Inflammation of the intervertebral disc symptoms. Spondylosis and spondylodiscitis

Recently, more and more people are turning to medical institutions with complaints of pain in the spine. The cause of such disorders is very often spondylodiscitis deformans, as well as spondylosis. The diseases are characterized by changes in the vertebral area, leading to deviations in the spinal canal and intervertebral discs.

Spondylosis is a disease in which pathological bone formations form at the edges of the vertebral bodies. The disorder is a consequence of deformation of the vertebrae themselves and a complication of other back diseases. Very often, this disease is diagnosed as spondylosis deformans.

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A disease such as spondylosis deformans causes the growth of spines and protrusions on the vertebrae, causing a narrowing of the intervertebral foramen and the spinal canal. These processes are called osteophytes. Spondylosis deformans leads to limited mobility, curvature and inflammation of the entire spinal column.

Inflammation in the intervertebral discs provokes the development of other, more serious problems. Thus, one of the consequences of the development of the disease is an infectious disease - spondylodiscitis. It develops as a result of deformations occurring as a result of progressive spondylosis. Damage to intervertebral discs is more difficult, leading to atrophy bone marrow.

Diseases associated with the spine, and especially the vertebrae, are most often the result of heavy physical activity and back injuries. Therefore, the most the best prevention Regular gymnastics and avoiding heavy loads on the back area, and especially the lower back, can help.

Signs

It is quite difficult to detect spinal spondylosis or spondylodiscitis at the initial stage, since the symptoms pathological abnormalities are similar to other spinal diseases.

Only a specialist can diagnose the presence of deviations using a special medical equipment. Signs of the presence of inflammatory processes in the body may indicate the development various diseases. Therefore, in order to avoid improper treatment, the patient must undergo a full examination by a doctor and examination.

Spondylosis deformans provokes certain symptoms, depending on the stage of its development. There are three stages, each of which is more pronounced than the previous one. According to the results medical research A number of common characteristics have been identified:

manifestation painful sensations in the area of inflammation of one of the sections of the spinal column;
spread of pain to the back of the head, head and limbs;
limitation of muscle activity;
problems with spinal movements;
reflex muscle tension;
possible increase in kyphosis and lordosis.

Spondylosis leads to the accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles and spasm blood capillaries. For this reason, the most obvious symptoms, these are painful sensations and muscle contractions. With the development of the second and third stages of the disease, symptoms such as metabolic disorders throughout the body, weakness and deterioration in general health appear.

If a disease such as spondylosis deformans was not stopped by timely diagnosis and treatment, then the disease may develop - spondylodiscitis.

The symptoms of this disease are much more serious. If, after the first symptoms appear, you do not seek treatment medical care, then spondylodiscitis has an increased manifestation with progressive consequences.

In most cases, spondylodiscitis provokes symptoms:

weight loss reaching the point of anorexia;
paresis;
fever;
paralysis;
painful sensations.

Pain in this disease, in most cases, occurs in the lower back and sacral region spine. Spreading to the abdomen, thighs and buttocks. Symptoms may appear from one week to one month.

Most often, spondylodiscitis entails inflammatory and antiseptic processes. Such violations lead to very serious consequences, including the development purulent processes in the vertebrae.

Symptoms of diseases can appear in different parts of the spine, having different intensities. Each disorder has its own characteristics, however, with any pathology of the spinal column, pain in the back area is sure to occur, radiating to different parts of the body. Painful sensations affect general state body, significantly weakening it. The weakness from which the patient suffers can lead to dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, ringing in the ears, migraines and other ailments.

The consequences of spinal diseases can be very serious and lead to the development of other diseases. Therefore, as soon as the first symptoms of diseases such as spondylosis and spondylodiscitis appear, you must immediately seek help from medical specialists. A correct diagnosis facilitates and speeds up the treatment process.

Under no circumstances should you engage in self-diagnosis and self-medication when developing diseases of the spinal column. Wrong diagnosis or the method of treatment, even exercise therapy, without a doctor’s recommendation, leads to more serious disorders, even fatal outcome. The spine is the basis of the musculoskeletal system, therefore, inflammation in any part of it should be taken very seriously.

No need to treat joints with pills!

Have you ever experienced unpleasant discomfort in your joints or annoying back pain? Judging by the fact that you are reading this article, you or your loved ones have encountered this problem. And you know firsthand what it is.

Spondylitis is an inflammatory disease of the spine, which is accompanied by destruction of the vertebral bodies, damage to the joints and ligaments. The pathology occurs in 5% of cases of all diseases of the spinal column and occurs more often in male patients. Not timely treatment spondylitis leads to deformation and impairment motor activity spine. IN international classification disease of the latest release (ICD 10), the disease is assigned code M44-M49.

Causes

Spondylitis in most cases is secondary in nature - it develops against the background of other diseases. The cause of the disease is pathogenic microorganisms, which are carried through the blood or lymph into the vertebral bodies from the primary source of infection. In some cases, the disease appears against the background of aseptic inflammation (without the participation of bacteria) after injuries and autoimmune damage to the spinal column.

Depending on the nature of the infection that led to the onset of the pathological process, spondylitis can be specific or nonspecific. Specific damage to the spinal column is caused by pathogens such as tuberculosis, brucellosis, syphilis, gonorrhea, and less commonly typhoid and actinomycosis (fungi). Nonspecific inflammation of the spine develops when exposed to nonspecific pathogenic microflora - streptococcus, staphylococcus, E. coli.

Smoothing physiological bends spinal column – a consequence of spondylitis

In 40% of cases of spondylitis, the tuberculous form of the disease is registered, which occurs against the background of pulmonary tuberculosis or bone tuberculosis. Inflammation of the vertebrae can be autoimmune and non-infectious. The autoimmune process appears against the background of a predisposition to rheumatic diseases and hereditary characteristics functioning of the immune system. Non-infectious or aseptic inflammation occurs as a result of back injuries or regular overstrain of the spinal column associated with professional activities or sports.

Due to the influence of infectious and autoimmune factors, areas of necrosis (death) of bone tissue form in the vertebral body. The functioning of the intervertebral joints and ligaments is disrupted, the mobility of the spine decreases and its deformation occurs.

The affected vertebrae take on a wedge-shaped shape, which leads to compression of the spinal cord and the appearance of compression fractures. Ankylosis of the joints, the formation of osteophytes, a decrease in the elasticity of the ligaments due to the inflammatory process, leads to the formation of immobility of the spine and smoothing of physiological curves. Deformation of the spinal column and chest disrupts the functioning of the lungs and heart.

Classification

Depending on the cause of spondylitis, there are several forms of the disease, which differ in the nature of the course, as well as methods of diagnosis and treatment.

Types of specific lesions of the spinal column.

Tuberculosis (Pott's disease) - more common in childhood and adolescence, affects predominantly the cervical spine with subluxation of the atlanto-axial joints. .
Brucellosis - characterized by combined lesions of the spinal column in the lumbar region, genital area, nervous and of cardio-vascular system.
Actinomycotic– accompanied by damage to the periosteum with the formation of fistulas and the release of white exudate.
Syphilitic - occurs in the tertiary form of the disease, is localized in the cervical spine, has a chronic course, and is accompanied by the formation of leaky abscesses.
Gonorrheal – occurs against the background of a sexually transmitted infection, develops in the lumbar spine as radiculitis.

