Osteochondrosis of the middle and cervical thoracic segments. Polysegmental osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. Polysegmental osteochondrosis of the spine

Polysegmental osteochondrosis (PSO) is a disease of the spine in which several of its segments are simultaneously affected. In some cases of polysegmental osteochondrosis, all parts of the spine are affected at once. PSO is considered the most complex form of osteochondrosis, which is difficult to treat. The disease is accompanied by a scattering of symptoms that only worsen the patient’s condition. Problems also arise when diagnosing disorders.

In advanced situations, when treatment is not carried out or does not meet the requirements, pathology of several departments develops simultaneously.

What is polysegmental osteochondrosis? This is a simultaneous lesion of several spinal discs of different parts - cervical, lumbosacral and thoracic.

It is noteworthy that for each individual degenerative lesion of a particular department there are certain signs:

• if the cervical spine is affected, headaches occur, hearing loss occurs, and nausea and dizziness may also appear;
• the thoracic region at the beginning of the development of osteochondrosis does not show symptoms, but gradually intercostal neuralgia and severe pain begin;
• The lumbosacral region is characterized by severe pain in the lower back, which can radiate to the legs.

In advanced situations, when treatment is not carried out or does not meet the requirements, pathology of several departments develops simultaneously. The most severe case of osteochondrosis is considered to be damage to the thoracic, cervical and lumbosacral regions together.

Degenerative changes in the spine, which entail polysegmental osteochondrosis, can occur for several reasons. They are divided into external and internal provoking factors.

Internal causes of PSO are considered to be:

• congenital anomaly of the spinal structure;
• genetic predisposition;
• age-related changes.

As for external provoking factors, there are several more of them:

• injuries and injuries that negatively affected the spine;
• infectious diseases;
• acquired disorder of the structure of the spine (scoliosis);
• constant stoop;
• poor posture;
• increased physical stress on the spine;
• deficiency of vitamins and minerals;
• metabolic disorders.

When a person falls on his back, lifts heavy objects and does not change his position for a long time (the problem of sedentary work), the spine experiences serious stress, which results in microtraumas.

If such phenomena accompany a person regularly, then the vertebrae lose their original elasticity, their quality characteristics are significantly reduced, and they become flat. Shock absorption deteriorates significantly, as does the flexibility of the spine. At the same time, the roots of the spinal cord are pinched, causing the person to experience severe pain and swelling.

Symptoms

Regarding polysegmental osteochondrosis, you already know what it is and why it occurs. To prescribe treatment or simply see a doctor first, you need an appropriate signal - symptoms.

Polysegmental osteochondrosis of the spine has slightly different symptoms depending on the main area of ​​damage. As a result, PSO can be divided into three subtypes:

• cervical;
• chest;
• lumbosacral.

By triggering osteochondrosis, it turns into a polysegmental form, causing serious complications and problems.

What unites all types of polysegmental osteochondrosis of the spine is severe pain.

1. The cervical type of osteochondrosis manifests itself in the form of severe pain in the neck area, migraines, dizziness and nausea. And in case of pinching of nerve endings or blood vessels, numbness or changes in pressure (arterial) may also be observed;
2. The lumbosacral type of osteochondrosis is characterized by lumbar pain. If a person makes sudden movements or tries to lift something heavy, the pain becomes sharp and shooting. This is due to the fact that the nerve roots in the lumbar region are pinched;
3. With osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, a person is most often bothered by pain in the ribs, since the nerves are pinched and inflamed. This phenomenon has its own name - intercostal neuralgia. The rest of the symptoms are in many ways reminiscent of serious diseases - heart attack, pleurisy, etc.

If a person has a polysegmental type of osteochondrosis, then all of these symptoms merge together. Because of this, it is quite difficult to establish an accurate diagnosis. You will need to conduct a thorough diagnosis and consult with specialists.

Features of treatment

If polysegmental osteochondrosis is detected, long-term and thorough treatment is required. This problem cannot be ignored and requires constant monitoring and increased attention. By triggering osteochondrosis, it turns into a polysegmental form, causing serious complications and problems.

Treatment involves organizing the therapy process, which consists of a set of measures. Experts recommend using:

• physiotherapy;
• therapeutic exercises;
• medicinal influence.

Each of these methods is very important because, when used in combination, it provides the highest treatment results. If you correctly combine medication, physical therapy and exercises, which are done mainly at home, the chances of recovery will be excellent.

Medicines

Treatment begins with a visit to the clinic, where you will be given an accurate diagnosis of polysegmental osteochondrosis. Next, depending on the situation and the information received, the doctor prescribes medications.

Several groups of drugs are involved in the drug treatment of polysegmental osteochondrosis of the spine.

