Osteophytes of cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine: treatment

Osteophytes: what is it and how to get rid of them

Pain and discomfort in the spine - possible culprits are osteophytes of the spine, beacons signaling changes in the functioning of the spine. In another way, an osteophyte is called an exophyte.

What it is

Osteophytes, what is it - bony escalations of the vertebrae, which are not an independent disease, but are considered a protective reaction of the body, aimed at preserving the joints from destruction.

Appearance of outgrowths occurs as follows: due to the decrease in the height of the intervertebral disc, unnecessary friction of the bone structures is formed, which leads to the appearance of growths.

The marginal osteophytes of vertebral bodies perform the function of protecting the joints from their further destruction. They take the form of a stud and a hook.

Most often, bone growths do not manifest themselves, but are detected during X-ray examination.

At moments when osteophytes grow to such an extent that they begin to deform the bone structures of the vertebrae, pain and difficulty in the movement of affected joints appear.

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From medical practice, it is known that earlier such growths were diagnosed in patients after the age of 60, now the age-limit has decreased to 40 years.

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The osteophytes of the spine are a clear signal about the possible presence of a serious disease - spondylosis.

Causes

Reasons for the appearance:

• injuries;
• fractures;
• consequences of diseases of the spine;
• inflammation;
• excessive load on the joint;
• failures of the endocrine system.

Classification

In medicine, bone growths are divided into the following types:

1. Post-traumatic - appear in the area of ​​fractures and strong bone injuries. In addition, they form in the part of the laceration of the periosteal tissue, which ossifies and turns into an osteophyte.
2. Degenerative-dystrophic - are created as a result of heavy loads on the joint, which can immobilize part of the joint. With deforming spondylosis and arthrosis - articulate joints and as a result the joint is immobilized.
3. Periostalnye - the consequence of the inflammatory process of the periosteum, which undergoes partial ossification.
4. Massive - the consequences of the formation of malignant tumors of bone tissue and metastases of cancer. It takes the form of a spur or visor.

Osteophytes have a different cellular structure:

1. Metaplastic - are manifested when the composition of bone cells changes, that is, one kind of cell changes to another kind. This kind of arises as a result of inflammation or an infectious disease that affects bone tissue.
2. Spongy-consist of a spongy substance with low strength. They are manifested as a result of a high load on bone structures.
3. Compact - is derived from a compact substance of bone tissue, have high strength and can cope with high loads.
   cartilaginous - are formed from cartilaginous tissue. Such osteophytes appear due to the effects of inflammatory or degenerative diseases in which the cartilage tissue is thinned and can not provide a function to reduce friction in the joints. Bony growths allow to increase the area of ​​the joint in order to evenly spread the load on the joints.

Bony growths on the spine may appear in different parts of the spine and for various reasons.

The osteophytes of the spine for a long time do not manifest themselves and are usually found in the diagnosis of other diseases.

The outgrowths located in different parts of the spine have correspondingly different symptoms and possible complications and consequences.

Symptoms are manifested as:

• pain in the nape;
• decreased vision;
• dizziness;
• weakness and tingling in the upper limbs;
• noise in ears;
• neck tightness and limited movement.

Osteophytes of the cervical spine can cause jumps in intracranial pressure, accompanied by severe pain and vomiting.

The osteophytes of the thoracic spine are not so early in comparison with the development of the cervical osteophytes, because in the thoracic spine the vertebrae are the least mobile.

Symptoms occur when there is complete immobilization of the vertebrae.

This is due to the development of the anterior growths, which do not pinch the nerve roots and, therefore, do not cause pain.

The osteophytes of the lumbar spine are manifested with the following symptoms:

• low back pain when walking or standing;
• pain giving to the thigh;
• The arms and legs grow dumb and weakness appears;
• tingling in the extremities.

Diagnostics

It is impossible to diagnose the appearance of osteophytes at home, so it is necessary to visit a medical institution.

The doctor conducts a neurologic examination for evaluation of the nerve root stiffness, but such an examination practically does not give an opportunity to examine and probe osteophytes.

For this we use hardware research methods:

• X-ray - is a primary, affordable and inexpensive survey;
• MRI is the gold standard in diagnostic tools, equally effectively examines how bone tissues are so soft;
• CT - uses X-ray radiation to study bones, the information received is processed on a computer most effective for detecting pathological changes in bone tissue.

