Polysegmental osteochondrosis - is osteochondrosis, which evolved in several segments of the spine. Defeat can be in several segments of a single department or segment changes may be in different parts of the spine - cervical, thoracic or lumbosacral.

What polysegmental osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis - a degenerative disease of the intervertebral discs, which eventually strikes and vertebrae. Vertebral-motor segment is called an anatomical complex, which consists of two adjacent vertebrae with ligaments and located between the intervertebral disc. When polysegmental osteochondrosis may be affected by a number of segments in a row or more segments located in different parts of the spine - cervical (C), thoracic (Th) or lumbar (L). A total of 24 spinal segments: 7 cervical, 12 thoracic and 5 lumbar. Last, the lowest segment to form the fifth lumbar vertebra and the sacrum.

From each segment depart spinal nerves that are responsible for the innervation of the different organs and tissues. Therefore, depending on which segment amazed may be different disorders.

Causes of

Reasons polysegmentary osteoarthritis such as other types and causes of the disease. It is based on inherited structural features of the spine and the metabolism in the cartilage. Contributing factors include a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, poor diet, long stay in the same position, heavy physical exertion.

Various combinations of these causes and leads to the development of osteochondrosis polysegmental.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis polysegmental

Symptoms of osteoarthritis polysegmental depend on which segments affected. Polysegmental osteochondrosis cervical spine may show different symptoms. The first two segments of the cervical intervertebral disc does not contain a segment C2 - C3 osteochondrosis rarely affected. The defeat of the spine C2 is rare and is manifested by pain and impaired sensitivity in the occipital-parietal region, malnutrition sublingual muscles and speech impairments and smell. It is not often affected and the segment C3 - C4 - C4 root infringement is accompanied by violation of the sensitivity in the collarbone and shoulder girdle, increased muscle tone, head and neck, breach of respiratory movements, hiccups, pain in the heart and the right hypochondrium.

Osteochondrosis often affects segments C5 - C6 (pain in the neck, shoulders and back of the head), C6 - C7 (impaired mobility of the shoulder, pain in the shoulders and elbows). Cervical-thoracic segment C7 T1 is affected infrequently, you may experience pain and numbness in the hands and palms, asthma, cough.

Compression of the blood vessels supplying the brain, accompanied by headache, dizziness, blurred vision, hearing, swallowing.

Polysegmental osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can be confused with other diseases . In the upper segments of the thoracic osteochondrosis rare. Degenerative disc degenerative changes are more common in segments Th4 - Th5 and below. And is characterized by chronic pain in the back. There may also appear on the type of pain intercostal neuralgia and pain, mimic heart.

Polysegmental osteochondrosis Osteochondrosis - learn how to properly distribute the weight   lumbar spine - the most common disease that can manifest bouts of acute pain in the lumbar region (lumbago), aching in the back and waist (lumbalgia). Pain may enroll in the course of the sciatic nerve - in the buttock, hamstring, the outer surface of the leg and foot.

Treatment of osteoarthritis polysegmental

Treatment polysegmental osteochondrosis should be complex and lengthy. When the acute pain appointed painkillers, but it is symptomatic treatment.

The basis of the treatment of degenerative disc disease polysegmental is the creation of a muscular corset, firmly support the spine in all its departments. For this purpose special complexes of physical therapy - physical therapy, massages (manual, vacuum, spot, hardware).

Manual therapy is applied at all stages of treatment. An experienced chiropractor can relieve severe pain and prevent the emergence of a new attack.

Be sure to prescribed drugs that stimulate blood circulation (angioprotectors), metabolism Improves metabolism and losing weight without dieting   in the cartilage and protects it from destruction (chondroprotectors), vitamins, biostimulants (eg, aloe). Actively used physiotherapy, reflexology Reflexology - a policy of non-drug therapies , Spa treatment.

Polysegmental osteochondrosis requires long-term treatment, which should take active participation by the patient.

