Vertebral displacement is a pathology in which a vertebra slips forward or backward relative to the one below it. In most cases, the cause of the pathology is a disease such as spondylolysis, although there are a number of other causes.
You can undergo a course of treatment for vertebral displacement at the CELT multidisciplinary clinic. In order to become our patient, it is not necessary to have a residence permit in the capital. We provide professional medical care to everyone who needs it.
At CELT you can get advice from a neurosurgeon.
- Initial consultation – 3,000
- Repeated consultation – 2,000
Make an appointment
Etiology
Signs of vertebral displacement are observed for various reasons. As already mentioned, one of them is a disease such as spondylolysis, nonunion or defect of the vertebral arch, which leads to a fracture of the vertebral pedicle. As for other factors, they are presented as follows:
- spinal injuries;
- spinal surgery;
- spinal stretch;
- osteochondrosis;
- sharp contraction of the spinal muscles;
- congenital pathology in the form of bone weakness;
- pathological changes in the intervertebral joints that appear with age.
In the case of children, displacement of the vertebrae can be observed due to birth trauma or sudden movement.
In addition, displacement can occur as a result of:
- traffic accident;
- falling on your back;
- intense loads;
- lifting weights.
Causes of sacral displacement
Displacement of the sacrum is a common pathology. But most often it is labile in nature. Those. When exposed to certain circumstances, displacement occurs, but quickly recovers on its own. During displacement, the patient experiences characteristic discomfort and clinical signs. However, when conducting standard examinations, doctors are unable to detect pathology. A series of x-rays taken dynamically and under load is required.
To understand the reasons for the displacement of the sacrum, we suggest taking a short excursion into the anatomy and physiology of this part of the musculoskeletal system. Here is general information about the human sacrum:
- this is the section of the spinal column that borders the lower back and coccyx;
- connected to the lumbar region by ligaments and joints;
- it is connected to the coccyx using a joint, which often undergoes degenerative dystrophic changes;
- consists of 5 separate vertebrae, between which are incompletely developed intervertebral discs;
- by the age of 25, all five sacral vertebrae fuse together and form a single bone - the sacrum;
- along the lateral surfaces of the sacrum there are articular processes that form the iliosacral joints;
- The L5-S1 disc, located between the lumbar and sacral spine, is the conditional center of gravity of the human body; it bears the maximum shock-absorbing load and is quickly destroyed.
At the age of up to 25 years, until the vertebral bodies have fused together, instability is achieved due to partial atrophy of the intervertebral discs. The displacement of the sacral vertebral bodies can become fixed over time. There are known cases of improper fusion of the sacrum. As a result of this, a person experiences constant excruciating pain, aches, and limited mobility. In some patients, this process provokes a disruption of the blood supply to the lower extremities.
After reaching the age of 25 years, displacement is most often provoked by weakness of the ligamentous apparatus of the spinal column. The longitudinal ligaments begin in the area of the coccyx and end in the area of the occipital bone. They allow you to ensure the stability of all spinal structures during body movements. Transverse ligaments are short, they are located between two adjacent vertebrae. If a person experiences degenerative dystrophic destruction of the intervertebral disc in any other part of the spinal column, then its height is reduced. Long longitudinal ligaments can no longer fully ensure the stability of the position of the vertebral bodies. Against this background, instability and displacement of the sacrum may occur.
The main causes of sacral displacement:
- injuries - falls, bruises, sudden movements leading to fractures, cracks, ruptures and sprains, subluxations;
- cicatricial deformation of the ligamentous apparatus and loss of elasticity;
- degenerative dystrophic disease of the intervertebral discs (osteochondrosis) and its complications, such as protrusions, extrusions and intervertebral hernias;
- dystrophy of the muscular frame of the back and lower back;
- poor posture and curvature of the spinal column, including thoracic scoliosis;
- incorrect positioning of the foot in the form of flat feet and club feet;
- rheumatic lesions of cartilage tissue (Bechterew's disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, etc.);
- osteoarthritis of the joint between the sacrum and coccyx.
- Predisposing factors that can cause sacral displacement include:
- maintaining a sedentary lifestyle;
- excess body weight, which greatly increases the load on the spinal column;
- habit of slouching;
- heavy physical labor associated with frequent bending, lifting and carrying heavy objects;
- improper organization of sleeping and working spaces;
- participation in road accidents and other traumatic situations;
- wrong choice of shoes for everyday wear and sports.
Only an experienced vertebrologist can determine the exact cause of displacement of the sacral vertebra. Pay close attention to this. If the cause is not eliminated, then any, even the most effective treatment will be useless. If the pathogenic factor is re-exposed, the displacement will recur and the entire therapy will have to be carried out again.
Displacement of the sacral bones can be dangerous for a person’s condition. It is worth remembering that the spinal cord is located inside the spinal column. It is responsible for the functioning of the entire human body. Displacement of the sacral bones can cause compression of the structures of the spinal cord and the radicular nerves extending from it. This is often accompanied by cauda equina syndrome. In patients, the functions of the internal organs of the abdominal cavity and pelvis may be impaired. In severe cases, displacement of the sacrum leads to paralysis and disability.
