Fat deposit in the vertebral body. Symptoms and signs of liver dystrophy of non-alcoholic etiology. Video - Massage for fatty degeneration of the cervical vertebrae

Painful sensations in the back are the most common complaint of patients when visiting a traumatologist and orthopedist. Without necessary treatment acute diseases the spine goes into chronic form and can significantly reduce the patient’s quality of life.

The intervertebral disc is located between the vertebral bodies and consists of three structures - the fibrous ring surrounding the intervertebral joint, the nucleus pulposus and two hyaline plates that close the disc and adjacent to the adjacent vertebrae. The fibrinous ring is needed to hold the nucleus in correct position, because it is a kind of shock absorber for the spinal column when walking, jumping, bending, and turning.

Intervertebral discs make up almost a third of the entire spinal column. The gelatinous nuclei contained within it are very hydrophilic (they love water), they need it for elasticity and resilience, thanks to which they can serve as a shock absorber.

How does vertebral degeneration develop?

When the spinal column is malnourished, various degenerative diseases develop; they lead to a decrease in the height of the intervertebral disc and impaired movement in the spine. Gradually, surrounding structures - joints, muscles, ligaments - are also involved in the process. A major role in the pathological process is played by fatty degeneration of the vertebrae, or rather the yellow ligaments that hold the spine. As a result, the spinal canal that runs inside the vertebrae begins to narrow. It is this stenosis (narrowing) that causes back pain.

Due to the fact that the vertebrae do not have their own innervation and blood supply system (it is present only in the outer plates of the fibrous ring), and also due to the fact that during life the greatest pressure is exerted on the spinal column, degenerative processes in it begin much earlier than in other large joints.

This fact is also associated with the fairly young age of the majority of patients; this process gradually intensifies and leads to the fact that by the age of 60–70, more than half of the population has vertebral degeneration to one degree or another. The gradual erasure of the border between the fibrous ring and the nucleus leads to a decrease in the height of the spine and infringement of the inner part of the intervertebral disc - the nucleus pulposus.

In addition, age-related changes also occur in blood vessels, which impairs the delivery of necessary substances (protein glycans) to internal structures ligamentous apparatus spine. A complex of factors - deterioration of trophism and compression of the vertebrae, leads to the formation of cracks in the nucleus pulposus, it loses moisture and its elastic properties decrease. In addition, prolapse (protrusion) of the disc into the spinal canal occurs. This is how degeneration of the intervertebral discs develops, and now the vertebrae are not sufficiently cushioned; any careless or sudden movements can cause pain.

However, the process is not limited to spinal disc degeneration. A decrease in the height of the spinal column promotes the involvement of neighboring formations in the process - ligaments, facet joints, this leads to their overstrain and increased removal of calcium from them and the development of osteoporosis. Naturally, the yellow ligaments, which fill the spaces between the vertebrae and are attached to the vertebral arches, weaken, because the spine has become shorter. The yellow ligaments, or as they are also called fatty ligaments, lose their elasticity, thicken and wrinkle. Due to the fact that serious pathological processes occur in the yellow (fatty) ligaments, the disease is called fatty degeneration of the spine.

As a result of long-term studies, it has been proven that protrusion of the disc into the intervertebral canal is not always the only cause of pain. The spinal cord, which is represented by the roots of the spinal nerves, passes through the spinal canal. When there is a protrusion at any level of the intervertebral disc, compression of the root occurs and the appearance of pain is quite logical. However, scientists have found that pain also appears due to “sterile” autoimmune inflammation of the root. The source of inflammation is a crushed vertebral disc that is in contact with the root.

The main reason for the degeneration of intervertebral discs is the deterioration of the nutrition of their cells - they are more sensitive to a decrease in the amount of oxygen, glucose and changes in the acid-base balance in the blood. This in turn initiates degenerative processes in the disc.

What causes eating disorders? There are a lot of reasons, this includes, in addition to metabolic changes, various blood diseases, for example, anemia, also atherosclerotic changes, insufficient or excessive loads on the spine, and unhealthy diet.

Classification of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine

Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the vertebrae occur in several stages.

So, at stage 0, disorders in the disc are not yet registered, but at the first stage, during the study it is already possible to see small tears in the inner layers of the fibrous ring.

During the transition to the second stage, the outer layers of the fibrous ring are still preserved (which still prevents the protrusion of the disc into the intervertebral canal), however, back pain appears, which can radiate to the lower limb and knee joint.

The third stage is characterized by extensive ruptures of the fibrous ring along the entire perimeter, as a result of which the disc prolapses into the spinal canal, and lumbar pain intensifies. A tear of the longitudinal ligament is visible.

Treatment of pain caused by vertebral degeneration

Surgical and conservative methods are used to relieve pain. They are aimed at alleviating the patient’s condition, and therefore can only be considered palliative.

  1. Bed rest for the period of the most intense pain. Getting up late aggravates the situation and leads to less recovery of the spine;
  2. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - ibuprofen, diclofenac, piroxicam, indomethacin, naproxen, ibuprol, nimesulide, diclofenac patch;
  3. Muscle relaxants - baclofen, tizanidine, cyclobenzaprine, tolperisone, methocarbamol;
  4. Local anesthesia - novocaine blockades are most often used;
  5. Chondroprotectors - chondroitin sulfate, glycosamine sulfate and diacerein.
  6. Physical therapy - dosed load on the spine, special strength exercises, warming up, electrical stimulation. Often, the complex of these effects has a more significant result than long-term pharmacological treatment.
  7. A specially selected set of exercises, therapeutic massage, and in some cases manual therapy.

As for surgical treatment This pathology, the attitude towards it in most leading countries of the world is rather restrained, it is applied only to a small percentage of patients.

Among surgical methods treatments can be used:

  • Discectomy with arthrodesis;
  • Intradiscal injection of steroids;
  • Intradiscal decompression;
  • Laser therapy.

In recent years, minimally invasive treatment methods have become widespread - electrothermal plastic surgery of the annulus fibrosus, laser disc decompression, and percutaneous endoscopic disc removal. Methods for replacing the nucleus pulposus with restoring the integrity of the fibrous disc have also begun to be used.

Spinal dystrophy implies pathological changes consisting of... On initial stage the disease persists natural state intervertebral discs.

The main symptom of the disease is pain. Pain can occur both during inflammatory processes of the vertebrae and during abnormal changes in the case of degenerative-dystrophic conditions.

Symptoms of the disease

The presence of painful manifestations in different parts of the spinal column represents pathological changes in the musculoskeletal system and can lead to disability.

For example, fatty degeneration The bone marrow of the spine is formed when the normal consistency of tissue is gradually replaced by a fatty layer.

Degenerative-dystrophic conditions are an irreversible process of metabolic disorders in bone tissue. Thus, it becomes clear that pain in the back muscles, which is often attributed to fatigue or salt deposits, must be sought in the deterioration of the performance of the vertebrae themselves.

Common causes of the disease include:

  • incorrect distribution of the load on the spine;
  • natural aging;
  • change hormonal levels;
  • injuries and bruises;
  • passive lifestyle;
  • genetic factors.

Types of abnormal changes

Deviations in work can be experienced by different areas of the back muscles, it can be like dystrophy thoracic spine and lumbosacral. The cervical spine also experiences no less stress.

There may be no pain for a long time, but gradually the patient begins to feel discomfort caused by pain, weakness and muscle strain.

At sedentary in life there are often suspicions of dystrophy lumbar region spine, but in most cases such a problem is provoked.

The main component of hematopoiesis is bone marrow, which is located directly in the bones. At pathological changes the body may also experience degeneration of the bone marrow of the spine, for example, in diseases such as osteochondrosis, cartilaginous nodes.

