability to work in young age, as well as extend the time of activity until old age. To improve the MR picture of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the lumbosacral region and improve general well-being in the present and future, certain actions should be taken:

Keeping your back dry and warm. Excessive moisture and cold are the most ardent enemies of the back.
Avoidance of intense physical exertion.
Performance special exercises aimed at developing spinal muscles, will avoid the state of DDPP.
If the job involves a permanent or prolonged stay in a static position, it is important to change position as often as possible.

The development of degenerative dystrophic changes in the lumbosacral region is associated with a complex effect on the cartilaginous intervertebral and bone tissues vertebrae of various age, metabolic, inflammatory, traumatic, behavioral factors. Pathology refers to progressive changes - without adequate treatment joins not only painful symptoms, but dangerous complications. Therefore, it is important for patients to know whether the progress of pathology can be prevented, and how to deal with already formed changes.

general characteristics

Quite often, doctors explain the appearance of pain, backache, numbness and weakness, cramps in the lower extremities, and even malfunctions of the pelvic organs with degenerative changes in the spine. To understand this relationship, let's try to figure out what it is - dystrophic changes in the lumbar spine.

To prevent friction and provide cushioning, the vertebrae that protect against external influence the spinal cord and provide support and movement of the body, are separated by layers of fibrous cartilage - intervertebral discs. Movement and flexibility depend on the state of the vertebral processes that form the joints, which are lined with cartilage.

Under the influence of various factors, intervertebral and articular cartilages lose their functionality: they dry out, crack, lose their elasticity, which entails a number of physiological changes

Doctors do not consider DDSD to be a disease of the lumbar spine of a degenerative dystrophic nature. Usually, cartilage is destroyed simultaneously in other departments. Degenerative processes also affect the joints of the hands and feet.

But if, with the defeat of the joints of the limbs, we are talking about diseases of arthritis, arthrosis, bursitis, then with the destruction of the vertebral cartilage, it develops:

osteochondrosis - a decrease in the height of discs with coracoid growth of the vertebrae and the formation vertebral hernias, protrusion;
spondylosis in the form of marginal bone growths covering the disc;
spondylarthrosis - destruction of the intervertebral joints.

The mechanism of development of such diseases is directly related to dystrophic changes in the discs, cartilage of the joints, which are dehydrated, dry out and thicken, which leads to subsidence of the fibrous ring, proliferation of bone tissues.

Video

Video - changes in the lumbosacral region

Causes of the disease and risk group

The state of cartilage tissue is affected by various factors, so it is almost impossible to single out a single cause of dystrophic changes.

Among the most common are:

Cartilaginous tissue malnutrition. Associated with the aging of the body, insufficient intake of nutrients from food, metabolic disorders against the background of hormonal disruptions and endocrine diseases.
Excessive load on the spine. Risk factors - playing sports, stress on the lower back associated with professional and labor activity, excess weight.
Absence motor activity. A passive lifestyle, a long stay in an immobilized state due to other diseases, being in weightlessness lead to dehydration of cartilage tissues and their destruction.
Spinal injuries, including birth. For a young or growing organism, traumatic conditions become an impetus for the development of tissue dystrophy.
Inflammatory diseases autoimmune, infectious, etc. nature.

The most common cause of dystrophy is still called age. MRI shows degenerative dystrophic changes in the lumbosacral spine varying degrees observed in 80% of older people.

Symptoms and signs

Clinical picture pathology directly depends on the degree of destruction. A degenerative dystrophic change develops in the lumbar spine for quite a long time. Therefore, characteristic signs in the initial stages of the development of pathology may be completely absent.

cartilage degeneration in early stages degenerative changes in the lumbosacral spine can be manifested by aching pain, heaviness in the lower back after exertion or prolonged stay in a static position.
With the progress of the pathology, a violation of the mobility of the spine joins. In addition to aching and stupid pain symptoms of a periodic nature, “lumbago” can be observed with irradiation to the buttocks, legs, and to the sacrum. Patients are concerned about skin numbness, goosebumps, convulsions lower extremities . The development of scoliosis is observed.
At the third stage, it joins, manifested by sharp, piercing pains with a concentration at the site of the pathology and the spread of soreness along the damaged nerve. When the blood vessels are squeezed, soft tissue ischemia develops. There are malfunctions internal organs, primarily, Bladder, genital organs, rectum.
Symptoms and signs of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the lumbar region of the advanced 4th stage are manifested by the addition of complications in the form of paresis, paralysis of the lower extremities. The mobility of the spine itself is practically absent, the pain becomes chronic.

