Symptoms of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the lumbosacral region and options for the treatment of pathological processes. Dystrophic degenerative changes in the spine: causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

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

Possible Complications

This condition is observed in the pathology of the intervertebral disc, which is accompanied by pain in the lower back. The intervertebral disc does not have blood vessels, therefore, it 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 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. In a 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 loads also have 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. The abuse of 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

known the following symptoms syndrome:

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 there are observed becomes hot. degenerative changes.
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 identify the disease late 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 an intervertebral hernia, a rupture in the fibrous ring. But such procedures are usually expensive.

Complex treatment

Treatment involves the use of medicines, gymnastics and methods traditional medicine. 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 is prescribed with muscle relaxants (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 cause itself (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. Surgery usually removes the damaged disc. Absolute reading to surgical treatment are the development of caudal syndrome, the presence of sequestered herniated intervertebral disc, pronounced radicular pain syndrome, which 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 being overweight, then you need to get rid of it. This is an extra load on the spine. Be sure to follow the principles of 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.

The spinal column is part of the musculoskeletal system of the human body. It is responsible for several basic functions. Among them, one can single out the support, motor, innervation and flexibility of the body. complex structure often leads to premature aging of tissues. Degenerative dystrophic changes in the spine appear, leading invariably to the development of osteochondrosis and severe pain syndrome.

You need to understand that it is precisely degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine that underlie all known pathologies of this structural part of the musculoskeletal system. Osteochondrosis, spondyloarthrosis, spondylolisthesis, protrusion and disc herniation - all these are the consequences of neglected and not treated in a timely manner degenerative dystrophic changes in the intervertebral disc, detected on the MRI picture of the examination. However, even without a special examination, it is possible with the help of typical clinical symptoms make a reliable diagnosis after the initial examination.

If you have an MR picture of degenerative-dystrophic changes cartilage tissue of the spine, we recommend that you immediately sign up for a consultation with a vertebrologist. In our clinic of manual therapy, the first appointment with a doctor is free of charge. During the consultation, the patient receives comprehensive information about the prospects and possibilities of the treatment.

What are degenerative-dystrophic changes?

MR picture of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine is the result of an examination using magnetic resonance imaging. In the obtained images, the diagnostician sees characteristic structural changes in the tissues of the spinal column. They can affect the vertebral bodies, cartilaginous intervertebral discs, ligaments and muscles. A detailed indication of the localization of degeneration is usually in the description of the image.

To begin with, let's clarify what degeneration and dystrophy are from a medical point of view. So, tissue degeneration begins with a violation of their nutrition (supply of fluid, oxygen, nutrients, vitamins and minerals). In a relationship intervertebral discs we can say that they do not have their own circulatory network. Therefore, the supply of fluid and nutrients to them can be carried out only with the help of diffuse exchange between the fibrous ring and the muscle tissue surrounding it.

In order for the diffuse exchange to be constant, a regular load on the muscular frame of the back is necessary. If there is no physical activity, then the muscles lose their ability to transfer fluid and nutrients dissolved in it to the cartilage tissue structures.

Dystrophy is an organic change in structure with dehydration and loss of functional ability. The intervertebral discs are deformed and lose their cushioning ability. The bone structure of the vertebral bodies and their spinous processes becomes porous and may be covered with outgrowths (osteophytes). Muscles lose their volume of myocytes and become unable to fully conduct a nerve impulse, contract or relax.

Degeneration - replacement normal structure tissue with connective fibers (scars) and salt deposits. In this process, there is a complete loss of typical functions characteristic of certain tissues. Thus, the cartilaginous tissue of the intervertebral disc is able to absorb fluid and release it into the surrounding space. Due to this, elasticity and cushioning ability are maintained. With a degenerative change, the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc becomes hard and loses the ability to absorb fluid. They fill with lime deposits, calcify and become very brittle and brittle.

Causes of degeneration and dystrophy

And now consider the most common causes of degeneration and dystrophy of the tissues of the spinal column. First of all, it is worth noting that recently this condition has ceased to be related to age-related and aging-related conditions. In our time, osteochondrosis is first diagnosed in people under 25 years of age. Residents of megacities and representatives of professions whose daily work is associated with static long-term stress are especially often affected. separate parts body.

Among probable causes The development of degenerative dystrophic changes in the spine, doctors call the following factors of pathogenic influence:

a sedentary lifestyle without regular physical exertion on the muscular frame of the back, torso and abdominals;
overweight body leading to endocrine disorders and pathologies of metabolism;
incorrect posture (among today's youth, curvature of the spine is detected in 85% of cases);
injuries, bruises, falls, improper distribution of physical activity;
improper organization of the working and sleeping place in violation of the rules of hygiene and ergonomics;
long stay in a static position;
malnutrition and lack of consumption of clean drinking water;
smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages and many others bad habits.

Despite the widespread cancerophobia in modern society, tumor processes cause pain in the back, neck and lower back in only 0.5% of cases. Tuberculosis, syphilis and others dangerous infections are even less common.

A healthy lifestyle, active physical education, the fight against excess weight and compliance with hygiene standards for organizing personal space are the most effective ways to prevent the development of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine.

What do initial, moderate and pronounced degenerative-dystrophic changes mean?

You need to be able to correctly understand the conclusion of the doctor, given after the MRI examination. What do these or other terms mean, let's try to figure it out further.

So, most often with intermittent back pain in the conclusion, you can see that there is an MR picture of initial degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine, in practice this is the absence of visible structural changes, which could significantly disrupt the function of the musculoskeletal system. The doctor sees that some areas of cartilage, bone or ligamentous tissue do not receive sufficient blood supply and small trophic changes have already occurred.

