Degenerative and dystrophic changes in the lumbosacral section

Degenerative and dystrophic changes in the lumbosacral portion

Degenerative and dystrophic changes in the lumbosacral spine are slow destruction of intervertebral disc lumbar discs.

They stop receiving food, dehydrate, become dry and lose elasticity. Overweight and inactive work lead to weakening of the back muscles and excess weight.

As a result, the spine presses on intervertebral disks, their structure is deformed.

Disk pathologies are dangerous in that it is usually possible to detect them only at critical moments.

Preventive measures can no longer help, and the patient will have to take medication, attend a variety of treatment procedures. But treatment alone may not be enough.

After all, to improve the condition of the spine and prevent the development of serious complications, you need to reconsider your daily life as a whole.

Causes and risk factors

What is degenerative-dystrophic changes in the lumbosacral department? To understand, we will understand how intervertebral disks are arranged.

These peculiar springs of the spine consist of cartilaginous tissue. Above, they are covered with a denser fibrous ring, and inside is a pulpous nucleus.

The discs are normally quite soft, elastic - they provide mobility of the spine.

This can happen because the vertebrae reduce the distance between each other and squeeze the blood vessels and capillaries.

Or to the same consequences led inflammation, a trauma to the waist.

Risk factors are as follows:

• Sharp movements, lifting weights;
• Inflammatory processes;
• Sedentary labor;
• Cold and drafts;
• Unhealthy food;
• Professional sports;
• Disturbed hormonal background;
• Elderly age;
• Pathologies of metabolic processes;
• Traumatic vertebra injury.

The most common problems in the lumbar spine are people who move very little and at the same time are overweight.

Usually the spine stabilizes the muscles, but if the musculature is weakened and the excess weight constantly burdens the back, even light household loads cause deformation of the discs.

The modern way of life, as we see, increases the risk of developing dystrophic changes in the lumbar spine.

• We advise you to read: a decrease in the height of the intervertebral discs.

Course of development of pathology

It is the lumbar-sacral region that accounts for the lion's share of the strain, it is here that the intervertebral disks are most often deprived of the proper nutrition. Cartilage tissues lose nutrients, regenerate worse, cease to be elastic.

The fibrous ring becomes brittle, the pulpous core drastically loses its moisture and dries. As a rule, at the same time on the lower back are more and more loads, and the space between the vertebrae narrows even more.

Extra tissues of the lumbar discs protrude from the vertebral column boundaries - this is called protrusion.

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And when the fibrous ring around the disk breaks its structure, it breaks, the result is first the exit of the pulp from the disk, and then the disc itself from its place in the spine. This is called a hernia of the lumbar spine.

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Degenerative and dystrophic changes in the lumbar spine develop imperceptibly, and when it is too late to work on prophylaxis, they strike the patient. Even if it's lucky, and neither protrusions nor hernias are formed, a person can get such consequences as osteochondrosis or radiculitis.

Symptoms

Unfortunately, while the disease of the waist does not put the patient to work, the person does not suspect the disease in principle. Symptoms have not the degenerative process itself, but its complications and consequences.

The appearance of the following sensations should be addressed by visiting a neurologist or vertebrologist:

• Stitching, stinging or blunt low back pain;
• The appearance of pain after exercise;
• Pain after a long stay in one position;
• Difficulties in performing certain movements, such as tilting or turning;
• Weakness in the legs;
• Difficulty in urination, constipation;
• Cold skin of the lumbar region;
• Loss of mobility, especially in the mornings;
• Symmetry breaking of the body;
• Swelling and red skin in the lumbar region.

There are four stages of development of this pathology of the lumbosacral department:

• On the first symptoms appear very rarely. True, often after physical exertion, people experience dull pain and a stiff feeling in the lumbar region. But almost always it is written off for fatigue;
• At the second stage, symptoms appear. Much more difficult to give movement back, the patient is difficult to bend or turn. In the back, "shoots that is, speaks of himself sciatica. Because of the squeezed nerves can tingle in the pelvis and legs. There is a feeling of "goosebumps
• The third stage is acute. The blood vessels are jammed, the metabolism of the lower back muscles is violated, which leads to their ischemia. Pain is getting stronger. Legs become numb, spasms pierce;
• The fourth stage is diagnosed if the spinal cord and the roots of its nerves are deformed. This can cause the legs to paralyze.