Deformation of the vertebrae causes compression of the spinal cord

Kinds nonspecific lesion spinal column.

Ankylosing (Bechterew's disease) - included in the group rheumatic diseases, often found in the background rheumatoid arthritis, leads to immobility of the spine and impaired motor activity, progressing from the lower parts of the spinal column to the upper parts.
Psoriatic – occurs against the background of severe psoriasis, which appears as an autoimmune lesion of the skin.
Reactive – occurs when the immune system is disrupted after sexual or sexual infection intestinal infection, the lumbar spine is affected in the area of the iliosacral joints.
Aseptic (Kümmel's disease) - inflammation of the vertebrae is not associated with an infectious process, but develops as a result of back injuries, which leads to necrosis of bone tissue.
Hematogenous (vertebral osteomyelitis) - occurs as a result of staphylococcal infection, which is carried into the vertebrae by blood vessels from primary foci.

Infectious and non-infectious spondylitis requires complex treatment in the early stages of the onset of the disease. Timely implementation of therapy allows you to avoid the formation of irreversible anatomical and functional consequences - deformation and immobilization of the spinal column.

Clinical picture

The main symptom of spondylitis, regardless of the cause of the disease, is pain in the area of vertebral damage. Pain syndrome intensifies when moving the spine and palpating the location of the pathological process. In the ankylosing form of the disease, back discomfort intensifies at night, which disrupts sleep and causes mental exhaustion.

Appearance of a patient suffering from spondylitis

Symptoms of infectious spondylitis:

pain in the affected part of the spine, which intensifies with movement;
redness of the skin, increased local temperature in the area of pathology;
purulent inflammation with the formation of abscesses, phlegmons and fistulas in the back;
fever, sweating, chills, loss of appetite, weight loss.

Symptoms of non-infectious spondylitis:

pain in the affected area of the spinal column, which intensifies at night and with movement;
stiffness in the spine, especially in the morning;
a feeling of stiffness appears earlier than pain;
damage to the joints of the hands and feet.

Consequences of spondylitis:

smoothness of the curves of the spinal column;
spinal deformation, changes in posture, formation of pathological kyphosis in thoracic region(hump);
compression fractures;
change in the shape of the chest, pelvic distortion;
dysfunction of the lungs, heart, and pelvic organs;
amyloidosis;
sepsis;
paralysis of limbs.

Vertebral destruction on x-ray

Spinal deformity contributes to pinched nerve roots and the development of neurological symptoms. Compression of the nerves in the cervical region leads to impaired blood supply to the brain. This causes headaches, dizziness, nausea, deterioration of visual acuity and hearing. Infringement in the thoracic region causes loss of sensitivity in the hands, the appearance of parasthesia (numbness and tingling of the fingers), muscle weakness upper limbs. Damage to the lumbar region contributes to deterioration of the sensitivity of the lower extremities, weakness in the legs, and fecal and urinary incontinence.

Diagnostics

Upon initial contact medical institution the doctor collects the patient’s complaints, finds out the possible cause of the disease, conducts an objective examination of the pathology site, assesses the mobility of the spine and the severity of neurological symptoms. To confirm the diagnosis, laboratory and instrumental examination methods are prescribed.

General blood test - reveals signs of inflammation in the body (leukocytosis, neutrophyllosis, shift of the leukocyte formula to the left, increased ESR).
Biochemical blood test - identifies markers of inflammation (sialic acids, seromucoid, C-reactive protein, rheumatoid factor).
Serological blood test - detects antibodies to specific pathogenic microflora.
X-ray of the spine - reveals damage to bone tissue, wedge-shaped destruction of the vertebrae, and the formation of compression fractures.
Computed tomography (CT) – with high accuracy determines the site of vertebral destruction and is prescribed in complex diagnostic cases.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - allows you to identify the pathological process in the vertebrae, intervertebral discs, soft tissues (ligaments, muscles, nerve roots).
A vertebral biopsy in the affected area helps to clarify the cause of the disease and monitor the treatment of the pathology.

Deformation of the vertebrae in the lower parts of the spinal column on MRI

In seronegative autoimmune diseases, inflammatory changes are usually not detected in the blood. Diagnosis is carried out according to clinical data and instrumental methods examinations.

Treatment tactics

Spondylitis is treated with conservative methods. In advanced cases of the disease with destruction of the vertebrae and spinal deformity, it is prescribed surgical intervention. Drug therapy can be supplemented folk remedies to improve the effectiveness of treatment.

Conservative treatment of the disease includes:

non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have an anti-inflammatory effect, reduce body temperature, eliminate pain - nimesulide, ibuprofen, movalis, diclofenac;
steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (glucocorticoids) have a powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect - metipred, prednisolone, kenalog;
broad-spectrum antibiotics (fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins) to destroy pathogenic bacteria - ceftriaxone, norfloxacin, cefixime;
infusion solutions to reduce body intoxication - isotonic solution, glucose, Ringer's solution;
herbal mixtures based on calendula, wild rosemary, calamus root and licorice;
physiotherapy to normalize blood flow, metabolism and increase the healing abilities of tissues - electrophoresis with novocaine, phonophoresis with hydrocortisone, UHF;
back massage to relax spasmed muscles, improve blood flow and nourish the spine.

Balneotherapy is prescribed in recovery period illnesses

If ineffective conservative treatment And severe course pathologies with the occurrence of abscesses and purulent deposits, surgery is prescribed. Pus and areas of necrotic tissue are removed, and the destroyed vertebrae are restored using implants. During the period of subsidence of the acute process, sanatorium treatment is recommended spa treatment using balneotherapy (healing with mineral waters).

Spondylitis is an inflammatory disease of the vertebrae, which is accompanied by their destruction and deformation of the spinal column. Treatment for early stages illness leads to recovery. The progression of the pathology causes anatomical and functional disorders of the spine, deterioration of motor function and leads to the development of disability.

All of the above leads to spondylitis. Spondylitis is an inflammation, later with deformative processes in the spine and destruction of the vertebrae themselves.

Spondylitis is divided into two types, specific (infectious in nature) or nonspecific.

The classification of specific spondylitis includes tuberculous, less often gonorrheal, typhoid, actinomycotic, brucellosis and syphilitic origin. Accordingly, their development is directly related to the original source of the lesion.

Nonspecific are: rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, Reiter's syndrome, gout and pseudogout, ankylosing spondylitis (Bechterew's disease) and in some cases purulent spondylitis.

Purulent spondylitis

The current ecology, the wrong way of life, genetic abnormalities– this is a small part of the factors that lead to inflammation of the spine. On this moment The purulent form of spondylitis is little known to most doctors and therefore mistakes are made when making a diagnosis. Unfortunately, this factor is fatal, although the disease is curable.

Risk group

The group most susceptible to this type of disease is age category from 20 to 40 years. The following factors can provoke it:

Symptoms

The main symptom is limited pain in the spinal column, which covers 2-3 segments. Over time, the pain will increase from moderate to unbearable, thereby the patient loses the ability to move.

The diagnosis is made on the basis of X-ray data, general urine and blood tests, blood culture, puncture biopsy and computed tomography. Based on the diagnosis, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory therapy are prescribed.