Diagnostic methods

Physicians use various direct and differential methods diagnostics, allowing not only to detect changes, but also to exclude the presence of diseases similar in symptoms.

The examination begins with the study of the anamnesis, external examination, palpation, and motor neurological tests.

But such methods are not enough to assess the picture of dystrophic changes in the lumbosacral spine. It is possible to confirm a preliminary diagnosis only after instrumental examinations:

X-ray will show disc subsidence, the presence bone growths, displacement of the vertebrae.
CT reveals the pathological picture in more detail in a 3-dimensional image, allows indirect signs to diagnose the presence of hernias, protrusions.
To study the condition of soft tissues, damaged nerves and blood vessels, doctors prescribe an MRI. This method is considered the most informative and safe. A significant disadvantage is the cost of such an examination.

Computer images show ruptures (hernias) and protrusions (protrusions) of the fibrous ring.

Treatment

For diseases associated with pathological changes in the spine, the alternation of periods of exacerbations with temporary remissions against the background of the progress of dystrophy is characteristic. Therefore, for each period and stage, its own tactics for the treatment of degenerative dystrophic changes are chosen:

In the initial non-acute stages and during the period of remission, preventive and behavioral methods of treatment predominate.
During periods of exacerbations, conservative medical and physiotherapeutic methods come to the fore.
At advanced stages, when changes affect the nerves, the spinal cord, accompanied by loss of mobility, other complications, they resort to operations.

Preparations

Medicines for dystrophic changes in the lumbar spine of degenerative origin are selected individually, taking into account the stage, intensity of pain, and the presence of complications.

Pain relief may include:

Preparations nonsteroidal group, which not only stop pain, but also relieve inflammation in the form of Diclofenac, Movalis, Meloxicam, Ortofen, Ketanov, Ibuprofen. The most commonly prescribed infusion nonsteroidal drugs which accelerates the analgesic effect. During the recovery period and with non-intense pain, the use of external agents is allowed: ointments, gels, patches.
Analgesics: Dexamezaton, Analgin, Spazgan are administered drip for quick relief of pain.
Steroid drugs Betamethasone, Triamcinolone, Prednisolone in short courses as injections.

With radicular syndrome, a paravertebral or epidural blockade is performed with the introduction of anesthetics: Lidocaine, Novacaine, or combinations of drugs.

Additionally, the following may apply:

muscle relaxants;
B vitamins;
chondroprotectors;
means for restoring nerve conduction;
vasodilators.

Physiotherapy

Exercise therapy is an excellent way to restore mobility of the spine and strengthen the muscular corset. Adequate physical exercise help stop the progress of changes and even relieve pain during recovery period.

But you need to be careful when choosing exercises.. Intense loads, jumping, twisting are prohibited, especially with exacerbation and the presence of hernias.

The complex should be developed individually and include exercises for:

traction of the spine;
strengthening the muscle corset from both the back and the press.

For back problems exercise therapy exercises may aggravate the condition or lead to complications.

Water aerobics, swimming, traction on the crossbar, on an inclined board are considered safe and effective for such patients.

Massage

Some patients see salvation in massage, without thinking that the mechanical effect on the vertebrae even harms healthy spine. Only massaging soft tissues and exclusively professional massage therapist will give a positive effect in the initial stages of pathology.

When degenerative changes in the lumbosacral spine are accompanied by the formation of an intervertebral hernia, protrusion, the spinal cord is affected, nerves are blocked, massage, especially manual, is strictly prohibited.

You can not massage the back and during acute period diseases. The blood flow under the influence of massage will provoke increased swelling, inflammation and pain.

