How does diffuse protrusion of the intervertebral disc health

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Diffuse protrusion of the intervertebral disk is a protrusion of nucleus pulposus without destruction of the annulus fibrosus (the peripheral part of the disc) for several segments of the spinal column. Depending on the number and localization of entities formed clinic pathology.

This problem by frequency of occurrence comparable with osteochondrosis of the spine. The majority of doctors believes protrusion initial stage of degenerative changes in the body. They are accompanied by impairment of nutrient loads and reduced vascularity of the entire musculoskeletal system.

diffuse protrusion of the intervertebral disc

Causes of diffuse protrusion

There are many factors leading to disease:

  • spinal Injury
  • degenerative disc disease
  • Birth injury
  • Congenital abnormalities of the structure;
  • Pregnancy
  • Osteoporosis.

The Following predisposing factors in combination with the cause of the disease increase the likelihood of pathology:

  • bad habits
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Old age.

Modern scientists have put forward an interesting theory about the causes of lumbar protrusion (in the segments L3-L4-L5-S1). According to her to diffuse a slipped disc of the necessary genetic predisposition to weakness of the bone and muscular-ligamentous apparatus in combination with exposure to environmental factors.

Environmental factors are divided into:

  • Endogenous
  • Exogenous.

Endogenous causes: congenital anomalies, the development and structure of the musculoskeletal system related diseases.

Exogenous causes can be classified into:

  • Physical
  • Chemical
  • Infectious.
circular protrusion

Types of circular diffuse protrusion

Finding out the exact causes diffuse protrusion of the intervertebral disc helps the physician to prescribe treatment of diseases. If the doctor knows that the protrusion of the intervertebral levels l4-l5-s1 was formed because of congenital anomalies, he will recommend the patient to avoid precipitating factors.

For rational therapy it is highly recommended to cure all the pathological factors, to eliminate all links in the process.

Medical protrusion factors :

  • Biochemical.

The lack of calcium, vitamin D deficiency, gout (uric acid metabolism) intervertebral disc gets less nutrients. Against this background, there are cracks and minor injuries.

  • Involution.

Involution (weak development) muscular-ligamentous apparatus of the spine, cartilage in the first place leads to a herniated disc at the level L5-S1. Over time the process goes above and strikes first, all the lumbar and then thoracic.

  • Hormone.

The Loss of the intervertebral discs due to the restructuring of the hormonal system (pregnancy, thyroid disease, menopause) is formed diffuse (evenly affects almost all departments of the spine).

  • Diffuse disc protrusion on the background of trophic disturbances is a frequent phenomenon in modern society. It occurs due to sedentary lifestyle, the action of aggressive factors of an environment.
  • Infectious disease form inflammatory changes throughout the body. Does not remain aside and the lumbar column. On the background of enhanced depreciation of stress and inflammation in the beginning there are cracks at the level of L4-L5-S1. Gradually, they lead to protrusion.
  • Vascular changes lead to the violation of the supply of nutrients to the vertebral segment. Against this background, the intervertebral disc gradually loses its properties and begins to protrude. Lack of water leads to its displacement of nucleus pulposus. Because of this, and the protrusion is formed.
  • Allergic factors lead to the formation of the inflammatory process in the spinal segment. When exposed to a diffuse protrusion is formed in the weak spots of the spine, which are subject to physical loads (L3-S1).
  • Functional causes is excessive exercise, weakening of the muscular corset at the back posture.
  • Hereditary factors lead to abnormal structure of the vertebrae (fusion at the level L5-S1, redundant processes, incomplete ossification). For bulging disks in the presence of malformations of the spine need exposure to precipitating factors.

the Main stages of formation of intervertebral pathologies

A Bulging disc is the starting phase of the appearance of the hernia. This process occurs in 3 stages:

  • the Initial stage of the appearance of the protrusion is razvlechenie structure of the cartilage matrix. When 70% of the collagen fibers losefunctionality, there is a lot of cracking of the fibrous ring. Against this background, changes the position of the middle portion of the disc nucleus pulpous;
  • the Second step is directly diffuse protrusion, whereby pulpous nucleus falls outside the functional segment to a distance 5 mm
  • the Next step is rupture of the fibrous ring. Formed hernia of a backbone.

In the lumbar spine displacement of nucleus pulposus on the background of high depreciation burden occurs when damage to about 50% of collagen fibers. When walking on the level of the spine L3-S1 bear the maximum load. In combination with her when the fibers 50% of the disc begins to shift pulpous nucleus.

Types of diffuse protrusions depending on the localization of

A Bulging disc is classified on the situation:

  • Breast;
  • Neck;
  • Lumbar.

Localization protrusion is an important feature that affects the appearance of complications and features of the pathology.

Central protrusion results in compression of the nerve roots in the spinal cord.

Posterolateral prolapse is accompanied by radiating pain. If it is localized in the lumbar spinal segment (l3-l4-l5), possible "piriformis syndrome". It is manifested by pain in the gluteal region and lower extremities due to compression of the sciatic nerve.

Side (lateral) protrusion of the intervertebral disc is rarely accompanied by clinical symptoms. Only when there is rupture of the fibrous ring, possible compression of the nerve fibers.

Posterior (dorsal) protrusion in the lumbar spine is the most dangerous. If it is localized at the level of L5-S1, can develop a syndrome "a horse tail". He is accompanied by impaired sensation in the gluteal region and lower extremities. With high settings high probability of paralysis (immobilization of the legs).

Symptoms of herniated protrusions

irradiation of the pain in lesions of the intervertebral discs protrusion of diffuse

Radiating pain in lesions of the intervertebral discs and nerve roots

Diffuse protrusion is characterized by loss of the intervertebral discs at various levels, so the symptoms of the pathology the person can define yourself.

When Troubleshooting, you should focus on the following attributes:

  • Pain in the back;
  • Numbness of the thigh and gluteal region;
  • "Crawling" on lower back;
  • Stiffness of the vertebral column;
  • Loss of elasticity of the muscles;
  • Periodic tingling sensation along the spine upon flexion and extension.

note also that at the initial stage of formation of protrusion pain syndrome is localized in nature and appears due to the contraction of the muscles. Only if a strong compression of the nerve roots appear immobilization. It is more typical for a hernia at the level l4-l5-s1.

A Bulging disc in the cavity of the spinal cord to 5 mm is not practical to independently compress the nerve roots. Only if the background is formed by a strong inflammation of the surrounding tissues, the possible compression syndrome.

Medical treatment of this problem

Diffuse protrusion of intervertebral disc treated depending on the etiological factors and additional symptoms. Principles of therapy are based on the following rules:

  1. Evaluate the localization and the possible consequences of pathology in the appointment of a conservative treatment regimen;
  2. Defined the degree of protrusion and the probability of herniation in deciding about surgical intervention;
  3. Analyze the presence and the severity of clinical manifestations in the appointment of symptomatic drugs.

Of drugs doctors in diffuse loss of the intervertebral disc is prescribed:

  • protective agents – drugs to normalize the structure and condition of the cartilage disc;
  • non-Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – used to eliminate inflammatory changes;
  • Muscle relaxants are prescribed for the remedy of muscle spasms
  • Biogenic stimulants improve blood circulation;
  • b Vitamins improve trophism of the cartilage.

At home the best treatment of the disease is physiotherapy. It helps to strengthen the muscular system, to relieve pain, eliminate stiffness in the mornings, to form a correct posture.