Pain in the vertebrae

In all systems of the human body from the spinal cord are nerve endings, so the pain in the vertebrae, signaling the violation of the spine, causes a number of diseases.

The spine is called the core and the most important system of the body, performing the supporting function. Due to the unique structure of the spinal column, the human body gained mobility. The number of vertebrae is 32-34. Neighboring vertebrae are connected by joints, muscles, ligamentous apparatus, interacting with discs. In the spine is located the spinal cord, which is responsible for the functioning of the organs in the body. 

Many familiar curvature of the spine, displacement of the vertebrae, osteochondrosis and other diseases cause headache, discomfort in the heart or stomach. No wonder physicians in ancient India, China believed that the cause of all the ailments in the body lies in the problems with the spine.

[1], [2], [3]

Causes of pain in vertebrae

Painful spine syndrome can be caused by a number of factors. The most common causes of pain in the vertebrae are due to dystrophic changes: 

1. osteochondrosis - affects intervertebral discs, adjacent articular surfaces and vertebral bodies; 
2. spondylosis - degenerative processes with the formation of a bone built-up along the edge of the vertebral body; 
3. spondylitis ("stiffness") - inflammation of the vertebral joints.

Osteochondrosis is a dystrophic change in articular cartilage and underlying bone tissue. The disease develops in any part of the spinal column, the special risk zones include: lower-cervical, upper-thoracic, lower-lumbar spine. The disease is detected in the majority of patients who have reached the age of forty.

At the initial stage, osteochondrosis manifests itself as local soreness of the affected vertebra. Pain in the vertebrae is permanent or with lumbago (lumbago) character. Soreness spreads to the corresponding vertebral column and is strengthened as a result of prolonged exercise, uncomfortable position of the body, a sedentary state. Further development of the disease leads to deformation of posture - kyphosis, lordosis, scoliosis.

Shooting pain in vertebrae due to sudden movement, lifting of gravity refers to the disease of lumbago - restriction of mobility from a couple of hours to several days.

Lumbago is caused by shaking during driving, hypothermia, prolonged exposure in an uncomfortable position, physical activity. Changes in mobility are insignificant. The inclination forward brings an essential muscle tension, in the slope back soreness completely disappears.

Herniated discs can pinch nerve fibers, vessels of the spinal cord, which causes severe pain in the vertebrae. Disturbances appear due to injuries, overloads, malnutrition and cause rupture of the upper fibrous ring of the disc with simultaneous protrusion of its internal contents into the spinal canal.

The process of increasing freedom of movement, the so-called pathological mobility of vertebral segments, is also accompanied by painful vertebrae or uncomfortable conditions in the neck. At the same time, in muscle structures there are problems with microcirculation, hypotrophy and decreased tone accompanied by uncertain movements of the cervical region. It is often necessary to maintain the neck by hand because of the inability to withstand the usual load.

Rare causes of pain in vertebrae: 

• vertebral defects of an innate nature - the presence of superfluous vertebrae or their lack; 
• spondylolysis / spondylolisthesis - interarticular defect of the arch of the vertebra with complete separation / with the extension of the body of the deformed vertebra forward; 
• Bechterew's disease - the lesion begins with the sacro-lumbar joints; 
• osteoporosis is a common cause of pain in the vertebrae of the lumbar zone when menstruating in women and in old age. The disease is characterized by a reduced density of bone tissue, with excessive pressure, the vertebrae acquire a wedge shape; 
• tumor processes of the organs of the chest, lungs, as well as the thyroid, prostate and kidney; 
• infection with staphylococcal infection through the circulatory system in affected lungs, diseases of the genitourinary system; 
• development of diseases of internal organs.

Psychosomatic response to ongoing events, stressful conditions, doctors pay more attention. Psychological instability, a tendency to depression on the background of increased physical exertion can cause unbearable pain in the vertebrae, which further knock the person out of balance. Such a vicious circle without the timely participation of a specialist can lead to chronic diseases of the spine.

[4], [5], [6]

Symptoms of pain in vertebrae

Any problem in the spinal column has its characteristic symptomatology. A shooting pain lasting a few seconds / minutes is typical for lumbago. Pulsating, tearing, electric shock-like pain increases with coughing, sneezing. The man is forced to freeze in painless condition and is afraid to move.