If effective treatment is not started at this time, then moderate degenerative changes in the spine appear in the future, manifested by quite strong and prolonged pain. This is an advanced stage of osteochondrosis with protrusion of the annulus fibrosus and partial loss of its depreciation ability. Most likely, at this stage, independent physical exercises are already very difficult, and the patient experiences severe stiffness movements, reducing their amplitude and limiting the flexibility of the spinal column. The help of a specialist in kinesitherapy, therapeutic exercises, massage and osteopathy is needed.

Pronounced degenerative changes in the spine indicate that the disease is already at an advanced stage. It can be manifested not only by severe chronic pain in one or another part of the spinal column. Here, signs of neurological damage to the radicular nerves may appear. This is numbness of certain parts of the body, weakening of muscle effort, muscle cramps and clonic hypertonicity.

Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the cervical spine

Degenerative changes are very common cervical spine associated with constant static tension of the muscles of the collar zone. Office employees who are forced to work in one position at the computer for a long time suffer from a similar pathology.

Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the cervical spine lead to the following clinical manifestations of diseases:

feeling of tension in the neck and collar zone;
pain in the neck and its spread to the upper limbs;
tension headaches, dizziness, decreased mental performance, drowsiness and depressed mood;
high blood pressure and other symptoms vegetovascular dystonia;
numbness upper limbs(often starts with little fingers).

In the absence of treatment, spondylarthrosis is rapidly formed with the loss of habitual mobility, vertebral artery syndrome, leading to impaired cerebral circulation etc.

Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the thoracic spine

The least common MRI examination reveals degenerative-dystrophic changes in the thoracic spine, this is due to the special anatomical structure. The thoracic vertebrae are responsible for the formation of the frame chest. Paired costal arches are attached to them, in front they are balanced by the sternum. Rigid fixation limits mobility and does not create prerequisites for rapid wear of cartilaginous intervertebral discs. Degenerative changes in the thoracic spine usually occur as a result of a traumatic impact, for example, after a fall on the back. They can be associated with deformities, changes in posture, such as scoliosis.

Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the discs of the lumbar spine

Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the lumbar spine, caused by excessive physical exertion, poor posture and other negative factors, are very common in people over the age of 30 years. But cases of manifestation of degenerative changes in the lumbar spine are not uncommon in patients in more early age. It is mainly representatives of professions associated with hard physical labor that suffer (loaders, lumberjacks, painters, finishers, builders, etc.).

Degenerative changes in the discs of the lumbar spine cause pain. There may be a stripe distribution of pain syndrome along the inner and outer surfaces of the thigh and lower leg. This is a sign of constriction sciatic nerve. Very often in the morning hours, immediately after waking up, there is some stiffness of movements. During the day, it completely disappears. In the evening, before going to bed, he worries strong tension in the muscles lower extremities may develop mild seizures or restless legs.

Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the lumbosacral spine

Severe degenerative-dystrophic changes in the sacral spine can only be diagnosed in people under 25 years of age. After reaching this age limit, the intervertebral cartilage tissues of the sacrum atrophy naturally and there is a splicing of all the vertebrae. Even if young man degenerative changes in the sacral spine develop, then in the process of fusion they will be leveled.

But degenerative-dystrophic changes in the lumbosacral spine, localized in the joint L5-S1, are of particular danger. Here is the hypothetical center of gravity of the human body. This accounts for the maximum physical, mechanical and static load. Therefore, the disk is destroyed very quickly. The result is severe pain, hernial protrusion and infringement of the sciatic nerve.

Any degenerative changes in the lumbosacral spine require immediate treatment. They often become the cause of a person's disability. This is worth remembering.

Treatment options for degenerative changes in the spine

Modern features effective treatment degenerative changes in the spine are extremely limited. Invented special medications(chondroprotectors) capable of restoring the structure of damaged cartilage. But the difficulty lies in the fact that with impaired diffuse exchange between muscles and cartilaginous discs (which is the cause of degeneration), it is impossible to deliver these substances to the focus of pathology. There is no point in spending huge amounts of money and injecting chondroprotectors until normal diffuse nutrition is restored.

And manual therapy can really help this with its integrated approach. In our clinic, there are a huge number of practical cases of complete recovery. There is documentary evidence complete elimination of diffuse degenerative and dystrophic changes in the tissues of the spinal column after ongoing courses of therapy.

An individual approach is applied. Depending on the existing problem, the patient is recommended reflexology, osteopathy, massage, kinesitherapy, traction traction of the spine and therapeutic exercises. Significant relief of the condition is achieved after 2-3 sessions.

We invite you to sign up for free consultation to our specialist. During the appointment, the doctor will conduct an examination, get acquainted with the results of the MRI examination and tell you about all the prospects for treatment.

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

What is spinal dystrophy?

Many people are familiar with painful sensations in the back, which are usually associated with fatigue, salt deposits and all sorts of other reasons. In fact, the cause should be sought in the deterioration of the properties and characteristics of the vertebrae.

Degenerative-dystrophic changes are irreversible metabolic disorders bone tissue vertebrae, loss of their elasticity and premature aging. IN advanced cases degeneration can lead to serious malfunctions internal organs.

Pathological changes affect different parts of the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral. Experts say that this is a kind of retribution for the ability of a person to move straight. At correct distribution load and regular physical exercises, a significant extension of the “shelf life” of the spine is possible.