Diet

special regime nutrition for patients with on the list therapeutic diets does not exist. Doctors recommend that patients adhere to a balanced diet that can provide the body with all the necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals, which in turn will contribute to good nutrition cartilage tissue.

To a greater extent, diet is important for people with overweight body, since obesity is one of the risk factors for the development of dystrophic changes.

Prevention

It is rather difficult to avoid age-related dystrophic processes, but it is possible to prolong an active life, despite age.

This will help simple preventive measures.

Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the lumbosacral spine are currently detected in more than 80% of people over 55 years of age. Until relatively recently, such changes in the trophism of cartilage tissues were observed only in older people, but at present, such adverse processes are rapidly getting younger and are already diagnosed in 30% of people over the age of 30 years.

For a long time, it was believed that degenerative dystrophic changes in the lumbosacral spine, observed in cartilage tissue, including intervertebral discs, are the result of natural aging processes, but recent studies show that many factors external environment and a number of diseases can provoke the development of such pathological condition. The mechanism of development of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs is currently well understood, therefore, developed effective methods prevention and treatment of such negative processes.

Causes of the appearance of pathology

To understand the nature of the development of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs, it is very important to understand the causes of such processes. The fact is that the human body is a verified mechanism that can withstand enormous loads, but under the influence of various kinds of adverse factors, a weakening of the natural defense mechanism is observed, which leads to rapid disruption integrity of cartilage structures. An important role in the violation of the trophism of the intervertebral discs is played by the modern lifestyle. Thus, the following triggers contribute to the development of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine:

sharp loads;
inflammatory diseases;
passive lifestyle;
hypothermia;
malnutrition;
active sports;
hormonal disorders;
diseases of the endocrine system;
normal aging process;
metabolic disorders;
chronic and recent spinal injuries.

Most often, degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine are observed in people who lead an extremely sedentary lifestyle and at the same time eat improperly. The fact is that, normally, the load on the spinal column is distributed evenly, and a developed muscular frame provides significant support to it. People who lead a sedentary lifestyle and have extra body fat As a rule, the muscles are poorly developed, so even the slightest strength exercises lead to a serious overload of the intervertebral discs. In this case, the muscular frame can no longer take on part of the load during movement, which contributes to the rapid appearance of degenerative-dystrophic changes.

The influence of other unfavorable factors and their combinations also affects the condition of the spinal column, so in most cases it is extremely difficult to determine what exactly was the impetus for the appearance of such disorders in the cartilaginous tissue of the intervertebral discs. At the same time, understanding the cause of the appearance of such a pathological condition as degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine makes it possible to take effective preventive measures.

The pathogenesis of the development of the disease

At present, it is well known how degenerative-dystrophic changes in the lumbar spine develop. The spine in the sacrum and lower back bears the greatest load during any movement and even while sitting. Due to the influence of overloads, as well as other adverse factors, in the area of the intervertebral discs of this department, malnutrition of cartilage tissues is primarily observed. Directly in the intervertebral discs there are no blood vessels that could feed it directly, therefore, the appearance of malnutrition of the soft tissues surrounding the spinal column is often observed first. In the absence of the proper level of nutrition of the intervertebral discs, the cartilage tissue begins to gradually break down, losing elasticity.

The second stage in the development of degenerative-dystrophic changes is the thinning and weakening of cartilage tissue. At this time, there is a gradual drying of the cartilage, which leads to a slow decrease in the height of the intervertebral discs. Due to the destruction of the fibrous membrane, various protrusions, that is, protrusions of the discs, may occur. With a critical destruction of the tissues of the fibrous ring, it can rupture, which in the vast majority of cases leads to the release of the gelatinous body beyond the intervertebral disc and the appearance of a hernial formation. Such protrusions inevitably entail changes in the proportions of the vertebrae and pinching of the nerve roots extending from the spinal cord.