Symptoms of pain in the vertebrae with lumblagia are described by dull, aching pain, which becomes stronger when walking, in the static position of the body, during the folding of the body. Sometimes the pain grasps the buttock zone, the leg. Mobility does not suffer much. Diagnosis reveals the soreness of the spinous processes in the affected area.

Discomfort in osteochondrosis increases with a motionless or inactive position, there is an increase in pain syndrome under load. An acute manifestation of pain can spread to the arm, to the lumbar region, to the leg.

The main symptom of vertebral instability is pain in the vertebrae or discomfort in the cervical region. Such a disease in children is a common cause of acute torticollis.

The reason for applying to a doctor are: 

• pain in tension, due to physical exertion; 
• episodic painful feeling in the neck and back; 
• pain does not go away (intensifies) after a week; 
• soreness accompanied by fever, nausea; 
• pain accompanied by diarrhea, vomiting, frequent urination; 
• numbness of limbs.

Emergency hospitalization with acute pain in the vertebrae is necessary if stiffness of movements, shock state, delirium is observed.

Pain in the cervical vertebrae

The mobility of the cervical region allows a person to tilt, turn his head. This, in turn, made the uppermost spine most vulnerable to injuries, various kinds of diseases. Within a day, the neck performs about 500 possible movements. It is interesting that the muscles of the neck are directly involved in the motor activity of the arm, lifting the shoulder blade. The neck is equipped with nerves that transmit the impulses of the brain to all parts of the body. The most common cause of neck pain are problems in the muscular structures.

Pain in the cervical vertebra occurs when: 

• clamping of nerve endings; 
• muscle spasms; 
• myositis; 
• cervical osteochondrosis; 
• protrusion of discs; 
• hernia; 
• vertebral displacement, musculature dilatation; 
• ischemic heart disease (pain localized on the front surface of the neck); 
• severe diseases - rheumatoid arthritis, Bechterew's disease.

Pain in the vertebrae during the turn can be associated with the inflammatory process of the lymph nodes, diseases of the throat, the presence of fungal microflora or parasites in the body, thyroid problems, and the like. To diagnose the disease and prescribe the treatment will help the ENT or the therapist.

Soreness in the neck, arm and occipital region - the reason lies in osteochondrosis, which disturbs the blood supply. A specialist during the examination easily identifies the disease, sometimes X-ray diagnostics.

Muscle pain occurs during hypothermia, because of a draft. Symptom is so strong that it is impossible to change the position of the neck. It is possible to ease the condition by taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, for example, ibuprofen. On the neck, apply a vodka or based on a tincture of calendula (dilute with water in the proportion of 1 to 3) compress, put the cellophane and wrap it with a warm scarf. At night rubbing the painful area with a warming and anesthetic ointment is good. Pain, as a rule, takes place in a few days.

Pain in the cervical vertebrae and occipital part of the head can be caused by banal stretching or more serious dysfunctions - spondylitis, subluxation, etc.

Strong pain sensations of the neck and occiput cause spondylosis - a disease in which a bone build-up on the vertebral body occurs. It is more common in old age, but can occur in the younger generation with low physical activity.

The consolidation of the muscles is observed in myoglosis as a result of incorrect posture, a draft, after awakening, because of the stress experienced. The pain extends to the neck, shoulders, accompanied by frequent dizziness and discomfort of the occipital region.

The soreness of the neck, occiput, ear region, back and lower jaw characterizes neuralgia of the occipital nerve. The pain grows when you sneeze, cough, turn your head.

Pain in the vertebrae of the neck appears due to serious diseases (disc herniation, tumor processes, etc.), as well as at an uncomfortable position during sleep, when carrying a heavy bag on one shoulder, physical overload.

Pain between vertebrae

The localization of pain between the vertebrae occurs when protrusions of the discs. The disease is characterized by protrusion of the disk from the spine and is considered the first stage of the development of a hernia between the vertebrae. In contrast to hernia, intervertebral protrusions proceed without rupturing the fibrous ring.

The course of the disease occurs in stages: 

• The first stage is accompanied by attacks of acute, local soreness. Cracks of the fibrous ring are found, changes occur in the structure of the disc; 
• at the second stage, the pain between the vertebrae is irradiating, and the disc itself protrudes by two or three mm; 
• protrusion in the third stage increases, acute pain can give in the leg, buttock. Often there is numbness of limbs, static-dynamic disorders.