Complications

Against the background of purulent spondylitis, other diseases often appear, also associated with inflammatory processes in the structure of the spine:

compression radicular syndrome - detected in a quarter of cases, against the background of purulent osteomyelitis;
osteomyelitis of high craniospinal concentration involving the condyles of the occipital bone.
development of torticollis with immobility of the head or Grisel syndrome (timely treatment with antibiotics for at least four weeks is necessary; if it worsens, surgical intervention is prescribed);
epidural abscess, affects from 4 to 40% of patients with purulent osteomyelitis, in acute form surgical intervention is necessary.
a sluggish inflammatory process in the epidural and subarachnoid plane, occurs in poorly treatable purulent spondylitis, which ultimately leads to lameness and disability of the patient.

Tuberculous spondylitis

A provocateur of this disease is Koch's wand. Having entered the spine through the blood, it grows and multiplies there for several years absolutely asymptomatically. The vertebrae are destroyed one by one and seem to melt, then the intervertebral disc is affected, all cavities are filled with pus.

Risk group

People get sick with this form of spondylitis:

people with oncological diseases and undergoing hormonal therapy;
children, adolescents and adults with chronic diseases;
patients with disorders of the endocrine system;
patients who have undergone organ transplantation;
as well as those who live surrounded by unhealthy epidemiological influences or in unsanitary conditions.

There are three types of this inflammation of the spine: cervical, thoracic, lumbosacral.

Symptoms

Symptoms are pain in the chest, cough, with sputum mixed with blood, malaise, weakness, fatigue, confusion, headaches, nausea, temperature 37-37.5.

If the diagnosis is not made in a timely manner, the following symptoms occur:

severe pain in the spine;
spinal deformity;
inflammation in the cervical region leads to loss of consciousness, dizziness and heaviness when walking;
with damage to the thoracic region - numbness of the hands, pain when deep breath and tingling;
in the lumbosacral zone there is a dysfunction of the intestinal and genitourinary system, pain, numbness and tingling of the lower extremities.

Triad sweat syndrome manifests itself in an even more advanced form:

abscess;
hump formation;
complete failure motor functions arms and legs.

Diagnostics

general tests (blood and urine);
glucose test;
biochemical tests;
proteinogram;
immunoglobulin study;
rheumatological tests;
radiography;
CT scan;
MRI and ultrasound examination of the spine.

Treatment

Rifampicin; Isoniazid; Streptomycin; Diclofenac; Meloxicam; Lornoxicam; Ibuprofen; Nimesulide; Prednisolone; B vitamins and Neurobion. If the patient is treated incorrectly or untimely, death is possible.

Brucellous spondylitis

This type of spondylitis occurs due to contact with pets. The disease is associated with professional activities - veterinarians, shepherds and farmers are most often exposed to this type of inflammation.

The microorganism Brucella is transmitted by air, food and contact. It affects the musculoskeletal, nervous and other systems of the human body. The disease is not infectious. The period of intensive formation is from 2 weeks to 2 months. At this time, the patient suffers from headaches, anemia, sweating, lymphopenia, lymphocytosis and monocytosis.

Treatment

During the period of recurrent course, purulent foci form in the joints, muscles, bones and ligaments. Brucellous spondylitis is treated primarily with antibiotics, but if it becomes chronic, treatment must be carried out in a hospital infectious diseases department. The disease affects two or more vertebrae, mainly the lumbar region, less often the cervical region, and manifests itself during movement and even at rest.

Often, complications associated with spinal destruction are not observed. The inflammatory process goes away after a few months; of course, residual effects are possible in the form of painful or limited mobility of a person.

This type of spondylitis can develop in anyone. Most often it affects people with weakened immune systems, after organ transplantation or other surgical interventions, as well as in the presence of malignant tumors.

Fungi are the cause of inflammation of the spine:

Candida;
Cryptococci;
Actinomycetes;
Echinococcus (carried by cats, dogs, foxes).

Treatment

Treatment includes the administration of antifungal drugs. In case of complications, surgical intervention is required to remove cysts growing in the body of the spine and beyond. Before and after surgery, the drug Albendazole is prescribed, which is more effective for this disease.

Ankylosing spondylitis (ankylosing spondylitis)

Inflammation of the joints of the spine or Bechterov's disease, most often occurs at the age of one year, is asymptomatic and unnoticeable long time. The inflammatory process most often originates in the lumbosacral part and then affects the discs of the thoracic and cervical spine.

Symptoms

morning stiffness;
pain occurs in the pelvic area, buttocks and lower back;
the pain intensifies even in a resting position;
bending to the right, left and forward is very difficult, as the flexibility of the spine is lost;
loss of mobility and flexibility is also observed in the thoracic and cervical region;
redness and swelling appear in the inflamed joints;
violation respiratory function, due to limited mobility of the chest (possible development of inflammatory processes in the lungs);
in an advanced form, deformation of the spine occurs, the vertebrae fuse together, as a result the entire column resembles a curved bamboo stick, the disease also affects the heart, kidneys, lungs and eyes.

Treatment

Spondyloarthritis is treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for a long time. Of course, it is impossible to be completely cured, but it is quite possible to stop and delay the development of the disease with the help of drug treatment.

Careful diagnosis of the patient's condition, the correct integrated approach in combination with methods traditional medicine, and, if necessary, surgical intervention - help restore a person’s health and ability to work in case of inflammation of the spine.

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The information on the site is provided solely for popular informational purposes, does not claim to be reference or medical accuracy, does not

is a guide to action. Do not self-medicate. Consult your healthcare provider.

Definition

hypothermia;
spinal injury;

Symptoms

paresis or paralysis;
violation of muscle tone.

Tuberculous

Aseptic

Diagnostics

Etiological treatment

Pathogenetic therapy

Symptomatic therapy

Physiotherapeutic methods

Conclusion

The information is provided for general information only and cannot be used for self-medication.

You should not self-medicate, it can be dangerous. Always consult your doctor.

Symptoms and treatment of spinal inflammation

Inflammation of the spine is a term that most often refers to spondylitis, which occurs in a chronic form and leads to destruction and deformation of the vertebral bodies. The inflammatory process can occur in the vertebral area and when a little-studied ankylosing spondylitis occurs, which is also called ankylosing spondylitis. This group also includes osteomyelitis of the spinal column, in which the process begins in the bone marrow and then gradually moves to the vertebrae themselves.

Etiology and pathogenesis

The human vertebral bodies are well supplied with blood and because of this it is relatively easy for microorganisms to penetrate through the arteries into the vertebrae themselves and the bone marrow. In this case, the primary source of infection may be in bladder, in the prostate gland. This inflammation can most often be found in older people. No less often the cause of infection in the spine is endocarditis, infectious process in soft tissues, for example - abscesses and boils.

The source of the initial infection is usually easy to detect. Most often, osteomyelitis develops in diabetes mellitus, in those who constantly undergo hemodialysis, and in those people who take drugs intravenously. However, in some cases, the cause of infection may be spinal surgery, for example, to remove a herniated disc.