In inflammatory processes or incorrect exchange substances, it is possible to replace healthy bone tissue with a layer of fat. Then they talk about fatty degeneration of the vertebral bodies of the bone marrow. This can significantly worsen the composition of the blood.

Treatment methods

Absolute cure of changes occurring in the skeletal system is impossible. Modern medical techniques involve only a temporary suspension of the development of pathology and the elimination of pain in the patient.

Therapeutic treatment consists of taking those included in the group of analgesics, or using local drugs -.

For elimination pain also influence. Doctors advise eating foods rich in B vitamins.

Each case is individual, so in no case should you self-medicate by purchasing medications from pharmacies without a doctor’s prescription! All medications are prescribed only by a physician after diagnosis.

IN in some cases surgical intervention is used. Thus, with fatty degeneration of the bone marrow of the spine, a severe inflammatory process can begin during movement, which often leads to urgent surgical care, after which the patient will have to undergo a long course of rehabilitation.

How to prevent disease

The main preventive methods of maintaining the patient in normal condition with lumbar dystrophy sacral region are weight loss and moderate but regular exercise stress. To do this you need to eat right and exercise.

Excellent help and... For cervical dystrophy, they are used to fix the cervical vertebrae, which relax the muscles and reduce the load on them.

What is fatty degeneration of the vertebral bodies of the bone marrow? In simple words, this is a process that is usually associated with the aging of the body. Its essence is to replace the hematopoietic tissues of the bone marrow with fatty ones.

Substitution healthy cells It's slow and dangerous. In the future, it entails a deterioration in the condition of blood vessels and a change in the composition of the blood.

Fatty degeneration of the spine is an age-related phenomenon and appears as one of the heralds of internal aging.

Tissues of all body systems change to less stable ones. The vertebral bodies of the bone marrow are subject to fatty degeneration to the same extent as others. In addition to aging, the causes of fatty degeneration of the bone marrow are also hidden in previous oncological or infectious diseases, and in the use of medications not controlled by a doctor.

Fatty degeneration of the spine is one of the heralds of internal aging

Every person's bone marrow contains myeloid cells. They are responsible for the creation of all blood cells, muscles, and liver. They are the ones who trigger the process of replacing healthy cells with others. Unfortunately, changes can occur without reference to age.

Particular attention should be paid to medications that can cause this kind of “obesity” of the vertebrae.

Among them it is possible to distinguish several groups:

  1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
  2. Drugs that lower blood pressure.
  3. Antibiotics.
  4. Heart medications.

Characteristic symptoms

Fatty degeneration of the spine has the following symptoms:

  1. Pain in. In this case, discomfort is most often felt in the thoracic and cervical spine.
  2. Vascular system disorders, neuralgia. In turn, this entails poor coordination, asthenia and the rapid onset of fatigue.
  3. Headache that gets worse when changing body position.
  4. Decreased sensitivity. This symptom can be expressed in numbness of the limbs, so-called “goosebumps” throughout the body. In addition, cold hands are possible.
  5. Problems with physical activity. Fatty bone marrow degeneration limits movement. The patient requires significantly more energy to maintain the balance of his body.

Diagnosis of the disease

The vascular system and liver are most susceptible to fatty degeneration, but its appearance in another part of the body is not excluded. When adipose tissue appears between the vertebrae instead of cartilage, we can safely say: the patient has the main signs of fatty degeneration of the bone marrow.

Wherein over time, such important properties of the vertebrae as springiness, strength, and flexibility are lost. Instability of the components of the spine appears. When diagnosing a disease, doctors are able to clearly see the pathology using MRI.

MRI of the spine

Such changes can be of different nature. Therefore they can provoke completely different forms of the disease. Moreover, the appearance of osteochondrosis and other accompanying changes is possible. That is why it is important to diagnose as early as possible.

Stages of pathology development

Doctors distinguish several periods in the development of the disease:

  1. Stage one. At the initial stage, the destructive changes are almost invisible, but if a high-quality check is carried out, it will reveal small tears within the layers of the fibrous ring.
  2. Stage two. At this stage, the patient feels pain in the back, which can radiate to the leg. Although, the intervertebral disc is still in place.
  3. Stage three. The most serious, during which extensive ruptures of the fibrous ring are observed. As a result, the disc bulges outward. There is pain in the lumbar region.

Main methods of treatment

Treatment of fatty degeneration of the vertebral bodies of the bone marrow is carried out in two ways: conservative and surgical. It is important to understand that if the process occurs due to aging, then it cannot be cured. In any other case, there is always hope for recovery. Let's consider available methods more details.

Almost always the foci of fatty degeneration are in the vertebral bodies are treated with medications(tablets, ointments, gels, injections) and exercise therapy. The purpose of these drugs is to relieve pain and relieve other symptoms. And the additional one ensures the return of the vertebrae to their place and their normal placement.

Traditionally, doctors prescribe the following medications:

  1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which are intended to relieve inflammation and relieve pain.
  2. Muscle relaxants that relieve muscle spasms.
  3. Various blockades with novocaine in the form of injections;
  4. Chondroprotectors that help restore damaged cartilage.

Spinal traction

The vast majority of cases of fatty degeneration of the spine do not require surgical intervention and are cured using the same conservative methods: special gymnastics, physiotherapy, various types of massages.

In addition, during the treatment of foci of fatty degeneration in the vertebral bodies, spinal traction is of great help. It increases the distance between the vertebrae, thereby giving the disc access to the water and microelements it needs. This procedure greatly speeds up the healing process.

In addition, there is a load-free spinal traction, which is ideal for the treatment of fatty degeneration of the spine, as well as its complications.

Traction preserves all the physiological curves of a person’s main support and does it delicately, without the use of force.

Next to the traction procedure, it is also worth mentioning effectiveness of massage and acupuncture. Additionally, a nutritionist prepares an individual diet enriched with gelatin.

For symptomatic treatment The use of compresses is allowed. A cold bandage on the lower back will relieve pain, and a hot one will relax the muscles. Obviously, all these measures are part of a complex that eliminates the disease in the first stages.

As for surgical intervention, it is usually resorted to if the patient has a narrowing of the spinal canal. Inflammation that begins in the tissues is fraught with loss of sensitivity and mobility.

Neglect of your health can result in paralysis. That is why the treatment of fatty degeneration of the vertebral bodies of the bone marrow is based on advanced stages cannot be done without the urgent involvement of a surgeon. After the operation, long-term rehabilitation follows using the methods already indicated.

What you shouldn't do

Physical activity is contraindicated for patients with fatty degeneration of the spine.

A common problem that requires special attention. It often occurs during abnormal physical activity, injury, or as a consequence of a sedentary lifestyle. What actions are not recommended for fatty degeneration of the spine?

The answer is simple:

  1. First of all, physical activity is contraindicated for patients, as this can aggravate the condition of already displaced discs.
  2. It is worth protecting yourself from injuries, since degenerative changes in the vertebrae change the condition of the blood and worsen its movement.
  3. It is not recommended to take medications that can affect processes in bone marrow tissue.

Prevention of the disease

It goes without saying that preventing any disease is much better and easier than treating it. But what to do to prevent the destruction of the vertebrae? There are several basic tips that you can follow to improve your health.

  1. Spend a few minutes every day doing exercises that strengthen your back muscles.
  2. Don't forget about correct posture.
  3. Buy orthopedic mattresses and pillows for yourself and your family, which will significantly reduce the risk of getting sick.
  4. When you wake up, do not jump out of bed. Try to stand up slowly and on both legs at once.

