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Dehydration of intervertebral discs is a condition caused by disk damage, the most common cause of which is degenerative disease of the spine, as well as the aging process of the body. Dehydration of the intervertebral discs of the spine reduces the water content of the disc, as a result of which the discs lower in height. Intervertebral disc dehydration most often occurs in the thoracic and lumbar spine. This condition is diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging.
Causes of dehydration of intervertebral discs
Cause dehydration The most common intervertebral discs are degenerative diseases of the spine. As a result, the articular cartilage and the subchondral bone layer are damaged. Down dehydration intervertebral discs can also occur as a result of overloading joints and intervertebral discs. One of the causes dehydration intervertebral discs is also the aging of the body – the older a person, the less water is contained in the intervertebral discs of his spine. Cause dehydration intervertebral discs, there are also injuries and micro-injuries of the spine and a hernia of the spine, as well as being in an uncomfortable position for a long time, being overweight and lack of exercise.
Symptoms of dehydration of intervertebral discs
As a result dehydration intervertebral discs, i.e. by reducing the water content in them, the discs become thinner and lower in height. The intervertebral spaces become smaller and the intervertebral joints of the spine receive greater loads, which ultimately leads to their overload.
symptoms characteristic for dehydration intervertebral discs it protrusion, i.e. a mild hernia of the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral discs, which makes itself felt by severe pain, inflammation and tissue swelling. There may also appear back pain radiating to the legs, paresis of the lower limbs, sensory disturbances, tingling and numbness in the limbs, muscle spasms, reduced grip strength in the hands and limited mobility of the spine. As a result dehydration so-called root symptoms, i.e. neuralgia in the lumbar region of the spine caused by pressure on the nerve roots, often appear. They cause trouble walking, sitting and standing. Subsequently, discopathy appears, i.e. the hernia of the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc of the spine. Symptoms dehydration intervertebral discs are similar to the symptoms associated with sciatica, shoulder and femur, and lumbago, i.e. pain in the lower part of the spine.
Treatment methods for the dehydration of intervertebral discs
Sick in the first stage treatment (you home dehydration intervertebral discs is not very advanced) receives help in the form of rehabilitation and physiotherapy treatments such as laser irradiation, Sollux lamp and electrotherapy treatments. The aim of physical therapy is to relieve pain as well as stabilize and correct the position of the displaced part of the intervertebral disc.
The patient should independently perform exercises to stabilize the spine and reduce body weight. Especially recommended for dehydration There is swimming in the intervertebral discs, which helps to strengthen the muscles useful in stabilizing the spine. You should also be careful not to overstress the joints of the spine, for example by lifting heavy objects incorrectly. In a situation where it happened dehydration intervertebral discs, you should also properly hydrate the body to ensure hydration of the intervertebral nucleus – it is recommended to drink at least 1,5 liters of fluids a day, preferably pure still mineral water. If symptoms dehydration intervertebral discs are associated with pain and inflammation, it is necessary to administer painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. In the event that physical therapy and pharmacological treatment do not give the expected results, the only solution remains surgery. You can also try to wear a special stabilizing belt for the lower (lumbar) section of the spine, which is available in rehabilitation stores.
Long-lasting dehydration intervertebral discs can lead to degenerative changes such as bone calcification and reduced flexibility of the vertebrae. The spine becomes less efficient, the risk of further injuries and posture defects increases.
See also: New methods of articular cartilage regeneration