In response to a violation of cartilage tissue, activation is observed immune system, cat cells begin to produce prostaglandins, that is, substances that are inducers of the inflammatory process. Due to the production of these substances, there is an increase in blood supply and swelling of the soft tissues surrounding the spinal column, which is often accompanied by the appearance of even greater stiffness of the lumbar spine and pain in the affected area. Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the lumbosacral spine, as a rule, are characterized by slow progression and chronic course. In the future, dystrophic changes in the lumbar spine can become a springboard for the development of a number of dangerous diseases and complications, including osteochondrosis, sciatica, etc.

Characteristic symptoms of the disease

In the vast majority of cases, patients cannot independently determine the onset of the development of degenerative-dystrophic changes, since in the initial stages of this pathological process severe symptoms are usually absent. In fact, there are 4 main stages in the development of degenerative-dystrophic changes, each of which has its own characteristic features. At the initial stage, there may be no obvious symptoms that may indicate to a person without a medical education that there are problems with the spine.

However, often at this stage of the process there may be a strong Blunt pain in the lower back after increased physical activity. In addition, some people note the presence of a certain stiffness in the lower back.

At the 2nd stage of the development of the disease, severe symptoms can be observed. First of all, in people with this stage, there is a serious limitation of the mobility of the spine, with any flexion, so-called "lumbago", that is, attacks of sciatica, may appear. Patients may complain of tingling and goosebumps on the buttocks and lower extremities.

At the 3rd stage of development of degenerative-dystrophic processes, the disease passes into acute stage, since at this time there is compression of the radicular blood vessel and malnutrition of the soft tissues surrounding the spinal column, which leads to their ischemia. The physical manifestations of this stage include an increasing pain syndrome, frequent cases of numbness of the lower extremities and convulsions.

When degenerative-dystrophic processes of the spine enter stage 4, damage to the spinal cord and its branching roots can be observed, which is fraught with paresis and paralysis of the lower extremities. As a rule, such complications are the result of compression damage to the spinal cord or malnutrition.

Methods for early diagnosis

In most cases, patients with degenerative-dystrophic processes in the lumbar spine get to the doctor already on late stages when the symptoms are intense enough to prevent a person from leading a full daily life. Diagnosis of this pathological condition begins with the collection detailed analysis, examination of the lumbosacral spine and palpation.

As a rule, an external examination is not enough to assess the presence of pathological changes in the intervertebral discs and their prevalence. To confirm the diagnosis, a series of studies using modern medical equipment is required. Such studies include:

general blood analysis;
radiography;
CT scan:
Magnetic resonance imaging.

Despite the fact that radiography is a publicly available diagnostic method, it is at the same time considered the least accurate and informative, since in the early stages of the development of pathology it does not allow to identify existing ones. CT and MRI are more reliable and modern means imaging, so they allow you to identify existing deviations even at an early stage. With MR, the picture allows you to notice the existing degenerative-dystrophic changes in the thoracic spine or lumbar, even if they are extremely weakly expressed. Thus, MRI is the most accurate modern diagnostic method.

How is the therapy carried out?

Treatment of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the lumbar spine primarily involves the appointment of medical support to eliminate pain.

As a rule, injection blockades, ointments and creams with analgesic action are prescribed.

Drugs are prescribed to help restore blood supply, eliminate soft tissue edema, improve cartilage trophism, and relieve muscle spasm. In addition, B vitamins are prescribed, which can reduce damage. nerve fibers during their infringement and accelerate its recovery. Common drugs prescribed for the detection of degenerative-dystrophic changes include:

Diclofenac;
Ketanov;
Revmoxicam;
Teraflex;
Chondroitin;
Mydocalm.

This is far from full list medications that can be used to detect degenerative-dytrophic processes. The picture of dystrophic changes in the lumbosacral spine largely affects the selection medications in every final case. After the elimination of acute symptomatic manifestations, a whole complex of physiotherapeutic procedures and exercise therapy is prescribed. Physiotherapeutic procedures used for such pathologies of the spine include magnetotherapy and electrophoresis. Acupuncture, acupuncture, massotherapy and other means.

Given that the development of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the lumbosacral spine is chronic course, it is very important for the patient to responsibly approach exercise therapy. Therapeutic exercise allows you to develop a muscular frame and reduce the load on the spinal column, improve cartilage nutrition, preventing further degenerative changes in the spine.

