Wedge-shaped vertebral deformity is a disease characterized by abnormal development of the anterior or lateral part of the vertebra. The pathology threatens spinal deformation, impaired motor activity, and various diseases of the skeletal system.
The spine provides reliable support for the entire body. Only a healthy skeleton is able to endure daily physical activity without pain and discomfort. You will spend no more than ten minutes reading the article, but you will receive valuable information on how to avoid the development of serious pathology.
- Local
- Conservative treatment
- Prevention of progression of wedge-shaped muscle deformity
Causes of the disease
The spine is a complex structural system, which is based on a cuboid base, from which the lateral arches and spinous processes extend. Intervertebral intercartilaginous discs provide reliable protection for the bone and prevent injuries during severe physical exertion.
Vertebrae acquire an abnormal shape for two reasons - congenital and acquired.
Congenital
A change in the correct shape of the vertebrae in the womb occurs for the following reasons:
- Dangerous working conditions or prolonged stay in an area with an unfavorable environmental situation.
- Infectious diseases.
- Improper nutrition – the child does not receive the amount of nutrients necessary for normal development, which ultimately leads to pathologies.
- Endocrine disorders.
- Stress and depression.
- Uncontrolled use of medications.
- Bad habits.
- Hereditary factor.
There is also a hereditary factor in the development of wedge-shaped deformation of the vertebrae, when anomalies appear in the fetus of an absolutely healthy woman during a normal pregnancy.
Purchased
Throughout life, wedge-shaped deformity of the vertebrae develops as a result of the following factors:
- Spondylitis is an inflammatory lesion of the spinal column.
- Injuries and fractures.
- Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by decreased bone density.
- Oncology in late stages, when metastases already appear.
Vertebral structure
Vertebrae are classified as cancellous bones. They consist of a vertebral body - an anterior massive formation in the form of a cylinder; an arc that is connected to the body at the back by legs. The body determines the supporting function of the spine. The arcs form the vertebral foramina, the totality of which forms the canal. The canal contains the spinal cord, which is protected from external mechanical influence. Ligaments and other structures that facilitate the movement of the axial skeleton are attached to the processes of the vertebrae. The spinous process is located on the midline of the vertebra.
On the sides there are transverse processes, and at the top and bottom, respectively, the upper and lower articular processes. These processes limit the superior and inferior notches, which, together with the notches of adjacent vertebrae, form the intervertebral foramina. Nerves and blood vessels emerge from these openings.
The vertebrae of different sections differ only in few but significant anatomical details. For example, the transverse processes are a rudiment of the costal ones and are located in the cervical and lumbar regions. On the sixth vertebra there is a carotid tubercle, where the carotid artery passes, pressing which will stop the bleeding. And the massiveness of the spinal bodies is determined by the degree of load on the department. For example, the bodies of the lumbar vertebrae are the most massive.
The vertebrae have a specific structure that has many features
The spine, as a whole, has curves. They are a consequence of uneven load on the spine. They appear gradually. Kyphosis is a bend that faces dorsally (backward). There are thoracic and sacral kyphosis. Lordosis is a ventral bend (forward). There are cervical and lumbar lordoses. When the child begins to hold his head, cervical lordosis forms. When the ability to sit is gained, thoracic kyphosis appears. And when you start walking, lumbar lordosis is formed. Sacral kyphosis is associated with the presence of two lordoses.
This balance is necessary to maintain balance when walking upright. Lateral curvature - scoliosis is associated with subsequent stress on the spine. The side of this curvature is associated with the dominance of one or another part (for example, in right-handed people, the right side takes more load). Contrary to popular belief, these curvatures up to a certain limit and in the above anatomical areas are not pathological. Even scoliosis, which is most often associated with pathology, is present normally in all people (naturally, the curvature is insignificant - up to 5 degrees).
Symptoms
A wedge-shaped deformity will make itself felt by a pain syndrome that appears as a result of rapid fatigue of the back. All symptoms of the disease can be divided into local and general.
Local
With wedge-shaped deformity of the vertebrae, the patient cannot engage in physical labor for a long time, remain in one position, or lift heavy objects. In addition to pain, unpleasant tingling and a feeling of numbness may appear. When pinched nerves occur, the pain spreads to the chest, abdomen, arms or legs. If the patient ignores the doctor’s recommendations, other unpleasant symptoms will appear over time:
- muscle weakness;
- impaired reflexes in the tendons;
- decreased sensitivity.
