Article reviewed and approved by Dr. Ibtissama Boukas, physician specializing in family medicine
Le vertebral compaction ou settling of vertebrae is a fairly common fracture of the spine. It is often related to age. He is one of the main sources of back pain and spine in people over 60 years old. In this article, we will take stock of this disorder. of the spine.
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What is vertebral compression?
Le vertebral compaction is a fracture of the vertebral body by vertebrate. It is characterized by a decrease in height and a deformation of the latter. It is often linked to compression of the body of the vertebrate. In other words, a compression at the level of the voluminous and solid part which supports the weight of the skeletal axis.
Osteoporosis, a bone disease is one of the most common causes of vertebral collapse, especially in people over the age of 65. It results in a decrease in bone mass accompanied by a deterioration of the internal structure of the bones. Thus, the bones weaken and become more susceptible to fracture.
In some cases, spinal collapse goes unnoticed and has no symptoms. In other cases, it translates to mild or severe back pain, more precisely, at the level of the spine. The pain may decrease by lying on your back. They can also radiate to the ribs and interfere with walking.
Spinal compression can also cause a dorsal kyphosis. It is an exaggeration of the curvature of the vertebral column which leads to a rounding of the dorsal region.
How is the diagnosis made?
Le spinal compression diagnosis can be confirmed by examinations ofmedical imaging : X-ray, scanner, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).
A radiographof the dorsal region is the first examination to recommend. It makes it possible to find the typical shape of the vertebra by focusing on the number, contours and height of one or more affected vertebrae.
MRI, on the other hand, consists in determining the cause and estimating the moment when the fracture occurred. It will allow you to confirm whether the fractures are recent or not. This especially helps in prescribing the treatment. This examination also makes it possible to look for a compression of the spinal cord.
The scanner is also essential for better characterizing the fracture, targeting certain forms of cancer and verifying the integrity of the vertebrae. It mainly consists of precisely studying the vertebrae and targeting fractures.
What are the potential complications ?
Le vertebral compaction rarely causes dramatic complications. It is common, but in the majority of cases, it does not get complicated. However, there are some more complicated forms of vertebral collapse.
An intra-spongy hernia
La intracancellous hernia corresponds to a protrusion of a intervertebral disc through the body of the underlying vertebra. Thus, it reaches the spinal column. It is common in adolescents.
Due to the decrease in the height of the vertebra, the vertebral compression allows the formation of the intra-spongy hernia. The latter is visible by an X-ray of the vertebral rachis. It can cause pain and deformation of the vertebrae.
THEvertebral osteoarthritis refers to chronic wear of the vertebrae. It is often located at the level of the posterior articular apophyses. She causes a neck pain or neck pain (stiff neck, headache) and lumbago (acute painful crises).
Fracture
In the event of vertebral compression and under the effect of a violent shock, the vertebra can break, which leads to a sharp spinal pain. This may be accompanied by neurological complications such as root pain, paralysis, sensory or vesico-sphincter disorders.
This fracture can occur on a normal bone, but also on a pathological bone. In the latter case, it occurs as a result of trauma.
Until spinal compression is properly managed, there can be potentially serious complications. Among other things, an infection of the vertebra is likely to occur. Also, the resin can pass through the fracture and cause compression at the level of the nerves or the spinal cord.
When the pains have many origins, it is often more difficult to calm them.
Treatment and action to be taken in the face of vertebral compression
A pulling exercise
The way of life at work or outside, the bipedal position, many factors can submit pressure on the spine. In case of vertebral compaction, intervertebral discs decrease in volume which is responsible for the back pain. Hence the interest of doing a traction to recreate the space between the discs.
The one-bar suspension of a pull-up seems effective for decompress the spine. To make it a little easier, you can put a bench under a pull-up bar so you can grab the bar with both hands. Hang with your full weight, keeping your feet on the bench and blowing. Make sure your back is straight. Hold this position for about XNUMX seconds and repeat it three times.
Wearing a corset
Le wearing a back corset helps to keep your back in extension, in particular to avoid compression of the anterior part of the vertebrae. It also allows to relieve back pain. The effectiveness of the corset in the case of vertebral compression is felt in the first weeks of use.
Be sure to follow the doctor's recommendations in relation to wearing the corset, as excessive use can cause stiffness and atrophy.
physiotherapy treatment
Le physiotherapy treatment for spinal compression is both preventive and curative. There are many exercises offered in physiotherapy to decompress the spine.
The curl of the back on a swissball ball
This exercise involves lying on your stomach on an exercise ball. Completely relax your arms and your head as you exhale. Pelvis at the top of the ball, shift your weight back and forth. This movement aims to vary the areas of relaxation. Hold for 20 seconds to a minute depending on your ability and repeat the exercise three times.
The suspension with rings
This exercise requires two gymnastic rings. Place the rings at a level where your feet touch the ground in flexion. Grab the rings and hang. Your trunk should be perpendicular to the floor. Open your right hip to release tension in the lower part of your right lumbar. Hold this position for 20 to 30 seconds and pass to the other side (left) with the same movement. Perform this exercise three times and alternate right and left opening.
Natural treatments for spinal compression
natural products
Some natural products are analgesics and relieve pain associated with spinal compression. Arnica cream, tiger balm and certain essential oils such as true lavender, ylang-ylang, wintergreen or common thyme can help you in this case.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a substance naturally produced by the body from glucose and glutamine. It plays an essential role in maintaining the integrity of the cartilage of all the joints, including that of the vertebrae.
It proves its effectiveness in the relief of osteoarthritis symptoms, but also those of the compression of the vertebrae.
My name is Arotoky and I am studying human medicine. Web editor for more than 5 years, I currently focus on the theme of health and well-being. I have the strong conviction that with my valuable articles, I can help many people to relieve their ailments and feel better. My goal is to share my health knowledge with the general public through web writing.