1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or simply NSAIDs. Their main task is to eliminate swelling and relieve the patient from pain, which is clearly manifested in polysegmental osteochondrosis of the spine. These are the first-priority medications, since it is extremely difficult for a person to live with constant pain;
2. Analgesics. The function of drugs in this group is to eliminate pain. They are used if the pain syndrome is intense and NSAIDs cannot fully help;
3. Relaxers. This is a special category of drugs for the treatment of polysegmental osteochondrosis, which is designed to relax muscles and eliminate spasms. They are prescribed by doctors in cases where a patient is diagnosed with pinched nerve roots. This phenomenon is characterized by severe pain, therefore muscle relaxants are necessary;
4. Dietary supplements and vitamin complexes. Allows you to normalize blood circulation, nourish tissues with missing microelements and restore metabolism;
5. Chondroprotective drugs. These are special medications, the active substances of which ensure the regeneration of cartilage tissue. Such remedies allow you to restore damaged tissue and normalize the mobility of the spine.

Auxiliary drugs are prescribed taking into account concomitant symptoms or complications associated with polysegmental osteochondrosis.

Physiotherapy

For polysegmental osteochondrosis of the spine, drug therapy is supplemented with physiotherapeutic procedures. They allow you to restore blood circulation, slow down destructive processes and relieve pain.

Basically, when treating the spine for polysegmental osteochondrosis, the following is used:

• ultrasound;
• magnetic therapy;
• acupuncture;
• hydrotherapy;
• mud treatment

Physiotherapy

Restoration of the spine will be incomplete if a set of special exercises is not used.

It is not worth conducting classes based on videos, since in each case a set of exercises may have individual characteristics. All exercises are coordinated with a specialist, since some types of loads specifically in your case can only harm the spine.

PSO is a serious disease of the spine that requires increased attention and comprehensive treatment measures.

The joy of active movement is associated with the health of the spine. Problems of the musculoskeletal system reduce a person’s quality of life. Accurate diagnosis and effective local treatment is available to most patients suffering from pain and discomfort in the back.

Polysegmental osteochondrosis - this diagnosis sounds scary for the patient, but with relevant treatment, the prognosis of the disease is favorable. For a person to fully participate in the treatment process, knowledge about the nature of his illness is useful.

The cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine are divided into 24 functional spinal motion segments (MSS). Each segment includes:

• two vertically adjacent bone fragments – vertebrae;
• connecting intervertebral disc;
• surrounding muscles and ligaments.

Deformation of the bones and cartilages of the segment as a result of osteochondrosis occurs as a consequence of aging or injury to the spine. Pathological changes begin to appear at one of the levels.

As the disease develops, other segments are involved in its course - neighboring or located in other parts of the spine. When the examination shows the presence of lesions in several PDS, the doctor makes a diagnosis of polysegmental osteochondrosis.

Clinical picture

1. Age-related changes in intervertebral discs lead to drying out of cartilage tissue. The discs cease to fully play the role of support and shock absorber of movements, their height is reduced, and their consistency becomes excessively dense.
2. The patient begins to feel discomfort when moving. The joints of adjacent vertebrae cannot cope with the load and do not provide stability of the upper and lower sections of the spinal motion segment relative to each other.
3. The connection between the component parts of the segment weakens, and there is a danger of displacement. Excessive mobility inside the SMS causes overstrain and muscle spasms. The ligamentous-muscular apparatus becomes unable to perform fixation functions. Blood vessels are compressed by spasmed muscles and stop normal tissue nutrition.
4. In other cases, natural movements are blocked, and a section of the spine becomes inactive. The blockage inevitably leads to the spread of pathology to another level, which is forced to take on part of the load and compensate for the impossibility of correct movement. Osteochondrosis becomes polysegmental in nature.
5. The general condition of the disc worsens due to impaired blood circulation in the surrounding vessels. Lack of nutrition leads to the formation of microcracks in the fibrous ring, which encloses the core of the disc. Delaying proper treatment accelerates deformation and makes rupture of the annulus fibrosus likely.

Clinic of polysegmental osteochondrosis

With polysegmental osteochondrosis, manifestations of the disease are observed in two or more segments at once. If adjacent areas suffer, then the causes of the pathology are common to them. If lesions are recorded in different parts of the spine - lumbar, thoracic, cervical, then the nature of the disease can be different - from trauma and congenital defects to occupational diseases and natural degenerative changes.

In rare cases, total polysegmental osteochondrosis is diagnosed at most levels of the spinal column. The degree of tissue damage may vary, depending on the stage of development of the process in each segment.

Causes

Osteochondrosis is recognized as an inevitable evil, a kind of human payment for upright walking and a civilized lifestyle. Common causes of the disease include:

• low mobility and sedentary work;
• disproportionately large body weight;
• regular stress;
• frequent body hypothermia;
• extreme physical activity;
• hereditary predisposition;
• features of the anatomy of the spine;
• bad habits of smoking, drinking alcohol, overeating.