The third stage of development of protrusion leads to the appearance of intervertebral hernia. High-risk departments are cervical and lumbar. The pinch of the nerve root responds with pain radiating to the adjacent organs. In hernia, there are such conditions as: 

• dizziness; 
• weakness of muscles; 
• numbness of fingers / toes; 
• pressure drops; 
• hearing or vision impairment; 
• problems with coordination; 
• dysfunction of the genitourinary sphere.

Pain in the vertebrae associated with impaired vertebral column is commonly called vertebrogenic dorsalgia. Most of the acute or chronic pain can be caused by the following diseases: osteochondrosis and its complications, Bechterew's disease, spondylosis, scoliosis, subluxation and displacement of the vertebrae.

Pain in the vertebra at the touch

The painful manifestations associated with muscle spasm are called myalgia. The peculiarity of the disease consists in the presence of dense muscular structures (nodules) or trigger zones. The disease is treated as a myofascial syndrome, and is revealed by soreness during palpation.

The whole range of unpleasant sensations is divided into sudden, acute and chronic pain in the vertebrae. To the shooting pain apply the term dorsago. The main cause of shooting manifestations of the interblade zone is osteochondrosis. The disease is determined by pain in the vertebrae when pressed, there are cases when the intensity of the painful syndrome the patient has difficulty breathing.

The characteristic lumbar pain in radiculitis is described by acute painfulness upon palpation. Nerve pincers, displacement or subluxation of the intervertebral discs can also be responded with pain when pressed.

Pain in the vertebrae is susceptible to the process of remission, remission. For example, the last stage of the intervertebral hernia may be almost imperceptible as a result of complete atrophy of the strangulated nerve.

Pain, its intensity, character, manner of manifestation are of great importance for determining the cause of the disease, so it is necessary to tell the doctor exactly about all the symptoms, any changes in pain.

Diagnosis of pain in the vertebrae

In a comprehensive survey, including a description of the problem from the words of the patient, is the diagnosis of pain in the vertebrae. The doctor must collect an anamnesis of the disease (when the first symptoms were detected, how the picture changed, etc.) and the way of life of the patient. Important information about parents, close relatives, hereditary predispositions, the scope of work, the presence of allergic manifestations.

At objective research apply: 

1. inspection; 
2. palpation; 
3. percussion (tapping).

These manipulations make it possible to draw conclusions about the general condition and tone of muscles, the symmetry of the folds of the skin and muscle fibers, reflexes. The specialist visually reveals deformations of the spinal column. The presence of redness (areas of hyperemia) will indicate inflammatory processes. The probing method reveals the zones of maximum soreness, pathological mobility of the vertebrae, etc.

To the instrumental diagnosis of pain in vertebrae include: 

1. X-ray examination to exclude deformations, fractures, tumors; 
2. magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - allows you to get a clear picture of disc disorders, spinal cord, the presence of tumor processes, to make a conclusion about the state of the arteries and veins; 
3. computer tomography - for revealing pathologies of soft tissues and bone structures. The method is based on the use of x-rays and the introduction of colorant in combination with the achievements of computer progress; 
4. myelography - X-ray study of the spinal cord to identify tumors, infections, intervertebral hernias, vascular problems, bulging of the meninges (meningocele); 
5. electromyography - for the purpose of obtaining information about a violation in the functioning of the neuromuscular structures. A special device records the amount of electrical activity (biopotential) of the skeletal musculature; 
6. Spinal puncture is performed to take a cerebrospinal fluid. The technique is necessary for hemorrhages in the dorsal canal, infectious diseases (meningitis), tumoral processes, measurement of intracranial pressure.

Methods of instrumental diagnosis of pain in the vertebrae are prescribed by the attending physician.

[7], [8]

Treatment of pain in vertebrae

Distinguish conservative and operative treatment of pain in the vertebrae. Conservative treatment is understood as the use of medicines, physiotherapy and complexes of therapeutic gymnastics.

Medication treatment of pain includes: 

• anti-inflammatory drugs of the non-steroid group ("ibuprofen", "indomethacin", etc.); 
• substances of a narcotic type (promedol, tramal) are used if other medications do not have an analgesic effect; 
• anti-inflammatory steroids - for local injections;
• relaxants for the muscles to relieve spasm.