In many countries, according to world statistics, diseases of the vertebral part of the human body are very common.

Degenerative dystrophic changes in the lumbosacral spine appear during exposure to certain external factors on the patient's body. This disease is especially common in older people. over 50 years old.

The concept of the reasons why dystrophic changes in the lumbosacral spine appear is an important step in the beginning. correct therapy diseases. When an adverse effect on the human body appears, it ceases to cope with heavy loads, which previously did not cause any trouble. So they begin their destruction intervertebral cartilages.

A number of reasons that affect the destruction and changes in the structure of the spine:

Sudden physical exertion on an unprepared body.
Inflammatory diseases.
Sedentary lifestyle.
Sedentary work.
Hypothermia of the body.
Bad diet.
Constant exercise.
Disruptions in the hormonal background.
Problems with the thyroid gland.
Body aging.
Problems with the gastrointestinal tract.
Spinal injury.

If the patient does little physical activity, then his body is weakened and not prepared for possible excessive stress, which leads to spinal column deformities. It is in such patients that degenerative and dystrophic changes in the lumbosacral spine appear very rapidly.

Such changes in the spine may be accompanied by pain syndrome, but only if:

Begins inflammatory process, with the formation of a hernia of the intervertebral.
With a large activation of the vertebrae in the department where the proliferation of the cartilaginous structure began.

It should be noted that such causes may also be responsible for the development and degenerative-dystrophic changes in the thoracic spine. Only in this case, there are still such symptoms as pain in the ribs, and the presence of visible changes in organs in thoracic region. How to determine the development of a disease such as degenerative dystrophy of the vertebral region

There are a number of manifestations that can indicate the development of such a disease in the human body.

The most common manifestation is pain syndrome affecting the lumbar spine. The pain usually radiates down to the patient's thighs. Pain syndrome has aching pain sensations.
When the pain moves to the hips and legs of the patient, there may be tingling sensations in the legs. There is a feeling of loss of control over the limbs of the legs.
Problems with the intestinal tract begin to appear, and difficulty urinating.
Reproductive function also suffers from this disease.
When waking up, patients feel difficulty walking.
An increase in body temperature in the localization of the body where degenerative changes in the lumbar spine began.
Skin integuments acquire a blush, there are manifestations of edema in the area of localization of the disease.
The spine changes and as a result appears curvature of the figure.

As soon as the disease begins its inflammation, the patient immediately feels pain in the spine. In cases where inflammation can be extinguished, patients do not notice any changes that cause discomfort.

The disease has four stages of the onset of the disease:

Diagnosis of the disease

When consulting at a doctor's appointment, if the patient complains of pain in the vertebrae, the doctor may prescribe such diagnostic measures, how:

Visual examination by a specialist, the use of the palpation method to identify the focus of inflammation.
An X-ray of the spine is ordered.
Magnetic resonance imaging.

The most common method for detecting the disease is MRI. But X-ray can also tell about many visible changes in the spinal column, such as, for example:

1. Change in the height of the intervertebral discs.

2. Deformation of the joints.

3. Changing the position of the bodies of the spine.

4. The presence of marginal osteophytes.

And with MR, you can identify the disease by signs such as:

1. Change colors vertebral discs primarily due to the fact that damaged disks receive less power.

2. Intervertebral cartilages are worn out.

3. Tears in the fibrous ring.

4. Formation of protrusions.

5. Perhaps the formation of hernias between the vertebrae.

Upon receipt of an accurate diagnosis of the picture of the disease, therapy must be carried out immediately, since the disease is detected at difficult stages of development. Failure to comply with the doctor's instructions can provoke paralysis and lead to disability of the patient.

Treatment of the disease

Treatment of degenerative dystrophic changes in the lumbar spine should be comprehensive and include not only medication. The treatment will include the following procedures:

Taking medications.
Physiotherapy.
The use of alternative medicine.
Surgery may be applied.

Treatment should be carried out in all directions and be comprehensive in order to avoid surgical intervention in the human body.

To reduce pain allows the use of medications, available in the form of a gel or ointment. It is also very common to use injections of painkillers against painful spasms. And pills with properties that suppress pain. It is considered highly effective to apply something cold to the area of the localization of the disease, this will help reduce pain.