There are no specific reasons for polysegmental osteochondrosis. This type of disease shares common factors that contribute to spinal degeneration. An important role in the development of the disease belongs to a reduction in muscle activity and limitation of the possibility of spontaneous movements.

Pain syndrome interferes with motor activity, creating a vicious circle: a person is afraid of pain, spares the muscles and thereby weakens the muscle corset, which can protect the spine from deformation. In the polysegmental form of the disease, the decrease in muscle tone is most significant and detrimental.

Symptoms and signs

When a patient with acute pain syndrome comes to see a specialist, the doctor can with a high probability say that the disease develops at several levels, and is maximally manifested in one of them. Based on the nature of the pain, the specialist makes a primary diagnosis, which is clarified with the help of laboratory and hardware tests.

1. The cervical spine has 7 segments. The most problematic areas are at levels close to the thoracic region. The muscular frame of the neck is naturally weakly developed; the disease is observed even in young people.

Symptoms of cervical polysegmental osteochondrosis are:

• seemingly causeless headache and dizziness;
• pain radiating to the arm, shoulder blade or chest;
• loss of elasticity in the neck muscles, which is perceived as hardening or fossilization;
• paralysis of the tongue and upper limbs in advanced conditions.

With the participation of neighboring thoracic segments in the process, the pain covers a wide area, makes breathing difficult, and causes a feeling of heaviness in the heart. Cervicothoracic polysegmental osteochondrosis is diagnosed.

2. individually affected less often than others. The development of the pathology may be caused by curvature of the spine. A person often cannot associate pain in the liver, stomach, or heart with osteochondrosis. A confirming symptom is numbness of the skin in the chest area.

3. The lumbar region, which has 5, less often 6, vertebrae, is recognized as the most problematic area of ​​the spine. Shooting and burning in the back are concentrated at levels close to the sacrum and can involve the upper part of the sacral region.

Symptoms of lumbar polysegmental osteochondrosis include:

• painful lumbago with impact in the leg;
• heaviness and burning in the lower back;
• a sharp increase in pain when moving;
• inability to relax even in a lying position;
• disorders of the intestines, bladder and urethra, genitals;
• weakness of the leg muscles and loss of sensation in the skin of the extremities.

4. The doctor suspects lumbosacral polysegmental osteochondrosis in cases where, along with other listed symptoms, the patient complains of numbness in the toes, uncertainty when walking, inability to straighten up, severe pain with the slightest movement.

This type of disease is very common and affects several levels, since neighboring areas take on excess load from the affected segments. Lack of treatment leads to rapid, often irreversible loss of performance, sometimes to paralysis of the limbs.

A separate type of polysegmental osteochondrosis is represented by lesions of different parts of the spine. The combination of symptoms aggravates the severity of the disease. Pain and restrictions of movement in the lower back and neck indicate the presence of problems developing independently of each other in both sections.

Diagnostic procedures

The diagnosis is made by a doctor based on a complete examination of the patient. At the appointment, a neurologist examines the patient, checks reflexes, prescribes initial blood and urine tests, and, if necessary, tests. A decisive role is given to high-tech procedures - computer and magnetic resonance imaging (CT and MRI).

The photo shows magnetic resonance imaging

Indispensable for determining the specific levels affected by osteochondrosis. A complete and detailed picture of the condition of the spine gives the doctor information about the stages of the pathology. The data is especially important when deciding whether to surgically treat a patient.

For cervical osteochondrosis, it is more often prescribed. The procedure allows you to get an idea of ​​the degree of damage to the bone fragments that are characteristic of this part of the spine. An experienced doctor decides what type of research will be as informative as possible.

Treatment

Spinal degeneration in the early stages does not cause pain. A person seeks help when his condition reaches a certain severity. This complicates the treatment, but does not exclude its successful outcome.

1. To relieve pain, medications (NSAIDs) are prescribed - externally, orally, intravenously, intramuscularly. The method, volume and duration of administration is determined by the doctor.
2. Neurovitamin complexes accelerate the relief of the inflammatory process.
3. The psycho-emotional sphere needs to be corrected with sedatives and magnesium preparations, which improve sleep and relieve stress.
4. Muscle spasms are overcome with the help.
5. After pain has been relieved, treatment continues with medications, tissues, etc.
6. When the patient’s condition has stabilized, it is possible to prescribe physiotherapy and rehabilitation courses of exercise therapy.

The given scheme is classic in most cases of osteochondrosis, including the polysegmental type. Manual therapy, intense massage, and spinal stretching are rarely used, since the multi-level nature of the pathology is fraught with an unpredictable reaction to such treatment.