Reasons for development

Most doctors are inclined to one main reason that causes irreversible changes in the spinal column. Its essence lies in the incorrect distribution of the load, which can be associated both with professional activities and with the usual way of life. The weakening of the back muscles is directly related to the limited mobility during the day and the lack of exercise.

Degenerative changes can be caused by inflammatory processes occurring in the bundles of nerve endings and muscles. Similar Issues 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.
Hormonal disorders.
Bruises, injuries.
Sedentary lifestyle.
genetic predisposition.

Degenerative changes in the spine: types

Pathology manifests itself various diseases, among which osteochondrosis is considered the main one. The disease is a dystrophic process, during which the height of the intervertebral disc decreases.

In the absence of adequate therapy, degenerative changes eventually lead to the development of another disease of the spine - spondyloarthrosis. It is typical for the disease to affect all the components of the spinal column: cartilage, ligaments, surfaces of the vertebrae. In the process of development of pathology, the gradual death of cartilage tissue occurs. Inflammation occurs against the background of fragments of cartilage entering the synovial fluid. Most often, the disease occurs in elderly patients, but there are cases when characteristic symptoms young people face.

Degenerative-dystrophic changes (any - cervical, thoracic lumbosacral) can be expressed in the form of an intervertebral hernia, slippage of the vertebrae, narrowing of the canal.

Problems with the neck

Constantly experiencing an increased load. The development of dystrophy is caused by the structure of the vertebrae themselves and high concentration veins, arteries and nerve plexuses. Even the slightest violation leads to compression of the spinal cord and that can lead to cerebral ischemia.

For a long time, the symptoms of a pathological condition may be absent. Over time, the patient will begin to experience the following symptoms:

Pain syndrome radiating to the upper back.

Discomfort.

Increased fatigue.

muscle tension.

Overloading of the vertebral segments (two vertebrae and the disc separating them) leads to blockade of metabolic processes, which further 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 spinal cord.

Pathological condition of the thoracic region

Due to the limited movements of the vertebrae of the thoracic region, dystrophy is observed quite rarely here. Most cases are due to osteochondrosis. The peculiarity of the location of the nerve roots contributes to the fact that the symptoms characteristic of the disease can be mildly expressed or completely absent.

The reasons that can provoke degenerative changes in this department include, first of all, (congenital or acquired) and trauma. It also affects the presence of hereditary pathologies associated with malnutrition of cartilage tissue, a decrease in blood flow.

With inflammation of the cartilage tissue, symptoms develop such as aching pain, which increases during movement, impaired sensitivity (numbness, tingling), and disruption of the internal organs.

Lumbar and sacral

IN medical practice most often diagnosed cases of degenerative lesions of the lumbosacral spine. The lower back has the greatest load, which provokes the development of bone and cartilage tissue of the vertebrae, slowing down metabolic processes. A predisposing factor that allows the disease to develop is a sedentary lifestyle (sedentary work, lack of regular physical activity).

Degenerative changes in the lumbosacral region occur in young patients aged 20-25 years. Wear of the fibrous ring leads to the onset of the inflammatory process and irritation of the nerve roots. It is possible to determine the presence of a pathological condition when pain appears, which can radiate to the gluteal muscle, causing tension.

The pain can be either constant or intermittent. The main place of localization is the lower back. Numbness of the toes also appears, and in advanced cases, there may be a violation of the functionality of the internal organs located in the small pelvis. Similar symptoms are characteristic of an intervertebral hernia.

The ongoing degenerative-dystrophic changes in the lumbar region are irreversible. Therapy usually consists of relieving pain, relieving inflammation and preventing worsening of the condition.

Diagnostics

Having discovered the symptoms of the pathology of the spinal column, the patient should first of all seek help from a neurologist. The specialist will conduct an examination, collect an anamnesis and prescribe additional examination. Most precise methods diagnostics, allowing to determine the slightest violation, is considered a computer and magnetic resonance imaging.

CT and MRI are modern methods of medical examination. Irreversible changes in the spine can be detected at a very early stage. Radiography allows you to diagnose the disease only at a late stage.

Treatment

It is impossible to completely cure the degenerative changes that occur in the spine. Available medical methods make it possible only to suspend the process of development of pathology and eliminate painful symptoms. Drug therapy involves taking painkillers from the group of analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Drugs may also be used local action in the form of ointments and gels.

Chondroprotectors contribute to the reduction of degeneration and dystrophic processes, in the power of which to strengthen the collapsing vertebra and cartilage tissue. Muscle tension will help relieve medications from the group of muscle relaxants. The use of B vitamins is mandatory (first in the form of injections, and then in tablet form).

Physical therapy brings good results and relief of symptoms. Exercises for each patient are selected by a rehabilitation specialist, taking into account the localization of the affected area. Also, do not forget about diet food enriched with products containing gelatin.

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

Prevention

The main method of prevention is the formation and strengthening of the muscular corset. To do this, you need to exercise regularly. Excess weight- this is an unnecessary load on the spine, which should definitely get rid of.

In contact with

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With a modern sedentary lifestyle, with constant sudden movements, injuries, when the spine takes on a large load, temporary changes and deformation of the cartilaginous tissues may occur.

Often, doctors make patients such diagnoses as spondylosis, osteochondrosis, spondylarthrosis. The degenerative process in the intervertebral discs of the spine develops in 4 stages, and the symptoms vary depending on the case.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed below, then you need to see a doctor and start treatment.

What are degenerative-dystrophic changes in the lumbosacral spine?

Take any person: everyone has suffered from back pain at least once in their life. Medical statistics says: 20% complain about lumbar pain permanently, and 1-3% require surgical treatment. The lumbosacral region is the center of gravity of the body, it takes on all the loads that accompany any movement of the human body.