Treatment

We'll figure out how to get rid of osteophytes - the only way is to remove osteophytes in an operative way. In addition to surgical intervention, conservative treatment is used.

Conservative treatment of osteophytes consists of the following measures:

• medicamentous;
• physiotherapy;
• manual therapy and massage;
• physiotherapy.

The drug method is primarily aimed at eliminating pain, for this, anesthetics and anti-inflammatory drugs are used for external use. It is also recommended the use of B vitamins, which improve the work of tissues affected by the effects of osteophytes.

Treatment of osteophytes of the spine with the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and analgesics is considered mandatory and is conducted for 10-14 days. Treatment courses will have to be held periodically throughout life.

Osteophytes of the spine, in the treatment of which physiotherapy, manual therapy, massage and medical Physical education is an additional link to medical treatment, improving blood flow and mobility of damaged tissues.

Osteophytes, in whose treatment it is not possible to achieve a reduction in pain and eliminate their effect on other organs and systems, are subject to surgical removal. Such an operation is carried out, for example, with complete immobilization of the knee joint, i.e.,

already at total destruction and impossibility of performance of the put in pawn functions.

Folk remedies

Treatment with folk remedies does not replace conservative treatment, but is only a supplement aimed at reducing pain and improving mobility.
For these purposes, you can use the following recipes:

1. The elder in the form of tincture: 1 tbsp. l. berries, which are filled with a glass of boiling water. Then insist on a water bath for 20 minutes. The infusion is cooled and filtered. Reception mode - polstakana 2-3 times a day.
2. Hawthorn. Use flowers. In one handfuls are poured three glasses of boiling water, insist for 3 minutes. Reception mode - according to Art. l. for 30 minutes. before meals.

A source: https://MoiPozvonochnik.ru/otdely-pozvonochnika/pozvonochnik/osteofity-na-pozvonochnike

How is osteophyte treatment of the cervical spine treated?

If the osteophytes of the cervical spine are diagnosed, the treatment of this pathology is effective only if the complex effect. At the initial stage of the disease, conservative therapy is indicated.

Methods of treatment of the disease

Osteophytes of the spine can not be removed without surgery, but the use of therapeutic methods will help to stop pain syndrome and restore joint mobility the spine. To do this, use:

• drug therapy;
• physiotherapy;
• exercise therapy;
• folk methods of treatment.

The osteophytes of the spine are treated with such kinds of medicines:

1. Analgesics - for relief of pain syndrome (Ketonal, Movalis, etc.).
2. Anti-inflammatory drugs - for the removal of edema and inflammation of soft tissues (Voltaren Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Aspirin, Naise, etc.).
3. Miorelaxants - to reduce muscle tone (Flexen, Baclofen, Perenterol, Meprothan, etc.).
4. To restore the tissues of the joints of the cervical and lumbar region, articular fluid and anesthesia, chondroprotectors are used: chondroxide, chondroart, chondroitin, etc. In complex application with NSAIDs and physiotherapy, chondroprotectors increase the effectiveness of the effect.

Preparations containing minerals and vitamins are also used in relaxation of spasmodic muscles and regeneration bone tissue in the lumbar and cervical spine (Calcium Magnesium Chelate, Calcium-D3 Nycomed, Natekal D3).

Apply and homeopathic ointments that stop pain, relieve inflammation and have a regenerating effect in osteophytoze (Liver, Sabelnik, Objective T, Traumeel C, etc.).

Physiotherapeutic procedures

Outside exacerbation patients are prescribed physiotherapy procedures. Depending on the location and symptoms, a hardware treatment is prescribed:

1. Electrophoresis: an organism with the help of a direct current injects anesthetics, for example Novocain.
2. Ultrasound, which has a local massage effect on tissues, contributes to the removal of inflammatory processes, edema, pain relief, and stimulation of blood supply.
3. Magnetotherapy - the effect of low-frequency alternating magnetic fields on the source of the disease. At the same time, pain, inflammation is removed, blood supply is increased, puffiness decreases.
4. Laser therapy: the directional effect of a beam of light on a diseased area removes inflammation and anesthetizes.