Possible concomitant complications of the disease

Complications of osteochondrosis are manifested by muscle dystrophy, circulatory disorders, and pinched nerves. Dangerous consequences of the development of the disease are protrusion and disc herniation.

Due to increasing pressure on the intervertebral disc, its nucleus pulposus protrudes beyond its natural boundaries. If the fibrous ring holds back the pressure and does not rupture, then a protrusion is formed.

If a rupture occurs, then a hernia is formed, with a strong protrusion outward or into the lumen of the spinal column. The endings of the spinal nerves are pinched, and the pain syndrome becomes extremely aggravated.

Disc protrusion

Polysegmental osteochondrosis of the lumbar region can have complications in the form of several protrusions. The patient is sometimes unaware of problems until severe pain suddenly appears. In 80% of cases, the lower back and the area adjacent to the sacrum are affected.

Even a slight protrusion of the nucleus pulposus of the disc pinches the spinal nerves and blood vessels. If several such protrusions have formed, then degenerative changes quickly increase. The pain radiates to the legs, the front and back of the thighs go numb. Due to tissue malnutrition, an uneven reduction in the volume of the calf muscles occurs.

Protrusions are rarely operated on, although the complication is treated with the participation of a neurosurgeon.

Long-term conservative therapy usually leads to relief of the condition. The disc protrusions are reduced in volume and take a position in which the compression of nerves and blood vessels stops.

To prevent exacerbation, the patient should be observed by a specialist and promptly carry out preventive measures. Spa treatment and physiotherapy are indicated.

Osteochondrosis, which forms at several levels of the spine, is observed in most people over the age of 40. Moderate, regular physical activity helps slow down aging and stay active at any age. Living a long life without back pain is a goal worth pursuing.

The spine is the main supporting structure of the human body. Throughout life, its elements experience increased loads, while with age their strength decreases on its own. The day comes when the wear of any of the intervertebral discs exceeds the limits laid down by nature, as a result of which a dagger pain pierces the person’s back - osteochondrosis develops. But what happens when the pathology has spread much further? What are the features of the course and treatment of the polysegmental type of the disease?

Description of the disease

The spine consists of alternating elements - bony vertebrae and cartilaginous intervertebral discs. The former provide strength and protection, the latter serve for shock absorption and mobility. This entire structure protects the spinal cord, which runs inside the spinal column.

The word for bone in ancient Greek is osteon, and cartilage is chondros. The combination of these concepts gave the name to a disease that affects the musculoskeletal system.

Osteochondrosis begins its development with damage to cartilaginous elements, but in the process of its spread, the vertebrae can also be damaged.

The situation is especially difficult when the lesion covers two or more adjacent intervertebral discs. This pathology is called polysegmental osteochondrosis.

Polysegmental osteochondrosis - video

Types of polysegmental osteochondrosis: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral and others

Symptoms of polysegmental osteochondrosis largely depend on which part of the spine it develops in:

• in the cervical;
• chest;
• lumbar;
• sacral;
• coccygeal

The sacrum and coccyx consist of vertebrae fused together, so mobility and wear of these sections are minimal. The thoracic part is slightly more susceptible to osteochondrosis. The vertebrae here are able to move, and the cartilage tissue located between them can wear out. But they are numerous, with a large share of the load transferred to the ribs and sternum.

The lumbar region is most vulnerable to osteochondrosis. It bears the responsibility of supporting a significant portion of the weight and shock loads from shaking, walking, jumping and falling.

If the integrity of the cartilage is significantly compromised, its mass can stretch the outer fibrous membrane. In this case, the intervertebral disc is compressed under the pressure of adjacent vertebrae, losing its shock-absorbing properties. This pathology is called osteochondrosis with disc protrusions. It can lead to complete rupture of the membrane and the formation of a disc herniation.

Causes and development factors

There are several reasons leading to the development of polysegmental osteochondrosis:

• age-related changes causing mineralization of cartilage tissue;
• a sedentary lifestyle, which reduces blood microcirculation in cartilage;
• increased physical activity;
• overweight;
• displacement of the body's center of gravity during pregnancy;
• hereditary tendency to osteochondrosis;
• unbalanced diet;
• bad habits;
• injuries;
• hypothermia;
• wearing high-heeled shoes;
• systematic stress;
• posture disorders.

Symptoms and signs of the disease

At the first stage of the disease, when the degenerative process is limited to cartilage tissue, the symptoms are felt weakly. The mobility of the damaged part of the spine is somewhat reduced, and unpleasant sensations are possible under increased loads. As a rule, there is no pain - the nerve fibers are not yet affected, and the cartilage is deprived of its own sensitivity. Over time, the process moves to the vertebrae, and bone outgrowths - osteophytes - are formed. Discs degrade and decrease in size. The approaching bone elements begin to compress the nearby blood vessels and nerve fibers. The inflammatory process rapidly develops in the affected area.