Sometimes these loads exceed the permissible limits, temporary changes and deformation of cartilaginous tissues occur in the spine. Under the influence of pressure on the damaged area of the spine, salts present in the bloodstream and plasma begin to actively penetrate into its structure.

There is a beginning of calcification of a certain area of cartilage tissue. This is degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine.

Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the lumbar sacral region of the spine is a syndrome in which the pathology of the intervertebral disc provokes the appearance of pain in the lower back.

Although there is a slight genetic predisposition to the occurrence of this disease, true reason the appearance of degenerative changes in the spine, apparently, is multifactorial in nature.

Degenerative changes can be caused by the natural aging process of the body or be traumatic in nature. However, they are rarely the result of major trauma, such as a car accident.

Most often, we will talk about a slow traumatic process, leading to damage to the intervertebral disc, which progresses over time.

The intervertebral disc itself is not provided with a blood supply, so if it is damaged, it cannot recover in the same way that other tissues of the body recover. Therefore, even minor damage to the disk can lead to the so-called. "degenerative cascade", due to which the intervertebral disc begins to collapse.

Despite the relative severity this disease, it is very common, and it is currently estimated that at least 30% of people aged 30-50 have some degree of disc space degeneration, although not all of them experience pain or are diagnosed with it.

In fact, in patients over 60 years of age, some level of intervertebral disc degeneration detected by MRI is the rule rather than the exception.

Disease pathogenesis

The spine in the lumbar region and the sacrum is subject to the greatest loads in comparison with its other departments. Therefore, degenerative and dystrophic changes in it develop more often. The incidence is high - up to 30% of the population older than 35 years.

Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the lumbosacral spine are a multifactorial pathology, their development provokes many reasons.
The main links of the process are the same, regardless of the cause:

malnutrition (dystrophy) of the cartilage of the discs between the vertebrae, which leads to their destruction (degeneration);
cartilage degeneration causes a change in the height of the intervertebral discs,
the appearance of protrusions in them with the destruction of the fibrous membrane (hernia) or without (protrusion).

All these factors cause a violation of the proportional ratio of the vertebrae, with subsequent infringement of the spinal roots; the development of inflammation in the area of degenerative changes in the cartilage - cells of the immune system, due to destruction processes, produce substances that induce the inflammatory process (prostaglandins), which cause pain, increased blood supply (hyperemia) and tissue edema.

The pathological process takes a long time, tends to gradual progression and chronic course. The main disease in degenerative changes in the lower back and sacrum is osteochondrosis, which may be accompanied by hernias or protrusions of discs between the vertebrae.

In the case of a predominance of damage to the cartilage of the joints of the vertebrae, spondylosis develops. In order for degenerative changes to pass into an irreversible phase, a lot of time must pass. And this time the disease wins back in a person, due to the fact that the disease does not manifest itself immediately.

Expressed symptoms show themselves when time is lost, and the degenerative changes themselves have become large-scale and irreversible. The medical term "degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine" generalizes several diseases.

A type of spinal degeneration

Those few who seek help from a doctor with the firm intention of curing (or at least getting rid of pain) an ailment, most often receive such diagnoses:

Spondylosis. Atypical bone growths form along the edges of the vertebrae. The disease is characterized by marginal bony growths that look like vertical spines on x-ray. Experts consider this disease clinically insignificant. Doctors around the world believe that osteophytes (marginal growths) and thickening of the ligaments lead to immobilization (immobilis - motionless) of the spinal segment prone to problems;
Osteocondritis of the spine. There is a visible thinning of the intervertebral disc, which proceeds without inflammation. Simply put, this is a decrease in the height of the disc located between the vertebrae. As a rule, the disease appears due to the processes of dystrophy of the vertebral tissues; osteochondrosis is characterized by the absence of inflammatory phenomena. During osteochondrosis, there is a convergence of the vertebrae and articular processes, as a result of which their frequent friction is inevitable - it will inevitably lead to local spondylarthrosis in the future;
Spondylarthrosis. This disease is a consequence of osteochondrosis. It is arthrosis of the intervertebral joints. talking plain language Spondylarthrosis is a type of osteoarthritis.

There are many more similar diseases, the consequences of each of which come down to disruption of the spine, and in some cases even to the loss of a person's ability to work.

Reasons for the development of the disease

The human body is a delicate and precise mechanism. It is determined by nature itself - the load on the human spine should be distributed evenly. Healthy spinal column can withstand both jumping and lifting weights.

But, all this works only when a person follows the posture, has a strong muscular corset. The modern lifestyle is sedentary. And this leads to a weakening of the muscular corset, weight gain.

Sedentary work contributes to the appearance of degenerative changes in the spine. Due to degenerative changes, the intervertebral discs lose moisture, cracks and all kinds of ruptures form in them. This contributes to the appearance of intervertebral hernias.

The vertebrae, when the load changes, try to increase their area, grow, thicken intensely, pinching the adjacent nerves.

Causes that provoke pathological changes:

constant or sudden loads;
active sports with heavy loads;
trauma; including generic;
natural aging of the body;
inflammatory diseases of the spine;
improper nutrition.

Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the lumbosacral spine are usually provoked by one or both of the two following reasons:

Inflammation that occurs when proteins in the disc space irritate the nerve roots during the formation of an intervertebral hernia.
Pathological instability of micromotions, when the outer shell of the disc (fibrous ring) wears out and cannot effectively withstand the load on the spine, which leads to excessive mobility in the affected spinal segment.

