Such a serious pathology, as the displacement of the vertebrae of the lumbar spine (spondylolisthesis), can occur at any age. There are two forms of displacement, depending on the direction of vertebral displacement: retroolisthesis (backward displacement) and ventrolisthesis (forward displacement), however, deformation can be more complicated. For a long time the ailment can not make itself felt (up to several years), but the pathological process is constantly progressing and often causes complications.
Causes of displacement of the vertebrae of the lumbar region
Let's list the factors, one or more of which can provoke this pathology:
- trauma of the spine (dislocations, bruises, etc.);
- congenital anomalies of the spine in the lumbar region;
- degenerative and dystrophic changes of the spine;
- surgical intervention on the spine;
- prolonged muscle spasms;
- excessive physical exertion (more often associated with lifting weights);
- falls on the back;
- weakening of the paravertebral muscles;
- sharp changes in temperature, etc.
The most often diagnosed displacement 5, as well as 4 vertebrae of the lumbar region, tk. it is this site that is most exposed and vulnerable. In this case, the displacement of the fifth vertebra of the lumbar region leads to a fracture of its pedicle (the formation that connects the vertebral body to the facet joints).
Symptoms of displacement of the vertebrae of the lumbar region
Pathology begins to manifest itself with the following symptoms:
- minor, episodic pains in the lumbar region, intensified as a result of active movements and loads and giving to the legs;
- a decrease in the volume of active and passive movements associated with spasm of the muscular corset.
As the progression appears such signs:
- The presence of a stepped protrusion in the area of the lesion, which is found during palpation;
- increased pain in the lumbar region
- significant limitation of mobility;
- general weakness;
- change of posture, gait;
- dysfunction of the internal organs (urino-genital, gastrointestinal disorders);
- muscle cramps in the legs;
- numbness and swelling of the legs, pain in the knees, hip joints and ankles;
- slowness of walking, flexing of feet when walking, lameness;
- loss of sensation of the feet.
Effects of displacement of the lumbar vertebra:
- narrowing of the spinal canal;
- compression of nerve branches;
- deformation of the spinal column;
- intervertebral hernia, etc.
Treatment of lumbar vertebrae displacement
In this pathology, depending on the severity of the process, conservative or surgical therapy can be prescribed. Conservative treatment is based on the following treatment measures:
- The use of medicines: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (internally, externally), muscle relaxants, glucocorticosteroids in the form of injections (with severe pains), chondroprotectors, vitamins.
- Physiotherapeutic treatment: deep back massage of the muscles,
heat treatment, electrophoresis, ultrasound therapy, mud therapy, etc. - Spinal cord trauma, manual therapy , reflexotherapy.
- Therapeutic exercises for muscle strengthening.
- Wearing a corset, minimizing the load on the lumbar region.
In severe cases of displacement of the vertebrae of the lumbar spine, an operation is aimed at stabilizing the spine and reducing compression of the nerve endings. Effective is the surgical method of vertebral plasty, and removal of the vertebra and excess scar tissue can also be performed.