osteoarthritis in the spine

The artrosis lumbar occurs on those occasions in which an injury occursón about degenerationócard no.ílake of the joints of the lumbar spine. Anterolisthesis is a disorder that occurs in the spine and is characterized by the dislocation of at least one of the vertebrae in relation to another úThe last one is made up of a total of five vévertebrae, located on the back, between the pelvis and the ribs. The unitedón between the vécontiguous vertebrae is produced throughés of different joint surfaces that are covered by cartílago. The moment that cardílake wear, is when a artrosis lumbar.

Index

Sísymptoms of osteoarthritis in the spine

The sísymptoms of the artrosis lumbar there are several, being the máthe rigidity, pain and limitationóno of moves. He síntomas más frequent in lumbar osteoarthritis has to do with character painímechanicsáunique, that is to say, what happens when something is doneúno type of movement; and lumbar overload; and this pain goes less as you rest.

In general, the pain lies located in the lumbar spine, but alsoécan'títo get to give localized pain in the próyou moan, as is the case of the thigh, on its back and sides, or on the buttock.

The osteoarthritis in the spine spaghettién can be asymptomaticática, that is to say, without producing anyún síthe apostle. In these cases it can be diagnosed fortuitously at the time of performing something.úno type of x-rayía lumbar, casually, when performing these tests for other reasons.

Generally, some of the main sísymptoms of osteoarthritis in the spine are the following:

  • Pain in the back or spine
  • Péloss of flexibility in the spine
  • Spinal stiffness
  • Increased pain with activity or after standing or sitting for long periods of time
  • Numbness or restlessness radiating to the extremities.

Origin of osteoarthritis in the spine

The main cause of osteoarthritis is given by different factors both geneérich as caráenvironmental character; and on some occasions it can be determined that there is a clear cause, as it is on those occasions when we meet a trauma previous, an infectionóno or a malformationón congénita. In seven types of cases it is considered that we are facing a secondary osteoarthritis, since it is a consequence of the process.

Nevertheless, in the majoríto the occasions, we are faced with osteoarthritis in the spine that is given without there being a clear cause that can justify it. Thus, in these types of cases, it is understood that its origin is the result of the sum of different environmental factors and geneéticos.

Some of the factors to take into account that may be key in the origin of osteoarthritis in the spine are the following:

Aging

From the 30-40 años of age it is common for radiologyía may show initial signs of vertebral osteoarthritis to someoneún column level, Whether you are in pain or not. Además, increases exponentially as the thresholds are exceeded. 50 años.

Sex

The  osteoarthritis in the spine It is more prevalent in women, Since this disease mainly affects women older than 55 años, and coincides with menopause and levels más reduced from stróknees

Genética

The osteoarthritis in the spine spaghettiéIt can't be a heart diseaseáhereditary character.

Work activity

Repeat joint movements due to work activity, can end up drifting, long-term to joint overload.

activity fíhigh physical

The athletes of élite son los más prone to suffering from a problem of osteoarthritis in the spine.

Sedentary lifestyle

A sedentary life can cause the múit's a dogén más débiles on abs and back, which are not able to support the spine during movements or by retractions of múparavertebral discs

Obesity

It does not seem to participate in the development of osteoarthritis but it doesí that can be aggravated in certain joints such as the knees

Trauma

Injuries and fractures can cause the appearanceóno of this disease.

Diagnóosteoarthritis in the spine

The diagnosisóstico of the osteoarthritis in the spine takes place after examining the sísymptoms that the patient explains when going to a specialist, such as suffering from pain, rigidity and limitationóno of movement, así as by own explorationón which brings out the rheumatólogo, in which both pain and limitation tend to stand outón of movements by the lumbar spine.

The complementary tests that are carried out most frequently to be able to determine the suffering of a osteoarthritis in the spine is to submit to x-rayílumbar spine simple ace. Thanks to them you can see some signs típeaks. In general, it is not necessary to carry out other imaging tests such as a lumbar CT or an MRI, unless a complication is suspectedóno associated. Además, an ann is not required eitheráblood lysis for diagnosisóstico.

Treatment of osteoarthritis in the spine

The goal of treatment for  osteoarthritis in the spine is to improve the pain and improve, usually, quality of life. For this reason, there are different alternatives to handle for the treatment, how can they be measures físic, the surgeryía and fármacos.

drug treatmentóusual logic consists of the use of conventional analgesia, like paracetamol, and if it's not enough, can be combined with anti-inflammatories during the water phase of pain.

In patients in whiché contraindicated the use of these úlast, it will be possibleán resort to fáanal drugséopioid psychos like the plotter. Además, muscle contracture is considered to be of great importance, and can be supplied muscle relaxants during the acute phase. Sometimes, those patients with osteoarthritis in the spine suffer someúno type of complicationón neurológica.

¿Its prevention is possibleón?

The patients who areánot at risk of suffering osteoarthritis in the spine It is recommended that you follow a healthy and balanced diet; además to exerciseíphysical with moderatesón and avoid those activities that involve an overexertion, así like obesity.