For the treatment of osteophytes in the arsenal of physiotherapists, there are many modern methods. Doctors prescribe fizioprotsedury depending on the cause of the disease, concomitant complication, localization and on what kind of bone growths themselves.

For the immobilization of the organ, if osteophytes are located in the cervical region, it is recommended to wear an elastic bandage shantz.

The collar helps to fix the cervical section, protects the neck muscles from overexertion, eliminates the pressure of the skull on the damaged vertebrae and osteophytes of the cervical region.

The collar of Shantz has a warming and massage effect, as a result of which the blood circulation is normalized.

When treating osteophytes in the lumbar department, it is recommended to wear a special semi-rigid corset, blades, which fixes the back in a physiologically correct position, facilitating the load on the muscles of the back and on the vertebrae. Especially corsets are shown if there are marginal osteophytes.

Sometimes the disease is noted not only in the cervical and lumbar spine. The pathology of the thoracic spine can also develop.

In this case, an individual corset with a headrest is made, fixing all the parts of the spinal column.

The type of corset, the time of wearing it will be recommended by an orthopedist.

Non-traditional methods

To methods of treatment of osteophytosis in a non-traditional way it is possible to attribute and hirudotherapy. As a result of exposure to hirudin, radicular pain is reduced, inflammation of the nervous endings, blood circulation improves, metabolism in the spine and adjacent soft tissues normalizes tissues.

Treatment of osteophytes is accompanied by the appointment of a massage. An experienced masseur relieves pain in muscles, normalizes blood flow, eliminates muscle spasm, swelling. To treat with massage it is possible without an exacerbation and an inflammation.

Patients with cervical spondylosis without severe cerebrovascular sclerosis are assigned stretching of the vertebrae with a special device.

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If the problem is localized in the thoracic or lumbar spine, then stretching is carried out on a special simulator Gravitrin.

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Strengthen the effect of stretching the course of therapeutic massage and the appointment of a set of special exercises.

When treating osteophytes of the spine, use acupuncture, acupressure, chiropractic. Therapeutic exercise is prescribed to increase the mobility of the joints, strengthen the muscles supporting the spine.

The osteophytes of the spine in the initial stages are treated with folk methods:

1. To get rid of the pain apply baths, triturals and decoctions of medicinal plants: arnica, autumn autumnal, ordinary buckwheat.
2. For the removal of muscle spasm apply: Autumn crocodile, mustard mustard, red pepper, etc.
3. To remove the swelling use: watch, anemone buttercup, scotch, etc.

When using folk remedies for osteophytes in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine, consult a doctor.

Surgical method

Depending on the type of disease apply:

• foraminotomy - to prevent compression of nerve endings increase intervertebral distances;
• vasectomy - when the joint and marginal bony expansions are removed;
• laminotomy - extension of the spinal canal;
• Laminectomy - removal of the bone plate protecting the canal of the spine.

Spondylosis is characterized by a recurrent course, and growths can form again.

For the treatment to be effective, it is necessary to consult an experienced specialist, observe the recommendations not only of treatment, but also the correction of lifestyle, nutrition.

A source: http://SustavLife.ru/bolezni/drugie/osteofity-shejnogo-otdela-pozvonochnika-lechenie.html

Treatment of osteophytes of the cervical and lumbar spine

Osteophytes of the cervical spine, the treatment of which has an effect only in a complex approach, represent an enlarged bone tissue, which brings to the person a strong pain, which does not allow to make active movement.

Features of an integrated approach

To treat osteophytes of the cervical region is necessary simultaneously with the adoption of medications and the performance of specially designed exercise therapy exercises.

First of all, the patient is prescribed pain medications that help to stop the painful symptoms of osteophytes.

In addition to medical preparations, it is necessary to take complexes of vitamins and mineral elements:

• vitamin B;
• a nicotinic acid;
• phosphorus;
• magnesium.

Their use has a beneficial effect on the condition of the whole organism, strengthens bones and joints, preventing the further development of osteophytes.

It is mandatory to take medications that have an anti-inflammatory effect.

The osteophytes of vertebral bodies lead to immobility, and in order to restore the person the opportunity to lead a normal life, various medications of local action are prescribed.

Drug medications and special exercises are selected individually by the attending physician.

Osteophytes of the spine and cervical spine are often treated with folk medicine and alternative therapy, such as acupuncture.

