Facet arthropathy or facet joint arthrosis is a common disease of the spine in which deformation, destruction and thinning of joint tissue occurs.
Facet joints are the joints between the upper and lower articular processes of the vertebrae (see photo below). It is the facet joints that provide flexibility to the spine and make flexion-extension, rotation and bending of the torso possible. Therefore, the development of arthrosis in this area is accompanied not only by back pain (which already causes a lot of suffering for patients), but also by pronounced dysfunction of the spine.
Read on for a full, comprehensive description of the disease and answers to the most important questions on this topic.
Depletion and deformation of the tissues of the facet joints of the spine are formed in absolutely all people, starting from the age of 40–45 years, and are caused by the processes of physiological aging of the body. However, with aging, joints deteriorate very slowly, and significant changes in them should not normally be observed (even by the age of 90). The following four factors play a much more serious role in the development of spondyloarthrosis, including at a young age:
Various minor anomalies of skeletal development: irregular or asymmetrical arrangement of paired processes, fusion of the vertebrae, splitting of the vertebral arches. Such anomalies are not at all uncommon; at first they have no symptoms, and many people do not even realize they exist until, for some reason, they have to take an x-ray of the spine.
Injuries and microtraumas, chronic overloads of the spine (sports injuries, heavy physical work, injuries in road accidents, overweight, sedentary lifestyle, etc.).
Excessive mobility (instability) of the lumbar vertebra, when it easily moves backward or forward relative to the underlying vertebra.
Metabolic disorders, endocrine diseases leading to malnutrition and subsequent cartilage degeneration.
With constant exposure to provoking factors, changes in the facet joints also increase: the cartilage gradually loses its elasticity, the articular surfaces are exposed, the articular capsule, nearby areas of bone, ligaments and muscles are involved in the pathological process, spiky outgrowths form on the bones - arthrosis develops.
The leading symptom of facet joint arthrosis is pain.
The doctor can assume the presence of spondyloarthrosis already at the first examination based on a combination of specific complaints and objective symptoms (an examination is carried out to determine the range of motion in the spine). The diagnosis is easily confirmed by an X-ray examination of the spine; if necessary, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging can be prescribed.
Treatment of spondyloarthrosis is prescribed only by a doctor. Specific measures depend on the stage of the disease (determined radiographically), the phase of the disease (exacerbation or remission) and the severity of symptoms. Treatment of arthrosis of the intervertebral joints is always complex, combining medicinal and non-medicinal methods of treatment.
Non-drug methods are an essential component of the treatment of spondyloarthrosis. Without their implementation, it will be impossible to achieve lasting improvement and prevent further progression of the disease. The main methods of such influence are physical therapy, massage and physiotherapy.
Spondyloarthrosis is treated with the same groups of drugs as arthrosis of other localizations - these are painkillers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, chondroprotectors, and in severe cases - hormones. The dosage of the drug and the duration of treatment are determined by the doctor.
Any pain in the back and neck is a cause for concern. If pain is accompanied by limited mobility, even temporary, a visit to the doctor should not be postponed under any circumstances. Timely initiation of treatment can completely restore (preserve) the functions of the spine, but delays always lead to severe progression of the disease.
More than 80% of people experience diseases and pathologies of the spine. With age, the risk of developing changes in its bone and cartilage structure increases. One of the most common diagnoses is arthrosis, the destruction of the facet joints of the spine.
The facet joints provide mobility to the spinal column and are located on both sides (above and below) of the vertebral body. They are classified as inactive, since movement in one joint entails movement in other uncovertebral joints.
Physiological aging of our body begins after 40 years. Accompanied by a change in the structure of joint tissue towards gradual destruction. This process is not considered pathological, but is one of the age-related norms. In the absence of other causes, serious disturbances in the joints of the vertebrae in various parts will become critical only at the age of 90 years.
Factors that provoke the development of spondyloarthrosis and accelerate it include:
Most often, arthrosis of the facet joints occurs in the cervical and lumbar spine, and less often in the thoracic spine. It manifests itself as pain, not systemic at first, appearing in the evenings, after a working day. At first, the pain subsides in the morning. Allows you to forget about yourself for a while.