A source: https://pozvonochnik.guru/dorsopatiya/degenerativno-distroficheskie-izmeneniya-v-poyasnichno-kresttsovom-otdele.html

Degenerative and dystrophic changes of the lumbar spine

According to statistics, the vast majority of people over 55 and 30% at the age of 30 have problems with the spine.

If earlier degenerative-dystrophic changes in the lumbar spine were consequences of natural aging of the body, then in Today, dystrophic changes also occur due to unfavorable environmental factors and the wrong way of life of the modern rights. Degenerative changes in the spine not only worsen the quality of life of patients, but also lead to the development of complications.

What is degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine?

Degenerative and dystrophic changes occurring in the lumbar-sacral region are the result of the gradual destruction of the cartilaginous and bony tissues of the spine.

Over time, the elasticity of the intervertebral discs weakens and the loss of the vertebrae of its shape, deformation of the cartilaginous tissues takes place. Thickening, the vertebra causes infringement of nearby nerves, forcing a person to feel pain.

Unlike other organs, the intervertebral discs are not provided with a circulatory system, so they are not capable of recovery.

Dystrophic changes in the lumbar spine are slow enough, for this reason, in the first stages of the disease, patients may not pay attention to minor pain.

Having understood what the dystrophic changes in the lumbar region are, consider the types of pathologies, causes, symptoms and methods of treating the disease.

Types (forms) of degenerative changes

Under the degenerative-dystrophic changes and pathologies (DZP) of the lumbosacral spine, a generalization of several diseases is implied. They have both common features and their own characteristics. There are cases of several diseases at the same time. The following types of changes are distinguished:

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

While chondrosis is most often observed in the cervical spine, because of its strong mobility, with osteochondrosis, the lumbar region is more likely to suffer. Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is diagnosed less often.

Causes

According to scientists, the development of DDZP of the spine department is a kind of payment of a person for uprightness. Pathologies can develop particularly rapidly if they are provoked by the following factors:

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

Symptoms and signs of degenerative changes in the lumbar spine

Destructive processes in the body can be stopped only in the case of timely seeking medical help. But the initial degenerative changes are often still weakly expressed, to cause great concern.

People tend to treat aching pains in the loin with various home remedies or at all to write off them for usual fatigue.

Thus, moderate degenerative changes gradually turn into severe forms of the disease, which are difficult to treat.

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

• persistent aching pain in the lower back, worsening with prolonged sitting or inclinations;
• numbness and chilliness of the lower limbs;
• decreased mobility of the spine;
• increased dryness and flaking of the skin.

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

Diagnostic Methods

Diagnosis of changes in the spine begins with a general medical examination in order to determine the location of pain.

The result of the examination may be the reason for conducting a general blood test, spine X-ray, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Modern medicine considers the last two of the above methods as the most reliable and accurate.

They allow to reveal a pathology even at early stages of the disease. MR picture shows even those changes that physically almost do not make themselves felt.

Treatment of degenerative-dystrophic changes

The main task of the treatment is to remove the pain syndrome. To this end, drugs are prescribed that restore blood supply, relieve swelling of soft tissues and muscle spasms, improving the state of cartilage.

To eliminate pain in the lumbar spine, a novocaine blockade is prescribed. For general strengthening, doctors prescribe sedatives and B vitamins.

As an anesthetic, ointments for the back and neck are used. In order to keep the mobility of the spine in the process of therapy, the patient is recommended to wear a special orthopedic bandage.

He supports the back in the right position, reduces the load on the muscles, relieves pain.

One more thing to be mentioned is stretching the spine. Not all doctors approve of this method of treatment, it is considered painful and dangerous.

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

In rare cases, if conservative treatment does not give the proper effect, surgical intervention is performed. Usually, the damaged disk is deleted.

Complications

In the absence of proper treatment of degenerative changes in the lumbar region, the disease can be complicated by the development of the intervertebral hernia.