Conclusion

If you thoroughly approach the issue of treating fatty degeneration of bone marrow bodies, then healing is more than possible. The main thing is that the degradation process should not be left to chance, as it can provoke a number of related ailments. In the first stages, it is possible to overcome it without surgery or bone marrow transplantation. Contacting a qualified doctor for any discomfort in the back can save you from a lot of suffering. And prevention will prevent the symptoms of aging from appearing ahead of time.

Those who did not protect themselves and became victims of the disease should unquestioningly follow what the doctors say. Physiotherapy, injections, tablets and reasonable physiotherapy together give excellent results. Surgery is the last option and is used in emergency cases. Therefore, if foci of fatty degeneration are found in the vertebral bodies, you should not despair.


What are the risks of fatty bone marrow degeneration?

Bone marrow is the mass that occupies those spaces in the bone cavity that are not filled with bone tissue. It is the most important organ of hematopoiesis, constantly creating new blood cells that replace dead ones. Bone marrow plays an important role in the formation and maintenance of immunity.

Problems that arise in the bone marrow inevitably affect hematopoiesis, blood composition, the state of blood circulation, blood vessels, and soon the entire body. When bone marrow functions are impaired, the number of leukocytes, platelets, and red blood cells in the blood decreases. The composition of the blood changes, and therefore the nutrition of the organs, that is, their functions also suffer. Due to changes in the composition of the blood, the nature of its movement through the vessels also changes, which also causes many unpleasant consequences.

Bone marrow degeneration

Degenerative processes begin sooner or later in any organism. Similar processes also occur in the bone marrow. To a certain extent they are normal physiological processes, of course, if they start on time. During degenerative-dystrophic processes, normal (myeloid) bone marrow tissue is gradually replaced by connective and adipose tissue. Moreover, it is fat replacement that predominates.

With age, such processes increase and accelerate. Thus, by the age of 65, approximately half of a person’s bone marrow is replaced by adipose tissue. At an older age fat cells can occupy half of its volume. Fatty bone marrow degeneration is the focus of medical science today. An earlier and more intense process of such replacement of one tissue by another causes the development of various diseases.

Where do fat cells come from?

When scientists studied the precursor cells of fat, the first suspects were bone marrow myeloid cells. These cells give rise to blood cells (except lymphocytes), cells from which muscles are formed, liver cells, and can also be the progenitors of fat. Thus, perhaps due to the low specialization of myeloid cells in the bone marrow, they are significantly replaced by fat cells.


Pathological replacement of myeloid tissue with adipose tissue can occur due to a violation metabolic processes in the body, bone marrow lesions by metastases, infectious processes, especially chronic ones.

What diseases are accompanied by fatty degeneration of the bone marrow?

  • Simmonds-Sheehan syndrome,
  • Hypoplastic and aplastic anemia,
  • Osteoporosis.

This is a list of diseases in which a link has been established between bone marrow degeneration and symptoms or causes of the disease.

Simmonds-Sheehan syndrome

Another name for this disease is hypothalamic-pituitary cachexia. It most often affects women aged 30-40 years. Initially, the pathological process occurs in the adenohypophysis and hypothalamus. Further, the secretion of hormones, including growth hormone, is disrupted. This causes degenerative-dystrophic and atrophic processes in tissues and organs and a wide variety of symptoms.

Hypoplastic and aplastic anemia

This group of anemias develops as a result of inhibition of hematopoiesis, which, in turn, is caused by the replacement of myeloid tissue in the bone marrow with fatty tissue. The reasons for this may be toxic or infectious and viral effects.

Among the substances that negatively affect the condition of the bone marrow are arsenic, benzene, and some medications. This is one of the arguments that you should not self-medicate; any medicine should be prescribed by a doctor. He does this taking into account the possible consequences.

Medicines that may cause or accelerate bone marrow degeneration:

  • Cytostatic agents,
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, for example, acetylsalicylic acid, analgin,
  • Sleeping pills (barbiturates),
  • Medicines to lower blood pressure, such as captopril,
  • Thyrostatics,
  • Anti-tuberculosis drugs,
  • Sulfonamides,
  • Some antibiotics, in particular chloramphenicol,
  • Antiarrhythmic drugs.

The main manifestation of hypoplastic and aplastic anemia is thrombocytopenia, manifested by hemorrhagic syndrome. Bleeding, bleeding of the skin and mucous membranes, hemorrhagic rashes are the most common symptoms of this type of anemia.


Osteoporosis

Until recently, it was believed that a large amount of adipose tissue protects the body from osteoporosis, since it helps compensate for missing hormones. However latest research found that this is not entirely true. Excess fat cells interfere with the body's production of collagen and calcium absorption. This leads to weakening of bone tissue, to degenerative processes in it, that is, to bone fragility - the main manifestation of osteoporosis.

comments powered by HyperComments

Bone marrow plays an important role in the formation and maintenance of immunity.

Bone marrow degeneration

Where do fat cells come from?

When scientists studied the precursor cells of fat, the first “suspects” were bone marrow myeloid cells. These cells give rise to blood cells (except lymphocytes), cells from which muscles are formed, liver cells, and can also be the progenitors of fat. Thus, perhaps due to the low “specialization” of myeloid cells in the bone marrow, they are significantly replaced by fat cells.

  • Simmonds-Sheehan syndrome,
  • Osteoporosis.

Simmonds-Sheehan syndrome

Another name for this disease is hypothalamic-pituitary cachexia. It most often affects older women. Initially, the pathological process occurs in the adenohypophysis and hypothalamus. Further, the secretion of hormones, including growth hormone, is disrupted. This causes degenerative-dystrophic and atrophic processes in tissues and organs and a wide variety of symptoms.

Hypoplastic and aplastic anemia

  • Cytostatic agents,
  • Sleeping pills (barbiturates),
  • Thyrostatics,
  • Sulfonamides,
  • Antiarrhythmic drugs.

The main manifestation of hypoplastic and aplastic anemia is thrombocytopenia, manifested by hemorrhagic syndrome. Bleeding, bleeding of the skin and mucous membranes, hemorrhagic rashes - these are the most common symptoms of this type of anemia.

Osteoporosis

Until recently, it was believed that a large amount of adipose tissue protects the body from osteoporosis, since it helps compensate for missing hormones. However, recent research has revealed that this is not entirely true. Excess fat cells interfere with the body's production of collagen and calcium absorption. This leads to weakening of bone tissue, to degenerative processes in it, that is, to bone fragility - the main manifestation of osteoporosis.

Fatty bone marrow degeneration treatment

What are the risks of fatty bone marrow degeneration?

Bone marrow is the mass that occupies those spaces in the bone cavity that are not filled with bone tissue. It is the most important organ of hematopoiesis, constantly creating new blood cells that replace dead ones. Bone marrow plays an important role in the formation and maintenance of immunity.

Problems that arise in the bone marrow inevitably affect hematopoiesis, blood composition, the state of blood circulation, blood vessels, and soon the entire body. When bone marrow functions are impaired, the number of leukocytes, platelets, and red blood cells in the blood decreases. The composition of the blood changes, and therefore the nutrition of the organs, that is, their functions also suffer. Due to changes in the composition of the blood, the nature of its movement through the vessels also changes, which also causes many unpleasant consequences.

Bone marrow degeneration

Degenerative processes begin sooner or later in any organism. Similar processes also occur in the bone marrow. To a certain extent, they are normal physiological processes, of course, if they begin in due time. During degenerative-dystrophic processes, normal (myeloid) bone marrow tissue is gradually replaced by connective and adipose tissue. Moreover, it is fat replacement that predominates.

With age, such processes increase and accelerate. Thus, by the age of 65, approximately half of a person’s bone marrow is replaced by adipose tissue. At an older age, fat cells can occupy half of its volume. Fatty bone marrow degeneration is the focus of medical science today. An earlier and more intense process of such replacement of one tissue by another causes the development of various diseases.