Medication Therapy

The osteophytes of the spine can not pass by themselves, but a disregard for their health and rejection of treatment of pathology lead to the fact that bone tissue will grow even more, and this will lead to irreversible processes. The patient is prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs:

• Voltaren;
• Nice;
• Diclofenac;
• Dicluberl.

If there is a pronounced pain syndrome, the drugs of the analgesic group are prescribed. But, taking into account the negative effect of drugs on the human body, pain medications are rarely used, only if the pain becomes unbearable.

In severe cases of development of the disease, when bone tissue has grown into the neighboring area, treatment with physiotherapy and medications will not give a positive effect, the patient undergoes surgery.

The painful symptoms, which are provoked by the osteophytes of the spine, can be stopped with topical preparations. The patient is prescribed ointments that have a warming and analgesic effect:

• Finalgon;
• Viprosal;
• Capsicum.

In the presence of muscle spasms prescribed drugs with a large content of potassium and magnesium.

The use of physiotherapy

The posterior vertebrae of the cervical region, on which osteophytes are often formed, can be restored by resorting to physiotherapy exercises and physiotherapy methods. The patient can be assigned:

• massage;
• gymnastic exercises;
• reflexotherapy course.

Some patients resort to treatment with leeches, but the positive effect of this effect on the human body is not proved by medical research.

Exactly what exercises will be prescribed is decided by the attending physician, based on the severity of the symptomatic pattern, the characteristics of the patient, and how effective the medication is. To bring the cervical vertebrae back to normal, the patient must wear a special medical collar.

During the treatment of osteophytes, intense physical exertion, heavy lifting or long sitting in a sitting position without support under the back is strictly prohibited.

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To physiotherapy and taking medications have an effect, it is necessary to adhere to a correct diet, the basis of which should be products with a high content of calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus.

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Therapeutic exercise consists of exercises that are aimed at developing the muscles and vertebrae of the cervical department. Mostly these are different head and neck inclinations, shoulder girdle work. Exercise should be done under the supervision of the attending physician.

ethnoscience

The osteophytes of the thoracic spine and neck are treated by traditional medicine methods. But the use of this treatment technique should be agreed with the attending physician.

Alternative medicine can not be used as an independent method of treating a disease, but only acts as an additional remedy that stops painful symptoms.

Traditional medicine includes reception of broths based on herbs and compresses on the damaged area of ​​the cervical region. Decoctions for internal use are prepared on the basis of:

• hawthorn;
• elderberry;
• chamomile;
• St. John's Wort.

These herbs soothe pain, help relax the muscles and help to stop the inflammatory process. Despite the fact that the method of non-native medicine implies the use of exclusively natural components, they will not always work for good.

All kinds of compressions are superimposed on the cervical region, help to relieve inflammation and give the patient the opportunity to make movements.

But before using this method, it is necessary to consult the attending physician, so As the warming action of the compress can be contraindicated in case of severe exacerbation disease.

Surgical intervention

The appearance of osteophytes is a slow process, and its insidiousness lies in the fact that in the first stages of its development the disease does not have a pronounced symptomatology.

As a rule, most patients do not pay attention to weak pain syndrome in the cervical region, referring to sedentary work, sleep in an uncomfortable pose, overwork.

Ignoring the first manifestations of the disease leads to the fact that the osteophytes begin to expand rapidly.

With prolonged disease, medical preparations, physiotherapy and traditional medicine methods can not have a positive effect. In such cases, the only method of treatment is surgical intervention.

The operation to eliminate osteophytes has several types, which one to choose - the doctor decides, given the degree of complexity of the disease and the severity of the manifestation of symptoms.

Foraminotomy is an operation during which the doctor increases the distance between the discs of the cervical vertebrae. This intervention is carried out in order to reduce the pressure on the endings of nerve fibers, to stop the pain syndrome and restore mobility.

The procedure for facetomy is the complete removal of the joint, which was damaged by osteophytes. The technique of laminotomy implies an increase in the lumen in the bone tissue plate, which protects the channels of the spine.

In especially severe cases, with large-scale lesions of the vertebrae overgrown with bone tissue, laminectomy is used. This type of surgery involves removing parts of the plate.

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In extremely rare cases, the entire plate is removed, if its damage is a threat of complications.