The combination of both factors can lead to persistent low back pain. The combination of both factors is most common in the formation of an intervertebral hernia, which is a complication of the degenerative-dystrophic process in the intervertebral discs.

When a disc herniation occurs, mechanical compression of the neurovascular bundle passing through the spinal canal is also added, as a result of which the pain in the lower back increases significantly and becomes permanent.

Symptoms of diseases appear as degenerative-dystrophic lesions develop, but on early stages pass without pronounced external signs. As the pathological process develops, the patient may feel stiffness and heaviness in the lower back.

But, the main symptom of all degenerative changes in the spine is pain. Pain in the lumbar region occurs during a long walk and during physical exertion, prolonged sitting in one position, during bending. The pain syndrome is undulating: it arises, then decreases, disappears.

The progressive degenerative process in the intervertebral discs of the spine can lead to serious and dangerous complications. Degenerative changes develop in stages.

initial stage
The first symptom, "screaming" about the presence of pathological changes in the lumbar spine, is a pronounced pain syndrome in the lower back.

The pain sensations are so palpable that the patient is forced to limit his movements, and this significantly reduces the normal standard of living and working capacity. Complaints of pain directly depend on the place where the lesion is localized.

Second stage
Further progression of degenerative changes is characterized by the presence of:

At the second stage of the disease, radicular syndrome develops - compression of the nerve roots occurs.

Third stage
At the third stage, blood circulation is disturbed due to compression of the radicular vessel, which leads to the development of ischemia. In addition to increasing pain, the third stage is noted:

partial or temporary numbness in the lower extremity girdle;
convulsions.

Fourth stage
Degenerative pathological processes of the spine that have not received proper treatment are fraught with paralysis and paresis at the fourth stage of development. These complications result from complete violation circulation of the spinal cord.

severe mobility restrictions;
"lumbago" that occurs in the lower back;
tingling and "goosebumps" in the limbs and buttocks.

Most patients with degenerative-dystrophic changes in the lumbosacral spine experience constant but tolerable pain, which increases from time to time for several days or more. Symptoms may vary depending on the individual case, but the main symptoms in this disease are as follows:

Pain localized in the lower back, which may radiate to the hips and legs;
Prolonged pain in the lower back (lasting more than 6 weeks);
Low back pain is usually described as dull or aching, as opposed to burning pain in those places where it radiates;
The pain is usually aggravated in a sitting position, when the discs are under more pronounced load compared to that which is placed on the spine when the patient is standing, walking or lying down. Prolonged standing can also make the pain worse, as can bending forward and lifting objects;
The pain is exacerbated by certain movements, especially when bending over, turning the torso and lifting weights;
If a herniated disc develops, symptoms may include numbness and tingling in the legs, and difficulty walking;
With a medium or large herniated disc, the nerve root exiting the spinal cord at the affected level can be compressed (foraminal stenosis), which in turn can lead to pain in the legs (sciatica);
Neurological symptoms (eg, weakness in the lower extremities) or pelvic organ dysfunction (various urination and defecation disorders) may result from the development of cauda equina syndrome. With cauda equina syndrome, immediate action is required to provide qualified medical care.
In addition to lower back pain, the patient may also experience leg pain, numbness, or tingling. Even in the absence of nerve root compression, other spinal structures can cause pain to radiate to the buttocks and legs. The nerves become more sensitive due to the inflammation triggered by proteins within the disc space, causing numbness and tingling sensations. Usually in such cases the pain does not go below the knee;

In addition to degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs, pain can be caused by:

Stenosis (narrowing) of the spinal canal and / or osteoarthritis, as well as other progressive diseases of the spine, the occurrence of which contributes to the degeneration of the intervertebral discs;
Intervertebral hernia, a consequence of degeneration of the intervertebral disc.

Diagnostics

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

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 an intervertebral hernia, a rupture in the fibrous ring. But such procedures are usually expensive.

Diagnosis of the presence of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the lumbosacral spine, as a rule, is carried out in three steps:

Compilation of a patient history, including when the pain began, a description of pain sensations and other symptoms, as well as actions, positions and methods of treatment (if treatment was carried out), which weaken or, conversely, increase pain;
A medical examination, during which the doctor checks the patient for signs of degeneration of the intervertebral disc. This examination may include checking the patient's range of motion, muscle strength, looking for painful areas, etc.
An MRI scan, which is used to confirm suspicions of degenerative changes in the spine, as well as to identify other potential causes that led to the appearance painful symptoms at the patient.

MRI results, s most likely indicating the presence of degenerative changes as the cause of pain symptoms:

Disk space destroyed by more than 50%;
Initial signs of disc degeneration, such as disc dehydration (such a disc will appear darker on an MRI because it contains less water than a healthy disc);
Rupture in the fibrous ring;
The presence of protrusion or intervertebral hernia;
There are signs of erosion of the cartilaginous end plate of the vertebral body. The disk does not have its own blood supply system, but, nevertheless, living cells are located inside the disk space. These cells are nourished by diffusion across the end plate. Pathological changes in the end plate as a result of degeneration lead to malnutrition of the cells.

These changes are best seen on T2-weighted images taken in the sagittal plane. Usually, the end plate appears as a black line on MRI. If this black line is not visible, this indicates an erosion of the end plate.

Treatment of the disease

Unfortunately, degenerative-dystrophic changes in the lumbar spine are observed in a large number of people, and therefore the question of how to treat these pathologies is very relevant.

After all, if degenerative changes are not treated, they will progress, and the consequences can be the most deplorable, up to disability due to impaired motor activity.