At this stage, the following symptoms progress:

• muscle pain;
• convulsions;
• impaired skin sensitivity (tingling, burning, numbness);
• a sharp decrease in mobility.

Protrusion of the intervertebral discs makes these symptoms much more pronounced. In this case, even the slightest movement of the adjacent vertebrae can provoke pain - when walking, coughing, sneezing, or transferring body weight from one leg to another.

Features of symptoms are determined by which nerves and vessels were affected by osteochondrosis. For example, damage to the cervical spine provokes:

• pain:
  • head;
  • in the parietal and occipital regions;
  • in the right hypochondrium;
  • in heart;
  • at the elbows;
  • in the shoulders;
• numbness:
  • hands;
  • shoulders;
  • shoulder blades;
• muscle tension:
  • occipital;
  • swallowing;
  • intercostal;
• other manifestations:
  • hiccups;
  • cough;
  • loss of smell;
  • dizziness.

The pathological process in the thoracic region leads to frequent piercing pain in the back, between the ribs, and also in the heart area. Lumbar polysegmental osteochondrosis provokes impairment of skin sensitivity and muscle mobility in the lower part of the body. With significant damage to the spine, the following are likely:

• severe chronic pain;
• loss of ability to move independently;
• constipation;
• incontinence;
• tissue nutritional disorders (necrosis, trophic ulcers).

Diagnosis of polysegmental osteochondrosis

During an external examination, a neurologist has the opportunity to examine the general condition of the patient’s body, joint mobility, localization and strength of pain, sensitivity of the skin, muscle tone and spasms. During a personal conversation, complaints are recorded, and the probable prerequisites that led to the development of osteochondrosis are determined:

• family diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
• type of professional activity and associated loads;
• previous injuries, infections, inflammation of the brain or spinal cord;
• presence of bad habits;
• nutritional features.

To confirm the diagnosis, determine the affected area, and identify possible complications, it is necessary to perform a hardware examination:

When carrying out differential diagnosis, the following can also be used:

• Ultrasound of soft tissues;
• cardiography;
• blood chemistry;
• immunological analysis;
• Analysis of urine;
• taking a puncture and histological examination.

Table: differential diagnosis of polysegmental osteochondrosis

Therapy methods

Given the critical role of the spine in protecting the central nervous system, any therapeutic measures should be applied solely based on the results of an examination by the attending physician. Complications if the diagnosis is incorrect can be dangerous to the health and life of the patient.

Drug treatment

Drugs in the treatment of polysegmental osteochondrosis play a predominantly complementary and supportive role. It goes without saying that a violation of such a dense anatomical structure as the spine can hardly be corrected by simply taking pills - it requires targeted physical influence.

Nevertheless, the systematic use of certain drugs can alleviate the course of the disease and speed up the patient’s rehabilitation. Such medicines include:

• chondroprotectors (Arthra, Inoltra, Teraflex) - restore the integrity of cartilage tissue;
• B vitamins - promote the regeneration of nerve fibers;
• muscle relaxants (Mydocalm, Sirdalud) - relieve muscle spasms;
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Ketoprofen) - affect the area of ​​inflammation;
• diuretics (Veroshpiron, Diakarb, Mannitol) - reduce tissue swelling;
• local anesthetics (Lidocaine, Novocaine) - relieve acute pain.

Drugs used in pathology - gallery

Veroshpiron is an effective diuretic Diclofenac relieves inflammation Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that relieves pain Mydocalms relieves muscle spasms The action of Teraflex is aimed at restoring the integrity of cartilage tissue

Physiotherapy

The purpose of physiotherapeutic procedures is to stretch the spinal axis, relieve muscle spasm, improve blood flow and innervation (supply of organs and tissues with nerves). They are carried out when the patient is in a supine position on a semi-rigid base. It is under such conditions that the load on the spine is minimal.

To enhance the effect, it is possible to use traction (pulling) structures.

Manual therapy allows you to:

• reverse the process of displacement of intervertebral discs;
• restore blood circulation in constricted vessels;
• release pinched nerves.

The greatest effect is achieved when a professional therapist works, while unskilled hands can cause even greater harm to the patient.

Physical therapy exercises performed daily help increase spinal mobility, normalize metabolic processes, and reduce inflammation and swelling.

It should be noted that the use of exercise therapy must be started thoughtfully - excessive overexertion for the damaged area is just as dangerous as the lack of therapy.