The most severe disease can be considered the one that arose with purulent osteomyelitis and purulent spondylitis. In this case, all bone tissues are damaged. And the pathogens here are most often staphylococcus, streptococcus and other microbes. The most common route of infection is hematogenous in the presence of an abscess, boil, or even sore throat, but most often this condition occurs with sepsis. In addition, the inflammatory process in the spine can begin when it is wounded, for example, by a knife or gunshot. This inflammation of the spine is called aseptic.

Specific types

Most often, inflammation of a tuberculous nature is diagnosed. In this case, one vertebra is first affected, and then the inflammation spreads to the neighboring ones. This disease is scary because after some time the tissues of the vertebrae begin to gradually atrophy, necrotize and disintegrate. All this is accompanied by swelling of the spinal cord, which is compressed by destroyed masses and purulent deposits. This leads to curvature and development of the hump.

The very first symptom is pain, which intensifies as the destructive process develops. Initially, it occurs only at night and has an unclear localization. The pain can radiate to the legs and arms, and this is often confused with neuritis or intercostal neuralgia. Gradually, the pain becomes more and more intense and the person finally goes to the doctor, where he is given a disappointing diagnosis.

What other types of inflammation of the spine exist?

Luetic spondylitis, which is a complication of syphilis.
Brucellous spondylitis.
Typhoid spondylitis.
Rheumatic spondylitis.

All these diseases have their own symptoms and diagnostic indicators. And inflammation of the cervical spine most often manifests itself in the form of arthritis. The main symptom here is pain, and the cause may be herniated intervertebral discs, the formation of an inert spur, or degenerative and age-related changes. In addition, symptoms of the disease may include a crunch in the vertebrae when turning the head, stiffness in the neck, convulsions and weakness in the arms.

Therapy

Spinal inflammation is treated with antibiotics. Among them, the drugs of choice should be cephalothin, cephaloridine, gentamicin, kanamycin. If diagnosed staphylococcal infection, then erythromycin, oleandomycin, fusidine and lincomycin are used. If the disease is severe, then 2 or even 3 drugs are prescribed simultaneously.

Strict is assigned bed rest. Modern painkillers are used to combat pain. In some cases, narcotic analgesics may also be required.

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Spondylosis and spondylodiscitis. Symptoms

Inflammation of the intervertebral discs

Diseases associated with the spine, and especially the vertebrae, are most often the result of heavy physical activity and back injuries. Therefore, the best prevention can be regular exercise and avoiding heavy loads on the back area, and especially on the lower back.

Signs

It is quite difficult to detect spinal spondylosis or spondylodiscitis at the initial stage, since the symptoms of pathological abnormalities are similar to other diseases of the spine.

Only a specialist can diagnose the presence of abnormalities using special medical equipment. Signs of the presence of inflammatory processes in the body may indicate the development of various diseases. Therefore, in order to avoid improper treatment, the patient must undergo a full examination by a doctor and examination.

Spondylosis deformans provokes certain symptoms, depending on the stage of its development. There are three stages, each of which is more pronounced than the previous one. Based on the results of medical research, a number of common signs have been identified:

manifestation of painful sensations in the area of inflammation of one of the sections of the spinal column;
spread of pain to the back of the head, head and limbs;
limitation of muscle activity;
problems with spinal movements;
reflex muscle tension;
possible increase in kyphosis and lordosis.

Spondylosis leads to the accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles and spasm of the blood capillaries. For this reason, the most obvious symptoms are pain and muscle contractions. With the development of the second and third stages of the disease, symptoms such as metabolic disorders throughout the body, weakness and deterioration in general health appear.

If a disease such as spondylosis deformans was not stopped by timely diagnosis and treatment, then the disease may develop - spondylodiscitis.

The symptoms of this disease are much more serious. If, after the first symptoms appear, you do not seek medical help, then spondylodiscitis has an intensified manifestation with progressive consequences.

In most cases, spondylodiscitis provokes symptoms:

weight loss reaching the point of anorexia;
paresis;
fever;
paralysis;
painful sensations.

Pain in this disease, in most cases, occurs in the lower back and sacral spine. Spreading to the abdomen, thighs and buttocks. Symptoms may appear from one week to one month.

Most often, spondylodiscitis entails inflammatory and antiseptic processes. Such violations lead to very serious consequences, including the development of purulent processes in the vertebrae.

Symptoms of diseases can appear in different parts of the spine, having different intensities. Each disorder has its own characteristics, however, with any pathology of the spinal column, pain in the back area is sure to occur, radiating to different parts of the body. Painful sensations affect the general condition of the body, significantly weakening it. The weakness from which the patient suffers can lead to dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, ringing in the ears, migraines and other ailments.

Under no circumstances should you engage in self-diagnosis and self-medication when developing diseases of the spinal column. An incorrect diagnosis or treatment method, even exercise therapy, without a doctor’s recommendation, leads to more serious disorders, even death. The spine is the basis of the musculoskeletal system, therefore, inflammation in any part of it should be taken very seriously.

No need to treat joints with pills!

inability to move easily and comfortably;
discomfort when going up and down stairs;
unpleasant crunching, clicking not of your own accord;
pain during or after exercise;
inflammation in the joints and swelling;
unreasonable and sometimes unbearable aching pain in the joints.

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All articles posted on the site are for informational purposes only. We strongly recommend that you, regarding application medicines and conducting medical examination contact a doctor with the required qualifications! Don't self-medicate!

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Intervertebral discs are soft tissue that connects the vertebrae and separates them from each other. It is thanks to them that a person can make movements such as turns or bends, that is, in essence, intervertebral discs are shock absorbers of our body. Discitis is an inflammation of soft connective tissue. This is enough rare disease, which, however, can occur in any person, regardless of gender and age, although discitis is extremely rare in young children.

Discitis is usually diagnosed in people who have undergone spinal surgery. This occurs when there is a violation of asepsis. Pathogenic microflora enters the tissue, which penetrates the vertebral tissues and joints, causing an inflammatory process.

Discitis is not a dangerous disease that usually resolves without complications for the spine and without harming the human neurological system.

There are several types of discitis: septic, infectious, lumbar and osteomyelitis discitis.

Symptoms

Symptoms may vary depending on the type of discitis. However, there are a number of signs that are characteristic of each form of the disease. The main symptom is the appearance of sharp acute pain in the back, which occurs against the background of a feverish state of a person and elevated temperature bodies. At the same time, the person has difficulty making the simplest movements and practically cannot walk. There is a lack of appetite and increased sweating.

With osteomyelitis discitis, bone tissue is damaged, which can cause paralysis.

Treatment

Treatment of discitis is multi-stage. The patient must be immobilized, since in a state of complete rest and in horizontal position it is easier for the body to fight infection, and it is easier for the spine to restore its original structure. For treatment it is necessary to undergo a course of antibacterial therapy. If the cause of discitis is an autoimmune disease, then it is necessary to fight the underlying disease with the use of anti-inflammatory and immune drugs. Within two weeks, improvement occurs, the person can begin to move, but it is necessary to wear a rigid corset.

Survey

Diagnosis of discitis is based on X-ray, CT, or MRI imaging studies. They can be carried out using contrast agent or without it.

Blood tests will show the number of white blood cells in the blood and the sedimentation rate, which needs to be monitored

Discitis (inflammation of the intervertebral discs)

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Take care of your health, do not self-medicate. If you suspect any illness, consult your doctor.