This is the displacement of the deformed intervertebral disc, often requiring surgical intervention.

Also, possible complications include inflammation of the sciatic nerve and impairment of the urogenital system.

Preventive measures

There are no drugs that prevent age-related changes in the patient's body.

But to slow down these processes is quite possible for every person.

Various preventive measures allow you to protect your back from degenerative and dystrophic changes and back pain for many years.

Recommendations for prevention include:

• exercise to strengthen the muscles of the back;
• flat back position, especially while sitting at a table or computer;
• sleep on a quality orthopedic mattress;
• struggle against excess weight;
• refusal from heavy physical exertion;
• walk in the fresh air.

Careful attention to your health and working conditions, timely elimination of pain syndromes in the lower back, food rich in vitamins will not allow age-related changes to manifest themselves prematurely and to prevent the usual image life.

A source: https://MoyOrtoped.ru/bolezni/degenerativno-distroficheskie-izmeneniya-v-poyasnichno-kresttsovom-otdele-pozvonochnika

What is degenerative dystrophic changes in the lumbosacral department, treatment, prevention

Over 80% of people over 55 years of age suffer from spinal anomalies. Of these, the most common degenerative dystrophic changes in the lumbosacral portion with varying degrees of complication.

It is worth noting that the defeat of cartilage tissue until recently was considered an old age. But with each year the age threshold decreases. Even at the age of 30, there is a chance of developing trophic changes in the lumbar spine - about 30% of clinical cases.

Recent medical studies have denied information that dystrophic changes in the lumbar region are natural processes and are due to aging.

According to the latest information, external factors and chronic diseases can also be the cause of deviations. Scientists well studied the mechanisms that lead to a violation of trophic cartilage tissues.

Therefore, there are a lot of methods of treatment.

Why the disease develops

Understand what degenerative dystrophic changes in the lumbar sacral spine can only be studied by the basic prerequisites for the development of this anomaly.

It should also be understood that the human body - a complex mechanism that can withstand different, even the highest loads.

However, the negative influence of external factors weakens the natural defense systems, which makes cartilage tissues lose their strength.

Especially the condition of the spine depends on the way of life. Therefore, there are a number of triggers that promote the development of degenerative and dystrophic anomalies:

• old, untreated injuries of the spine;
• natural aging of the body;
• inflammatory processes;
• problems with the endocrine system;
• violation of metabolic processes;
• passive lifestyle;
• intensive physical training;
• sharp loads on the ridge;
• unhealthy eating;
• hypothermia of the body;
• changes in the hormonal background.

Anatomically, the spine is designed to receive and evenly distribute the load. In this he is also helped by a supporting muscular skeleton. Therefore, a sedentary lifestyle leads to various deviations in the development of the ridge.

Such people tend to have problems with being overweight. Their muscles are poorly developed and any load instantly overloads the intervertebral discs.

Since the muscular framework is not able to take a part of the load on itself, the degenerative dystrophic change in the lumbar spine develops very quickly.

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There is a huge number of other factors adversely affecting the development of the ridge. Moreover, often a number of triggers act on the spinal column.

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Therefore, it is almost impossible to determine the source of the problem independently.

On the other hand, using medical help, you can not only learn the cause of the disease, but also prevent the progression of degenerative-dystrophic abnormalities.

How the disease develops

The vertebral column has to face large loads every day. Regardless of whether some movements are performed or the person is still, the ridge is under the influence of some forces. And the biggest burden falls on the lumbar department.