In the treatment of polysegmental osteochondrosis, hardware methods are used:

• amplipulse therapy - exposure to low-intensity currents;
• darsonvalization - therapy with high-frequency electrical impulses;
• laser therapy - the action of low-power light rays;
• magnetic therapy - tissue stimulation with a magnetic field;
• UHF therapy - therapy with a large electromagnetic field of high frequency;
• phonophoresis - the introduction of drugs using ultrasonic vibrations;
• electrophoresis - delivery of drugs to soft tissues using electric current.

For the rehabilitation of the patient, the following can also be used:

• wearing rigid corsets;
• mud therapy;
• paraffin applications;
• Spa treatment.

Video: exercises for spinal osteochondrosis

Surgical intervention

Due to the high risk of complications, spinal surgery is not advisable. About 1–3% of patients with osteochondrosis are exposed to them; all others undergo physiotherapeutic and drug treatment.

Indications for intervention are situations in which the patient’s normal life is at risk (severe disc herniation, persistent pain, loss of control over the limbs, internal organs), as well as if all previous methods of therapy have been unsuccessful.

The main types of operations used for osteochondrosis:

• expansion of the spinal canal - laminotomy;
• removal of the posterior part of the vertebra - laminectomy;
• removal of the intervertebral disc - discectomy;
• intervertebral disc replacement;
• expansion of the root canal in which the pinched nerve is located - foraminotomy;
• removal of intervertebral (facet) joints - facetectomy;
• removal of a vertebra - correctomy;

The recovery period after such operations reaches several months. Throughout its entire duration, the patient is contraindicated from heavy loads, stress, and breaks in the rehabilitation program.

Diet

Some components must be present in the diet of those suffering from osteochondrosis, as well as those wishing to avoid the disease. Such substances include:

• minerals;
• proteins;
• vitamins;
• mucopolysaccharides.

Among all the minerals, the most important for bone tissue restoration are calcium and phosphorus.. Complete sources of both are considered:

• dairy products (milk, kefir, cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream);
• meat;
• fish;
• eggs.

In addition, calcium can be obtained by eating:

• figs;
• cabbage;
• carrots;
• nuts;
• salad;
• beets;
• beans;
• lentils.

Magnesium is necessary to ensure that calcium obtained from food is retained and bound in the bones. It is found in large quantities in green parts of plants, sprouted cereal grains, legumes (peanuts, peas, soybeans, beans), and sea fish.

Manganese takes part in regulating the growth of bones and ligaments. The sources of this microelement are:

• dairy products;
• bananas;
• nuts;
• egg yolk;
• various legumes.

While minerals are responsible for the strength of growing bones, protein components give them elasticity.

Table: protein content in various foods

Vitamin A is necessary for the synthesis of structural elements of cartilage and bone tissue, phosphorus binding, and regulation of growth processes. A large amount of it is found in parsley, spinach, tomatoes, carrots, savoy cabbage, dairy products, and eggs.

B vitamins stabilize metabolic processes in tissues, relieve inflammation, and participate in the regeneration of nerve fibers. To obtain them you must use:

• beef;
• mushrooms;
• yeast;
• green vegetables (broccoli, lettuce, asparagus, green beans, spinach);
• oil;
• milk;
• liver;
• kidneys;
• sprouted grain;
• fish;
• egg yolks.

Vitamin C, the source of which is fresh fruits, especially citrus fruits, normalizes oxidative reactions in cells, has an anti-inflammatory effect, and strengthens the immune system. Vitamin D, which regulates the binding processes of calcium and phosphorus in the bones, is found in:

• sea ​​fish;
• oil;
• eggs.

In addition, it is synthesized by the body under the influence of sunlight.

Mucopolysaccharides, also known as glycosaminoglycans, are complex substances consisting of protein and carbohydrate components. They are the main building material for cartilage. A large amount of these natural chondroprotectors are found in dishes such as jellied fish, fruit jellies, and jellied meat.

Photo gallery: foods that should be present in the diet

Legumes are a valuable source of magnesium and proteins Greens are an essential source of vitamins and magnesium. Milk is a valuable source of calcium, manganese, B vitamins
Fish contains a large number of important macro- and microelements Jellied meat is rich in mucopolysaccharides - natural chondroprotectors Citrus fruits contain large amounts of vitamin C Egg yolk contains a huge amount of vital substances

From your daily diet you need to exclude foods that contribute to disruption of the water-salt balance and, as a result, leaching of calcium from the bones:

• soda;
• hot pepper;
• coffee;
• marinades;
• semi-finished products with preservatives;
• sugar;
• salt.

The main commandments of nutrition should be:

• fractionality;
• low calorie content, promoting weight loss;
• adequate water consumption.

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine offers marsh cinquefoil as the main means of combating spinal diseases. The tincture obtained by infusing the herb for ten days in five times the volume of vodka can be used both internally (1 teaspoon three times a day) and as a rub. In the first case, the course of treatment is 8 days with the same break; in the second, therapy continues until the patient’s condition improves.