To start restoring the structure of vertebral tissues after a lesion with a degenerative dystrophic disease, drugs are prescribed that can relieve muscle tension. Such drugs are called muscle relaxants. Thanks to the intake of chondroprotectors, the process of regeneration of the connective cartilages in the lumbar and thoracic regions, the spine affected by a dystrophic disease, takes place. A very important role in the treatment is played by the course of taking vitamins belonging to group B.

Often, such medical procedures are prescribed with a hardware effect on the patient's body with changes in the lumbosacral and thoracic regions, such as:

1. Procedures carried out in the physiotherapist's office.

2. Therapeutic massage.

One of the most effective methods, but at the same time, the procedure for stretching the spine is considered to be extremely dangerous in case of damage to the discs. Such a procedure should not be associated with any pulling loads. With such treatment able to stretch the column of the spine in the correct position, and eliminate pinched nerves and blood vessels.

In order to begin to restore tissues damaged at the site of the disease, such as the sacral and thoracic. Doctors prescribe the following procedures:

1. Treatment with medicinal leeches.

2. Apitherapy.

3. Acupuncture.

Highly an important factor, affecting the outcome of positive dynamics, doctors call, the beginning balanced nutrition. The specialist observing the patient will recommend a diet. Extremely useful products in the treatment of such a disease, all dishes that have a jelly base are considered. It is very important to exclude completely from the patient's diet:

· Alcohol.

High-fat foods.

Dishes with strong spices.

The appointment of such diet food should be done by a specialist observing the patient, it is an inseparable part of the treatment.

If after all conservative methods for the treatment of the disease, pain spasms do not stop, then doctors prescribe a planned surgical intervention. Such an operation involves the removal of a damaged disc in the thoracic or lumbar region. If signs of intervertebral hernia are diagnosed, then surgery is inevitable.

Prevention

It is very important, when the very first signs of the disease appear, not to attribute everything to fatigue during the day or the rhythm of the patient's life. It is necessary to contact a specialist in time for carrying out complex diagnostics states muscle tissue and cartilage of the intervertebral discs. If the referral to a specialist is early stage development, then treatment will be prescribed without surgical intervention, and this is extremely important for the patient. Because each operation is a risk of other serious deviations in the work of the body as a whole. Degenerative change of the lumbosacral spine is a disease that can be treated.

Today the most common are. Sedentary work, sedentary lifestyle, malnutrition, excessive physical activity - all this leads to the appearance of degenerative dystrophic changes in the lumbosacral spine. It is necessary to consider in more detail what it is.

Possible Complications

This condition is observed in the pathology intervertebral disc accompanied by back pain. intervertebral disc does not have blood vessels, therefore, is not supplied with blood. For this reason, it cannot regenerate in the same way that other body tissues do. Despite the severity of this condition, it occurs in 30% of people over the age of 30 years. Although earlier cases are not excluded. Such damage to the spine is not always accompanied by pain. After 60 years, dystrophic changes are already a regularity.

If this condition is not treated in time, it will lead to complications. Due to the infringement of the intervertebral canals, nerves are damaged. Then the nerve endings swell, their conductivity decreases (therefore, there are numbness of the limbs, a feeling of fatigue in the back). The vertebrae change their growth pattern: to reduce the load, they expand. This leads to osteochondrosis and more pinched nerves. If to this process an infection (bacteria, fungi) is added, then diseases such as arthrosis, arthritis, osteochondropathy develop. Degenerative changes in muscles lead to scoliosis, displacement of the vertebrae. Severe conditions are accompanied by ischemia, circulatory disorders, paresis, paralysis of the limbs. A person can become disabled.