Where do fat cells come from?

When scientists studied the precursor cells of fat, the first suspects were bone marrow myeloid cells. These cells give rise to blood cells (except lymphocytes), cells from which muscles are formed, liver cells, and can also be the progenitors of fat. Thus, perhaps due to the low specialization of myeloid cells in the bone marrow, they are significantly replaced by fat cells.

Pathological replacement of myeloid tissue with adipose tissue can occur due to metabolic disorders in the body, bone marrow lesions by metastases, and infectious processes, especially chronic ones.

What diseases are accompanied by fatty degeneration of the bone marrow?

  • Simmonds-Sheehan syndrome,
  • Osteoporosis.

This is a list of diseases in which a link has been established between bone marrow degeneration and symptoms or causes of the disease.

Simmonds-Sheehan syndrome

Another name for this disease is hypothalamic-pituitary cachexia. It most often affects older women. Initially, the pathological process occurs in the adenohypophysis and hypothalamus. Further, the secretion of hormones, including growth hormone, is disrupted. This causes degenerative-dystrophic and atrophic processes in tissues and organs and a wide variety of symptoms.

Hypoplastic and aplastic anemia

This group of anemias develops as a result of inhibition of hematopoiesis, which, in turn, is caused by the replacement of myeloid tissue in the bone marrow with fatty tissue. The reasons for this may be toxic or infectious and viral effects.

Among the substances that negatively affect the condition of the bone marrow are arsenic, benzene, and some medications. This is one of the arguments that you should not self-medicate; any medicine should be prescribed by a doctor. He does this taking into account the possible consequences.

Medicines that may cause or accelerate bone marrow degeneration:

  • Cytostatic agents,
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, for example, acetylsalicylic acid, analgin,
  • Sleeping pills (barbiturates),
  • Medicines to lower blood pressure, such as captopril,
  • Thyrostatics,
  • Anti-tuberculosis drugs,
  • Sulfonamides,
  • Some antibiotics, in particular chloramphenicol,
  • Antiarrhythmic drugs.

The main manifestation of hypoplastic and aplastic anemia is thrombocytopenia, manifested by hemorrhagic syndrome. Bleeding, bleeding of the skin and mucous membranes, hemorrhagic rashes are the most common symptoms of this type of anemia.

Osteoporosis

Until recently, it was believed that a large amount of adipose tissue protects the body from osteoporosis, since it helps compensate for missing hormones. However, recent research has revealed that this is not entirely true. Excess fat cells interfere with the body's production of collagen and calcium absorption. This leads to weakening of bone tissue, to degenerative processes in it, that is, to bone fragility - the main manifestation of osteoporosis.

Fatty degeneration of the bone marrow of the vertebral bodies and methods of its treatment

Doctors say that the condition of the entire body largely depends on the health of the spine. But a person often does not take care of his musculoskeletal system exposing him heavy loads leading an inactive lifestyle, long time sitting at the computer. As a result of this, degenerative-dystrophic changes occur in the spine, subsequently causing osteochondrosis.

What does fatty degeneration of the vertebral bodies mean?

Fatty degeneration of the bone marrow of the vertebral bodies is a change in tissue, accompanied by the accumulation of a lot of fat in the cells. At the same time, the protoplasm of the cell can be converted into it due to the fact that fat grains get inside it. Such disturbances cause the death of the cell nucleus, and subsequently it dies.

In most cases, fatty degeneration occurs in the liver and blood vessels, but can also occur in other parts of the body. When fat replaces the cartilage of the intervertebral discs, they lose their ability to provide flexibility and springiness to the spine.

Even human bones can be replaced by fat. As a result, the vertebrae become less strong, which adversely affects the health of the spine as a whole. The vertebrae acquire excessive mobility, that is, they become unstable. These pathological abnormalities are clearly visible to doctors when performing magnetic resonance imaging.

Based on the nature of the pathological changes, the forms of degeneration can be different. If the spine is affected by this pathology, then there is a high probability of developing osteochondrosis.

The course of pathology is divided by specialists into several stages, each of which is characterized in its own way. Thus, the following stages of dystrophy in the vertebrae are distinguished:

  1. First stage. It shows no changes in the intervertebral disc yet, but upon examination one can already see that there are small tears inside the layers of the fibrous ring.
  2. Second stage. At this stage, the outer layers of the annulus fibrosus are still preserved and can prevent the disc from bulging. But the patient already feels pain in the back area, which can radiate to the leg and knee.
  3. Third stage. Extensive ruptures of the fibrous ring occur on it, resulting in protrusion of the intervertebral disc. Pain in the lumbar region becomes even more severe.

Reasons for the development of the disease

The main cause of fatty degeneration is poor nutrition of the vertebral cells. They are the ones who are most sensitive to the fact that a small amount of oxygen and glucose is supplied and changes occur acid-base balance in blood. All this provokes the development of disc disorders.

Deterioration in the functioning of the circulatory system may occur due to various reasons, for example, due to anemia, spinal overload and poor nutrition. Deviations can also develop due to age.

Changes can even occur as a result of poisoning with a substance, such as alcohol. Certain infectious pathologies can also cause fatty degeneration.

Treatment methods for fatty degeneration of the bone marrow of the vertebral bodies

Fatty degeneration of the vertebrae is treated using both conservative and surgical methods. If the pathology appears due to the aging of the body, then the process cannot be cured, since it is irreversible.

Whenever unpleasant symptoms, processes of inflammation and compression of nerves, experts prescribe the following medications:

  • non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs aimed at relieving inflammation and relieving pain;
  • muscle relaxants to eliminate spasms of muscle tissue;
  • blockades with novocaine in the form of injections;
  • chondroprotectors that help restore damaged cartilage.

In addition to medications, patients are prescribed physiotherapeutic procedures, for example, magnetic therapy and electrophoresis. Physical therapy also helps a lot, but it can only be used during remission. Good methods of treatment are massage and acupuncture.

Surgery is performed only if there is a narrowing of the spinal canal. In this case, without the help of a doctor, the patient risks losing sensitivity and acquiring paralysis.

Restore bone tissue in in this case is possible only in the first stages of the disease, but basically therapy can only stop the development of the pathological process.

How to Treat Fatty Bone Marrow Degeneration

What is fatty degeneration of the vertebral bodies of the bone marrow? In simple words, this is a process that is usually associated with the aging of the body. Its essence is to replace the hematopoietic tissues of the bone marrow with fatty ones.

Replacement of healthy cells is slow and dangerous. In the future, it entails a deterioration in the condition of blood vessels and a change in the composition of the blood.

Causes

Fatty degeneration of the spine is an age-related phenomenon and appears as one of the heralds of internal aging.

Tissues of all body systems change to less stable ones. The vertebral bodies of the bone marrow are subject to fatty degeneration to the same extent as others. In addition to aging, the causes of fatty degeneration of the bone marrow are also hidden in previous oncological or infectious diseases, and in the use of medications not controlled by a doctor.

Every person's bone marrow contains myeloid cells. They are responsible for the creation of all blood cells, muscles, and liver. They are the ones who trigger the process of replacing healthy cells with others. Unfortunately, changes can occur without reference to age.

Particular attention should be paid to medications that can cause this kind of “obesity” of the vertebrae.

Among them it is possible to distinguish several groups:

  1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
  2. Drugs that lower blood pressure.
  3. Antibiotics.
  4. Heart medications.