It is under the influence of external factors that abnormal changes in intervertebral discs begin to form. In the first place suffer from cartilaginous tissue. Moreover, pathogenesis occurs in stages:

1. First, the cartilage tissue is disturbed. It is important to remember that the vertebra does not have its own blood vessels. Therefore, the receipt of nutrients is not directly possible. Due to abnormalities, the soft tissues surrounding the vertebral column suffer. They lose their elasticity and eventually break down.
2. Dystrophic processes follow - the layer of cartilaginous tissue becomes thin and gradually weakens. Such changes invariably lead to a decrease in the height of the spinal discs.
3. The development of protrusion and hernia, as a continuation of dystrophy. First, the fibrous membrane is destroyed in those places where the intervertebral discs protrude. The ring that holds the fibrous nucleus is then broken. The gelatinous body flows outward, forming a hernia. As a result, there are radicular pinching, as well as changes in the proportions of the spinal column.
4. The response of the body is an abnormal activity of the immune system. There is an enhanced synthesis of prostaglandins regulating inflammatory processes. These substances immediately increase the intensity of the blood flow, causing edemata around the spinal column. Following edema, the stiffness of the lumbar region comes and pain syndrome appears.
5. Complications and chronic diseases develop due to a slow course of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spinal column. Often due to the defeat of cartilage tissue and the lack of timely treatment, there is radiculitis, osteochondrosis and other diseases.

Characteristic symptoms

In the early stages of pathology difficult to determine.

Degenerative-dystrophic processes are not accompanied by pain or discomfort and can be asymptomatic for a very long time.

Naturally, signs of lesion of cartilaginous tissues appear gradually, with the progress of negative changes:

1. There are no obvious triggers. Only the specialist can determine the onset of the disease. Rarely, after physical exertion, dull pain appears in the region of the lower back. There may be some limited movement.
2. Expressiveness of the symptomatology intensifies. The mechanics of the whole body are seriously broken. The slightest slopes are accompanied by a sharp pain, described as "lumbago". There are "goose bumps numbness and tingling of the lower extremities and buttocks. All this may indicate the onset of radiculitis.
3. The pain syndrome increases, the acute stage of the disease comes. Increasingly numb limbs. The nutrition of the soft tissues of the ridge is disturbed, compression of the radicular vessels occurs.
4. With the appearance of the first signs of degenerative changes of the spinal column, the chances of damage to the radicular nerves and spinal cord as a whole increase. Partial paralysis is possible.

Diagnosis and treatment of the disease

Because of the absence of symptoms in the early stages, an independent definition of the problem is difficult.

Often, a person learns of degenerative-dystrophic changes after a scheduled medical examination.

If the visit to the doctor is caused by unexpected pain in the lumbar region, most likely the disease began to progress.

Modern diagnostics

Everything begins with an external examination. The doctor listens to the patient's complaints, examines the back, probes the spine. This helps to make a preliminary anamnesis and make some assumptions.

But external inspection can not boast of accuracy, even if the expert is very experienced. Therefore, it is supplemented by other procedures aimed at assessing the probable pathologies of intervertebral discs.

Comprehensive examination includes:

• general blood analysis;
• X-ray of the lumbar region;
• tomography on the computer;
• MRI.

It is important to remember that simple radiography may not be enough. This is a very common, but obsolete and inaccurate method of diagnosis.

CT and MRI allow more accurate and detailed visualization of the current state of the spine, to establish degenerative changes in the early stages. Moreover, the coverage of the surveyed area is much greater: it is possible to find problem areas in the thoracic area.

Effective treatment

To prevent the development of degenerative-dystrophic changes, it is necessary to undergo a course of drug treatment:

1. Often, doctors prescribe ointments and creams with an analgesic, injection blockers and other means aimed at rapid relief of pain.
2. Medicines are also used to help improve blood flow around the spine. Taking these medications is necessary if there is swelling of the soft tissues. In addition, such drugs prevent spasms and improve the trophism of the cartilaginous tissue.
3. In the presence of compression of radicular nerves, it is important to provide the body with a large number of vitamins. Particularly appreciated is the B-band. Useful micronutrients increase the speed of recovery of nerve fibers.

The list of drugs can be very different. In many respects, the general picture of the disease, the state of the spine and the sensitivity of the patient to the active components influence the choice of this or that medicine.

Prevention of disease

It is important to understand that one drug therapy is not enough. Treatment of symptoms only stops negative trophism, relieves pain and nourishes soft tissues. It is necessary to fix the result of treatment to prevent relapses.

For prophylaxis appoint:

• exercise therapy;
• physiotherapeutic procedures;
• acupuncture;
• massage;
• diet.