Spinal inflammation symptoms and treatment

How to treat spinal inflammation

Inflammation of the spine occurs either due to an infectious or degenerative process of the spine. Typically, the inflammatory focus affects the nerves, causing the patient to suffer from pain, impaired mobility and sensitivity. Treatment of such symptoms should not rely on own strength and folk recipes. If inflammation of the spine is not treated, it can result in a series of severe complications. Therefore, if you suspect inflammation, consult a doctor as soon as possible. After he makes an accurate diagnosis, you will be offered treatment methods that are suitable for your case.

Infectious inflammation

The spinal column is designed in such a way that it is easy for bacteria to penetrate it. The vertebral bodies receive nutrients through many capillaries from the arteries running along the line of the spine. Intervertebral discs participate in blood circulation through nearby soft tissues. Before entering the vertebral area, the pathogen can infect the throat, genitourinary system and other human organs. Almost any infection becomes a risk factor. And only then, through the circulatory system, inflammation often spreads to the back. In addition, infection can occur if there is any traumatic impact on the spine.

A separate risk group includes people whose immunity is significantly weakened. Here, any infectious disease threatens to quickly spread to the spine area.

In some cases, it happens that due to insufficiently sterile instruments and surroundings, medical errors the inflammatory process begins after surgery. The diagnosis is made depending on what type of bacteria caused the inflammation, what accompanying symptoms are and what part of the spine is affected. Often a detailed diagnosis takes quite a long period and a lot of effort from the doctor.

Aseptic inflammation

Aseptic inflammation of the spine occurs if the inflammatory process is not called an infection. In addition to bacteria, there are two types of sources of inflammation: degenerative-dystrophic and autoimmune.

Degenerative-dystrophic

Due to various degenerative-dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs, clamps of nervous tissue and other types of tissue occur. The bone bodies of the vertebrae begin to wear away due to the fact that the intervertebral discs no longer keep them from doing so. As a result, inflammation begins intervertebral disc. Degenerative-dystrophic inflammation occurs for the following reasons:

Poor nutrition and excess weight. If the human body does not receive enough of the necessary substances every day, cartilage may begin to dry out and lose its elastic properties;
Physical tension, sudden movements. If a person constantly sits or, on the contrary, carries heavy loads and gets tired, the back muscles may no longer be able to withstand, and the vertebrae will put excessive pressure on the intervertebral discs;
Metabolic disorders. If the metabolism has changed, the cartilage tissue may again stop receiving everything necessary substances. This usually occurs later in life, in women often due to hormonal changes during menopause;
Traumatic effects. Occurs when a vertebra or intervertebral disc is damaged. Violated normal distribution loads on the back, and tissue clamps occur.
Curvature of the spine, displacement of the vertebrae. Normally, the vertebrae are positioned so that they do not touch each other. But if the position of the bone bodies has changed, they can deform each other and nearby tissues, including nervous ones.

Protrusions and hernias are an extreme degree of development of degenerative-dystrophic pathologies cartilage tissue. Normally, the intervertebral disc consists of a soft nucleus pulposus and a dense fibrous ring around it. If the pressure of the bone on the cartilage becomes too much, the disc first bulges (protruses) and then the annulus fibrosus can rupture, causing a herniation. When the disc lining ruptures, the pulp comes out and pinches the nerves. Severe inflammation begins.

You may also be interested in: spinal neuroma.

Autoimmune

In autoimmune diseases, the body sends white blood cells to fight its own cells. For example, with ankylosing spondylitis (ankylosing spondylitis), the body contains a gene due to which, after contact with an infection, the cartilage tissue of the intervertebral discs begins to appear to the body as an infection. It destroys it, and instead of cartilage tissue it grows bone tissue. As a result, the spine ceases to be able to move, and the patient freezes in one position, losing the ability to turn and bend the body. The disease is accompanied by inflammation and pain.

Symptoms

The clinical picture of the pathology will depend to a large extent on what causes the inflammation and how it proceeds. If this is an infectious inflammation, what type of pathogen is it? If aseptic - what nerve roots are clamped, which vertebrae are affected, the innervation of which organs and muscle groups is impaired. Infectious pathogens usually trigger the inflammatory process very quickly. Aseptic inflammations grow more smoothly. But the symptoms are quite similar. Initially, there are manifestations of the inflammatory focus such as pain, loss of sensitivity and mobility.

The pain syndrome is localized both at the site of the deformed vertebra and in those areas that are connected to them through nervous tissue. It hurts more during movements, especially sudden ones - coughing, sneezing, laughing.

When the nerves are damaged or under pressure, a symptom such as loss of sensitivity, a feeling of “running goosebumps” becomes common - the area associated with the damaged part of the spine becomes numb. After the patient has not shown any physical activity for a long time (working while sitting or sleeping), a feeling of stiffness appears in the back, which disappears only if he moves for a while.

We advise you to read: why your back goes numb

How severe the symptoms will be depends on the source of the inflammation and how much it has progressed. The spinal cord is located in the spine, and it itself is a place where nerve roots accumulate, so sometimes it starts to hurt where you don’t expect it. Often pain in the cervical region radiates to the arms, pain in the thoracic region is mistaken for heart problems, and when the lumbar region is affected, the legs begin to hurt. Sometimes it seems to the patient that there is no connection between such radiating pain and back health. Therefore, if you experience severe pain, you should quickly visit a doctor, who will make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Treatment

An inflamed spine should be treated taking into account the details of the diagnosis. Any inflammation can result in serious complications. Therefore, only a qualified specialist who can prescribe the appropriate treatment method can decide on treatment and medications:

Antibiotics - prescribed if the cause of inflammation is an infection. If it is possible to identify specifically which organism caused the infectious inflammation, specific antibiotics are recommended. If this cannot be determined, antibiotics that act on a large number of known infectious agents;
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that are used to reduce inflammation and reduce pain. But this treatment is often largely symptomatic. Drugs such as Diclofenac and Ibuprofen are popular among the people, but you still cannot rely entirely on them if you, without getting a doctor’s opinion, decide that you have inflammation or a pinched nerve.
Immunosuppressants. If the body directs the forces of the immune system against itself, modern medicine offers immune suppressants. Thanks to this, it is possible to prevent the active death of healthy cells, but of course, such therapy has a large number of side effects. And the body may find itself without protection.
Surgical intervention. In diseases such as osteomyelitis, suppuration inside the vertebrae is often drained by a surgeon. Intervertebral hernia also requires surgery in most cases. But in general, the surgeon intervenes only if it is initially impossible to cure the disease with conservative methods. Or, if during long period symptoms persist and treatment without surgical intervention does not give results.

If you feel back pain, you cannot decide on your own, for example, about compresses or warming ointments. So, in most cases, inflammation cannot be treated with heat in the first two days - and many folk recipes are guilty of similar advice.

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Inflammation of the spine

Inflammation of the spine (spondylitis) is an inflammation of the nerve endings that causes deformation of the bone marrow plates of the spine. Spondylitis is divided by doctors into two main types:

Specific spondylitis. The disease is based on various infections, including tuberculosis.
Nonspecific spondylitis. It can manifest itself in a sick person solely as a result of ankylosing spondylitis.