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Carrying out an operation to eliminate osteophytes carries risks, as well as any other surgical intervention.

The patient may experience complications, develop infectious diseases, the risk of pathological processes in the spine may not be excluded in the future.

Some patients may experience problems with urine outflow after several years, development of dystrophic syndrome of the spine, the appearance of pain in the legs as a reaction to the previous operation on the spine.

Preventive measures

No one is insured from the appearance of osteophytes.

Preventive measures should be carried out by all people who care for their health, and patients undergoing treatment for cervical osteophytes.

The main cause of the disease is associated with the management of a passive lifestyle, sedentary work, neglect of physical exercises.

If the specificity of professional activity implies a long sitting in one position, it is necessary to make small breaks, warm up, perform gymnastics. It is extremely important to always follow the posture.

You can do the massage yourself, just knead and shoulders for a few minutes.

It is extremely important to adhere to proper nutrition. It is necessary to eat foods with a high content of calcium, magnesium, potassium and vitamins, especially the B group.

Patients who have problems with excess weight should bring their weight back to normal, as excessive strain on the spine adversely affects the vertebrae and leads to the development of osteophytes.

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With the manifestation of pain symptoms in the cervical and thoracic region, which does not pass after the massage and often repeated, it is necessary to consult a doctor for advice and diagnosis disease. The sooner the disease is identified, the faster and easier it will be to recover.

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A source: https://OrtoCure.ru/pozvonochnik/spondiloartroz/osteofity-pozvonochnika-poyasnichnogo-otdela-lechenie.html

Methods of treatment of cervical spine osteophytes

Each person risks to face the problem of developing such pathological formations as osteophytes of the cervical spine. Treatment can not be delayed, as against the background of this disorder, more serious diseases threatening disability can develop.

Healthy vertebrae and intervertebral discs (left); worn disc and osteophytes on the vertebrae (right)

Acquaintance with the problem

First, you need to learn more about the nature of the pathology.

Osteophytes are bone growths, peculiar spines, which are located on the vertebrae and interfere with their normal activity.

In order not to miss the moment of their inception, it is necessary to consider the symptoms and the causes of their appearance.

Symptoms of manifestation

If we consider the whole spine, osteophytes in the cervical region are most often found. This is due to the heavy load on this site and its rapid wear.

In the first stages, it is very difficult to observe deviations. Often a person associates discomfort with fatigue and the specifics of his activities.

The longer the problem remains without due attention, the worse its consequences.

You need to be worried if you are troubled by the following symptoms:

• unpleasant sensations in the neck, tension, pain, giving to the shoulders;
• impairment of cervical mobility, pain when turning or tilting the head;
• frequent dizziness;
• weakness, rapid fatigue;
• decreased mental activity;
• headache;
• visual impairment and the work of other systems;
• pinching of nerve endings or decrease in their sensitivity;
• numbness of limbs;
• circulatory failure.

Previously, we wrote about the treatment of spinal cord cervical spine and advised to add the article to the bookmarks.

There is a jamming of nerve roots

When there is nausea and vomiting, pressure drops, unconsciousness, it is urgent to see a doctor.

Causes

Vertebral joints are very vulnerable, as they are constantly under stress. As a result of the deterioration of the periosteum, various pathological processes develop.

The following reasons for their formation can be singled out:

• metabolic disorders;
• heavy physical labor;
• excessive stress on the spine;
• injuries;
• thyroid dysfunction;
• curvature of posture;
• flat feet;
• osteochondrosis;
• elderly age;
• improper nutrition, which leads to the accumulation of calcareous salts.

With an incorrect posture, the load on the neck increases several times

A significant role is played by the hereditary factor.

Types of formations

Depending on what factor triggered the emergence of bone growths, osteophytes of the spine are classified into separate groups. Types of osteophytes:

• System-pathological. Their growth is stimulated by systemic changes in the body that affect the spine, for example, in the endocrine system.
• Degenerative and dystrophic. Inflammatory and degenerative processes, for example, arthrosis, cause immobilization of joints, as a result of which their surfaces coalesce.
• Massive. They are provoked by oncological processes, as well as some benign tumors affecting bone and cartilaginous tissues.
• Periostalnye. The result of inflammation of the periosteum and its ossification.
• Post-traumatic. Consequence of neck injuries or complication after radical medical intervention.
• Nervous-pathological. In the defeat of the central nervous system begins erratic growth of osteophytes.