Types and degrees of displacement
Depending on the direction of the displacement, it is customary to distinguish:
- ventrolisthesis - anterior displacement;
- retrolisthesis - posterior displacement.
Depending on the area of displacement, five degrees of pathology are distinguished:
- First degree - the displacement area does not exceed 25%, there are practically no pain symptoms, it manifests itself with intense movements and loads;
- Second degree - the displacement area ranges from 25% to 50%, pain occurs more often and lasts longer;
- Third degree - the displacement area ranges from 50% to 75%, severe pain occurs, limited movement, subsidence of the spine, pain radiating to the leg;
- Fourth degree - the displacement area exceeds 75%, is characterized by incessant pain, the inability to walk, sit, stand for a long time, numbness and weakness of the feet and hands appear;
- Fifth degree - there is complete displacement and prolapse of the vertebra.
Diagnostics
If a subluxation of the coccyx is suspected, the doctor palpates the injured area. The procedure involves inserting fingers into the rectum, which allows you to determine the degree of injury and the level of joint displacement.
The diagnosis is carried out by a traumatologist. Even if the injury is minor and there is no severe pain, this is not a reason to cancel diagnostic measures.
MRI will allow you to make an accurate diagnosis
After palpation, an X-ray examination of the affected area is performed. If necessary, magnetic resonance imaging of the vertebrae and spinal cord is prescribed. Such a diagnostic event will help make an accurate diagnosis and identify complications.
Clinical manifestations
Depending on the location of the pathology, the following may be observed:
- displacement of the cervical vertebrae;
- displacement of the lumbar vertebrae;
- displacement of the thoracic vertebrae. (rarely)
Symptoms of vertebral displacement directly depend on the part in which it occurred.
Thus, the occurrence of a problem in the cervical spine is characterized by:
- headache;
- the appearance of a runny nose;
- pain in the ears and neck;
- sleep disorders;
- chronic fatigue.
When there is displacement in the thoracic region, symptoms include:
- pain in the chest;
- pain along the intercostal nerves;
- pain in the upper limbs;
- feeling of weakness and drowsiness.
In the presence of displacement in the lumbar region, the following clinical manifestations are observed:
- pain symptoms in the lower back and lower extremities;
- changes in gait and lameness (in advanced cases);
- inability to stand, sit, or walk for a long time.
What symptoms occur with injury?
The signs of injury to the coccyx are the same in all cases. It is possible to diagnose the exact pathology in this area only with the help of appropriate diagnostic measures, namely the X-ray method.
Symptoms of a dislocated coccyx are primarily expressed in the development of pain. It occurs during injury and is present for a long time. It differs in different intensity at different stages: at first it is acute, over time aching sensations appear.
If after injury the symptom is observed constantly, then over time pain occurs only when the position of the body changes (during standing, sitting, turning). The symptom may radiate to other parts, for example, to the anus and groin.
The intensity of discomfort increases during bowel movements and when straining. In this case, the pain has a shooting character. The syndrome intensifies upon palpation of the injured area. Visually, you can detect swelling of the coccygeal region and subcutaneous hemorrhage of varying sizes (based on the degree of injury).
Despite such pronounced clinical manifestations of the injury, it is impossible to make a diagnosis based on them alone. For this purpose, instrumental diagnostics are prescribed, carried out in a hospital setting.
Complications
The consequences of vertebral displacement can be very serious, especially if you do not seek professional medical help in a timely manner. Complications are associated with the specific department in which the displaced vertebra is located.
So, if a cervical vertebra is damaged, the patient suffers from the following consequences:
- headache;
- insomnia;
- hearing impairment;
- private dizziness and fainting;
- blurred vision;
- thyroid diseases;
- hoarseness.
If there are disorders in the thoracic region, the following complications arise:
- labored breathing;
- cough;
- cardiac dysfunction;
- frequent bronchitis and colds;
- liver pathologies;
- frequent heartburn;
- rheumatism.
If the displacement occurs in the lumbar region, the reproductive system and intestines suffer due to complications. The patient begins to:
MRI of the spine
- Cost: 16,000 rub.
More details
- convulsions;
- colitis;
- menstrual irregularities (in women);
- impotence (in men);
- pain in the knees;
- diarrhea or constipation;
- feeling of weakness in the lower extremities, frequent cramps.
Exercises to straighten the sacrum
Twisting in a Turkish pose
To put the sacrum in place at home, you need to perform exercises to eliminate muscle spasms and compression of nerve fibers and blood vessels. Correctly performed physical exercises will help restore innervation, blood supply, normalize muscle tone and return displaced vertebrae to their place.
Before any physical activity, you should warm up, you can bend and straighten your knees several times, stretch your muscles and ligaments a little. Gymnastics begins in a sitting position with legs crossed in front of you (Turkish pose). Having taken the correct position, you can begin to twist the torso. To do this, alternately rotate the chest to the left and right sides, increasing the angle of rotation with each movement. Thus, the lumbar vertebrae are restored first, and then, with more sudden movements, the sacral segments can be returned to their normal physiological position.