The facet joints provide mobility to the back, thanks to them we bend, turn to the sides, flex and extend the spine. With the destruction of cartilage tissue, a growth is formed, called osteophyte by doctors. The pain intensifies, becomes constant, and stiffness of movement appears.
Serious disorders of cartilage tissue in the lumbar region cause pain in the buttocks, limit pelvic movements, and can lead to sexual dysfunction and stress. The patient can not only move without pain, it becomes difficult to sit and lie down.
Pathology of the joints in the cervical region is initially accompanied by pain when turning or tilting the head. Then a characteristic crunching sound appears. The mobility of the neck is limited, and spasms of the muscles of the region are possible (fixation of the neck in one position).
Such symptoms require immediate medical attention.
To diagnose the disease, you should consult a vertebrologist, rheumatologist or orthopedist. The specialist conducts a survey, visually examines the patient, prescribes tests and instrumental studies.
If arthrosis of the facet joints is suspected, an x-ray is most informative; in controversial cases, an MRI is prescribed.
The most frequent visits from patients are during the acute phase of the disease. In this case, drug treatment is effective. It is prescribed only by a doctor; the specialist takes into account the degree of development of the pathological process, the characteristics of the patient (presence of allergies, diseases of internal organs). Drug therapy is aimed at relieving the inflammatory syndrome and relieving pain. A wide range of drugs is used in the form of:
According to indications, the doctor prescribes the following groups of drugs:
Medicines are taken under the supervision of the attending physician. Changing the dosage on your own is unacceptable, since many drugs have an impressive list of side effects and can be addictive.
In the complex of conservative therapy the following are also prescribed:
A prerequisite for recovery and restoration of damaged tissue of the facet joints is a change in the patient’s diet and lifestyle. Without such adjustments, medications and the efforts of doctors and physiotherapists will not be able to bring lasting benefits and will lose their effectiveness.
Arthrosis of the facet joints of the spine is a very common disease. It is characterized by a chronic form, and mainly patients after 45-50 years of age are susceptible to the disease.
Arthrosis of the vertebral region is manifested by dystrophic changes and growth of the edge of the bone tissue, thinning of the cartilage in the facet joints.
Osteoarthritis of the facet joints is typical for the cervical, less often the thoracic and lumbar regions.
Arthrosis of the facet joints will certainly result from excessive loads on the spine as a whole, especially on its cervical region. Pathology can develop independently or in combination with osteochondrosis, scoliosis and lordosis.
Often, spinal arthrosis is accompanied by pathological changes in the uncovertebral joints. These lesions are typically characterized by the formation of a neurological syndrome between the processes of the thoracic and cervical vertebrae, accompanied by intense pain.
Facet arthropathy or spondyloarthrosis (the aging process of intervertebral joints, during which the shape, anatomy and function of the joints change) - this diagnosis is made to almost everyone who consults a doctor with complaints of discomfort in the spine.
The main symptom of such arthrosis is severe nagging pain, which is most acutely felt during prolonged walking, standing or significant physical activity. Periodically recurring pain begins to progress over time and appear even with minimal exertion.
Arthrosis of the facet joints is confirmed on X-ray images of the spine, and to clarify the picture, additional laboratory tests and other diagnostic techniques that are effective for arthrosis are used.
Treatment of arthrosis of the facet joints and spondyloarthrosis should be comprehensive and aimed at eliminating the factors that provoked the pathology, and, of course, at alleviating general symptoms.
The main measures necessary for the treatment of spinal arthrosis:
Complete rest at the very beginning of an exacerbation helps spontaneous muscle relaxation and eliminates factors that provoke the occurrence of a pathological focus. But when the pain subsides a little, the patient should gradually expand the range of motion, but lifting heavy objects is strictly prohibited.
For cervical spondyloarthrosis, blockades are prescribed, in which drugs are delivered directly to the pathological focus. The main medications used for this procedure are glucocorticoids (Diprospan, Kenalog). They do not have an analgesic effect, but by eliminating the causes of pain, they contribute to the treatment of arthrosis.