Massive osteophytes, as a result of cancer

We recommend that you study:

• Spondylodesis of the spine: for what and how is the operation performed
• Symptoms of spondylolisthesis and treatment

If you have noticed any suspicious symptoms or if there are other conditions for concern, you need to see a doctor. In order to ascertain the presence of osteophytes, it is necessary to undergo a series of examinations.

First of all, the patient is examined by a doctor. He conducts an anamnesis on the basis of patient complaints, checks the mobility of the cervical spine. Palpation reveals large growths in the advanced stage of the disease.

Hardware diagnostics include the following activities:

• radiography;
• CT scan;
• Magnetic resonance imaging.

Bony growths in the picture of MRI

The clearest picture is given by the radiograph. With the help of CT and MRI, the condition of soft tissues, nerves and bone structures is clarified.

Neurological diagnostics is also required to determine the state of the spinal cord and nerve roots.

Electro-neurology is performed to study the degree of conduction and the integrity of nerve fibers.

In addition, we recommend:

• Deforming spondylosis of the lumbar spine
• Causes of spondylosis in the lumbosacral spine

If the osteophytes of the spine were identified during the examination, the treatment should consist of a set of measures. All approaches can be divided into two main categories: conservative and radical. Separately, traditional medicine is allocated, which is more aimed at preventing the further development of the disease and its recurrence after traditional therapy.

Conservative approach

At the initial stages it is enough to conduct traditional therapy, which includes taking medications, physiotherapy and manual therapy.

To eliminate osteophytes of the cervical spine, the treatment is organized in this way:

• Drug therapy. For the treatment of osteophytes, anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics are prescribed to relieve pain, local antispasmodics. Minerals and muscle relaxants are of particular importance. To restore the cartilaginous tissue prescribed nicotinic acid, as well as other vitamins of group B. For the spine, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus will be useful. For the normalization of blood circulation ointments and creams with a warming effect are used.
• Physiotherapy. To accelerate the process of recovery and stimulation of regenerative processes, electrophoresis or an acoustic laser can be prescribed.
• Manual therapy. This includes therapeutic massages, as well as more radical methods of action. Including you may need to align the posture. As an auxiliary measure, it will be useful to wear an orthopedic collar.

Soft orthopedic collar

• Physiotherapy. Without moderate physical activity and regular exercise, it is impossible to maintain the health of the musculoskeletal system. To restore the mobility of the cervical vertebrae, a special set of exercises is prescribed.

Earlier we already wrote how to get rid of the marginal bony growths of the vertebral bodies and advised to add the article to the bookmarks.

Folk methods

Despite the fact that it is hardly possible to eliminate osteophytes of the spine independently, treatment with folk remedies is also often used. Basically, it is focused on maintaining the main therapy and relieving the pain syndrome.

The most actual recipes are:

• Tincture of elderberry. On a glass of boiling water - a spoonful of grass. Leave to insist on a water bath and take on a half portion 4 times a day.
• Broth of hawthorn. On a glass of boiling water - 1 spoon with a hill of hawthorn flowers. A permanent drink is taken 50 ml each 30 minutes before meals.
• Potato peeling. Potato sprouts pour vodka and insist 2 weeks in the dark. Then rub the neck with this medicine.

Potato sprouts are used to treat various joint problems

• Ointment for joints. For the removal of pain and inflammation, the following composition is perfectly suitable: natural sunflower oil (unrefined), propolis, beeswax, bay leaf and chamomile. Ingredients are mixed in a water bath and used as an ointment.

It is recommended to coordinate the application of these methods with your doctor in advance.

Surgery

If the growths provoked the development of such a disease as spondylosis, here one can not do without radical measures. The growth of osteophytes is treated as follows:

• Laminotomy. Expansion of space in the bone plate, limiting the spinal canal.
• Foraminotomy. Increase the distance between adjacent vertebrae, which reduces pressure on the nerve roots.
• Laminectomy. Removal of the protective bone plate, complete or partial.
• Fasectomy. The facet joint affected by osteophytes is removed.