Galina Romanenko

Thoracolumbar scoliosis characterized in that thereto are often joined with age osteochondrosis Osteochondrosis - learn how to properly distribute the weight And it worsens the condition of patients. Perhaps the development of kyphoscoliosis - a combination of scoliosis with kyphosis - protrusion of the chest back, that is, with a hump.

Scoliosis thoracolumbar spine - how and why the disease begins

Thoracolumbar scoliosis curvature of the spine is characterized by left or right to the vertex curvature of 11 thoracic - lumbar vertebrae 1. This type of scoliosis occurs in almost 25% of all cases of scoliosis.

The disease is characterized by the fact that due to various reasons occur initially functional, and then the structure (in the structure of the vertebrae) changes in the spine. The disease is divided into 4 degrees largest curvature of the spine: 1 degree - curvature of the spine at 5-10˚, 2 degree - 11-30˚, grade 3 - 31-60˚, 4 degree - 60-90˚ and more.

Causes of spinal curvature can be different. However, in clinical practice often traumatologist orthopaedist can not establish the exact cause of the disease. In this case speak of idiopathic scoliosis Idiopathic scoliosis: the main thing - in time to see a specialist   thoracolumbar spine.

Thoracolumbar scoliosis - disease symptoms

According to the features shared by the current right-hand and left thoracolumbar scoliosis Scoliosis - when the spine is curved . This last develops slowly and is accompanied by a not so pronounced signs.

Thoracolumbar scoliosis of 1 degree can reveal only a specialist (orthopedic trauma) during the inspection. You can see the minor violations in the spine and on the radiograph. Symptoms of thoracolumbar scoliosis of 1 degree Scoliosis 1 degree - can be eliminated completely : Standing shoulder girdle patient located on several different levels, and the blades are spaced from the spine at different distances. Curvature of the spine clearly visible when tilting back. Slouch at this degree of scoliosis is almost not detected. Backache appear only at considerable physical exertion or prolonged work in forced an uncomfortable position.

Thoracolumbar scoliosis of 2 degrees is characterized by the addition to the above symptoms, a small stoop. When tilting back appears barely noticeable protrusion - the so-called rib hump. In the area of ​​the triangle in the lower back cushion is formed from a strained muscle. Back pain and disturbed patients often occur even after not too strong physical exertion.

With further progression of scoliosis gradually changes the shape of the chest (shaped hump), impaired function of the chest. At 3-4 the degree of scoliosis patient has a characteristic appearance: face pale grayish tinge, shortness of breath, even with little physical exertion and fatigue. At the same time they appear and gradually increase back pain.

Diagnosis and treatment of thoracolumbar scoliosis

The diagnosis of scoliosis thoracolumbar spine is made by examination of traumatologist orthopaedist and confirmed by X-ray examination. Sometimes the doctor for further diagnosis additionally assigns the study of the spine by means of computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

The main objective of the treatment of thoracolumbar scoliosis early degrees is to stop progression and prevention of changes in the thoracic cavity.

All patients with thoracolumbar scoliosis is recommended to maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat right and adjust your work and sleeping place. Patients prescribed courses of physiotherapy (physical therapy), massage, manual therapy (it is not always shown). According to the testimony as prescribed medication and physiotherapy. In patients with thoracolumbar scoliosis shows swimming lessons.

If a significant degree of scoliosis spinal traction to appoint special oblique bedding and wearing an orthopedic corset. We also recommend a spa treatment, for example, in sanatoriums Kavminvod. If conservative treatment fails, surgery is carried out, the nature of which depends on the state of the spine.

Exercise therapy in the thoracolumbar scoliosis given to all patients. Compensated (when the body can partially correct the violations) scoliosis gymnastics classes are held in specially selected groups with the selected exercises to develop the correct posture and strengthen the muscles of the back. If the disease progresses rapidly, the reason gymnastics individual lessons based on the general condition of the patient and the characteristics of a scoliosis.

Thoracolumbar scoliosis is especially dangerous in the progression, so it requires timely detection and treatment.

Galina Romanenko