Inflammation of the spine: main symptoms of disease development

The main symptom, which throughout the course of the disease will bring discomfort to the sick person, is pain in the affected area of the spine. As for the intensity of pain, it can be very diverse. The discomfort may be slightly noticeable. In some cases, the pain may become unbearable. Almost always, pain with spondylitis is characterized by aching sensations in the affected area. The pain may become noticeably stronger with any strain on the back. A sick person will find it difficult to perform the most basic physical exercise(for example, bending to the sides). This occurs due to decreased movement in the spine and spinal region. You should pay attention to the fact that each person’s spine has its own physiological curves. During the active development of the disease, all these bends are leveled out, which in turn leads to the fact that the sick person develops constant tension in the back and a persistent feeling of fatigue. If the disease has a specific form, the patient may experience a noticeable increase in body temperature, which results in a feeling of weakness. In some cases, an increase in body temperature may be accompanied by chills and increased drowsiness.

May be involved in the inflammation process spinal nerves, possible progression of numbness skin. Partial or complete loss of sensation in some areas of the body is possible. Plus, patients experience muscle spasms.

If a potential patient has all the symptoms indicating that he may be actively developing spondylitis, he should contact a medical facility for diagnosis as soon as possible. He may be assigned general analysis blood. Thanks to this analysis, today it is possible to find out whether there is inflammation in the body. In addition, the patient may be prescribed a biochemical blood test. Just like a regular blood test, it shows whether there are possible inflammatory processes in the body. But in this case, the diagnosis will be more accurate, and the patient will be able to receive the most accurate diagnosis, and then, if necessary, prescribe treatment appropriate to his disease.

An X-ray of the spine can detect areas of inflammation.

In addition to everything, carrying out such a procedure allows the attending physician to accurately find out the size of the inflammation and its exact location. This will provide the opportunity to carry out targeted treatment, which acts strictly on the source of inflammation located on the spine. Computed tomography can also be used to determine the development of the disease (or its absence). This method is considered to be the most effective for diagnosing spondylitis. In order for the doctor to find out the exact cause of the disease, the patient is prescribed a biopsy followed by microscopy.

During the study, the attending physician will name the exact cause of the development of spondylitis. Next, preliminary treatment will be prescribed for disorders in the functioning of the body that caused the development of of this disease. And then - treatment of spondylitis itself.

Treatment of spinal inflammation can only be effective if it is comprehensive. One of the main methods of treatment is the use of specialized medications. As a rule, non-steroidal drugs are most often used to treat an inflamed spine, the action of which is aimed at stopping the inflammatory processes. In this case, the pain syndrome must be relieved, causing the patient discomfort, due to which he cannot lead a relatively full life.

Patients may be prescribed medications:

Solutions. They are prescribed when there is a need to reduce intoxication, as well as to reduce body temperature. Quite often, patients are given intravenous sodium chloride solution and Ringer's solution.
Antibiotics. As such medications, the patient may be prescribed drugs such as Ofloxacin, Levofloxacin and others that have an aseptic effect.
Corticosteroids. Thanks to the use of such drugs, the process of spinal restoration is noticeably accelerated. This reduces the swelling of tissues affected by the disease. The development of the disease is characterized by a deterioration in the metabolic process. The use of corticosteroids normalizes such processes, reducing possible deviations to a minimum.

To prevent the development of recurrent disease, the patient may be prescribed spa treatment. To do this, he will have to visit a number of doctors in order to receive the appropriate referral to the resort, where he will undergo the necessary treatment for spondylitis. If the disease is more severe, the patient may be prescribed several medications at once. But this happens quite rarely. An integral part of the treatment of spinal inflammation is therapeutic physical training. Daily physical exercise will help restore your posture to a normal position. Physical education actively contributes to the development of flexibility of the vertebral joints. Thanks to an even posture, the patient has every chance of avoiding possible development various complications, which can be caused by spondylitis. It is necessary to do therapeutic exercises every day for half an hour. After some time it will decrease significantly functional impairment joints.

To relieve pain, you should periodically massage your back, after consulting with your doctor. This procedure should only be carried out by a specialist, since otherwise the patient’s condition can only worsen. Warming procedures are of no small importance in the treatment of inflammation of the spine. By warming up damaged muscles or joints, the feeling of pain is significantly reduced. In addition, other symptoms of the disease that the patient may suffer from become less noticeable.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKRmxsZlYC4 Warm baths have a particularly good effect on the body. During the bathing process, the patient's body relaxes. This helps reduce the feeling of pain that haunts patients throughout the disease.

In particularly severe cases of the disease, the only possible solution is surgery.

Symptoms and treatment of spinal inflammation

Inflammation of the spine - this concept contains wide range diseases. Each of these pathological processes has its own risk factors, causes of development, and diagnostic features. Based on these data, it seems possible to prescribe adequate step-by-step treatment.

Definition

Spondylitis is an inflammatory disease of the spinal column, which is characterized by the primary destruction of the vertebral bodies and leads to deformation of the spine. According to etiology, it happens:

specific (spinal tuberculosis, syphilis, brucellosis, psoriasis);
nonspecific (secondary hematogenous spondylitis);
rheumatological (Bechterew's disease and others systemic diseases connective tissue);
aseptic (trauma) nature.

The cervical, thoracic, and lumbosacral regions may be affected.

hypothermia;
spinal injury;
genetic predisposition;
deficiency of immune system components;
the presence of foci of chronic infection.

These factors can serve as an additional trigger for the development of any of the listed spondyloarthritis. The most common options are: tuberculosis, ankylosing spondylitis, aseptic and bacterial.

Symptoms

Inflammation of the spine, the symptoms of which are varied, will be discussed below. It is quite difficult to distinguish it from osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, lumbosacral radiculitis and other diseases of the spinal column.

For all inflammatory processes in the spine, common symptoms can be identified. At first, patients complain of pain in the affected area. The pain can vary in intensity, most often aching in nature. As a rule, it bothers the patient constantly and intensifies with increasing intensity of physical activity. An exception would be hematogenous or purulent spondylitis, in which the pain can be acute, its intensity will increase over time, as purulent inflammation spreads to the surrounding tissues.

Another constantly progressive symptom will be limited mobility of the spinal column, especially the lumbosacral region. Patients complain that they can no longer make movements, bends, and turns with the same amplitude. Smoothing of physiological curves, as a result of prolonged inflammation, leads to a feeling of constant fatigue in the back.

As with osteochondrosis, the spinal nerves can be involved in the process, and inflammation of the roots occurs, which leads to the appearance of neurological symptoms:

paresthesia, tingling sensation, crawling on the skin;
complete loss of sensitivity;
paresis or paralysis;
vegetative suffers nervous system(similar to the clinic of thoracic osteochondrosis);
violation of muscle tone.

With specific and nonspecific spondylitis, body temperature rises, patients quickly get tired, complain of headaches, the skin in the affected area turns red, and swelling may appear. This will not happen with osteochondrosis. If there is a delay in seeking medical help, a septic condition and further death may develop.

Osteochondrosis stands apart. This is a degenerative-destructive process and is the result of a metabolic disorder of cartilage tissue. Damage to the lumbosacral spine is more common with this pathology. The sacrum itself or the chest in isolation is rarely affected.