Principle of laminectomy

After the operation, there is a risk of relapse. In addition, the following complications may occur:

• infection;
• pain in the spine;
• instability of the spinal column;
• damage to the spinal cord.

Preventive measures

In order for osteophytes in the cervical section not to turn your life into anguish, it is necessary to prevent spondylosis. To do this, follow these guidelines:

• Watch your posture. Do not slouch and keep your head straight.
• Normalize physical activity. Do not overload the spine and take breaks for rest.
• Stretch your neck. With a sedentary lifestyle and general health, you need from time to time throughout the day to do simple exercises for warming up the spine.
• Normalize the food. Add to the diet useful minerals and vitamins, reduce the amount of salt, give up harmful food and alcohol.
• Watch your weight. In fat people, the propensity to form osteophytes is much higher because of the increased stress on the spine and metabolic disorders.

Regularly perform exercises to warm your neck

Watch your health and do not ignore anxious symptoms. The earlier to treat osteophytes, the more chances for complete recovery.

A source: http://MoyPozvonok.ru/bolezni/spondilez/sposoby-lecheniya-osteofitov-sheynogo-otdela-pozvo/

Osteophytes of the spine and their treatment

Back and joint health »Miscellaneous

Bony growths of the bodies or processes of the vertebrae are called osteophytes. They have the form of tubercles, hooks, thorns, cause compression of the nerve roots and vertebral vessels, lead to impairment of motor activity in the spinal column.

The disease is often found in patients after 60 years as a result of natural involutional changes in bone tissue. In recent years, the pathological process tends to "rejuvenate" - osteophytes of the spine are diagnosed in patients of working age (40-50 years).

Classification of osteophytes

Bony growths of the spine may be located in one of its divisions, leak asymptomatically or cause clinical manifestations depending on the lesion of one or another anatomical structure of the vertebra, arise due to various reasons.

On localization, the osteophytes of the spine are divided into the following types:

• front - affect the front parts of the vertebral bodies, often form in the thoracic spine, rarely cause pain and compression of the neuromuscular bundles;
• the posterior ones are located on the posterior surfaces of the vertebral bodies, affecting primarily the cervical region spine, cause intense pain syndrome as a result of compression of the nerve roots and vertebrates arteries;
• anterolateral - are located on sites with the greatest pressure and degenerative changes of intervertebral discs, have the form of "beak" and horizontal direction, can affect several vertebrae and fuse between by yourself.
• posterolateral - appear in the cervical spine, point toward the vertebral canal, can squeeze the spinal cord.

Schematic comparison of a healthy spine and deforming spondylosis of the spinal column

Depending on the cause of the pathological process, osteophytes are:

• post-traumatic - appear after fractures of the vertebral bodies or processes, cracks in the periosteum, resulting in excessive overgrowth of the bone callus;
• degenerative-dystrophic - are the result of deforming spondylosis, osteochondrosis, which are characterized by a violation of metabolic processes in vertebrae and intervertebral discs;
• periosteal - develop near joints prone to intense physical overload and inflammatory processes;
• Massive - represent marginal bony growths in the form of a "peak which appear in the result of malignant neoplasms of the spinal column or metastases from the dairy and the prostate glands;
• endocrine and neurogenic - are formed against the background of hormonal imbalance in the body and severe damage to the nervous system.

Osteophytes are prone to slow progression and cause persistent organic and functional impairment of the affected vertebrae.

Clinical picture

Osteophytes for a long time are asymptomatic and can be detected in the diagnosis of other diseases. Bony formations located in different parts of the spinal column cause symptoms of varying severity and differ in possible complications.

Osteophytes of the cervical spine

The vertebral column in the cervical region has great mobility, making head turns and inclinations.

It is characterized by fragility of the vertebrae and narrow intervertebral fissures, which contributes to the vulnerability of cartilaginous tissue in this department.

In the neck area there are neurovascular bundles that feed the brain and innervate the underlying areas of the body.

The clinical picture is characterized by headaches in the occipital region, dizziness, dizziness visual acuity, tingling sensation and weakness in the upper extremities, ringing in the ears, restriction mobility of the neck.

Intensive pain syndrome with nausea and vomiting indicates a sharp increase in intracranial pressure.

Osteophytes of the thoracic spine

The thoracic part of the spinal column is the least mobile, so the bony growths in this department cause clinical manifestations rather late.