Characteristic symptoms

Fatty degeneration of the spine has the following symptoms:

  1. Back pain. In this case, discomfort is most often felt in the thoracic and cervical spine.
  2. Vascular system disorders, neuralgia. In turn, this entails poor coordination, asthenia and the rapid onset of fatigue.
  3. Headache that gets worse when changing body position.
  4. Decreased sensitivity. This symptom can be expressed in numbness of the limbs, so-called “goosebumps” throughout the body. In addition, cold hands are possible.
  5. Problems with motor activity. Fatty bone marrow degeneration limits movement. The patient requires significantly more energy to maintain the balance of his body.

Diagnosis of the disease

The vascular system and liver are most susceptible to fatty degeneration, but its appearance in another part of the body is not excluded. When adipose tissue appears between the vertebrae instead of cartilage, we can safely say: the patient has the main signs of fatty degeneration of the bone marrow.

In this case, over time, such important properties of the vertebrae as springiness, strength, and flexibility are lost. Instability of the components of the spine appears. When diagnosing a disease, doctors are able to clearly see the pathology using MRI.

Such changes can be of different nature. Consequently, they can provoke completely different forms of the disease. Moreover, the appearance of osteochondrosis and other accompanying changes is possible. That is why it is important to diagnose as early as possible.

Stages of pathology development

Doctors distinguish several periods in the development of the disease:

  1. Stage one. At the initial stage, the destructive changes are almost invisible, but if a high-quality check is carried out, it will reveal small tears within the layers of the fibrous ring.
  2. Stage two. At this stage, the patient feels pain in the back, which can radiate to the leg. Although, the intervertebral disc is still in place.
  3. Stage three. The most serious, during which extensive ruptures of the fibrous ring are observed. As a result, the disc bulges outward. There is pain in the lumbar region.

Main methods of treatment

Treatment of fatty degeneration of the vertebral bodies of the bone marrow is carried out in two ways: conservative and surgical. It is important to understand that if the process occurs due to aging, then it cannot be cured. In any other case, there is always hope for recovery. Let's look at the available methods in more detail.

Almost always, foci of fatty degeneration in the vertebral bodies are treated with medications (tablets, ointments, gels, injections) and exercise therapy. The purpose of these drugs is to relieve pain and relieve other symptoms. And additional physical therapy ensures the return of the vertebrae to their place and their normal placement.

Traditionally, doctors prescribe the following medications:

  1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which are intended to relieve inflammation and relieve pain.
  2. Muscle relaxants that relieve muscle spasms.
  3. Various blockades with novocaine in the form of injections;
  4. Chondroprotectors that help restore damaged cartilage.

The vast majority of cases of fatty degeneration of the spine do not require surgical intervention and are cured using the same conservative methods: special gymnastics, physiotherapy, various types of massages.

What kinesitherapy is is described in detail here

In addition, during the treatment of foci of fatty degeneration in the vertebral bodies, spinal traction is of great help. It increases the distance between the vertebrae, thereby giving the disc access to the water and microelements it needs. This procedure greatly speeds up the healing process.

In addition, there is non-load-bearing spinal traction, which is ideal for the treatment of fatty degeneration of the spine, as well as its complications.

Traction preserves all the physiological curves of a person’s main support and does it delicately, without the use of force.

Next to the traction procedure, it is also worth mentioning the effectiveness of massage and acupuncture. Additionally, a nutritionist prepares an individual diet enriched with gelatin.

For symptomatic treatment, the use of compresses is allowed. A cold bandage on the lower back will relieve pain, and a hot one will relax the muscles. Obviously, all these measures are part of a complex that eliminates the disease in the first stages.

As for surgical intervention, it is usually resorted to if the patient has a narrowing of the spinal canal. Inflammation that begins in the tissues is fraught with loss of sensitivity and mobility.

Neglect of your health can result in paralysis. That is why treatment of fatty degeneration of the vertebral bodies of the bone marrow in advanced stages cannot be done without the urgent involvement of a surgeon. After the operation, long-term rehabilitation follows using the methods already indicated.

What you shouldn't do

Spinal diseases are a common problem that requires special attention. It often occurs during abnormal physical activity, injury, or as a consequence of a sedentary lifestyle. What actions are not recommended for fatty degeneration of the spine?

  1. First of all, physical activity is contraindicated for patients, as this can aggravate the condition of already displaced discs.
  2. It is worth protecting yourself from injuries, since degenerative changes in the vertebrae change the condition of the blood and worsen its movement.
  3. It is not recommended to take medications that can affect processes in bone marrow tissue.

Prevention of the disease

It goes without saying that preventing any disease is much better and easier than treating it. But what to do to prevent the destruction of the vertebrae? There are several basic tips that you can follow to improve your health.

  1. Spend a few minutes every day doing exercises that strengthen your back muscles.
  2. Don't forget about correct posture.
  3. Buy orthopedic mattresses and pillows for yourself and your family, which will significantly reduce the risk of getting sick.
  4. When you wake up, do not jump out of bed. Try to stand up slowly and on both legs at once.

Conclusion

If you thoroughly approach the issue of treating fatty degeneration of bone marrow bodies, then healing is more than possible. The main thing is that the degradation process should not be left to chance, as it can provoke a number of related ailments. In the first stages, it is possible to overcome it without surgery or bone marrow transplantation. Contacting a qualified doctor for any discomfort in the back can save you from a lot of suffering. And prevention will prevent the symptoms of aging from appearing ahead of time.

Those who did not protect themselves and became victims of the disease should unquestioningly follow what the doctors say. Physical therapy, injections, pills and reasonable physiotherapy together give excellent results. Surgery is the last option and is used in emergency cases. Therefore, if foci of fatty degeneration are found in the vertebral bodies, you should not despair.

What is vertebral fatty degeneration?

Fatty degeneration of the vertebrae - an age-related replacement process hematopoietic tissue bone marrow to fat. In some cases, it begins earlier due to cancer or infectious diseases, uncontrolled drug therapy. This natural process can have complications. These include osteoporosis, anemia, hormonal imbalance and spinal canal stenosis. In most cases, no specific therapy is required, but if complications threaten the patient's quality of life, surgery may be prescribed.

Causes

The main risk factor is age. Tissue degeneration begins to occur, including the bone marrow of the spine. This is natural, and if the patient is over seventy, often his bone marrow is half fat.

The process is initiated by myeloid cells. They are found in the bone marrow and create all blood cells. They also form muscles and internal organs, such as the liver.

In some cases, degeneration occurs much earlier. The cause may be metabolic disorders, malignant neoplasms and metastasis, infections. Unfortunately, such changes can occur regardless of age.

An accelerated process of “obesity” of the vertebrae can occur due to the use of certain medications. These include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This is especially bad considering that many people suffering from osteochondrosis mainly use NSAIDs - this results in a vicious circle of degeneration of back tissue. You can also list blood pressure-lowering medications, cardiac medications, and antibiotics here.

How it develops

When blood circulation and metabolism of the spine are disrupted, osteochondrosis does not remain the only problem. An additional pathology may be fatty degeneration of the bone marrow and ligaments that fix the back. The result of this pathological process may be stenosis of the spinal canal, and subsequently compression of the spinal cord. And if there is some kind of mechanical impact on the spinal cord, a whole bunch of severe neurological symptoms are inevitable. Including partial and complete paralysis.

Due to the fact that the vertebral bodies do not have independent internal nerves and blood vessels, but are fed through endplates, fatty degeneration begins quickly in them. In addition to the vertebrae, the arteries also change. The path becomes more complicated nutrients to the vertebrae and discs. This is another reason why the nucleus pulposus loses its shock-absorbing properties.

Osteochondrosis and fatty degeneration lead to a decrease in the space between the vertebrae. To reduce spasms of the spinal ligaments, the body tries to get rid of calcium. This leads to a disease such as osteoporosis.

