Osteophytes of the spine. Osteophytes of the cervical spine

Osteophytes of the spine are pathological bony growths. They look like sharp spines or small elevations. Most often, these growths are formed in the cervical, less often in the thoracic and lumbar spine. Sometimes osteophytes provoke bone tissue coalescence. A large number of such growths causes a serious disease - spondylosis.

Causes of osteophytes

Unfortunately, osteophytes of the spine are not so rare. In general, spondylosis is detected in people older than 45 years. The reason for its development, as a rule, lies in the violation of metabolism. As a result, the body accumulates a mass of excess calcareous salts, which are deposited on the vertebrae.

Also, the cause of the development of osteophytes can be a heavy long-term physical labor. According to statistics, men suffer from spondylosis almost twice as often as women. In young people, the appearance of growths may be associated with curvature of the spine. Other causes of this pathology are possible. So, most often to the appearance of osteophytes result:

- trauma of the spine of different severity;

- regular spine overload;

- serious violations of metabolic processes in the body;

- elderly age.

Most often, spondylosis affects only one specific area of the spine: cervical, thoracic or lumbar.

Symptoms of development of osteophytes on the vertebrae

Naturally, such a pathology as the osteophytes of the spine can not go unnoticed by a person. It will certainly make itself felt. The very first symptom of spondylosis can be considered the appearance of moderate, and then severe pain in the affected area. This will result in a partial limitation of mobility, which will interfere, for example, during the turn of the neck or waist.

But these are only visible symptoms. In fact, osteophytes cause much more complex disturbances in the functioning of the body. They can provoke:

- decreased sensitivity of nerve endings;

- circulatory disturbance;

- frequent dizziness;

- partial numbness of the extremities.

Diagnosis of spondylosis

Diagnosis of such a serious disease as spondylosis, should only deal with specialists. If at the initial stages it is difficult to detect developing growths, then already progressing pathology is easily seen on the roentgenogram. It determines the presence and configuration of the lumens of the intervertebral spaces and, of course, the presence or absence of the osteophytes themselves.

Most often diagnose cervical spondylosis. Other forms are less common. As a rule, osteophytes of the cervical spine in a person cause headaches and dizziness, which is associated with pinching of the spinal nerves.

Spondylosis, localized in the lumbosacral region, is much easier to detect. His symptoms are stiffness of the movements and a strong pain syndrome, especially during the turns and torso of the trunk. These unpleasant sensations arise in the lower back, since in this area of the spine there are joints of moving and immovable parts. The growth of bone tissue in these areas and causes stiffness.

Even less often, osteophytes of the thoracic spine are diagnosed. Their symptoms are less pronounced. This, as a rule, painful phenomena in the upper part of the spinal column.

Traditional treatment of spondylosis

Spondylosis is a very dangerous disease, as it causes frequent complications and is able to progress rapidly. Moreover, it is difficult to diagnose it in the early stages. Osteophytes of the spine are treated by wearing an orthopedic corset (or collar). But the late stages of this disease conservative treatment is practically not amenable. In such cases, surgical intervention is necessary. Problems with overgrown osteophytes can be solved in the following ways:

1. Fasectomy - complete removal of the facet joint, on which the growth is localized.

2. Foraminotomy - a small increase in the space between two vertebrae to reduce pressure on the nerves.

3. Laminectomy is a partial, rarely complete removal of the plate.

4. Laminotomy - a small enlargement of the hole in the bone plate, which protects the vertebral canal.

Possible complications of surgical intervention

Of course, any surgical intervention associated with the spine is always associated with the risks of developing the following complications:

- entering the infection;

Damage to the integrity of the spinal cord;

- further instability of the spine;

- difficulty urinating;

- the appearance of pain in the legs and spine.

In addition, the operation can not guarantee further full recovery. Spondylosis often gives relapses, so the chances of getting rid of osteophytes forever are small.

Osteophytes of the spine - treatment with folk remedies

In combination with traditional treatment, it is very useful to use time-tested folk remedies. This is both infusions and broths of various herbs. Such recipes are many, they can help reduce pain syndrome.

The most popular are a decoction of hawthorn flowers and elderberry tincture. These traditional medicine was used by our grandmothers to treat back problems. A decoction of hawthorn flowers is prepared in the following way. For 500 ml of hot water take 3 tablespoons of dried flowers of the plant. All is thoroughly mixed and infused for at least 1 hour. You need to drink half an hour before eating 50 ml each. The tincture of elderberry is prepared a little differently. Take a tablespoon of herbs and pour 250 ml of boiling water. Then the infusion is pressed for another 10 minutes in a water bath. Take 100 ml four times a day.

Osteophytes of the cervical spine: treatment

The most common form of the disease is the spondylosis of the cervical spine. With this pathology, a comprehensive treatment is recommended. It includes regular intake of medications, as well as some procedures. Traditional treatment consists in the use of anti-inflammatory and analgesics. They help relieve pain and spasms. Also, the intake of B vitamins is recommended. To stimulate the production of cartilaginous tissue in the body, nicotinic acid is needed.

Do not forget about the mineral substances. To reduce muscle tension, you need magnesium, calcium and phosphorus. Osteophytes of the cervical spine can disrupt blood circulation. In order to avoid this problem, warming ointments are used .

Prevention of spondylosis

To prevent the development of spondylosis, it is necessary, first of all, to maintain an active lifestyle. It will also be superfluous to implement a number of rules. Firstly, if your work activity involves a multi-hour sitting in the office in your chair, then you need to develop the habit of doing a little exercise at least once every two hours. Stretch the neck, the muscles of the chest and lower back. It will take no more than 5-10 minutes. Second, watch your posture. Third, normalize your diet. In the menu must certainly be dishes rich in vitamins and minerals. Osteophytes of the spine of the lumbar region are often detected in people with excess weight. So try to avoid overeating. And the last thing: once in three months, go through a massage course - this is perhaps the most powerful preventive tool.