Medical leeches for the treatment of many diseases, including arthrosis of the facet joints, began to be used more than 2 thousand years ago. Today, hirudotherapy is very popular. Medical research has proven that treatment with leeches for arthrosis is a very effective procedure.
Leeches promote venous outflow of blood, which reduces high pressure inside tissues and eliminates swelling. Hirudotherapy has an analgesic, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effect on the area where the pathology is located.
When performing physiotherapeutic procedures, the main points of application are the tissues of the facet joints and intervertebral discs together with the nervous tissue. Physiotherapy provides improved blood flow in the pathological area, eliminates the inflammatory process and pain.
Abdominal decompression is an innovative method that provides:
The final phase of any therapeutic course for arthrosis and spondyloarthrosis is massage. It is carried out on the paravertebral soft tissues (pervertebral muscles). Massage sessions normalize muscle tone, strengthen the spinal column as a whole and remove toxins from the body.
A complex of physical therapy for arthrosis should be selected individually for each patient. Exercise therapy will have to be performed for a long time and it is advisable to combine it with massage.
An old folk method for preventing arthrosis is a belt made of dog hair. Arthrosis of the spine can be treated with the help of infusions, decoctions, compresses and lotions prepared with medicinal herbs.
Most sources distinguish 3 degrees of osteoarthritis, sometimes considering the fourth - ankylosis. But according to the ICD, this is not a stage that deforming arthrosis goes through in its development, but an independent disease. At an early stage, arthrosis is rarely diagnosed, since the symptoms are mild and the disease does not cause much concern to the patient. Particularly patient or frivolous patients can sound the alarm only at stage 3, when joint deformation, dysfunction of the limb or spine and pain can no longer be ignored. But most often, a patient who consults a doctor for the first time with complaints of joint pain and joint stiffness is diagnosed with grade 2 osteoarthritis. The article reveals the features of its symptoms and principles of therapy at this stage.
Secondary osteoarthritis is sometimes confused with arthrosis of the second degree, but these are different concepts. Primary and secondary arthrosis are spoken of when characterizing the origin (etiology) of DOA. These are the so-called pathogenetic variants of the disease. Primary, or idiopathic, is usually called deforming arthrosis of unknown etiology, which affects a previously healthy joint. In particular, age-related degenerative-dystrophic changes in the joint, which were not preceded by arthritis, trauma, or hormonal changes, are classified as idiopathic arthrosis. Secondary deforming osteoarthritis develops against the background of diseases and other pathological conditions: injuries, dysplasia, static disorders. Pathological processes that lead to the development of secondary arthrosis are divided into several groups:
Regardless of what factor served as the trigger for the onset of joint destruction, deforming arthrosis goes through the same stages of development.
The severity of defarthrosis is assessed according to different criteria:
According to Kellgren’s radiological classification, arthrosis of grade 1–2 is already characterized by osteosclerosis, osteophytosis, and cystic reorganization of bone tissue. And according to Kosinskaya, these changes (in addition to the appearance of initial osteophytes) occur only with grade 2 deforming osteoarthritis.
Within the framework of any approach, the first stage of arthrosis is considered as the initial stage, when minor changes occur in the joint, clinical manifestations are absent or mild, and there are no or minor limitations on life activity. The next stage in the development of arthrosis - arthrosis of the 2nd degree - is the stage of pronounced clinical manifestations and radiological changes. As a rule, at this stage, deforming arthrosis is accompanied by moderate limitations in life activity (LLD). Further progression of the disease leads to an increase in clinical symptoms, severe deformation of the joint and affected limb, significant restrictions on life activity, up to the complete loss of certain functional abilities.
In grade 2–3 arthrosis, the process involves not only the articular cartilage, but also other joint structures: subchondral bone tissue, all layers of the joint capsule, muscles and tendons. The destruction of the cartilage layer reaches such proportions that compensatory mechanisms are activated. The bone tissue becomes denser (osteosclerosis), the cartilage wears out and collapses in places of greatest load, but grows at the edges. There is a gradual ossification of these growths, osteophytes appear. If at the early stage they are single and small, then at stage 2 they are no longer lonely spines, groups of osteophytes resemble a ridge or fringe. The articular areas become flatter, while their area increases due to marginal growth, and the gap between them decreases.