Prognosis and complications

Fatty bone marrow degeneration results in poor blood cell production. Anemia and decreased immunity are observed. Decreases vascular tone. The condition of not only the spine, but the entire human body. Fabrics internal organs they begin to “suffocate” without receiving enough oxygen.

Fatty degeneration of the vertebrae can lead to the development of diseases such as:

  • Simmond-Schien disease. Middle-aged females are usually affected. Hormonal changes begin, due to which a large number of body tissues suffer;
  • Anemia. The degeneration of the cells that create blood cells does not go away without a trace;
  • Osteoporosis. Too much fat in bone prevents the body from producing collagen. Because of this, a person stops processing calcium correctly, and the vertebrae become fragile.

Blood clots worse, and as a result, traumatic effects can be fatal. Particularly severe consequences can occur if such a symptom accompanies osteoporosis - bone degeneration. Bones break easily, and if a fracture occurs, internal bleeding may begin non-stop.

Treatment

Both conservative treatment measures and surgery are used. But unfortunately, they are largely only symptomatic. Degeneration of vertebral tissue due to aging is an irreversible process. But if complications, inflammatory processes, or pinched nerves occur, the following recommendations are suitable:

  • IN acute period When attacks are constantly tormenting, you need to give the patient complete rest. Eliminate both mental and physical stress factors;
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen, Diclofenac);
  • Muscle relaxants to relieve painful muscle spasms (for example, Sirdalud);
  • Injection spinal blockades with novocaine;
  • Chondroprotectors are drugs that help regenerate cartilage tissue;
  • Physiotherapy (Magnet, Electrophoresis, Low-frequency current, Shock wave therapy);
  • Physical therapy (after the acute period has ended);
  • Massage procedures, acupuncture.

Surgical intervention is justified only if there is narrowing of the spinal canal. Here the work of a surgeon is necessary, because otherwise the patient will experience loss of sensitivity and mobility, and possibly paralysis.

Fatty degeneration of the vertebrae: why does your back hurt?

Painful sensations in the back are the most common complaint of patients when visiting a traumatologist and orthopedist. Without the necessary treatment, acute spinal diseases become chronic and can significantly reduce the patient’s quality of life.

The intervertebral disc is located between the vertebral bodies and consists of three structures - the fibrous ring surrounding the intervertebral joint, the nucleus pulposus and two hyaline plates that close the disc and adjacent to the adjacent vertebrae. The fibrinous ring is needed to keep the nucleus in the correct position, because it is a kind of shock absorber of the spinal column when walking, jumping, bending, and turning.

Intervertebral discs make up almost a third of the entire spinal column. The gelatinous nuclei contained within it are very hydrophilic (they love water), they need it for elasticity and resilience, thanks to which they can serve as a shock absorber.

How does vertebral degeneration develop?

When the spinal column is malnourished, various degenerative diseases develop; they lead to a decrease in the height of the intervertebral disc and impaired movement in the spine. Gradually, surrounding structures - joints, muscles, ligaments - are also involved in the process. A major role in the pathological process is played by fatty degeneration of the vertebrae, or rather the yellow ligaments that hold the spine. As a result, the spinal canal that runs inside the vertebrae begins to narrow. It is this stenosis (narrowing) that causes back pain.

Due to the fact that the vertebrae do not have their own innervation and blood supply system (it is present only in the outer plates of the fibrous ring), and also due to the fact that during life the greatest pressure is exerted on the spinal column, degenerative processes in it begin much earlier than in other large joints.

This fact is also associated with the fairly young age of the majority of patients; this process gradually intensifies and leads to the fact that by the age of 60–70, more than half of the population has vertebral degeneration to one degree or another. The gradual erasure of the border between the fibrous ring and the nucleus leads to a decrease in the height of the spine and infringement of the inner part of the intervertebral disc - the nucleus pulposus.

In addition, age-related changes also occur in the blood vessels, which impairs the delivery of necessary substances (protein glycans) to the internal structures of the ligamentous apparatus of the spine. A complex of factors - deterioration of trophism and compression of the vertebrae, leads to the formation of cracks in the nucleus pulposus, it loses moisture and its elastic properties decrease. In addition, prolapse (protrusion) of the disc into the spinal canal occurs. This is how degeneration of the intervertebral discs develops, and now the vertebrae are not sufficiently cushioned; any careless or sudden movements can cause pain.

However, the process is not limited to spinal disc degeneration. A decrease in the height of the spinal column promotes the involvement of neighboring formations in the process - ligaments, facet joints, this leads to their overstrain and increased removal of calcium from them and the development of osteoporosis. Naturally, the yellow ligaments, which fill the spaces between the vertebrae and are attached to the vertebral arches, weaken, because the spine has become shorter. The yellow ligaments, or as they are also called fatty ligaments, lose their elasticity, thicken and wrinkle. Due to the fact that serious pathological processes occur in the yellow (fatty) ligaments, the disease is called fatty degeneration of the spine.

The main cause of degeneration of intervertebral discs is a deterioration in the nutrition of their cells - they are more sensitive to a decrease in the amount of oxygen, glucose and changes in the acid-base balance in the blood. This in turn initiates degenerative processes in the disc.

What causes eating disorders? There are a lot of reasons, this includes, in addition to metabolic changes, various blood diseases, for example, anemia, also atherosclerotic changes, insufficient or excessive loads on the spine, and unhealthy diet.

Classification of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine

Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the vertebrae occur in several stages.

During the transition to the second stage, the outer layers of the fibrous ring are still preserved (which still keeps the disc from protruding into the intervertebral canal), however, back pain appears, which can radiate to the lower limb and knee joint.

The third stage is characterized by extensive ruptures of the fibrous ring along the entire perimeter, as a result of which the disc prolapses into the spinal canal, and lumbar pain intensifies. A tear of the longitudinal ligament is visible.

Treatment of pain caused by vertebral degeneration

Surgical and conservative methods are used to relieve pain. They are aimed at alleviating the patient’s condition, and therefore can only be considered palliative.

  1. Bed rest for the period of the most intense pain. Getting up late aggravates the situation and leads to less recovery of the spine;
  2. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - ibuprofen, diclofenac, piroxicam, indomethacin, naproxen, ibuprol, nimesulide, diclofenac patch;
  3. Muscle relaxants - baclofen, tizanidine, cyclobenzaprine, tolperisone, methocarbamol;
  4. Local anesthesia - novocaine blockades are most often used;
  5. Chondroprotectors - chondroitin sulfate, glycosamine sulfate and diacerein.
  6. Physical therapy - dosed load on the spine, special strength exercises, warming up, electrical stimulation. Often, the complex of these effects has a more significant result than long-term pharmacological treatment.
  7. A specially selected set of exercises, therapeutic massage, and in some cases manual therapy.

As for the surgical treatment of this pathology, the attitude towards it in most leading countries of the world is rather restrained; it is used only for a small percentage of patients.

Among the surgical treatment methods that can be used:

  • Discectomy with arthrodesis;
  • Intradiscal injection of steroids;
  • Intradiscal decompression;
  • Laser therapy.

In recent years, minimally invasive treatment methods have become widespread - electrothermal plastic surgery of the annulus fibrosus, laser disc decompression, and percutaneous endoscopic disc removal. Methods for replacing the nucleus pulposus with restoring the integrity of the fibrous disc have also begun to be used.

Types of spinal dystrophy, treatment methods and prevention

Spinal dystrophy implies pathological changes consisting of osteoporosis of the spinal column. At the initial stage of the disease, the natural state of the intervertebral discs is preserved.

