Degenerative diseases of the spine:
Degenerative spinal changes usually occur in:
- facet joints
- spinous processes of the vertebrae – Baastrup’s disease
- vertebral bodies
Degenerative spinal changes affect not only the articular joint, but also the structure of the intervertebral disc. As the disc dehydrates and loses its jelly-like properties, it becomes flatter and its various layers disintegrate. A degenerated disc may put pressure on the nerve roots, spinal cord and the posterior longitudinal ligament.
The nucleus pulposus may dislocate in the following directions:
- posterolateral (the most frequent)
- posteromedian
- anterior (the least frequent)
Degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs result in changes in the vertebral bodies, leading to:
- approximation of the vertebral bodies
- decrease in the height of the vertebral body
- loosening of adjacent ligaments
- vertebral instability
Degenerative spinal changes affect most people and it is quite difficult to say how to prevent them effectively. Yet the risk of these changes may be significantly reduced by:
- maintaining a suitable body weight
- taking care not to carry or lift very heavy objects
- maintaining an active lifestyle
- proper posture during work with a computer
- adequate diet
- maintaining a balance between work and leisure
The human spine is prone to overloading and it should be looked after properly from the start of our lives. Taking comprehensive preventive measures, we can ensure appropriate conditions for our spine, and a healthy future for ourselves.
X-ray image of a spine with degenerative changes
1) degeneration of an intervertebral disc
2) degenerated disc and bony spurs (osteophytes)
