Unco-vertebral arthrosis of the spine

Degenerative-dystrophic lesion of vertebral column joints, characterized by premature wear and tear destruction of cartilaginous tissue, is called deforming arthrosis (osteoarthrosis or spondylarthrosis) the spine. In most cases, the development of spondylarthrosis is provoked by age-related changes and occurs in older people (60-65 years).

Structure of the spine and its functions

In the formation of the spinal column, separate, rather complicated, bones-vertebrae-participate. Each vertebra consists of the following parts:

• the body inside which is the red bone marrow;
• arc, fixed to the body with the help of two legs, thus forming a vertebral foramen. Arranged in a row, these openings become a channel in which the spinal cord passes;
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• processes (spinous, transverse and articular) - articular processes, legs and bodies of adjacent vertebrae form a channel through which the neurovascular bundle passes.

Segments of the spinal column

Five departments are distinguished in anatomical way:

1. Cervical- seven vertebrae participate in its formation, normally at the level of this site the first bend of the spine is formed (lordosis). This is the most mobile part of the spine. In the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae, there are large blood vessels involved in the blood supply to the structures of the brain.
2. Thoracic- formed by twelve vertebrae, normally curved slightly back (physiological kyphosis), along with the ribs involved in the formation of the thorax.
3. Lumbar- consists of the five most massive vertebrae, has physiological lordosis, is most susceptible to stress.
4. Sacral- Five jointed vertebrae connect the spine with the pelvic bones, finally ends up forming at the age of 25.
5. The coccygeal- is a rudiment, formed by 3-5 adherent vertebrae, in women the coccyx has mobility, to facilitate the bearing of the child and the process of birth.

Functions of the spine

The spinal column performs:

• support function, providing a vertical position of the body;
• protective - protects from damage to the spinal cord, nerves and vessels passing through the canals of the spine;
• damping, which is provided by physiological bends of bones;

Causes of development of arthrosis

Specialists identify the following causes of deforming arthrosis of the spinal column:

• middle and old age;
• excessive physical stress on various parts of the spine, related to sports or professional activities;
• congenital malformations;
• excess body weight;
• different types and degrees of flatfoot;
• presence of osteochondrosis;
• spinal trauma and chronic microtrauma.

Clinical manifestations of arthrosis

All types of arthrosis are manifested by attacks of aching pain localized in the area of ​​damaged joints, restriction of motor activity, morning stiffness of the affected spine. Severity of symptoms depends on the degree of development of the process.

Osteoarthritis of the cervical spine and its treatment

In addition to the above symptoms in cervical osteoarthritis may appear:

• painful in the neck;
• difficulty in movements in the cervical region (turns and inclinations);
• with a neglected disease, dizziness, decreased vision and "flies" before the eyes, stuffiness in the ears and discomfort in the upper part of the chest can appear.

Unco-vertebral arthrosis of the cervical spine segment is manifested by severe pain syndrome, disorders of the neuralgic character (a violation of the sensitivity of the skin), a significant restriction of movements of the cervical and upper brachial belt.

At the advanced stage of the disease, it is recommended to wear an orthopedic collar to support the spine, the use of muscle relaxants and analgesics in the form of injections and ointments.

Arthrosis of the thoracic region - treatment features

The disease is manifested by pain in the region of the scapula, which increases with tilting or turning; morning stiffness, which develops due to muscle spasm; in the case of the appearance of osteophytes, there is a disturbance in the sensitivity of the skin in the chest area due to the compression of the nerves endings.

To ease the pain syndrome, the doctor selects pain medication individually, at different stages of the disease development anti-inflammatory ointments and gels are used, a complex of exercises of therapeutic gymnastics is made and selected physiotherapy.

Lumbosacral arthrosis and peculiarities of its treatment

The pains are localized in the lumbar region and the sacrum, they are noisy, they irradiate into the buttocks and thighs and are amplified with inclinations and prolonged standing on the legs, sometimes develop muscle weakness and numbness in the gluteal and femoral region.

We use medical treatment, physiotherapy methods, wearing orthopedic corsets, if necessary, surgical intervention is prescribed.

To prevent the development of the disease, you need to adjust your diet and lifestyle, to normalize weight, to try during work and playing sports to alternate the load on the spine with periods of rest.