Particular attention is paid to the complex exercise therapy. Regularly performing properly prescribed exercises will help strengthen the muscular framework and align the spinal column. Thus, it will be possible to avoid degenerative defeat in the future.

Negative changes in the spine are not a single disease, but a whole complex of individual problems. Nevertheless, violations of the lumbar and other departments are amenable to treatment. The main thing is to have patience and follow all the medical instructions.

A source: https://spina.help/drugie-bolezni/degenerativno-distroficheskie-izmeneniya.html

Degenerative and dystrophic changes in the lumbosacral section

Degenerative and dystrophic changes in the lumbosacral sectionIs a complex of pathological processes in the structure of the intervertebral disc or vertebrae in the lumbar region, the main manifestation of which are pains in this area.

This phenomenon is most often found among the able-bodied population of both sexes. According to statistics, the picture of the incidence is far from disappointing, demonstrating a constant increase in the incidence of such ailments.

The human body has a fine and stable organization, so any changes in its functions lead to a failure of the entire system. Recently, the number of pathologies of the musculoskeletal system has sharply increased, which lead to a lack of self-service.

Causes of pathological changes of the spine

The opinions of specialists in this matter were divided, since it is difficult to find a single cause that could trigger the development of the disease in all cases.

In addition, multiple studies have shown the presence of a small genetic predisposition to this pathology. Nevertheless, with full certainty it can be said that the reasons for the occurrence of DDIP have a multifactorial orientation.

But still here we will talk about the prolonged pathological effect on the intervertebral disc. By the way, this is a very elastic and at the same time vulnerable part of the spine, which needs special attention.

The intervertebral disc is a body formed by a fibrous ring and a pulpous nucleus. Based on anatomy, it becomes clear that the disk is deprived of its own circulatory system, and therefore can not be regenerated like some other tissues of the body.

Consequently, minimal damage leads to aggravation, the course of the disease, slowly progressing. Also at the age of over 40, some degree of degeneration is observed in many of our compatriots.

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Especially do not forget about hypodynamia, as the main "bad habit" of our society.

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Here are the most "aggressive" causes of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine, which are often superimposed on each other, leading to an aggravation of the process:

• Inflammatory processes. When the integrity of the fibrous ring is violated, the contents of the disc fall into the intervertebral space. Thus, protein structures irritate soft tissues, thereby causing edema and inflammation. Typical signs of "radicular syndrome" (nerve compression) will not take long.
• Pathological mobility of bone structures in the vertebral segment, caused by destructive changes of the disk itself. Due to the presence of boundary loads, age-related changes in the gelatinous body and other factors, the disk "dries up becomes less elastic and can no longer fill the entire disk space. Appear lumens or the spine "pulls out." This describes the principle of the "degenerate cascade".

To all of the above, you can add more diet, sedentary lifestyle, lack of sports in any of its manifestations. Nevertheless, any physical exertion should be dosed in nature and slowly "accustom" the body to sports.

The most common cause of pain in the back, and incl. and in the lumbosacral department, today consider a chronic disease called osteochondrosis.

It has non-inflammatory character and can affect both vertebrae (spondylosis) and intervertebral discs (disco).

It has its own number of disposable factors: overweight, age changes, spinal congestion, disorders posture, a sharp decrease in loads (stopping sports), genetic predisposition, lifestyle, stress and other

Learn more about back pain.

Clinical picture of degenerative-dystrophic changes of the spine

As for the symptoms of this pathological process, there is a wide range of complaints and objective data.

A typical symptom of spine disease is constant back pain, which feels tolerable, but there may be short-term exacerbations lasting up to five days or more.

Variation of the combination of symptoms can be very diverse and depend mainly on the individual characteristics of the organism, as well as the localization of the process.

• Irradiating pain that gives to the area of ​​the lower extremities.
• Pain, which is described as prolonged, debilitating, last for about five or more weeks. The patient can even get used to its presence, realizing the seriousness of the situation only in moments of exacerbations.
• Mobility of a person is severely impaired due to the presence of constant soreness in the lower back (lumbar region).
• A constant sitting position provokes pain. This is due to the fact that a damaged disk, subjected to intense pressure from the side of the spinal column for a long time, causing an attack of increased discomfort.
• If the patient has a formed intervertebral hernia, there may be "radicular" symptoms: "cotton feet numbness of the limbs and other sensory disorders.
• Often a solid hernial protrusion helps to squeeze the nerve root, which in turn is fraught with the development of intense pain in the legs.