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Arthrosis of the 2nd degree is characterized by:
With arthrosis, the pathological process most often occurs in one or two paired joints. But sometimes it covers several groups of joints, causes more noticeable inconvenience, and is accompanied by significant restrictions on air circulation, since the capabilities of compensatory mechanisms are quickly exhausted. In this case, a diagnosis of generalized arthrosis is made.
At stage 2 of osteoarthritis, the pain syndrome becomes more pronounced, and new manifestations are added:
The cause of inflammation of the synovial membrane can be an infection or allergy. In arthrosis, it is provoked by irritation from articular muscles or the products of cartilage tissue breakdown. In this case, a diagnosis of aseptic (reactive) synovitis is made. The first signs of this disease may appear at an early stage, but usually become pronounced at the second stage.
The X-ray shows:
For grade 2 arthrosis, treatment should be more aggressive and intensive than at an early stage. Often there is a need to relieve pain and inflammation. For these purposes they resort to:
Treatment with chondroprotectors is quite effective; they will not help restore cartilage tissue, but they can significantly slow down the process of its destruction. In the absence of symptoms of synovitis, injections of hyaluronic acid into the joint are indicated to restore its mobility and normalize the nutrition of cartilage tissue. An important role is given to non-drug therapy methods. Appointed:
Alternative (reflexotherapy, hirudotherapy) and innovative (stem cell treatment, plasma lifting) methods of therapy can be used. Treatment according to traditional medicine prescriptions is acceptable, but only as an auxiliary one. Dieting, weight control, and dosing loads on the joints are still relevant. Patients with arthrosis of the lower extremities often need to use assistive devices when walking; at this stage, a cane is sufficient. If arthrosis deformans has reached stage 2, minimally invasive surgical interventions can be performed along with conservative treatment . The following radical treatment methods are used:
Arthrosis of the 2nd degree is a fairly common diagnosis. At this stage, the patient experiences significant discomfort due to prolonged pain and encounters difficulties in performing many usual operations. But the functions of the joint are preserved, although incompletely; disability at this stage is assigned in exceptional cases. At this stage, arthrosis is less treatable than at an early stage. But there is still a chance to stop its development and avoid significant limitations in life without resorting to surgery. By implementing complex therapy and following all doctor’s instructions, you can delay the transition of the disease to the next stage as much as possible.
Facet joints are formed in the thoracic, lumbar and cervical spine. The shape of these joints depends on the location of the inflammatory process. For example, in the thoracic and cervical regions they are flat (cylindrical) and characterized by low mobility. Arthrosis of the facet joints of the lumbar spine occurs most often in patients over 40 years of age, which is explained by age-related changes in cartilage tissue.
As a rule, the facet joints are characterized by a close relationship with each other and are located symmetrically. When one joint is damaged or displaced, the second is also injured. It is this property that poses a particular danger and provokes the development of many serious diseases.
The facet joint becomes thinner and deformed in addition to the natural aging of the body as a result of the following factors:
In addition, people at risk include people with excess body weight, osteoporosis, flat feet, elderly patients and athletes.
Based on localization, the disease is divided into:
As the symptoms of the disease increase and the action of provoking factors increases, the elasticity of the cartilage tissue is disrupted, and the pathological process can spread to the ligaments, bones and muscles.
As a rule, with any joint disease, a characteristic symptom is the presence of pain. Most often, arthrosis develops at the facet joints in the cervical region, which provokes nagging pain in the neck that appears in the late afternoon. After a short rest, they stop (sometimes their complete disappearance is possible), but with any load the pain arises again.
The progression of symptoms is characterized by stiffness in the morning and discomfort when tilting and turning the head.
In the late stage of the disease, as a result of increased formation of spiny growths, any head movements are accompanied by a specific crunch. In this case, the amplitude of turns is significantly reduced and muscle contracture is quite possible.