Ankylosing spondylitis or ankylosing spondylitis

It belongs to the group of rheumatological diseases. The main risk factor is the presence of the HLA B27 antigen in a person. This disease most often affects young men. The reason for its development is a disruption of the immune system and, as a result, an autoimmune reaction develops and the body perceives its cells as foreign. The pathology covers the joint capsules and tendons along with the ligaments that are nearby. In most cases, the sacroiliac joints and intervertebral joint are affected. All this leads to the previously described symptoms, as well as increased body temperature and fatigue.

Tuberculous

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Koch's bacillus) is the causative agent of the disease. The primary place where the inflammatory process occurs in tuberculosis is the lungs. Then, through the bloodstream, mycobacteria are spread to absolutely all organs and systems, including the vertebral bodies. After entering a vertebra, Koch's bacillus grows and multiplies, gradually melting the vertebral bodies. This may take up to two years. After the vertebra melts, the infection causes inflammation of the intervertebral disc, an abscess (a cavity that contains pus) is formed in its place and then the bodies of the next vertebrae are covered. Tuberculous spondylitis with typical damage to the vertebrae is most often observed in children.

Aseptic

In this case, sterile (there are no pathological microorganisms in the affected area) inflammation occurs. Aseptic inflammation of the spine is observed with injuries. It is erroneous to say that aseptic (sterile) inflammation of the spine is inflammation of osteochondrosis. With osteochondrosis there is no inflammation.

Diagnostics

When diagnosing the causes of spondylitis, it is very important to follow a step-by-step and comprehensive approach. You should start with an objective examination and general clinical examinations (general blood and urine tests), perform a biochemical blood test, acute phase indicators, rheumatological group, creatinine, urea. It is possible to detect the HLA B27 antigen in the body. This will greatly help to distinguish possible causes of the disease and rule out osteochondrosis of the thoracic and lumbosacral regions.

Then perform an x-ray of the disturbing part of the spine in two projections for visibility and to get an idea of the volume of the lesion. There are various functional tests with flexion and extension of the spine. Provided you are feeling satisfactorily, tests should be carried out sitting, in a horizontal position, or standing.

If the picture on radiography is not clear enough, either magnetic resonance imaging or multislice imaging is performed. computed tomography. When a systemic process is identified, examination of other organs is necessary.

Treatment of inflammatory diseases of the spine

Treatment inflammatory diseases combined and multifaceted, combines:

special motor regimen and diet;
drug therapy (etiological, pathogenetic, symptomatic);
physiotherapeutic methods of treatment ( physiotherapy, thermotherapy, therapeutic baths, massage, phonophoresis).

Etiological treatment

The first and most important stage is etiological therapy. Its task is to destroy the specific pathogen that caused the disease. The etiological treatment of spondylitis of tuberculous, gonorrheal, syphilitic, brucellosis nature, as well as secondary nonspecific bacterial spondylitis are antibacterial drugs different groups (the specific drug depends on the cause).

For fungal etiology, antibiotics are not prescribed; they are treated antifungal agents, such as Itraconazole. For osteochondrosis, psoriatic variant, ankylosing spondylitis and aseptic cases etiological treatment does not exist.

Pathogenetic therapy

Its task is to destroy the chain of pathological reactions, to solve the problem of how to relieve inflammation; it does not affect the pathogen. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have these properties. For example, Diclofenac, Revmoxicam and others, they can reduce inflammatory reaction body, their side effect is that they can cause erosions and ulcers of the gastric mucosa.

In more severe cases, hormones (corticosteroids) are used; they have a more powerful anti-inflammatory effect, suppress the immune system and are widely used in the case of autoimmune diseases (Bechterew's disease, Psoriasis). However, they have a large number of side effects: they increase blood pressure, blood sugar, promote the formation of ulcers in the digestive tract, and others.

This type of therapy is usually used both in the treatment of all spondylitis and osteochondrosis.

Symptomatic therapy

The goal is to alleviate the condition, relieve specific symptoms. In this case, painkillers (Ibuprofen, Ketanov) are used. The second goal is correction side effects other medications the patient is taking. The use of this therapy can improve the patient’s quality of life and partially or completely preserve the ability to work. Symptomatic therapy is always used in the treatment of any disease.

Physiotherapeutic methods

Massage can improve blood circulation, improve metabolic processes, helps to improve the patient's condition. Phonophoresis removes swelling of tissues, normalizing their functioning. Therapeutic baths cause muscle relaxation, which relieves pain.

Therapeutic exercises and optimization of motor mode will help improve the quality of life and improve pain threshold. Thermotherapy improves blood circulation and, as a result, reduces pain and improves condition.

Conclusion

There are many causes of inflammation of the cervical, thoracic and lumbosacral spine, and it is necessary to correctly diagnose and begin treatment. Self-medication can harm your health and cause irreversible changes. To diagnose and treat the disease, you need to see a doctor!

Back diseases and their symptoms

Back problems occur in almost every person throughout their life. And if for some the symptoms do not cause discomfort to a person, then for some, this or that back disease can cause numbness in the limbs and even deformation of the bone tissue of the spine, which ultimately ends in major complications.

The spine is a structure that consists of vertebrae. The latter, in turn, are interconnected by disks. They are responsible for cushioning and protecting the vertebrae from injury and wear. And if a vertebra is a bone formation, then a disc is a cartilaginous compound. The division of the spine is determined by 5 sections:

Most often, back diseases spread to the areas cervical area and lower back, since the load that falls on them is greater.

Symptoms

The most common complaint with which people go to the doctor is pain. Moreover, painful symptoms tend to radiate to different parts of the body, and in some cases do not in any way indicate the origin of the disease:

in the lumbar region;
in the cervical region;
nagging pain in the legs;
tingling between the shoulder blades;
numbness of the limbs (arms and legs);
cutting and sharp pain in the chest or heart area.

Other signs that may be observed when back problems occur include:

tinnitus, dizziness, migraines;
labored breathing;
kidney problems;
violation of potency;
changes in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Painful manifestations can have varying strengths, from occurring suddenly and acutely to prolonged. The frequency of symptoms of back pain can be classified as follows:

lumbar pain - often occurs after a night's sleep or prolonged stay in one position. In this case, it is important to pay attention to the prevention of intervertebral disc herniation. Diseases of the lumbar region occur more often in people young after 20 and up to 30 years;
when the pain radiates to the leg or there are signs of numbness in the limb, and pain accompanies a person when walking - this indicates intervertebral hernia advanced form and treatment must be carried out urgently;
pain in the shoulder blades (sometimes they say “the back has become a stake”) - these are symptoms of osteochondrosis in the thoracic spine;
tingling in the heart or chest definitely indicates intercostal neuralgia or thoracalgia;
if pain occurs in the foot when walking, then in this case we can talk about pathologies of the lumbar spine;
numbness of the arms, legs, and fingers are signs that accompany protrusions, vertebral hernias, and osteochondrosis. These pathologies are treated successfully, the main thing is to pay attention to the problem in time.

The normal functioning of each of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs determines the stable functioning of the spinal column as a whole. However, over time or under the influence of other factors (trauma, inflammation, congenital pathologies, infectious diseases) the spine is exposed various kinds diseases, with deformative changes, pain and impaired motor functions. There are a lot of such back diseases, but the most common of them are:

osteochondrosis;
disc protrusion;
facet joint syndrome;
spinal canal stenosis;
intervertebral disc herniation;
radiculitis;
osteoporosis;
spondylosis;
spondylolisthesis;
spondylolysis;
myelopathy;
cauda equina syndrome and others.

