Osteophytes are bone growths on the vertebrae, which have the appearance of an elevation or an acute spine, sometimes provoke bone tissue coalescence. Most often occur in the cervical spine. A large number of processes is a serious disease called spondylosis.
Causes of osteophytes
- Osteochondrosis (violation of the production of cartilage tissue, its abrasion).
- Aging of the body.
- Excess weight.
- Incorrect posture.
- Flat feet.
- Wrong way of life.
- Heredity.
- Injuries.
- Constant overload of the spine.
- Protective reaction of the body.
- Lack of physical activity or lack of exercise.
Osteophytes in the cervical spine - treatment
In the spondylosis of the cervical department, complex treatment is indicated, which includes taking medications and carrying out special procedures.
Medication:
- taking painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve spasms and pain syndrome;
- use of B vitamins and nicotinic acid to stimulate the production of cartilage tissue in the body;
- intake of minerals (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus) to reduce muscle tension;
- Use of warming ointments to improve blood circulation.
Special procedures:
- physiotherapy to restore the normal function of the spine and reduce pain;
- Physiotherapy exercises to strengthen muscles and create a muscular corset;
- reflexotherapy to eliminate muscle hypertonia;
- massage to relax the muscles and relieve spasms;
- hirudotherapy to reduce puffiness of surrounding tissues;
- wearing an orthopedic collar for correcting the position of the vertebrae.
It is important to note that if there is an exacerbation of spondylosis or bone osteophytes accompanied by acute pain, it is recommended only treatment with medications. The procedures should be postponed until the period of improvement of the general condition of the patient.
Osteophytes of the spine - how to treat?
Spondylosis of the spinal column is more dangerous due to frequent complications and rapid progression.
In the early stages, the disease is treated in the same way as osteophytes in the cervical region, but instead of the orthopedic collar a corset is used.
The late stages of spondylosis are difficult to treat conservatively and, in general, require surgery to remove osteophytes:
- Foraminotomy - increasing the size of the space between the vertebrae to relieve pressure on the nerves.
- Fasectomy - removal of the facet joint and bone growth, which exerts pressure on the nerve.
- Laminotomy - enlargement of the hole in the bone plate, which protects the spinal cord and the spinal canal.
- Laminectomy - partial or complete removal of the plate.
Surgical intervention is associated with risks:
- damage to the spinal cord;
- subsequent instability of the spine;
- infection;
- the appearance of pain in the spine and legs;
- problems with urination.
In addition, the operation does not guarantee a successful cure and improvement of the condition. Spondylosis has a tendency to relapse, so it is still unknown how to permanently get rid of osteophytes.
Osteophyte - symptoms:
- Limitation of mobility of the spine or cervical spine.
- Moderate and severe pain in the area of growth.
Also, due to the influence that osteophytes exert on the spine, the following symptoms appear:
- circulatory disorders;
- decreased sensitivity of nerves;
- numbness of limbs;
- dizziness.