The pain is constantly present, and with physical activity, changing weather conditions and movement intensifies. Arthrosis of the joints of the spinal region is accompanied by pain in the back, especially in a sitting position. Subsequently, flexion of the torso is limited and a crunching sound is heard.
The appearance of any pain in the spine is a reason to contact a vertebrologist and rheumatologist.
To clarify the diagnosis, a number of special studies are carried out:
In order to exclude the development of concomitant pathological changes in the spinal column, the doctor performs a series of laboratory tests (blood, synovial fluid). After a complete diagnosis, adequate therapeutic measures are prescribed taking into account the patient’s condition and the intensity of symptoms.
The main goal of treating arthrosis in the lumbar spine is to reduce pain and prevent subsequent joint destruction. To improve a person’s quality of life, the rehabilitation process is important, so therapy requires an integrated approach, including the methods discussed below.
For arthrosis, medications are prescribed that reduce pathological processes in the cartilage tissue of the facet joint. These include NSAIDs (Ortofen, Diclofenac, Voltaren, etc.), as well as Phenylbutazone and Ketotifen.
To reduce muscle tone, it is recommended to take muscle relaxants, which effectively relieve muscle spasms, including the lumbar region, and restore blood circulation to the facet joints. It is important to remember that drugs in this group are not able to completely cure the disease, therefore in medical practice they are considered as auxiliary. The most commonly prescribed medications are Baclofen, Sirdalud, and Mydocalm.
Chondroprotectors are prescribed as cartilage regenerates in the facet joints of the spine, slowing down the process of destruction, since they contain components reminiscent of human cartilage tissue. The duration of use of drugs in this group can reach 12 months, but the greatest effectiveness of treatment with chondroprotectors is observed at the early stage of arthrosis development, while when the process is advanced, their effectiveness is close to zero. Most often, Dona, Structum, and Artra are prescribed.
In addition, to strengthen the body's defenses, the doctor may prescribe immunomodulators and vitamin preparations.
With the development of arthrosis of the facet joints of the spinal column, physiotherapy has a positive effect:
Each of the above procedures is performed only after prior consultation with a doctor and with his direct participation.
Therapeutic exercise, as well as massage, are aimed at enhancing blood circulation in the lumbar region and creating optimal conditions for cartilage tissue to be restored as quickly as possible.
With systematic exercise (on your own or with a trainer), the mobility of the intervertebral joints increases, the muscle corset is strengthened and the body's resistance to various infections increases.
The exercise therapy complex should include mandatory gymnastic exercises for the lumbar spine. In addition, swimming shows good effectiveness.
For arthrosis of the facet joints, an important condition is proper nutrition, adjustment of body weight, as well as the use of special orthopedic corsets, belts and bandages for more rigid fixation of the spine.
It is recommended to wear a corset during the acute stage in order to minimize the load on the spinal column.
Arthrosis is a very insidious disease. It may not manifest itself for many years and only bother a person at a more severe stage of development. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the joints and undergo preventive examinations at least once a year, especially after 40 years.
It is important to remember that the appearance of any pain in the spine requires mandatory consultation with a qualified specialist. Without identifying the cause of the disease and eliminating negative symptoms, arthrosis can become chronic, accompanied by periodic relapses and exacerbations.
The patient’s quality of life depends on how timely treatment for facet joint arthrosis is started. If you contact a medical facility early, the prognosis for recovery is favorable.
A disease characterized by deformation or destructive processes of diarthrosis tissue is called arthrosis of the facet joints. Thanks to the facet joints, the spine has flexible properties, allowing a person to bend and unbend, and move the body in a variety of directions. The pathological process is accompanied by pain in the back area, and the functions of the spine are disrupted.
The facet joints, as well as their tissues, become deformed and depleted after 40 years. This process is due to the aging of the body. During the aging of diarthrosis, the destruction process proceeds slowly. In a normal state, there are no visible pathologies in the joint tissues.