Causes of the disease

There are several reasons for the appearance of this syndrome:

Passive lifestyle. AT healthy body the load on the spine is evenly distributed. But due to a sedentary lifestyle, the muscular corset weakens. The muscles do not create a reliable support for the spine, as a result of which even a small load can be fraught with displacement and destruction of the vertebrae.
Active sports. Not only the lack of load can lead to the appearance of degenerative dystrophic changes in the lumbar spine. Excessive stress also has a negative impact on health. Many athletes have joint problems.
Injuries. At a young age, the presence of diseases such as arthrosis, nerve entrapment, intervertebral hernia, is usually associated with injury. This includes birth trauma.
Degenerative changes are often associated with the aging process of the body. In this case, the changes are irreversible. And the treatment does not imply drastic measures (surgery): only supportive therapy is carried out.
Wrong nutrition. Due to impaired metabolism, the cells of the body do not receive sufficient nutrition. The restriction of certain products affects the state of the whole organism. Abuse junk food leads to obesity. This creates additional stress on the spine.
Inflammatory diseases of the spine. For example, arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis.
Hypothermia.

The causes of pain are 2 factors:

With the formation of a hernia between the vertebrae, proteins in the interdiscal space begin to irritate the nerve endings. This causes inflammation.
Excessive mobility of the vertebrae in the affected area.

Signs of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine

The following symptoms of the syndrome are known:

The main symptom is pain in the lower back. It can radiate to the legs, buttocks (sciatica). Lower back pain is usually aching and dull.
Numbness or tingling in the lower extremities.
Dysfunction of the pelvic organs (impaired urination, defecation), impaired reproductive function, weakness in the legs.
Feeling of stiffness in movement. This is especially felt in the morning when getting out of bed. The patient needs to “disperse” in order to fully move.
Local rise in temperature. The area where degenerative changes are observed becomes hot.
Redness, swelling.
Asymmetry of the buttocks.

Usually, diseases of the spine are chronic, characterized by periods of exacerbation and remission.

With an exacerbation, the symptoms are very pronounced, especially pain. During remission, a person may feel almost healthy.

Types of diagnostics

x-ray;
CT (computed tomography);
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).

The first of these methods is the most accessible, but at the same time the most uninformative. X-rays provide information about the location of the bones and the deformity of the spine. He is able to determine the disease in the later stages. CT and MRI are more modern methods. MRI allows you to see the destruction of the disc space, dehydration of the disc, erosion of the cartilaginous end plate of the vertebral body, the presence of intervertebral hernia, rupture in the annulus fibrosus. But such procedures are usually expensive.

Complex treatment

Treatment involves the use of medicines, gymnastics and traditional medicine methods. Surgery is often required. In any case, treatment should be comprehensive:

To relieve pain, ointments, injections, tablets with an analgesic effect are used. Ice is often applied to the affected area. Assign diclofenac, indomethacin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen.
For recovery and during the period of remission, treatment with muscle relaxants is prescribed (relieve muscle tension), chondroprotectors (restore cartilage tissue), vitamins (especially B vitamins).
Physiotherapy, massage, exercise therapy. Unloaded stretching of the spine often helps. It allows you to eliminate the very cause (displacement of the vertebrae), but is considered the most dangerous method.
Acupuncture, apitherapy, hirudotherapy. Thanks to these methods, mechanisms for the restoration of damaged tissues are launched.
Treatment also includes diet. To restore cartilage, it is recommended to eat jelly-like products (jelly, jelly, etc.). Alcoholic drinks, strong coffee, fatty and spicy foods are prohibited. The doctor usually gives nutritional advice.
If the pain does not go away and the degeneration process does not stop, then an operation is prescribed. At surgical intervention usually the damaged disk is removed. Absolute reading to surgical treatment are the development of caudal syndrome, the presence of a sequestered herniated intervertebral disc, a pronounced radicular pain syndrome that does not decrease despite the treatment.

Prevention of diseases of the spinal column

Treatment involves consolidating the effect with the help of preventive measures.

It is necessary to play sports (in moderation) to form a muscular corset. If you have problems with overweight, then you need to get rid of it. This is an extra load on the spine. Be sure to follow the principles proper nutrition(this was discussed above). The main thing is a good rest. Many diseases are a signal of congestion in the body.

Thus, degenerative and dystrophic changes in the lumbosacral spine (as well as the cervical) can be treated. The main thing is to consult a doctor in time and follow all his recommendations.