An effective way to correct the sacrum at home is the “lifting a stone” exercise. Instead of a stone, you can use any heavy object that is comfortable to clasp with your hands.
The exercise does not require preliminary meditation; it is performed in the following sequence:
- put your feet shoulder-width apart, bend them at the knees, squat down and grasp the “stone” lying at your feet along the vertical axis;
- place your palms under the object, pull it towards your stomach, tensing mainly the muscles of the back of the thigh;
- when the load is raised above the knees, you need to sit down as if under it, redistributing the load on the anterior group of the thigh muscles;
- Next, you should raise the object to the chest line, stand with your legs straight;
- Finally, you need to go to the table, lean your body back a little and place a stone or a substitute object on it.
It is recommended to do such gymnastics daily at least 3 approaches 15-20 times. The back should be straight at all stages of the manipulation.
Reviews of doctors providing the service – Vertebral displacement
In 2000, Andrei Arkadyevich performed spinal surgery on me.
Four days in the clinic and I have been living a full life for 20 years without restrictions on movement and I remember with gratitude Dr. A.A. Khodnevich. God bless him. And in 2000 he could walk no more than 10 meters. Read full review Viktor Alexandrovich
20.05.2020
Low bow to Alexander Semenovich Bronstein and Andrei Arkadyevich Khodnevich. I arrived at CELT on July 2, 2021 with extreme pain that I endured for 10 days. Hernia C6-C-7. I was given two blockades in Ivanovo, about 9 complex IVs, I lost 6 kg in a week and was in a panic, I didn’t see a way out and nothing happened to me... Read full review
Elena Nikolaevna L.
20.10.2019
Treatment
Treatment of such an injury involves following the following recommendations:
Why does the tailbone hurt in women?
- realignment of displaced vertebrae using local anesthesia;
- restriction of mobility of the injured area;
- use of medications with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects;
- performing exercise therapy;
- carrying out physiotherapeutic procedures.
Among the drugs with an analgesic effect used for trauma to the tailbone, Nimesil, Diclofenac, Movalis are distinguished. Pain syndrome in pregnant women and children can be treated with drugs Ibuprofen, Papaverine, No-shpa, rectal suppositories, which contain anesthesin. If defecation is difficult, medications with a laxative effect are prescribed (for example, Duphalac, suppositories containing glycerin, etc.).
If the injury is not treated in time, pain in the tailbone can become chronic.
Physiotherapeutic treatment of dislocation and subluxation of the coccyx is carried out, which helps not only to eliminate the symptoms of damage, but also to prevent complications. This can be electrophoresis, laser and magnetic therapy. During the recovery period, physical therapy is required.
Surgical treatment of coccyx dislocation is carried out when conservative methods are ineffective and in severe cases of injury.
Special therapeutic exercises for displacement
You can eliminate the displacement of the sacral vertebrae with the following gymnastics:
- Stand upright, bend your back, and place your hands with your palms on your knees. In this position, twist your lower back to the right and left. The number of repetitions is 10-15 for each side. At first, the procedure should be performed slowly, but gradually the range of motion should be increased.
- Place your hands on your hips while standing upright. Point your palms out to the sides as far as possible. Make side turns. At the same time, squat down on your knees. When you are squatting, rise up by twisting your torso.
- While sitting on a chair, make sharp turns of your body, first to the right and then to the left. You should proceed to this manipulation only after completing the above-described complexes, since it is dangerous due to the displacement of the vertebrae.
Remember! Any movement should result in only minor pain. If you feel severe pain, stop doing the exercise. Return to it after a few days, when the muscular system is relaxed.
- Clasp your hands behind your back into a fist. Keep your back straight and your shoulders at the same level. Try to choose a position so that your shoulder blades are brought together as much as possible. Rotate your body to the right and your neck in the opposite direction. The procedure is slow at first. Gradually increase the intensity of movements.
- Exercise “imitating a snake.” Lie horizontally. Place a pillow under your lumbar region. Perform movements that imitate the crawling of a snake. To do this, lift your lower back up and turn it to the right and left. Number of repetitions – 20-25 times.
Thus, treatment of sacral displacements with the help of gymnastics is carried out only for minor subluxations. Dislocations in the sacral region should only be corrected by traumatologists!
How can an osteopath help?
The sacrum can be returned to its physiologically correct position, then the pain will go away and the functions of the organs will be restored. This does not require either surgical intervention or medication; competent osteopathic treatment is sufficient.
The human body is a well-functioning system consisting of many moving parts. Ideally, it works like a clock, without failures, involving most body nodes in the process. However, as soon as one “screw” fails, something that seems to be completely unrelated to it can “break.”
The task of an osteopath is to find the root cause of the ailment and eliminate it.
In the arsenal of an osteopathic doctor, there are gentle manual influences that gradually return displaced parts to the correct place. It is painless, does not cause discomfort and is also suitable for pregnant women and small children. Patients begin to feel improvement after just a few appointments, although it may take 5–7 to eliminate sacral dysfunction. More precisely, an osteopathic doctor will tell you at the initial consultation.