The difference between healthy joints and those affected by arthrosis
The pathological process is classified depending on the location of the disease:
Osteoarthritis of the facet joints is characterized by certain clinical manifestations, but the main factor is pain. Most often, the pathological process affects the cervical spine. The patient experiences pain in the neck area. They have a pulling and dull character, most often appearing in the evening. Painful sensations can noticeably decrease after rest, and sometimes even temporarily recede. But after a slight load they appear again. After a while in the morning, it is problematic to bend or turn your head. There is morning stiffness. If osteochondrosis occurs, vision problems may arise, a feeling of discomfort in the chest, dizziness, and extraneous sounds in the ears are disturbing.
Spondyloarthrosis in the thoracic region of the spine is rarely localized. It is characterized by pain in the back area during turning or bending activities. Muscle spasms provoke feelings of stiffness in the morning. Bone formations affect nerve endings, reducing sensitivity.
If the costovertebral joints are affected by pathological processes, discomfort is felt in the ribs. The pain intensifies after a person remains in a standing position for a long time. The pathology is diagnosed mainly in women. If left untreated, the patient is likely to become disabled.
The infusion effect of drugs allows you to restore metabolic processes.
In addition to the main therapy, non-traditional methods can be used:
Traditional medicine can increase motor amplitude, normalize blood flow, and relieve pain. But recipes from traditional healers are used only after consultation with a doctor.
Pain and a feeling of heaviness, stiffness in the morning and impaired mobility - many of these symptoms are familiar first-hand to tens of thousands of patients with diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Arthrosis of the facet joints is a common disease in this group, which is the main cause of disability. Unfortunately, most patients seek medical help in the last stages, so doctors only offer surgical treatment for this pathology.
General concept of facet joint arthrosis
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Ordinary joint pain can be a symptom of more serious diseases:
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Spondyloarthrosis or arthrosis of the facet joints is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of the intervertebral joints, accompanied by the development of periarticular inflammation, synovitis, and destruction of cartilage tissue.
This pathology proceeds in a similar way to osteoarthritis, only instead of large knee or hip joints, small joints of the spinal column (most often the lumbar and cervical spine) are affected.
During walking, rotational and flexion-extension movements, a huge load is created in the thoracic and lumbar region, which is minimized thanks to the shock-absorbing functions of the intervertebral discs and facet joints. These articulations are located between the lower articular processes of the overlying vertebra and the upper articular processes of the underlying vertebra.
They should highlight the following elements:
Most often, arthrosis of the facet joints of the spine develops as a result of prolonged mechanical stress. That is, the destruction of loose cartilage tissue occurs and subsequently the formation of bone growths (osteophytes).
Medical practice: more than 30 years.
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Causes of arthrosis of the facet joints
Spondyloarthrosis of the lumbar and cervical spine can occur for a long time without symptoms, while irreversible changes develop in the cartilage tissue. First of all, patients complain of morning stiffness in the morning, and later other symptoms appear:
Unfortunately, symptoms alone are not enough to make a diagnosis and choose treatment. The following research methods are recommended:
Spine diagnostics (radiography)
Despite the enormous diagnostic capabilities and a wide range of therapeutic methods, doctors are not able to completely cure spondyloarthrosis of the lumbar spine. The main goal is to stop further progression and improve the quality of life of patients.
It is very important to reduce external influences on the spinal column; for this purpose it is recommended:
Modern drugs can eliminate the symptoms of synovitis, pain and pain.
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Drug treatment of facet joint arthrosis
Attention! Recent studies in the USA have proven that chondroprotectors do not have a positive effect on the treatment of patients with articular pathology.
In addition to basic interventions involving prosthetics and plastic surgery, less invasive and more effective treatments have been developed:
Radiofrequency denervation for spinal pain
Each of the described methods has strict indications and significantly makes life easier for the patient. With timely treatment by the patient, it is possible to stop arthrosis of the facet joints in the early stages, but in advanced cases one has to rely on radical treatment.