There are two methods of treatment of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine - conservative and surgical. The conservative treatment includes the following actions: Restriction of mobility of the spine (carried out with the help of orthopedic bandages or prescribed bed rest).

Medical treatment. Drugs are used to combat inflammatory and degradation processes, improve vascular patency. Also prescribed sedatives And vitamin complexes group B.
Novocaine blockade.
Physiotherapy (laser therapy, diadynamic currents, inductothermy, electrophoresis).
Therapeutic methods (traction on the plane, underwater traction). Traction is considered the most dangerous method of treating degenerative-dystrophic diseases.
Physiotherapy.
Manual therapy.
Acupuncture, acupuncture.

The vast majority of cases of intervertebral disc degeneration do not require surgery and are treated with conservative methods, which include special therapeutic gymnastics, physiotherapy, different kinds massages.

In addition, spinal traction helps with degeneration of the discs, as it increases the distance between the vertebrae, allows the intervertebral disc to receive the water and nutrients it needs, which contributes to its recovery.

Separately, it is worth highlighting percutaneous nucleotomy. This method is a borderline method between conservative and surgical treatment. This type of treatment involves a puncture biopsy, the purpose of which is to reduce the volume of the affected intervertebral disc.

This type has a large list of contraindications. Surgical intervention is required only in cases of a rapidly progressive course of neurological symptoms of the disease, persistent long-term pain syndrome, and ineffectiveness of conservative treatment.

Treatment of diseases of the lumbar region is considered complete and promotes recovery if after its implementation there is:

reduction or disappearance of pain syndrome;
relieving tension in the muscles of the lumbar, pelvis and lower extremities, strengthening muscles;
improvement of blood flow and supply of tissues with nutrients and oxygen, normalization of metabolic processes;
removal or reduction of inflammation;
normalization of the sensitivity of the lumbar;

Load-free traction of the spine is ideal for the treatment of degenerative lesions of the intervertebral discs (osteochondrosis of the spine) and its complications - spondylosis, spondylarthrosis, intervertebral hernias and protrusions. Traction takes place with the preservation of all physiological curves of the spine and is safe, since no force is applied during traction.

With an increase in the intervertebral distance, there is an improvement in the nutrition of all intervertebral discs, the restoration of their structure and the removal of pain.
With the help of complex treatment, it is possible to achieve a complete recovery of the patient, and not just pain relief for a limited period.

Complication

Degenerative-dystophic changes do not occur all at once, however, a person is able to feel the symptoms of the disease even at the earliest stages. First of all, nerve damage caused by infringement due to narrowed intervertebral canals makes themselves felt. This position causes the nerve endings to swell, reduces their conductivity.

The patient feels this as numbness of the limbs, a feeling of fatigue in the shoulders, neck, and back. The vertebrae change the pattern of tissue growth. To reduce the load, the vertebra expands, which subsequently leads to osteochondrosis and even more pinched nerves. People suffering from similar ailments note increased fatigue, changes in gait, constant pain in back.

And if bacteria and / or fungi are added to these lesions, then arthrosis, arthritis and osteochondropathy cannot be avoided. Subsequently, these ailments are transformed into herniated discs. Also, degenerative changes in muscles lead to scoliosis or even displacement of the vertebrae.

In more severe stages of the disease, ischemia, impaired blood supply, paresis, and paralysis of the limbs are observed.

Prevention

In connection with the scale of the spread of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine, it is worth taking care to follow preventive recommendations.

These rules will protect against disability in youth and extend the years of activity until old age:

Keep your back dry and warm. Humidity and hypothermia are the primary enemies of the spine.
Excessive, sudden physical exertion should be avoided. Exercises aimed at developing the muscles of the back will also protect against degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine.
When working, requiring a static posture, it is necessary to change the position of the body as often as possible. For office workers, it is recommended to lean back in your chair every half an hour. Every hour and a half, you need to get up from your chair and make small passes for 5-10 minutes.

The minimum measures for the prevention of back diseases include:

daily strengthening of the back muscles. This can be done by doing elementary physical exercises every day (for example, exercises);
getting out of bed, "land" on both legs (this will avoid a sharp load on the spine);
under no circumstances keep your back in an arched position (try to keep your back straight even while brushing your teeth);
serious approach to choosing a mattress. Since ancient times, we have been repeating the truth that sleep is health, since during sleep the muscles of the body relax: if this process is accompanied by an uncomfortable bed that is unable to provide sufficient support to the back, this will lead to the fact that you will wake up with the syndrome "hard back".

Aging is the main cause of spinal changes

Degenerative changes are a process of destruction of the cartilage and bone tissue of the segments of the spine. At the same time, the elasticity of the intervertebral discs is lost, the bone structure of the vertebrae weakens, and changes in the structure of the spinal column occur.

If we consider the degenerative process in the lumbar spine, then it is worth noting here that the main cause is age-related changes.

Throughout life, the lumbar region bears the greatest load, and as a result of the natural aging of the body, all processes responsible for maintaining the normal state of cartilage and bone tissue slow down.

That is why most often in people after 30 years of age, adverse changes begin to occur, which in medical practice are called degenerative.

The main causes of occurrence

Degenerative processes gradually destroy the bone and cartilage tissue of all segments of the spine. Therefore, it is very important to identify problems at an early stage of their development. But this is very difficult to do, because the first symptoms appear after certain negative changes.

But what factors are provocateurs of degenerative processes?

The most important cause of pathological changes is an unhealthy lifestyle.