The main symptom of the disease is pain. Pain can occur both during inflammatory processes of the vertebrae and during abnormal changes in the case of degenerative-dystrophic conditions.

Symptoms of the disease

The presence of painful manifestations in different parts of the spinal column represents pathological changes in the musculoskeletal system and can lead to disability.

For example, fatty degeneration of the bone marrow of the spine is formed when the normal consistency of the tissue is gradually replaced by a fatty layer.

Degenerative-dystrophic conditions are an irreversible process of metabolic disorders in bone tissue. Thus, it becomes clear that pain in the back muscles, which is often attributed to fatigue or salt deposits, must be sought in the deterioration of the performance of the vertebrae themselves.

Common causes of the disease include:

  • incorrect distribution of the load on the spine;
  • natural aging;
  • changes in hormonal levels;
  • injuries and bruises;
  • passive lifestyle;
  • genetic factors.

Types of abnormal changes

Deviations in work can be experienced by different areas of the back muscles; this can be either dystrophy of the thoracic spine or lumbosacral spine. The cervical spine also experiences no less stress.

There may be no pain for a long time, but gradually the patient begins to feel discomfort caused by pain, weakness and muscle strain.

With a sedentary lifestyle, dystrophy of the lumbar spine is often suspected, but in most cases this problem is caused by osteochondrosis.

The main component of hematopoiesis is bone marrow, which is located directly in the bones. With pathological changes in the body, degeneration of the bone marrow of the spine can also be observed, for example, in diseases such as osteochondrosis, spondyloarthrosis, cartilaginous nodes.

In case of inflammatory processes or improper metabolism, it is possible to replace healthy bone tissue with a layer of fat. Then they talk about fatty degeneration of the vertebral bodies of the bone marrow. This can significantly worsen the composition of the blood.

Treatment methods

Absolute cure of changes occurring in the skeletal system is impossible. Modern medical techniques involve only a temporary suspension of the development of pathology and the elimination of pain in the patient.

Therapeutic treatment consists of taking painkillers, which are part of the analgesic group, or using local medications - ointments and gels.

Muscle relaxants also help relieve pain. Doctors advise eating foods rich in B vitamins.

Each case is individual, so in no case should you self-medicate by purchasing medications from pharmacies without a doctor’s prescription! All medications are prescribed only by a physician after diagnosis.

Therapeutic exercise perfectly strengthens the cartilage tissue and back muscles. Exercises are selected individually for each patient, depending on the characteristics of the disease. Nutritionists usually prescribe a special diet rich in gelatin.

In some cases, surgical intervention is used. Thus, with fatty degeneration of the bone marrow of the spine, a severe inflammatory process can begin during movement, which often leads to urgent surgical care, after which the patient will have to undergo a long course of rehabilitation.

How to prevent disease

The main preventive ways to keep a patient healthy with dystrophy of the lumbosacral region are reducing excess weight and moderate but regular physical activity. To do this you need to eat right and exercise.

Physiotherapy and massage are excellent help. For cervical dystrophy, orthopedic collars are used to fix the cervical vertebrae, which relax the muscles and reduce the load on them.

  • Perform a set of exercises daily to strengthen your back muscles;
  • always maintain an even posture;
  • get comfortable bedding;
  • To avoid unexpected stress on the spine when waking up in the morning, get up slowly, preferably on both legs at once.

These simple behavioral techniques will help significantly relieve pain and prolong the normal functioning of the spine.

By the way, now you can get my free e-books and courses that will help you improve your health and well-being.

pomoshnik

Get lessons from a course on the treatment of osteochondrosis for FREE!

Neurologist - online consultations

Fatty infiltration of the bone marrow - what is it?

No. Neurologist 03/19/2017

My son is 18 years old, he has had problems with his spine since he was 14, now in the lumbar region. 3 hernias and 2 in the thoracic, everything else is protrusion, recently an MRI showed that in the lumbar region. Fatty infiltration bone marrow, what is it and is it dangerous or not?

Hello, Tatyana. Fatty infiltration of the bone marrow is evidence of metabolic disorders and bone tissue formation. It is necessary to check the function of the liver, kidneys, and intestines. Make an appointment.

Hello, Bone marrow is a collection of stem cells. These cells, transforming, become leukocytes - protecting the body from infections, platelets - ensuring blood clotting, and red blood cells - providing the body with oxygen. All three types of blood cells make up the bone marrow, which controls the life processes of a living organism. In particular, he plays vital role, both in the formation and maintenance of the immune system. Due to some reasons, internal or external, the process of hematopoiesis and healthy bone marrow functions may be disrupted. In particular, due to degenerative, dystrophic processes, its natural healthy tissue is gradually, little by little, replaced by connective or adipose tissue. Moreover, it is the latter, fat replacement that occurs most often. Fatty degeneration of the bone marrow occurs - a change, replacement of healthy tissue, deterioration of its condition caused by big amount fat in her cells. Why is fatty degeneration dangerous? Degenerative changes occurring in the bone marrow negatively affect the process of hematopoiesis, worsen the composition of the blood, negatively affect the blood circulation process, and affect the health of blood vessels. When the functions of this organ are impaired, the number of leukocytes, platelets, and red blood cells decreases. All these negative changes affect general health person. The nutrition of organs and tissues is disrupted, the composition of the blood changes, and it moves worse through the vessels. The functions of the entire body are disrupted, and its resistance to various diseases is reduced. Now, to confirm or exclude this diagnosis, a consultation with a hematologist is needed, taking into account the presence of hernias, protrusion, consultation with a neurologist and neurosurgeon to develop management and treatment tactics

Hello, my back hurts, pain radiates stiffness to my legs, I did an MRI of the spine, here are the results. On a series of MRI tomograms of the cervical spine weighted by T1 and T2 in two projections, the lordosis is straightened. The height of the intervertebral discs in the studied area was preserved, signals from the cervical discs on T2 were reduced. The posterior longitudinal ligament is compacted. There were no signs of hernias between the vertebral discs in the study area. Dorsal protrusions of the C3-C7 discs, extending into the intervertebral foramina on both sides.

Please advise: is it possible to do without surgery? Do I still need it? Description of the MRI image or study: On a series of MR tonograms in 3 projections, in T2-, T1-VI modes, a mild scoliosis of the lumbosacral spine is noted. The height of the vertebral bodies is not changed. The contours of the vertebral bodies are deformed due to marginal osteophytes and the presence of moderately pronounced Schmorl's hernias. Subchondal edema of adjacent parts of the L4-S1 vertebral bodies. Stepped antelisthesis of L4, L5 vertebrae.

Hello. I have had problems with my spine for a long time, there was protrusion and spondylodiscitis. Over the past year, the condition has worsened. I can’t sit for a long time, stand in one position and have difficulty getting up. In February I repeated the MRI. Posterior diffuse disc herniation L4/L5 measuring 0.5 cm. In adjacent parts of the L4 bodies. L5 vertebrae, against the background of dystrophic changes, unexpressed trabecular edema of the bone marrow is determined, most likely due to reactive aseptic inflammatory process. ESR has been maintained for the second year in ave.

Hello, please tell me. In September of this year I had an MRI of the lumbosacral spine. I was diagnosed with straightened lordosis and s-scoliosis of the 1st degree, osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine, herniated discs L4-5 AND L5-6. general conclusion: “A change in the MRI signal from the chondral layer of the lumbar vertebral bodies with slight deformation is visualized articular surfaces. Changes in the MR signal are determined with a decrease in intensity on t-1 and t-2 VI of the tissue.