Do not forget that the nerves emanating from the spine serve also for the innervation of the pelvic organs, peritoneum and thorax. Therefore, the appearance of infringement can lead to disruption of the work of all organs and systems.

So, for example, there may be problems with urination and not only. Such a state requires competent and urgent medical intervention.

Any degenerative changes in the vertebral column lead to the fact that the nerve endings become more vulnerable by reacting with pain or numbness to a change in minimal structural elements.

Modern diagnostics of degenerative-dystrophic changes

An important element of conducting diagnostic activities is the collection and analysis of patient complaints, with an emphasis on the nature of pain, the frequency of its appearance, localization, etc. It can be determined whether any symptomatic or any other treatment for the disease has been performed, and what results it gave.

Immediately at the reception, the doctor examines the patient, revealing signs of degenerative changes of the intervertebral disc. Palpation of the back will determine the most painful areas, and also serves to assess the tone of the muscles of the back.

If before the presence of pathology of the spine could be found already directly at the stage of explicit clinical changes, today the development of the pathological process can be prevented at an early stage. Step-by-step thorough diagnosis should be carried out using special medical equipment, taking into account the patient's anamnestic data and the results of objective research.

As for hardware diagnostics, it is time to use modern methods, for example, MRI of the lumbosacral spine.

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Scanning the problem area will not only reveal the degeneration of the disc tissues, but also details the degree of destruction.

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An attending physician can analyze the results of MRI.

Treatment of degenerative-dystrophic changes

Modern medicine does not stand still, so today in most cases doctors prefer conservative methods of complex character in the treatment of degenerative-dystrophic changes of the spine with localization in the lumbar department.

• Dosed physical load and restriction of excessive mobility (bandages, belts).
• Drug therapy is represented to a greater degree by drugs that contribute to the relief of pain syndrome, relieve inflammation and improve the blood circulation of the affected area.
• It is rational to use Novocain blockades according to indications.
• Physiotherapeutic methods of treatment: diadynamic currents, electrophoresis, laser, etc.
• Good results are shown by therapeutic massage and balneological procedures.
• Therapeutic gymnastics and exercise therapy.

In order to improve the trophism of the intervertebral structures and relieve stress, resort to the use of a non-loading stretching of the spine, which is carried out under the strict supervision of specialists. As practice shows, with the timely application of medical care, you can expect to stop pain and restore a habitual way of life.

Selection of corsets, pneumocortices (they are forced into the air after dressing, which helps to stretch the spine and relieve the load) or Other auxiliary equipment for the reduction of manifestations of diseases of the back should be performed by a specialist in an individual order. Do not just order what is advertised on the radio or on television. You can do yourself harm, which usually does not appear immediately.

Degenerative and dystrophic changes in the spine are a scourge of our time, so care must be taken to take care of your health.

Timely consultation of a neurologist will help to avoid all these difficulties.

A source: http://zdoroo.info/degenerativno-distroficheskie-izmeneniya-v-poyasnichno-krestcovom-otdele/

Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the lumbar spine

Degenerative and dystrophic changes in the lumbar spine - slow destruction of tissue structures related to disks.

All this happens for the simple reason that the tissues cease to be supplied with sufficient food, and this leads to their dryness and loss of elasticity.

Dystrophic changes in the lumbosacral spine are a dangerous disease. It is almost impossible to detect pathology immediately.

In such situations, there is nothing left to do, how to take various medications and go to the procedures in the hospital.

The situation is aggravated by the fact that to bring the spine back to normal, you may have to change some habits, and not rely only on the strength of medicine.

Varieties of vertebral changes

Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the lumbosacral spine include several pathological conditions in their group. They are united by some generalized features and peculiarities. In practice, the following varieties of changes are traditionally encountered:

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

These are the varieties of these states. To make the clinical picture as clear and clear as possible, a detailed diagnosis is necessary.