Also, the source of pain is often muscle spasm, localized at the site of development of the pathology. If the wedge-shaped deformation of the vertebrae itself can go unnoticed for a long time, then scoliosis and kyphosis, which often occur against the background of the anomaly, already pose a serious problem.
Are common
As a result of spinal deformation, the functioning of many internal organs can be disrupted. Patients with sphenoid vertebra often experience the following symptoms:
- labored breathing;
- bloating, indigestion;
- rapid pulse.
If the wedge-shaped deformity is concentrated in the cervical region, the patient experiences headaches, tinnitus, dizziness, insomnia, and impaired concentration. In advanced cases, compression of the spinal cord may occur, which can lead to complete paralysis.
Consequences
If the disease was not diagnosed at an early age (2-4 years) and treatment was not started, it will lead to serious consequences. The disease will progress, and correction will become impossible, since from 6 to 20 years of age the final ossification of the spine occurs.
The most severe consequences of the pathology:
- Scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis.
- Hump.
- Disruption of internal organs.
- Decreased oxygen supply to the brain.
All this leads to external deformities, disability, and death.
Diagnostics
It is impossible even for a highly qualified specialist to accurately determine a wedge-shaped deformity of the spine using only a visual examination. Therefore, if an anomaly is suspected, the patient is prescribed the following examinations:
- Magnetic resonance and computed tomography - allows you to assess the condition of the vertebrae, epidural space, spinal cord, discs.
- X-ray – is carried out to assess the condition of internal organs, determine the exact location of the lesion, and exclude the oncological nature of the disease.
- Radioisotope scintigraphy is a method used to assess the functional state of the vertebrae. Prescribed in combination with MRI or X-ray.
To find out the reasons that could provoke the pathology, the doctor may additionally prescribe a biochemical blood test, showing the presence of inflammatory and infectious processes in the body.
Wedge-shaped deformity of the lumbar vertebrae
Wedge-shaped lumbar vertebrae often develop in adults. This pathology is associated with the formation of pointed bone growths on those areas of the vertebral bodies that are subject to maximum physical or shock-absorbing load. Very often, a wedge-shaped lumbar vertebra is the result of a surgical operation to remove a damaged intervertebral disc. In order to compensate for the shock absorption load, the body strives to increase the area of the vertebra on which the pressure increases. A callus of irregular wedge shape appears.
Wedge-shaped deformity of the lumbar vertebrae can occur with degenerative dystrophic disease of the intervertebral discs (osteochondrosis), instability of the position of the vertebral bodies, and serious traumatic damage to bone tissue.
The clinical symptoms of the pathology are as follows:
- regularly occurring pain in the lower back muscles;
- stiffness and feeling of stiffness, inability to bend deeply forward;
- constant excessive tension in the back muscles;
- recurrent piriformis muscle inflammation syndrome;
- change in posture with flattening of lumbar lordosis;
- deformation of the hip joints;
- incorrect foot placement associated with compensation for changes in the configuration of the spinal column.
For diagnosis, you should consult a vertebrologist. The doctor will conduct an examination, make a preliminary diagnosis and order an x-ray examination.
Treatment
An individual course of treatment is prescribed for each patient. The doctor must take into account the patient’s age, his general health, and the presence of concomitant pathologies. The specialist must also carefully study the medical history and identify all possible contraindications. If the disease is accompanied by dysfunction of internal organs, consultation with specialists will be required.
Conservative treatment
For minor deformities that do not affect the functioning of other organs and systems, the patient is prescribed treatment aimed at eliminating pain symptoms and preventing further development of the pathology.
Drug therapy
Medicines are prescribed only in case of severe back pain that does not go away even after a long rest. For mild pain syndromes, topical tablets, ointments and gels are used. When unpleasant sensations significantly reduce the patient’s quality of life, painkillers cannot be avoided.
Physiotherapy
Modern physiotherapy rooms in medical centers are equipped with a variety of medical devices to assist in the treatment of spinal diseases. Electrophoresis, magnetic therapy, acupuncture, etc. – all these procedures will help not only get rid of unpleasant sensations, but also normalize blood circulation in the affected area, eliminate swelling and inflammation.