Arthrosis of the spine (spondyloarthrosis) is a fairly common occurrence among all cases of chronic degenerative-destructive pathology of the articular apparatus. The main place in the development of the disease is given to dystrophic and inflammatory processes in cartilage, vertebrae, ligaments, and muscles. The disease can affect only certain parts or the entire spinal column. The process involves the facet and costotransverse joints.
This disease in many cases becomes the cause of a person’s functional failure and can lead to permanent loss of ability to work (disability).
And recently, such diseases are not uncommon at a young age. Very often, osteoarthritis is combined with another pathology that has a similar origin - osteochondrosis, spondylosis.
The development of spondyloarthrosis is mediated by many factors affecting the spine. The disease often occurs in old age against the background of general aging of the body and depletion of regenerative capabilities. Sometimes it is very difficult to establish the cause of the disease, and sometimes it is impossible. In such cases they speak of idiopathic osteoarthritis of the spine. However, with a thorough examination, it is possible to identify the main etiological points in its development:
It is possible to find out which of these factors predominated in the development of spondyloarthrosis in a particular case only based on the results of a comprehensive examination. And as you know, a correctly established diagnosis is already half of the future treatment.
Therefore, if you suspect arthrosis, you should consult a doctor.
Facet or facet joints are formed by the articular surfaces of adjacent (upper and lower) processes of the vertebrae. Exposure to risk factors leads to loss of elasticity of cartilage, its destruction, the underlying bone tissue, synovial membrane of the joint, and transverse vertebral ligaments are affected.
Since the facet joints are located along the entire spinal column, the clinical manifestations of spondyloarthrosis will also have their own localization. The facet joints of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions are most often involved in the pathological process. Depending on the location, extent and severity of the pathological process, certain symptoms will be present:
Symptoms of arthrosis of the facet joints of the spine are nonspecific. It is necessary to differentiate deforming arthrosis not only from other pathologies of the spinal column, but also to take into account diseases of the internal organs (heart, stomach, intestines, kidneys).
Only after an in-depth examination can we reliably say about the presence of arthrosis of the intervertebral joints of the spine.
It is necessary to consult a traumatologist and neurologist, undergo radiography, and, if necessary, computed tomography.
Damage to the costotransverse joints occurs in a small number of patients. Arthrosis is characterized by the involvement of the costotransverse joints between the head of the rib and the transverse process of the vertebra.
Older people, mainly women, are most often affected by the disease. As a rule, the vertebrae of the upper and lower thoracic regions are affected.
Since the rib joints are involved in the pathological process, all clinical manifestations of arthrosis will concern the thoracic spine. However, for a long time there may be no clear signs at all.
Among the symptoms of the disease, the first place is pain in the ribs, less often in the back.
Stiffness in the spine in the morning also bothers me. At the initial stage, symptoms are local and short-term.
The progression of the disease will make itself felt by constant pain when breathing. The mobility of the chest is limited and people lose their ability to work.
As in the case of arthrosis of other localizations, clinical examination is followed by additional methods. It must be remembered that thoracic arthrosis can mask the following diseases: angina and heart attack, peptic ulcer, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, neuralgia. Therefore, careful differentiation of these conditions is necessary.
Related specialists will help you choose the right medications: a physiotherapist, a physical therapy doctor, a massage specialist.
There are a large number of methods to treat arthrosis of the spinal column. The therapeutic effect must be complex, individual and aimed at all parts of the pathological process. The treatment program for spondyloarthrosis is developed individually by the attending physician. Most often, combined treatment methods are used, combining drug therapy and, for example, physical therapy.
In any case, the decision about the need for one method or another is made by the doctor.
To relieve pain, improve the condition of cartilage and fight inflammation, medications are widely used: analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, nimesulide, ketorolac, corticosteroids), chondroprotectors (chondroitin and glycosamine sulfate). The dosage and duration of use depends on the stage of the disease and is prescribed only by the attending physician.
Physical methods are of great importance for the treatment of spondyloarthrosis. Their use is due to additional analgesic, anti-inflammatory effect, increased blood circulation and accelerated recovery. The following methods are prescribed:
Physiotherapeutic procedures have a good effect only if the indications and contraindications are carefully observed. Before using them, be sure to consult a specialist.