Causes of the disease

There are several causative factors of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the lumbosacral department:

• Keeping 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 to weakening of the muscles. Therefore, even a minimal load factor can cause displacement of the vertebrae.
• Excessive physical activity. To lead to a pathology, maybe, and the reverse state of things, when a person is intensely engaged in sports, not sparing his own muscles. Statistics show that joint diseases occur in 90% of athletes.
• Traumatic phenomena. If it is a question of patients of a young age, then to similar pathologies (arthrosis, nervous infringement, a hernia) most often result in trauma, including birth processes.
• Aging is another process that causes irreversible changes. In the medical process, there can be no question of surgery, since dystrophy is of a natural nature. Only supportive therapy is considered acceptable.
• Irrational nutrition. Because of problems with metabolic reactions, the body cells do not receive the proper quality of nutrition. This has a negative effect on the state of the whole organism and creates an extra burden.
• Inflammatory processes. Changes can occur against the background of inflammation. For example, the most frequent pathogens of such conditions are arthritis, Bekhterev's disease.

Thus, degenerative changes in the lumbar spine may be manifested by various causative factors. To accurately establish them, it is necessary to pay a visit to the treating specialist.

Course of development of pathology

The vertebral column, especially the sacral region, is an object of increased load in any body movements. Because of this, there are violations of the supply to the cells and tissues of nutrients.

There are no blood vessels in the discs, which hypothetically could provide direct food. Therefore, there is a gradual loss of elasticity of the tissue and its slow destruction.

At the next stage, the tissue becomes thinner and less susceptible to weakening.

Cartilages shrink, disks lose in their height. In response to these processes, the immune function enters into active work. Its cellular structures begin to develop inducers of inflammation.

As a result, the tissues swell, pain appears. Usually, the course of degenerative-dystrophic changes of the lumbosacral spine is slow and chronic.

In the future, other dangerous states may develop on their background.

The stages of progression and the main symptoms

In the lion's share of clinical situations there are problems in the independent determination of the onset of the development of the disease.

The fact is that the expressed signs at first are absent. As the practical side of the question shows, there are 4 stages of progression of pathology.

And each of them is accompanied by special signs.

The first stage. A person without medical education may not notice any changes in health, since there are no signs of degenerative-dystrophic changes in fact. Some patients note that they have experienced excessive stiffness in the lumbar region.

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The second stage. In this process, more pronounced symptoms may come into play. First of all, we are talking about the limitation of movements in the lumbar spine. Even with the slightest bending, the shooting pain and attacks of the initial radiculitis can manifest itself.

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The third stage. There are problems with the supply of soft tissues that surround the column of the spine. As for physical manifestations, there is increasing pain, numbness of limbs and convulsive state.

The fourth stage. This is the most neglected state in which obvious damage to the spinal cord and roots can progress. This condition leads to 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 the characteristic manifestations of the disease.

It is important to determine the condition as early as possible in order to start the treatment process in time.

Diagnostic measures

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

1. Compilation of the general history of the disease. In this case, attention is paid to the symptoms of the disease and the general conditions under which the attack began.
2. Inspection of the patient. At this stage, the specialist checks the characteristic signs of degeneration, examines the degree of mobility, determines the muscular strength and the area in which the lesion locus is localized.
3. Conduction of magnetic resonance imaging. This event serves to discover the evidence base for dystrophic changes and causative factors of pathology development.

As additional tests to determine dystrophic changes in the spine, other measures can be used. This is a blood test, X-ray, CT.

But not each of these events is able to demonstrate symptoms of the pathology at an early stage. The most profound methods of examination are such measures as CT and MRI.

But patients resort to them in case the lesion of the lumbar region has already begun to develop actively.

Complex of therapeutic measures

The list of methods of therapy is wide enough, most often it involves a complex of medical, physical and surgical treatment. The necessary method of therapy is selected by a medical specialist.

Preparations for the treatment of disease

First, doctors prescribe conservative treatment. It involves the use of medications anesthetic, warming action.