Massage
Massage is an excellent opportunity to get rid of back pain and tone your muscles. As with any pathology of the spine, you will need therapeutic sessions, which should be carried out by a qualified specialist with a medical education.
You should be more careful with manual therapy, because in some conditions there is a risk of causing even more harm to the body. Before visiting health procedures, be sure to consult with a competent vertebrologist.
Physiotherapy
Regular exercise will create a strong muscle corset, get rid of stiffness and pain. The treatment complex is selected individually for each patient, taking into account the complexity of his pathology and general physical condition.
Orthopedic correction
To fix the spine in the correct position, the patient is advised to wear special corsets. After just a few months, you can see the first results - beautiful posture appears, the patient keeps his back in the correct position. But orthopedic products should be worn for at least 3-4 hours, otherwise there is a risk of muscle atrophy. In the first days, you only need to walk in a corset for 15-20 minutes. Orthopedic correction should take place under the full supervision of the attending physician.
Swimming
For most spinal pathologies, doctors recommend regular swimming to patients. Just 45-60 minutes three times a week is enough and you will very soon notice how much better you feel. Muscle stiffness will go away, pain will decrease, tone and blood circulation will be restored in the affected area.
You can not only swim in the pool, but also sign up for water aerobics classes. Gymnastic exercises in water do not burden the body, but have an excellent healing effect.
Surgery
If conservative treatment does not produce tangible results, the anomaly progresses and negatively affects the functioning of important organs and systems, the patient is prescribed surgery.
During surgery, the vertebrae adjacent to the arch are fixed with high-strength metal structures. In complex cases, the deformed vertebra is completely removed.
Prevention
Wedge-shaped deformity is a disease that needs to be actively combated, and not left to chance. Worsening of the anomaly can lead to serious problems with the spine and negatively affect the functioning of the heart, respiratory and nervous systems.
Expectant mothers should be especially attentive to their health.
Prevention of wedge-shaped deformity in the fetus:
- Carefully monitor your diet and lifestyle, be sure to walk in the fresh air several times a day. The diet must contain proteins, calcium, and B vitamins.
- Avoid contact with infectious patients.
- If you work in hazardous work, provide the HR department with a certificate of pregnancy, which gives you the right to switch to light work. The longer you work in hazardous conditions, the higher the risk that your child will have serious health problems. This is not just about wedge-shaped muscle deformity.
- Take care of your health - if you feel unwell, you should seek medical help. Pregnant women have a weakened immune system, so chronic and previously asymptomatic diseases can make themselves felt. This “surprise” may especially arise for women who have not been planning a pregnancy.
- Give up bad habits, otherwise wedge-shaped deformation is not the worst thing you will have to face.
- Avoid stressful situations - it’s not for nothing that women are protected in every possible way from unnecessary worries and negative emotions. Stress is one of the main causes of the development of life-threatening pathologies.
- Do not take medications without the advice of a doctor - the usual painkillers that you always took before pregnancy can negatively affect the development of the child. If it is not possible to consult with a specialist, at least read the instructions carefully.
Prevention of progression of wedge-shaped muscle deformity
If a person has already been diagnosed with a wedge-shaped muscle deformity, efforts must be made to prevent the situation from getting worse. The best way to maintain the health of your spine is to strengthen your muscular system through sports. This does not mean that it is necessary to torture a child with physical activity around the clock. Regular attendance at one or two sports sections will be enough.
Degrees of wedge-shaped deformation of vertebral bodies
The prognosis of the patient's condition and the possibility of treatment using manual therapy depend on the degree of wedge-shaped deformation of the vertebral bodies - the earlier the patient sought medical help, the higher the chances of a full recovery.
The first degree of wedge-shaped deformity of the vertebrae is characterized by a complete absence of clinical signs. Changes in bone tissue are minor. In the second stage of the pathological process, the patient is bothered by periodic pain, the bone growth reaches a size of up to 15% of the vertebral body. In the third degree, the size of the deformation is significant and can reach 50% of the vertebral body. The process of deformation of the spinal column begins. Pain is constantly present, the function of internal organs is impaired.