Pharmacology in its rapid flowering can only temporarily ease the pain, masking pain in the vertebrae. All kinds of medications, dietary supplements, stimulants do not cope with the cause of pain, cause a lot of side effects, and lead to the development of new diseases and complications.

I would like to note the homeopathic preparations of the German company Heel, which consist exclusively of natural components and have a curative effect. Solution for injection "discus compositum" is used for the treatment of osteochondrosis, diseases of the ligamentous apparatus of the spine, neuralgia, rheumatism. The substance is used to carry out blockades along the vertebral column or directly into the affected vertebra. Means "goal-T" and "traumeel-C" are available in the form of a solution, tablets and ointments, which helps to have a comprehensive impact on the problem. The first drug is effective for arthrosis, and the second is indispensable for the relief of acute and chronic processes (bursitis, osteochondrosis, etc.). The methods of use and dosages should be consulted by a specialist.

Expressed regenerative, chondroprotektivnym, anti-inflammatory, anabolic effect has the drug "Don" with the active substance on the basis of articular cartilage. Means for restoration of cartilaginous tissue are prescribed for osteoarthritis including intervertebral osteochondrosis, in the postoperative period (removal of intervertebral hernia). The medicine is available in the form of a powder (a daily norm - a bag for a glass of water, 20 minutes before a meal) and in ampoules (one injection for two days or twice a week). The course lasts up to 12 weeks with a cyclicity - 2-3 times a year.

The physiotherapeutic effect is based on the use of heat, cold, UHF, ultrasound or massage techniques in the pain zone. To strengthen muscles helps therapeutic gymnastics, and a special corset gives the spine and muscles a stable, fixed position. To eliminate pain in the vertebrae as a result of nerve compression, the traction method is used.

Surgical intervention is applicable in the event that after the expiration of six months there was no improvement in the patient's condition, when conservative methods did not work.

Spondylodesis - fusion of adjacent vertebrae to eliminate mobility. It is used for excessive motor activity due to scoliosis, degenerative processes. The recovery period reaches one year.

Laminectomy - removal of a site of a vertebra which compresses a nervous spine. As a result, its normal functioning is restored and the long-awaited disposal of pain sets in.

Among the newest methods of treating pain in the vertebrae, one can distinguish the implantation of an artificial intervertebral disc and the introduction of interstitial spacers that expand the space near the nerve root.

Prevention of pain in the vertebrae

Preventative measures for the healthy development of the spine should begin in infancy, when natural bends are formed in the skeleton. Toddlers need to be tempered, swimming, sunbathing, physical activity according to age are indispensable. It is also important to eat properly and properly.

Infectious diseases can cause irreparable damage to the spine. For example, the consequence of tuberculosis is the deformation of the spinal column, and osteomyelitis destroys the base of the bones and the spinal cord. Vaccination is not only the prevention of pain in the vertebrae, but also the prevention of serious diseases.

The deposition of calcium and phosphorus in bone structures is fraught with rickets, which causes deformation of the skeleton and concomitant complications. A sufficient amount of vitamin D and a balanced diet along with gymnastics can protect your child from terrible consequences.

Inactive way of life is a real scourge of modern society. We are sitting at work, at home, in a car, at a cafe, and the result is one - a pain strong, restraining movements, not giving the opportunity to stay in a standing position, etc. The correct organization of the workplace will help prevent pain in the vertebrae: 

1. chair should be able to adjust; 
2. watch your posture and position of the legs (do not cross them, lean on the floor with the entire foot); 
3. the table should be comfortable so that you do not have to stoop; 
4. monitor the computer at the eye level so that the neck slightly bent when working; 
5. take breaks, get up, warm up; 
6. Enter the production gymnastics.

Disturbances in the functioning of the internal systems of the body result in diseases of the spinal column. Prevention of pain in the vertebrae is the maintenance of internal organs in a healthy state, timely treatment in the hospital, prevention of the development of chronic processes.

Pain in vertebrae, unfortunately, is familiar to most young people at the age of twenty. The statistics are disappointing, and the lifestyle of young people is reduced to rest by the computer. According to experts, the lack of motor activity leads to abnormalities in the skeleton, causes muscle atrophy and threatens chronic diseases of the internal systems of the body.