There are a large number of exercises that help treat spondyloarthrosis. Their regular implementation will make it possible not only to maintain and expand the range of movements, but will also contribute to a speedy recovery. Strengthening the back muscles is extremely necessary after injuries, operations, and vertebral instability.
Massage and manual therapy are one of the necessary components of treatment.
They are especially indicated for subluxations of intervertebral joints, providing a warming effect, relieving muscle spasm, returning them to their normal position.
Spondyloarthrosis can also be treated using traditional medicine. For this purpose, numerous recipes (tinctures, decoctions, extracts), compresses, rubbings, ointments based on natural ingredients are used. You can take pine, turpentine, and mud baths.
Surgical methods are indicated when conservative methods are ineffective. This mainly applies to advanced cases of the disease or when combined with spinal injuries. As a rule, operations are performed to decompress and stabilize the spine (facetomy, foramenotomy, laminectomy).
Spondyloarthrosis is better treated in the initial stages. To get a pronounced and lasting effect, you need to seek medical help in a timely manner.
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Osteoarthritis of the facet joints
With prolonged exposure to causes, the deformation of the facet joints increases. There is a decrease in the level of elasticity of cartilage tissue and exposure of the surface of the cartilage. Pathological processes affect the bursa (joint capsule), nearby muscles and bones. Arthrosis begins to develop.
Pain in the spine is one of the signs of arthrosis
At advanced stages, the resulting spiky outgrowths provoke a crunching sound when moving the head. The range of neck movements decreases. Muscle contracture may form. The pain constantly bothers the patient and intensifies during physical activity, when weather conditions change and the position of the body changes.
Less commonly, the disease is observed in the lumbar region. It is characterized by pain in the back (sacrum) area that occurs when sitting in one place for a long time. They radiate to the hips and buttocks area. Then flexion and extension of the back becomes more difficult, pain is observed constantly.
A doctor can make a diagnosis of spondyloarthrosis during an initial examination based on the patient’s specific complaints and characteristic symptoms. The doctor determines how mobile the spine is. X-rays can confirm the diagnosis. If necessary, an MRI or CT scan can be performed.
Treatment for such a serious disease can only be prescribed by a doctor. Conservative methods are used depending on the stage of pathology, phase of the disease, and the severity of clinical manifestations. The stage of pathology is determined by x-ray. Effective therapy should always be comprehensive, using medicinal and non-medicinal methods.
During an exacerbation of the pathological process, the patient must remain in bed. This will reduce pain, normalize blood circulation, and improve cell nutrition as a result of relaxation of hypertonic muscle tissue.
Any pain in the back is a reason to consult a doctor. If, in addition to pain, mobility is limited, you should immediately consult a specialist. Timely therapeutic measures will help maintain spinal mobility.
Sources: http://sustavdoc.ru/artroz/artroz-dugootroschatyx-sustavov.html, http://medotvet.com/arthrosis/chto-takoe-artroz-pozvonochnika-simptomy-bolezni-diagnostika-i-lechenie.html, http://osustave.ru/artroz-dugootroschatyx-sustavov
We conducted an investigation, studied a bunch of materials, and most importantly, tested most of the remedies for joint pain. The verdict is:
All drugs gave only temporary results; as soon as the use was stopped, the pain immediately returned.
Remember! There is NOT ONE REMEDY that will help you heal your joints if you do not use complex treatment: diet, regimen, physical activity, etc.
Newfangled remedies for joints, which are replete with the entire Internet, also did not produce results. As it turned out, all this is a deception of marketers who earn huge money from the fact that you fall for their advertising.
The only drug that gave significant
the result is Artrodex
You may ask why everyone who suffers from joint pain doesn’t immediately get rid of it?
The answer is simple, Artrodex is not sold in pharmacies and is not advertised on the Internet. And if they advertise, then it’s a FAKE.
There is good news, we have contacted the manufacturers and will share with you a link to the official Artrodex website. By the way, manufacturers are not trying to profit from people with diseased joints; the promotional price is only 1 ruble .