This can include malnutrition, bad habits, lack of physical activity, a sedentary lifestyle, and many other indicators.

Immobility leads to degenerative changes in the spine

But besides this, there are other annoying factors, which include:

Prolonged stay in the wrong position impairs blood circulation in the spine, disrupting metabolic processes in tissues. As a result of insufficient nutrition with useful substances, cartilage and bone tissue weakens, any movements lead to microscopic injuries. It is at this moment that degenerative changes in the structure of the spine begin to develop. Large physical loads on the lumbar spine also adversely affect the normal condition of the spinal segments. Most often, people whose work is associated with hard physical labor or professional heavyweight athletes fall into the risk group. Injuries of the lumbar spine often cause disturbances in metabolic processes in tissues, which also leads to degenerative changes in the future. Job disruption muscle tissue. The back muscles maintain the correct position of the vertebrae. Therefore, after inflammation or during a spasm, well-coordinated work is disrupted muscle fibers, which as a result negatively affects the condition of the spine. infectious and endocrine diseases quite often affect the segments of the lumbar spine.

There can be many reasons for degenerative changes in the lumbar spine. But the most important thing is to identify them in time and start treatment.. Therefore, in order to prevent serious pathologies, it is necessary to undergo annual full examination at the doctor's.

Consequences of pathological processes

Osteochondrosis - the scourge of modern man

Any degenerative changes entail many different complications.

The most common of these is the disease of osteochondrosis. He represents destruction anatomical structure spine, resulting in serious problems with the musculoskeletal system. Indeed, with such a disease, the intervertebral spaces narrow, the vertebrae shift, and the compression of the intervertebral discs increases.

At the second or third stage of the development of osteochondrosis, patients begin to experience not only back pain, but also others. neurological symptoms.

Another disease of a degenerative nature is chondrosis, which precedes osteochondrosis. As a result of the development of the disease, microcracks appear in the bodies of the vertebrae and other segments of the spine. Most often, such a degenerative process occurs at an early age or in professional athletes involved in weightlifting. This is due to heavy loads on the lumbar region, which puts enormous pressure on the segments of the spinal column.

Intervertebral hernia is also a disease associated with degenerative processes in the spine. It is these pathological changes that destroy the shell of the fibrous ring, which, as a result of a strong load on the lumbar region, leads to a protrusion of the nucleus pulposus. Such a neoplasm compresses the nerve roots extending from the spinal cord, and limits the movement of a person. After all, neurological symptoms at the first stage are expressed in pain, and then in disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Bone growths - osteophytes

Another form of degenerative-dystrophic changes is spondylosis. This is a disease in which bone growths appear on the bodies of the vertebrae. Ossification of segments of the lumbar spine occurs slowly. This gradual increase in size bone growths accompanied severe pain when turning, tilting or other body movements.

Spondylarthrosis is a process of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the joints of the spine. Affecting the cartilaginous tissue, the disease spreads to neighboring areas of the bone tissue of the vertebrae, forming bone processes on them. They limit the mobility of the lumbar, and every movement is accompanied by a sharp pain. Without timely treatment a person can not only disrupt the work of the musculoskeletal system, but there is a possibility of a disability group.

At the first stage of development, the degenerative-dystrophic process practically does not manifest itself, but its further spread is always accompanied by pain. They can be sharp, dull, aching or pulling, constant and periodic.

Diagnosis and treatment

Degenerative dystrophic changes in the lumbar region lead to the destruction of the anatomical structure of the spine. Therefore, in order to determine the specific location of the lesion, special instrumental diagnostic methods are used in the hospital.

Physical training - main method prevention and treatment of degenerative changes in the lumbar spine

First of all, radiography is prescribed. It allows you to see x-ray all changes in the correct position of the segments, determine the exact location of the disease and the degree of damage.

Also in medical practice, computed or magnetic resonance imaging of the spine is used. These two methods make it possible to more accurately establish degenerative changes in the structure and determine the causes of their development.

Treatment of degenerative changes always depends on the type of disease.. But in any case, it is primarily aimed at stopping its development and eliminating pain in the affected area of the back. For this, painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs can be prescribed, as well as for tissue repair - chondroprotectors.

Physiotherapy treatment often consists of a back massage. Manual therapy makes it possible to restore the correct position of the vertebrae, and physiotherapy procedures such as UHF, electrophoresis and phonophoresis speed up the healing process.

And the most important method of both slowing down and preventing such processes is therapeutic exercises.

Thanks to a specially designed set of exercises, patients not only improve blood circulation, improve metabolic processes, but also maintain the mobility of the spine and the elasticity of all its segments.

Degenerative changes in the lumbar spine are one of the leading social problems: the pathology of the spine affects not only the elderly, but also young and middle-aged people, that is, the able-bodied population. In addition, the diagnosis of degenerative changes in the spine, in particular, displacements of the lumbar vertebrae, is a poorly studied issue in radiology.

Interest in the issue of degenerative changes in the lumbar spine is not accidental also because the displacement of the vertebrae, their instability causes pain and subsequent neurological disorders. And, taking into account the cost of treatment, diagnosis, the cost of compensation for disability, disability, we can say that such a disease of the spine is the third most expensive disease after oncology and cardiovascular diseases.

Such significance of the problem of osteochondrosis (which is a form of degenerative changes in the spine) is due to a number of reasons. One of them is the high prevalence of morbidity: according to WHO data in 2003, up to 87% of the entire working-age population suffer from osteochondrosis of the spine. Morbidity rates in Russia are growing, while in most patients the disease is accompanied by a lesion of the lumbar spine. Lumbar osteochondrosis in the structure of the incidence of the adult population in our country is approximately 50%, while occupying the first place (including the time of disability).