Back diseases can also include pathological deformities spinal column scoliosis, hyperlordosis and hyperkyphosis. Deviations may be caused genetic factor or congenital, as well as acquired due to injury or other reason.

Injuries, and most often fractures of the spinal column, are also classified as back diseases. Fractures happen due to different circumstances, among them are:

compression – this type a fracture can occur due to wear and tear of the vertebrae, even from severe cough and it often occurs in older people;
explosive ones are very dangerous, because if a fracture occurs, a vertebra can break into several fragments, this happens when falling from a height or in an accident.

A separate type of back disease can be identified various tumors– benign and malignant etiology, the metastatic nature of which also leads to destruction of the vertebrae.

Causes

In addition to trauma to the spinal column, common causes of back diseases are:

previous colds;
muscle strain in the lumbar region (this especially often happens to athletes who start training without “warm-up” exercises);
displacement of intervertebral discs (due to intense physical activity, heavy lifting);
excess weight - fat deposits put very strong pressure on the vertebrae, ligaments and muscles, especially in the lumbar area;
a sharp increase in physical activity, tumor or injury (lead to pinching and subsequent compression of nerve endings);
infectious diseases (cause inflammation and then destruction of the cartilage tissue of the intervertebral discs);
diseases of the pelvic organs and kidneys and others internal violations in organism.

Diagnostics

Periodically occurring symptoms in the back area or their prolonged course are a reason to visit a neurologist. It is with an examination by this specialist that the identification of the causes of back pain begins.

In order to determine the exact causes and type of disease, it is necessary to undergo a number of examinations:

magnetic resonance imaging - helps to identify the focus and factors painful condition In most cases;
radiography - unlike MRI, this type of study helps to detect the exact location of injury and only some of the back diseases;
electromyography - it is performed when there is a suspicion of narrowing of the spinal canal, as well as in case of spinal cord myelopathy.

Treatment

Treatment for back pain is often non-drug in nature, as tablets and other medicines can only influence pain, reducing or eliminating it altogether. However, subsequently, such insufficient treatment leads to the pathology becoming chronic, with frequent relapses or even leading to disability.

The treatment is based on a set of procedures that can influence the cause of back pain:

laser therapy;
manual gentle manipulations;
vacuum therapy;
acupuncture;
pharmacopuncture;
traction;
electrical stimulation;
magnetopuncture and other methods.

The usual course is from 10 to 15 sessions according to a specific schedule (as prescribed by a doctor). For severe acute symptoms, treatment sessions are prescribed daily.

Traditional methods for back diseases are also used, but they cannot have the desired effect on the cause, but only help relieve symptoms - pain, swelling, redness in the focal area.

Prevention

To avoid the manifestations of back diseases, you must adhere to certain rules that keep the spine healthy:

keep an eye on correct posture(both in a sitting position and when walking);
do not lift heavy things abruptly (lift with a straight back, sitting down first);
for sleeping, choose a comfortable orthopedic surface (semi-rigid) that will support the spine in the correct position;
don't overstep colds on your “legs”, and also watch your diet - do not overeat and do not get carried away with junk food;
regularly perform moderate gymnastic exercises or visit the pool, walk more often, especially up the stairs.

It is impossible to protect yourself 100% from a back injury or other problems in this area, however, by maintaining our health in order and performing simple but regular physical exercises, we thereby strengthen the spinal column and protect the vertebrae and intervertebral discs from rapid wear.

Types and factors for the development of inflammation of the spine

Inflammation is a common symptom in modern medical practice. One of the most dangerous species inflammatory processes is inflammation of the spine, as it carries a huge potential harm health. It is recorded in a number of different diseases: it can be observed both in minor damage skin, and with pathologies of bone tissue. This is a natural reaction of the body to various kinds of pathological disorders in tissues and internal organs, as well as to the penetration of pathogens.

The spine is the central hub for the distribution of nerve endings and the site of bone marrow dislocation. Any pathological change will adversely affect not only the structure of the spinal column itself, but also the functioning of the internal organs. Eg, chronic inflammation cervical spine negatively affects the functioning of the heart and creates the likelihood of developing a stroke. The inflammatory process can be infectious in nature or develop as a result of degenerative-dystrophic or autoimmune factors.

Inflammatory processes in the spine occur as a result of infection of the body by various microorganisms that penetrate through the bloodstream into the bone marrow or directly into the spinal column. The source of infection can be localized in various parts of the body, including the respiratory organs (lungs), genitourinary system (prostate gland, bladder).

Inflammation of the spine - types and features

This group of diseases includes spondylitis, osteomyelitis, and ankylosing spondylitis, also known as ankylosing spondylitis. Spondylitis is most often diagnosed, which is differentiated as specific and nonspecific. However, the spinal column is also affected by osteomyelitis.

To types of specific spondylitis includes tuberculous spondylitis, less often - typhoid, gonorrheal, syphilitic, actinomycotic and brucellous spondylitis, the name of each of which is directly related to the original source of the lesion. Rheumatoid, and in some cases hematogenous purulent spondylitis is considered nonspecific.

Osteomyelitis develops as a result of damage to the bone marrow and penetration of the infection by hematogenous route, or by direct penetration into the bone tissue from the lesion. Osteomyelitis has bacterial nature, although often the causative agent is viruses and fungi.

The most severe form of damage is considered to be purulent osteoarthritis or spondylitis, which develops as a result of staphylococcus or streptococcus, pyogenic bacteria, entering the body. In this case, the inflammatory process affects all bone tissue structures.

Inflammation of the spine - clinical picture

The disease occurs in men of any age category, but more often at the age of 20-23 years, and proceeds unnoticed, in the early stages it is practically asymptomatic, therefore it belongs to the category of insidious and hidden diseases.

Spondylitis is accompanied by limited mobility and severe pain in the affected area, as partial destruction of bone tissue occurs. The consequence of this lesion is compression of the bone marrow and nerve endings, and subsequently a disruption of the innervation of adjacent organs.

The inflammatory process, which at the beginning of the disease affected only one vertebra, gradually spreads to neighboring areas and surrounding tissues. Failure to see a doctor in a timely manner or lack of adequate treatment can lead to extremely severe consequences, as well as loss of motor activity and disability.

A special form of spondylitis is ankylosing spondylitis, which was described in detail by Bekhterev. A feature of this disease is limited mobility due to the gradual fusion of the bones of the spinal column with each other. This comes from the fact that the affected bone gradually dissolves, and the body compensates for this pathology by producing cartilaginous tissue, which connects the individual vertebrae into a single whole.

As a rule, the inflammatory process develops in the area of the lumbosacral joints, and gradually spreads upward, affecting the thoracic and later cervical sections of the spinal column. The pain syndrome becomes pronounced and constant in the area of distribution (thoracic and cervical regions), and can weaken only after taking medications.

Inflammation of the spine is accompanied by limited mobility not only in the spinal column itself, but also in the joints that connect to it. In particular, these are the temporomandibular, shoulder, and hip joints. Difficulty breathing often occurs, and slight swelling of the limbs is observed.