They help to ease the pain and provide free movement and normal performance.

Most often the preference is given to representatives of the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compounds:

• Diclofenac.
• Nyz.
• Meloksikam.
• Ibuprofen.
• Movalis.

They are effective, but are accompanied by quite dangerous side effects for the intestine, up to the formation of ulcers. To improve the overall well-being, a degenerative-dystrophic change involves the use of the simplest medicinal formulations - Ketonal, Ketanov.

The principle of the drugs is to eliminate pain and ease the overall well-being. To relax the tense muscles, Sirdalud, Midokalm is discharged.

These drugs are indicated for use only with interruptions, since they have a serious effect on the state of the muscles.

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

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To restore the body often used complexes of special vitamins and minerals. The greatest effect is possessed by preparations of group B (6, 12).

If the pain sensation is expressed strongly enough and can not be suppressed by popular medications, a novocain blockade is used.

In the framework of the procedure, it is proposed to administer the drug directly into the spinal cord zone. Curing dystrophic changes in the lumbar region is quite simple, if you follow all the rules of drug administration and follow the dosages.

Therapeutic physical training and massage

This set of procedures usually contributes to the normalization of the circulatory option in the problem area. And also it is aimed at muscle relaxation and providing the thin tissues with the necessary nutrition.

LFK with degenerative lesions contributes to the improvement of metabolic processes and the reduction of blood in the lumbar region.

In addition, the event will be useful for obese people, since it helps to eliminate excess weight.

The main nuance of these measures is the possibility of increasing the distance between the vertebrae of the waist, as well as in the ability to release nerves that have been squashed.

So, with degenerative-dystrophic changes in the lumbosacral spine, you can get rid of the pain syndrome and relieve the inflammation.

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And it is also desirable to enroll in the pool, because quality exercises will help to strengthen the muscles and ensure their smooth stretching. By losing weight, you can get rid of excess load.

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But at this time it is important to think carefully and plan the diet so that the body receives a sufficient amount of vitamin and mineral substances.

Operative intervention

Fortunately, in a large number of clinical cases, the use of medications and therapeutic physical exercises comes to the rescue. The operation is necessary only in case of active progression of the disease, even with timely and regularly taken measures of therapy.

In this case, the doctor looks at the MR picture of degenerative-dystrophic changes. During the event, the installation of devices that support the lumbar vertebral department.

This approach allows you to remove excess pressure and prevent further deformation of intervertebral discs.

The process of operation implies the possibility of simultaneously solving several clinical problems:

• decompression in the nerves of the spinal cord;
• elimination of the object leading to compression of the nerve fibers;
• removal of stenosis that developed in the spinal cord.

If the phenomenon of degenerative change is acute, an emergency intervention is indicated. It aims to prevent neurological disorders. Through this measure, specialists can eliminate brain compression and restore the options of the pelvic organs.

Preventive actions

Due to the large scale within which these changes occur, some preventive measures must be followed.

They will allow to be protected from loss of ability to work at a young age, and also to prolong the activity time to the old age.

To improve the MR pattern of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the lumbosacral division and improve overall health in the present and future, it is worth taking certain actions:

• Maintaining the back in a constant dry and warm. Excessive moisture and cold are the most ardent enemies of the back.
• Avoidance of intense physical loads.
• Implementation of special exercises aimed at the development of dorsal muscles, will avoid the condition of DAPP.
• If the work involves a permanent or prolonged stay in a static position, it is important to change the position as often as possible.
• If you work in the office space, you need to regularly lean back on the chair. Experts recommend doing this every 30 minutes.
• Every 1-1.5 h need to get up off the stool and do the passes for 5-10 minutes.

So, we examined what degenerative-dystrophic changes in the lumbar region are. This is a serious disease requiring immediate therapeutic measures.

A competent approach to his treatment guarantees the preservation of mobility and well-being until old age.

The best way to get rid of this ailment is to take timely preventive measures.

A source: https://MoiPozvonochnik.ru/otdely-pozvonochnika/pozvonochnik/degenerativno-distroficheskie-izmeneniya-v-poyasnichnom