Various ointments applied to the affected area help reduce pain and inflammation.

Table: folk ointments against osteochondrosis

Treatment prognosis

Timely and correct diagnosis makes the prognosis for treatment of polysegmental osteochondrosis generally favorable. Damaged intervertebral discs can be restored, if not to their original state, then at least to an acceptable condition. This allows you to restore lost flexibility and mobility, get rid of pain when moving, and improve the patient’s quality of life.

On the other hand, osteochondrosis that is not treated in time can lead to significant neurological and cardiovascular problems, including:

• fainting and loss of balance;
• violation of visual, auditory, olfactory and gustatory functions;
• headache;
• neuralgia;
• decreased limb mobility;
• paralysis;
• disruption of internal organs;
• trophic ulcers.

Prevention

To prevent the development of polysegmental osteochondrosis, you need to:

• regularly perform gymnastic exercises, especially with a sedentary lifestyle;
• fight excess weight;
• eat a balanced diet;
• for significant physical exertion, use a special belt and lift the weight using your legs, not your back;
• control emotional state, resist stress;
• wear comfortable shoes;
• watch your posture;
• limit the entry of nicotine, alcohol, and other toxic substances into the body.

The spine is a reliable, vulnerable part of the human skeleton. Withstands loads every day, undergoes repeated changes in position, on the contrary, it remains in one position for a long time. The spine is divided into segments: sacral, thoracic, cervical. In case of painful sensations in any department, in several at once, it is worth asserting the presence polysegmental osteochondrosis of the spine. The main task for a person is to recognize the disease in time. Treatment of the painful condition is recommended to begin early, under the supervision of the attending physician.

Polysegmental osteochondrosis of the spine is a disease that affects several segments of the spine at once. The affected vertebrae are localized in the thoracic, cervical, and sacral regions. There are types of osteochondrosis that simultaneously affect several segments in different departments. To ensure that treatment proceeds faster and your health does not deteriorate over time, it is recommended to recognize the disease in time and contact a medical institution for treatment.

Symptoms

The presence of symptoms depends on the segments of the spine affected by the disease. Let's take a closer look at which departments are affected by osteochondrosis and what is causing concern.

• Polysegmental osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a rare type of osteochondrosis; symptoms often interfere with a person’s normal life activities. A dangerous manifestation of this type of disease is compression of nerve endings in close proximity to the brain, compression of blood vessels that deliver oxygen and nutrients to the skull. Symptoms: headaches, impaired motor activity of the sublingual muscles, which leads to impaired speech functions, increased tone of the head and neck muscles, impaired sensitivity of the skin in the area of ​​the collarbones and neck.
• Polysegmental osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a variety of pain symptoms. The upper segments of the department are rarely affected by the disease, often occurring in the 4th and 5th segments below. Symptoms appear: back pain when staying in one position for a long time. Often the pain is associated with pain in the heart, pain when intercostal nerves are pinched. There is numbness in the hands, pain in the joints of the hands, and impaired motor activity of the thoracic region. The pain intensifies with movement and subsides after a short rest. There are unpleasant sensations in the stomach area.
• Polysegmental osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine affects the spine more often than others. Symptoms of the disease are varied. Aching pain in the back and lower back often prevents you from moving or sitting normally. They disturb a person at rest. Acute pain appears in the legs and pelvic organs when coughing. The cause of severe pain is pinched nerves in the lumbar spine. The disease causes discomfort and is complicated by disc protrusion.
• Polysegmental osteochondrosis with disc protrusions is a complicated type of osteochondrosis, characterized by changes in the intervertebral discs. In normal condition, the discs absorb the shocks that inevitably occur when walking. With osteochondrosis, the intervertebral discs are dehydrated, become inelastic, and cease to function fully. The body of the cartilaginous disc protrudes beyond the spinal column, causing compression of the nerve endings and the spinal cord. The danger of the disease lies in its painless course until the onset of an exacerbation period. For a long time, a person does not suspect that the vertebral discs are under the influence of pathological changes. The main symptom of disc protrusion is acute pain in the lower back, spreading to the buttocks and legs. The appearance of pain is provoked by a sudden change in body position, coughing, sneezing, or hypothermia.

Symptoms of polysegmental osteochondrosis are often similar to gastritis, cystitis, and other relatively harmless diseases. If similar symptoms appear, it is recommended to undergo a thorough examination to ensure the absence or presence of osteochondrosis. It is easier to treat a disease at an early stage; the effectiveness of treatment often depends on the efficiency of measures taken to combat the disease.