What determines the health of the spine?

Mobility and health of the spine are possible due to the elasticity of the apparatus of the vertebral bodies, intervertebral discs and arches. Under normal static conditions, the damping function of vertical pressure forces (for example, the heaviness of the torso, head) is carried out intervertebral discs. In those cases when the articular processes are forced to perform a support function unusual for them, anterior displacements of the vertebrae and local arthrosis develop in the true joints. With a significant and increasing vertical load, neoarthrosis of the articular processes with the bases of the arches develops. Moreover, the entire spine and the musculo-ligamentous apparatus of the entire body resist the applied force, adapting to the external load. It is under the influence of cumulative microtraumas as a result of acute and chronic overload degenerative-dystrophic changes develop in the segments of the spine and in the lumbar region as well.

What to do?

The problem of instability of the spinal motion segment, which occurs under the action of various factors. General principle therapy of exacerbations of pain syndrome of osteochondrosis - elimination of manifestations of the disease - restrictions in movement and pain itself. This includes the exclusion of static-dynamic unfavorable loads on the diseased spine, ensuring rest, especially at the very beginning of an exacerbation. Next, you need to take care of strengthening the muscles of the spine to ensure protective function spinal segment, that is, special gymnastics and active image life.

Pathologies of the intervertebral discs can lead to the appearance of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the lumbosacral spine, which will be accompanied by pain and discomfort. In middle-aged people - from 30 years old - deviations occur in about 30% of cases, and at retirement age, changes are almost inevitable. However, sometimes the disease can appear in younger people, so at any age it is important to start treatment before complications appear.

Causes of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the lumbosacral region

There are several factors that can contribute to the development of the disease, while they can act together or separately:

The presence of an intervertebral hernia can provoke inflammation. It appears due to irritated nerve roots.
Wear of the annulus fibrosus. Deformation leads to the fact that the spine ceases to cope with the load, especially heavy. As a result, pathologically unstable micromotions are formed in the spinal segment.

Most often, degenerative changes in the lumbosacral spine are the result of a disease such as an intervertebral hernia.

Symptoms of the disease

Questioning the patient and external examination may show the following signs:

Pain of a dull nature, described as aching. At some stages of the disease, it can "give" to the buttocks, followed by movement to the lower extremities.
Abnormal sensations in the legs of varying intensity: weakness in the limbs, tingling, numbness.

Earlier we wrote about the symptoms of lumbar radicular syndrome, we advise you to read the article.

Advice: Degenerative changes reach an irreversible form for a long time, however, given the fact that a long period of the disease can pass almost imperceptibly for a person, you should consult a doctor immediately after the onset of symptoms.

Violation of urination and defecation, problems with reproductive function.
The need to “disperse” in the morning before fully starting to move. Stiffness can also be felt throughout the day.
An increase in temperature in the affected area of the back.
The appearance of redness and swelling on the lower back.
Asymmetry of the buttocks.

A characteristic sign of the first stage of degenerative changes in the lumbar spine is pronounced pain in the lower back, which forces you to restrict movement.

Diagnosis of degenerative changes

Only a doctor can make a correct diagnosis. Diagnosis is carried out, as a rule, in three stages:

A patient history is being compiled. Information should be collected about the time of onset of pain and their nature, the presence or absence of other signs and concomitant diseases, attempts to cure the disease on their own. Positions and movements are also recognized when the pain syndrome subsides and intensifies.
A medical examination is being carried out. It involves determining the signs of degenerative changes in the spine.
Making an MRI picture of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the lumbosacral region using MRI. The study not only confirms the diagnosis, but also reveals possible reasons occurrence of the disease.

During an external examination, the amplitude of movements, muscle strength, causes of pain, etc. are checked.

Important: If you start the disease before last stage, the circulation of the spinal cord will be disturbed, which may contribute to the formation of paralysis or paresis.

Problems detected by MRI

The study can show the following MR signs of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the lumbar:

half and more destroyed disk space;
rupture observed in the disc shell;
a critical decrease in the amount of water in the disk, reflecting the initial stage of the disease;
destruction of the cartilaginous end plate of the vertebra;
confirmation of the patient's intervertebral hernia or protrusion.

In contact with

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 cartilaginous 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 and 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 environmental factors 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 adverse factors there is a weakening of the natural defense mechanism, which leads to a rapid violation of the integrity of the cartilage structures. An important role in the violation of the trophism of the intervertebral discs is played by modern look life. 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. In people who lead a sedentary lifestyle and have excess 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 of the immune system is observed, 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 there are usually no pronounced symptoms in the initial stages of this pathological process. In fact, there are 4 main stages in the development of degenerative-dystrophic changes, each of which has its own characteristic features. On the initial stage obvious symptoms that may indicate to a person without a medical education on the existing problems of the spine may not be observed.

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 an 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 increasing pain, 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 come to the doctor already in the later stages, when the symptoms are quite intense, preventing a person from having a full-fledged everyday life. Diagnosis of this pathological condition begins with the collection of a 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 number of studies are required using modern medical equipment. 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 imaging tools, so they can detect existing abnormalities 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 medical support to eliminate the pain syndrome.

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 to 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, it is prescribed whole complex physiotherapy and exercise therapy. Physiotherapeutic procedures used for such pathologies of the spine include magnetotherapy and electrophoresis. Acupuncture, acupuncture, therapeutic massage and other means are actively used.

Considering that the development of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the lumbosacral spine is a 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.