Sometimes the first symptoms of the disease appear when forming the complete immobilization of the affected vertebrae.

Most often, front osteophytes are formed, which do not cause compression (compression) of the neurovascular bundles and spinal cord.

Photo of osteophytes of the spine

Osteophytes of the lumbar spine

The lumbar spine is characterized by moderate mobility, large vertebrae, rich in the vascular and nervous network, which nourishes and innervates the lower limbs, organs of the small pelvis.

With the development of bone growths in this area, dull pain in the lower back appears with prolonged walking and standing, the intensity of the pain syndrome decreases after rest.

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Unpleasant sensations can radiate (spread) in the leg, groin, along the spine.

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Sometimes there is numbness and decreased strength in the lower extremities, violated pelvic functions (urinary and fecal incontinence) due to compression of the nerve roots.

Predisposing factors are heredity, sedentary lifestyle against a high calorie diet, eating disorders, flat feet, changing the correct posture.

Diagnostics

At the first manifestations of the osteophyte of the spine, it is necessary to go to a medical institution for a doctor's consultation and a comprehensive examination.

The doctor collects an anamnesis (history) of the disease, finds out the patient's complaints, spends the feeling of the spine, checks neurological reflexes.

When manual examination of the spinal column, only large bone outgrowths can be found in the form of solid formations on the vertebrae. To clarify the diagnosis appoint instrumental methods of examination.

1. Radiography of the spine (RG) is an informative and accessible method for detecting osteophytes using X-rays, which is performed on the first stage of the diagnostic examination, bone growths look like additional formations of varying size and shape along the edges vertebrae.
2. Electroencephalography (ENMG) - allows to reveal the conductivity of nerve fiber and the degree of its organic damage in the pathology section.
3. Computed Tomography (CT) is a study based on X-ray spine radiation with computerized data processing, which gives more accurate results.
4. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - detection of abnormalities in bone and soft tissues, compression of the neurovascular bundles and spinal cord by means of radio waves.

Yellow arrows indicate osteophytes of the spine on the roentgenogram

Through the examination, the doctor establishes a diagnosis and prescribes conservative or surgical methods of therapy.

Therapeutic tactics

Treatment of osteophytes of the spine should begin at the early stages of the development of the pathological process.

It should be remembered that bone formations can be removed with the help of surgical intervention, and conservative methods of therapy prevent the progression of the disease and improve the overall condition.

Therefore, the earlier treatment is started, the more favorable the prognosis for recovery, maintenance of full motor activity and ability to work.

Conservative therapy includes:

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• analgesics (tetralgin, tramal retard, renangan) - relieve pain, normalize sleep, reduce muscle spasm, improve overall health;
• NSAIDs (naproxen, voltaren, diclofenac) - have anti-inflammatory effect, reduce swelling of tissues in the vertebral canal, cause analgesic effect;
• means for the normalization of trophic tissue (nicotinic acid, B vitamins, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium) - improve metabolic processes in the vertebrae, muscular backbone, nerve roots;
• local effect on the pathological focus with the help of ointments, creams, gels (finalgon, diklak-gel, kapsikam) - possesses warming, irritating, analgesic effect, is used in parallel with tableted and injectable preparations;
• physiotherapy (UVT and HILT therapy) - the impact on the spine of shock wave energy and laser, which improves the regeneration of cartilage and stops the formation of osteophytes;
• massage and manual influence - improve the blood circulation of the spinal tissues, relax the muscles, normalize metabolic processes in the affected parts of the spinal column;
• exercise therapy (LFK) - the gradual buildup of the dosed physical load on the spine strengthens the muscles, ligaments, joints, normalizes the motor activity.

Operative intervention is a radical method of getting rid of osteophytes of the spine

When conservative therapy is ineffective, surgery is prescribed, in which osteophytes are removed and decompression of the neuromuscular bundles is performed. This restores the mobility of the spine and reduces the intensity of the pain syndrome.

The operation should be timely before irreversible changes occur in the nerve tissue of the roots and spinal cord.

Contraindications to surgical treatment can be severe diseases of the cardiovascular system, decompensated diabetes mellitus, hypertension of the 3rd degree of severity.

A source: http://MoyaSpina.ru/raznoe/osteofity-pozvonochnika