Polysegmental osteochondrosis of the cervical, thoracic, lumbar spine

Polysegmental spinal osteochondrosis arises in any division and affects multiple segments of the spine at the same time. This kind of pathology cause much discomfort and treated more complicated.

What is it?

Polysegmental low back pain – what is it? Understanding of the mechanism of the disease associated with the consideration of some anatomical features. The spine is a bony structure, curved in the shape of the letter S, and performs in the human body the role of the support and movement. He is represented by three divisions:

• The cervical portion;
• Chest area;
• Lumbosacral area.

Between the vertebrae is cartilaginous cloth that serves as a protective element and a power source of the bones. Due to her spinal column, it is characterised by flexibility which ensures the implementation of the main functions. In the circumstances, there occurs the destruction of the discs of the spine, reduction of cartilage and development of osteoarthritis. And polysegmental low back pain strikes two and three Department immediately.

Reasons

The specific causes of the disease have been identified. There is a list of factors, prolonged exposure to which leads to the development of polysegmental degenerative disc disease. These include the following:

• The presence of excessive body weight that places excessive pressure on the spine and its components;
• The presence of permanent loads in excess of human capabilities, which leads to wear of all structures;
• Injuries associated with the profession, for example, in different sports;
• The lack of attention to their posture and consequently the curvature of the spine (often occurs at a young age and is complicated later by the development of the disease);
• A genetic factor which involves features of the metabolism and structure of the spinal column, which can be inherited;
• The lack of required physical activity (spending long periods in one position, no load on the vertebral disks also affects the condition of the spine).

These factors can affect the spine as separately or together, causing the development of polysegmental type of degenerative disc disease. It is impossible to fully prevent the effect of these circumstances. But maintaining a healthy lifestyle, exercise, good quality diet will keep health for a long time.

Suggest to read: youthful osteochondrosis of the spine.

Symptoms

The nature of the symptoms depends on which Department is affected. The least likely to develop the pathology is considered coccygeal part of the spine because of its small size.

Polysegmental osteochondrosis of the cervical spine has the following symptoms:

• Headache;
• The impairment of the hearing function;
• Dizzy spells;
• Nausea;
• The periodic increase of arterial pressure;
• Pain in the area of the cervical portion or the lower jaw;
• Difficulty moving the neck.

Polysegmental osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine in the beginning of its development bright signs has not. Over time, the disease becomes intercostal neuralgia manifested severe pain between the ribs, cough the appearance of bronchial spasms. Due to this disease has received the name intercostal degenerative disc disease. The disease is easily confused with the development of:

• Pleurisy;
• Heart attack the heart muscle;
• Pulmonary embolism.

The emergence of polysegmental degenerative disc disease in the lumbar sacral division is expressed in painful sensations in the lumbar area and lower extremities. Ill feels numbness in the legs, swelling of the joints of the limbs. This Department is most susceptible to the development of pathological processes in comparison with other areas of the spine. This is due to the complex anatomy and functions of this Department.

The lack of the necessary therapy contributes to involvement in the pathological process of several sections of the spinal cord. There is a set of symptoms and the similarity with other diseases.

Diagnosis

The correct diagnosis is hindered by presence of various symptoms, which are inherent in the pathologies of different systems. The identification and differentiation of polysegmental degenerative disc disease is done by a doctor after the event:

• Generalbiochemical analysis of blood;
• Radiography of the spinal column;
• General analysis of urine;
• Tomography;
• Ultrasound examination;
• Doppler of blood vessels of treatments that help to see in the presence of a pinched vein or the vertebral artery, as it is fraught with violation of cerebral circulation.

All kinds of studies allow not to confuse the disease with other organ. Because it affects the effectiveness of the given therapy and the restoration of normal functions of the spine.

Treatment

After carried out the necessary examination and a diagnosis on the presence of polysegmental disease, prescribe appropriate therapy. It includes the following fields:

• The use of medications;
• Diet;
• Conducting therapeutic exercises;
• Massage;
• Physical therapy treatments;
• Manual therapy;
• Acupuncture;
• The use of traditional medicine.

The use of drugs is that a tool or several tools provided:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• Analgesics;
• Muscle relaxants;
• Cartilage protectors;
• Vasodilators.

The purpose of a diet is necessary for rapid tissue repair and that they receive the necessary substances and preserve elasticity. Therapeutic exercises performed under the supervision of a specialist. This is due to the fact that in some cases there are contraindications to exercise. Besides physiotherapy requires compliance with the implementation.

Physiotherapy involves the application of procedures such as magnetic therapy, laser treatment, and the effect of low-frequency current. Massage allows to restore circulation. There are several types depending on the technique and execution methods: spot, manual, vacuum and hardware. Acupuncture, chiropractic and traditional medicine – great additional directions to help cope with the disease.

Polysegmental spinal degeneration is a serious disease, the effectiveness of the treatment depends on the stage of the disease, the neglect of the process. The symptoms characteristic of damage to different areas, requires a mandatory visit to the doctor. Timely treatment plays a huge role in restoring the functions of the vertebral column. Because of the restriction of his mobility – a definite sign of deterioration of quality of life.