Causes of polysegmental osteochondrosis

There are several reasons for the development of the disease. Every person should know the main points that increase the risk of getting the disease in order to be safe and reduce the risk of the disease.

Causes of changes in the condition of the spine:

1. Hereditary factors. Changes in spinal segments often occur in those whose ancestors suffered from osteochondrosis. The statement is based on the family characteristics of metabolism and the structure of the spine.
2. Low mobility. Staying in one position for a long time causes deformation of the intervertebral cartilaginous discs, leads to severe compression of nerve endings, and reduces the level of supply of oxygen and nutrients to cells.
3. Excess weight, improperly organized nutrition. To maintain the spine in normal condition, it is recommended to consume foods that contain substances used by the body to renew bone and cartilage tissue. With a lack of substances, processes occur that entail irreversible changes in the spinal column.
4. Constant heavy loads. The structural elements of the spine wear out.

It is impossible to completely exclude factors. With proper organization of physical activity, a varied diet, and lifestyle changes, it is possible to reduce the risk of developing polysegmental osteochondrosis.

Treatment

Treatment of polysegmental osteochondrosis takes a long time. It is important to eliminate painful manifestations and prevent recurrence. An integrated approach to treatment is the surest way to get rid of the disease. In addition to drug treatment, manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and corsets are used.

Medicines are prescribed after a complete examination and medical history. In addition to anti-inflammatory drugs, the attending physician prescribes intramuscular injections and painkillers that quickly relieve pain. Diuretics are often prescribed: they reduce the risk of muscle swelling and tissue saturation with fluid, which can cause compression of nerve endings and cause acute pain.

Folk and traditional medicine offer ways to relieve pain: acupuncture, manual therapy. The procedures have an advantage over medications - they do not have side effects and will help people with allergies to medications. Therapeutic massage and acupuncture are performed by a doctor who knows the intricacies of complex procedures. Otherwise, irreversible deterioration will occur.

If there is a change in the intervertebral cartilaginous discs or the anatomy of the spine, a diet is prescribed that restores the tissues, saturating them with the substances necessary to maintain elasticity.

Getting rid of the disease is problematic. It is important to prevent the development of the disease and start treatment on time. Then you should be sure of getting a positive result. By contacting a doctor, you will protect yourself from complications.

The article was written for general educational development. To establish an accurate diagnosis and prescribe treatment, ALWAYS consult a doctor

Every day our back bears a load, the consequence of which can be osteochondrosis. Which occurs as a result of poor nutrition, injuries, excess weight and a sedentary lifestyle.

Many people do not pay attention to pain in any part, thinking that this is a side effect after exercise, but it is worth thinking about as it can lead to chronic pain in the future.

This disease is characterized by pain in the cervical, thoracic or lumbar back. Elderly people often experience such diseases because their vertebrae are more fragile.

In this article you will learn what polysegmental osteochondrosis is, methods of treatment and prevention. How dangerous the disease is and what types there are.

Between the vertebrae there are openings from which two pairs of spinal nerve roots emerge. The anterior roots provide motor activity to skeletal muscles and smooth muscles of internal organs. The posterior roots are responsible for various types of sensitivity. The anterior and posterior roots, located on one side, merge into the spinal nerve.

A pair of spinal nerves emerging from the spinal canal, together with the corresponding part of the spinal cord, constitute a segment. Thus, the number of segments corresponds to the number of vertebrae with the exception of the cervical spine, there are 8 of them, since the additional segment is caused by the articulation of the occipital bone with the first cervical vertebra.

As you know, the human spine is not a homogeneous structure and is divided into sections:

• Cervical - has 7 vertebrae
• Thoracic – 12 vertebrae
• Lumbar – 5 vertebrae
• Sacral – 5 vertebrae
• Coccygeal – 1 – 3 vertebrae

It follows from this that the spinal cord is divided into 31–33 segments. Each segment supplies nerves to its corresponding internal organs, blood vessels and areas of the skin.

Due to the inflammatory process that appears in a particular disc, destruction of connective and cartilage tissue occurs. The vertebrae gradually shift, and the nerve roots become pinched.

Polysegmental osteochondrosis is a total type of osteochondrosis, in which several parts of the spine are affected at once. Osteochondrosis is a degenerative disease that affects the intervertebral discs and the space around them.

Doctors distinguish three main sections in the human spine - cervical, thoracic and lumbar (there are also sacral and coccygeal, but they are small and problems arise there less often). The appearance of osteochondrosis in one of these departments manifests itself with quite characteristic symptoms.

So, for the cervical region it is a headache, blurred vision (“spots” in the eyes), for the lumbar region it is pain in the corresponding region that occurs during exercise. Well, the appearance of a disease in the thoracic region may not “manifest” at all for some time, and then “result” in intercostal neuralgia - an extremely painful pain syndrome.