Зміст
Discopathy is a common health problem. It is considered the main cause of back pain. Its special type is multilevel discopathy. Discopathy affects several adjacent intervertebral discs and even parts of the spine. When symptoms appear that are not health or life-threatening, symptomatic treatment is carried out, and when this does not bring results, surgical intervention may be considered.
The severity of symptoms and the treatment process for multi-level discopathy are more intense than for changes impacting only one spinal disc. In advanced cases of the disease, muscle weakness, paresis, tingling, and pain may occur, sometimes radiating to the limbs.
What is multilevel discopathy?
Multilevel discopathy is a degenerative disease characterized by pathological changes in many adjacent vertebral discs, i.e., structures located between the vertebrae. They consist of a nucleus pulposus surrounded by an annulus fibrosus, which can be damaged due to degenerative processes or trauma. The consequence of this condition is often protrusion of the nucleus pulposus.
Potentially, each of them may develop pathological changes of varying severity. However, multilevel discopathy most typically occurs in the cervical and lumbar spine.
What are the causes of multilevel disc herniations?
In most cases, multilevel discopathy is caused by degenerative changes that can be genetically determined. Other factors predisposing to this condition include:
- extensive injuries,
- posture defects,
- rapid growth process,
- playing sports with a high risk of injury,
- excessive body weight,
- congenital spinal defects.
What are the symptoms of a multilevel disc herniation?
Multilevel discopathy is characterized by degeneration of intervertebral discs. They cause pressure on the nerve roots, leading to peripheral symptoms. Due to the fact that the lesions affect several spinal discs, the pain is intense and widespread. Multilevel thoracic discopathy is rare.
Multilevel cervical discopathy manifests itself primarily:
- pain of a paresthetic nature, which, in advanced cases, radiates from the cervical spine towards the upper extremities;
- weakness of the arm muscles, impaired range of motion or paresis of the upper limbs;
- numbness, sensory disturbances, tingling in areas innervated by the compressed nerve;
- blurred vision, headache, and dizziness.
Multilevel lumbar discopathy most often manifests itself:
- pain of a paresthetic nature, which in advanced cases radiates from the lumbar region towards the lower extremities;
- tingling, numbness, sensory disturbances in the area innervated by the compressed nerve;
- dysfunction of the sphincter – problems with urination or defecation;
- paresis of the lower extremities, weakness of the leg muscles, foot drop.
Disorders associated with multilevel discopathy can impair daily functioning and thus affect quality of life. The above symptoms associated with nerve compression require immediate consultation with a doctor (neurologist or neurosurgeon).
Diagnosis and treatment of multilevel discopathy
Diagnosis of multilevel disc herniation includes several elements; research is key:
- subjective, i.e., interview,
- objective (assessment of clinical symptoms and specialized tests),
- Imaging such as magnetic resonance imaging.
Imaging techniques such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography are most valuable in making a diagnosis.
Treatment is conservative if the patient’s condition allows and there is no neurological deficit. Then painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs and rehabilitation procedures are used.
First, the following is recommended:
- limitation of physical activity, in the acute phase of the disease, lying on a hard mattress with legs bent;
- kinesitherapy, used after acute pain subsides and as an element of prevention, i.e., exercises that strengthen the muscles responsible for stabilizing the spine;
- consultations with a physiotherapist on the correct position of the body or moving objects in accordance with the principles of spinal ergonomics;
- kinesio taping – the so-called casting, which consists of applying a special tape to the painful area, performed after the acute phase of the disease has passed.
When these measures do not produce satisfactory results, surgical treatment should be considered. The decision to operate is made by the physician based on the results of the imaging study, the type, and intensity of symptoms, and the patient’s general condition. After surgery, rehabilitation is recommended to speed your return to full fitness.