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These are changes similar to those seen in degeneration of the knee or hip joints. Additionally, they can occur at different levels of the spine, the so-called discopathies (i.e. displacements of the gelatinous nucleus, commonly known as the intervertebral disc) with subsequent pressure on the directly adjacent nerve roots, with secondary neurological root symptoms.
Neurological symptoms depend on the level of the spine at which the degenerative changes in question dominate. If the vertebrae of the cervical spine are affected, there is pain in the neck radiating to the so-called supraclavicular plexus, shoulder joint and the top of the armpit, as an expression of pressure and irritation of the cervical nerve roots or sometimes the entire shoulder plexus, i.e. root cervical-shoulder syndrome.
If degenerative changes predominate in the thoracic spine, they may manifest themselves with impaired mobility in its range (e.g. twists, bends) and give neurological symptoms of intercostal neuralgia, i.e. pressure pain along the course of the relevant intercostal spaces, intensifying during twists, coughing, deeper breathing, etc. If intercostal neuralgia is predominant on the left side, the unaware patient may be unaware of this fact and may be unaware of the coronary type of pain, and for this reason he may even worry about a threatening heart attack.
The most common degenerative changes in the lumbar spine, in addition to pain during movements in this part of the spine, can cause acute or chronic pain ailments of the so-called radicular neuralgia, lumbago or neuralgia of the sciatic nerve.
Degeneration of the spine joints – diagnosis
Only a doctor decides.
The diagnosis is usually based on typical interviews, radiological changes in the spine and accompanying neurological symptoms, found during direct examination of the patient.
Degeneration of the joints of the spine – treatment
Typical as for degenerative changes.
In the event of discopathy, it is necessary to relieve the spine chronically and avoid lifting weights and sudden bends.