Hello. I have such a problem. My little finger of my left hand was numb. I went to a neurologist and she prescribed me Trental and an MRI of the cervical spine. I took a course of Trental and there was no result. I went to a neurologist, she looked at my MRI results and prescribed a massage and electric shock treatment. The result is zero. Below are my MRI results. Tell me, what else can I do? My finger is becoming even more numb every day, and my neurologist only uses his hands. Thank you in advance.

Cervical lordosis is preserved. You.

18+ Online consultations are for informational purposes only and do not replace a face-to-face consultation with a doctor. Terms of use

Your personal data is securely protected. Payments and site operation are carried out using the secure SSL protocol.

Lipoid bone marrow degeneration

State Institution Center for Speech Pathology and Neurorehabilitation of the Department of Health, Moscow

Literature

1. Zhang C., Rexrode K.M., van Dam R.M. et al. Abdominal obesity and the risk of all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality: sixteen years of follow-up in US women. Circulation 2008;117:1658-1667.

2. Albala C., Yanez M., Devoto E. et al. Obesity as a protective factor for postmenopausal osteoporosis. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 1996;20:1027-1032.

3. Gilsanz V., Chalfant J., Mo A.O. et al. Reciprocal relations of subcutaneous and visceral fat to bone structure and strength. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2009;94:3387-3393.

4. Papakitsou E.F., Margioris A.N., Dretakis K.E. et al. Body mass index (BMI) and parameters of bone formation and resorption in postmenopausal women. Maturitas 2004;47:185-193.

5. Meunier P., Aaron J., Edouard C., Vignon G. Osteoporosis and the replacement of cell populations of the marrow by adipose tissue. Clin Orthop 1971;80:147-154.

6. Rozman C., Feliu E., Berga L. et al. Age-related variations of fat tissue fraction in normal human bone marrow depend both on size and number of adipocytes: a stereological study. Exp Hematol 1989;17:34-37.

7. Justesen J., Stenderup K., Ebbesen E.N. et al. Adipocyte tissue volume in bone marrow is increased with aging and in patients with osteoporosis. Biogerontology 2001;2:165-171.

8. Verma S., Rajaratnam J.H., Denton J. et al. Adipocytic proportion of bone marrow is inversely related to bone formation in osteoporosis. J Clin Pathol 2002;55:693-698.

9. Osteoporosis prevention, diagnosis, and therapy. NIH Consensus Statement 2000;17:1-36.

10. Miriam A. Bredella Perspective: the bone-fat connection. Skeletal Radiol 2010;39:729-731.

11. Manolagas S.C. Birth and death of bone cells: basic regulatory mechanisms and implications for the pathogenesis and treatment of osteoporosis. Endocr Rev 2000;21:115-137.

12. Sekiya I., Larson B. L., Vuoristo J. T. et al. Adipogenic differentiation of human adult stem cells from bone marrow stroma (MSCs). J Bone Miner Res 2004;19:256-264.

13. Rodriguez J.P., Montecinos L., Rios S. et al. Mesenchymal stem cells from osteoporotic patients produce a type I collagen-deficient extracellular matrix favoring adipogenic differentiation. J Cell Biochem 2000;79:557-565.

14. Weisberg S.P., McCann D., Desai M. et al. Obesity is associated with macrophage accumulation in adipose tissue. J Clin Invest 2003;112:1796-1808.

15. Zhao L.J., Jiang H., Papasianm Ch.J. et al. Correlation on obesity and osteoporosis: effect of fat mass on the determination of osteoporosis. J Bone Miner Res 2008;23:17-29.

16. Martin R.B., Zissimos S.L. Relationships between marrow fat and bone turnover in ovariectomized and intact rats. Bone 1991;12:123-131.

17. Gimble J.M., Robinson C.E., Wu X. et al. The function of adipocytes in the bone marrow stroma: an update. Bone 1996;19:421-428.

18. Aubin J.E. Bone stem cells. J Cell Biochem 1998;1:73-82.

19. Akune T., Shinsuke O., Satoru K. et al. PPAR g insufficiency enhances osteogenesis through osteoblast formation from bone marrow progenitors. J Clin Invest 2004;113:846-855.

20. Rzonca S.O., Suva L.J., Gaddy D. et al. Bone is a target for the antidiabetic compound rosiglitazone. Endocrinology 2004;145:401-406.

21. Monami M., Cresci B., Colombini A. et al. Bone Fractures and Hypoglycemic Treatment in Type 2 Diabetic Patients. Diabetes Care 2008;31:199-203.

22. Uchiyama Y., Miyama K., Kataginri T. et al. Adipose conversion is accelerated in bone marrow cells of congenital osteoporotic SAMP6 mice (abstract). J Bone Miner Res 1994;9:S321.

23. Botolin S., Faugere M.-C., Malluche H. et al. Increased bone adiposity and peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor-g 2 expression in type I diabetic mice. Endocrinology 2005;146:3622-3631.

24. Tuominen J.T., Impivaara O., Puukka P. et al. Bone mineral density in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care 1999;22:1196-1200.

25. Nicodemus K.K., Folsom A.R. Iowa women's health study. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes and incident hip fractures in postmenopausal women. Diabetes Care 2001;24:1192-1197.

26. Schwartz A.V., Sellmeyer D.E., Ensrud K.E. et al. Older women with diabetes have an increased risk of fracture: a prospective study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2001;86:32-38.

27. Forsen L., Meyer H. E., Midthjell K. et al. Diabetes mellitus and then incidence of hip fracture results from the Nord-Trondelang Health Survey. Diabetologia 1999;42:920-925.

28. Li X, Jin L, Cui Q et al. Steroid effects on osteogenesis through mesenchymal cell gene expression. Osteoporos Int 2005;16:101-108.

29. Naganathan V., Jones G., Nash P. et al. Vertebral fracture risk with longterm corticosteroid therapy. Arch Intern Med 2000;160:2917-2922.

30. Johnell O., de Laet C., Johansson H. et al. Oral corticosteroids increase fracture risk independently of BMD. Osteoporos Int 2002;13:S14.

31. Van Staa T., Leufkens H.G.M., Cooper C. The epidemiology of corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis: a meta-analysis. Osteoporos Int 2002;13:777-787.

32. Ahdjoudj S., Lasmoles F., Holy X. et al. Transforming growth factor b2 inhibits adipocyte differentiation induced by skeletal unloading in rat bone marrow stroma. J Bone Miner Res 2002;17:668-677.

33. Gimble J.M., Zvonic S., Floyd Z.E. et al. Playing with bone and fat. J Cell Biochem 2006;98:251-266.

34. Khan A.W., Khan A. Anabolic agents: A new chapter in the management of osteoporosis. J Obstet Gynaecol Can 2006;28:136-141.

35. Ali A.A., Weinstein R.S., Stewart S.A. et al. Rosiglitazone causes bone loss in mice by suppressing osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. Endocrinology 2005;146:1226-1235.

36. Okazaki R., Inoue D., Shibata M. et al. Estrogen promotes early osteoblast differentiation and inhibits adipocyte differentiation in mouse bone marrow stromal cell lines that express estrogen receptor (ER) alpha or beta. Endocrinology 2002;143:2349-2356.

37. Plotkin L.I., Aguirre J.I., Kousteni S. et al. Bisphosphonates and estrogens inhibit osteocyte apoptosis via distinct molecular mechanisms downstream of extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation. J Biol Chem 2005;280:7317-7325.

38. Syed F.A., Oursler M.J., Hefferan T.E. et al. Effects of Estrogen Therapy on Bone Marrow Adipocytes in Postmenopausal Osteoporotic Women. Osteoporos Int 2008;19:1323-1330.

39. Russell R.G. Bisphosphonates: From bench to bedside. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2006;1068:367-401.

40. Chavassieux P.M., Arlot M.E., Reda C. et al. Histomorphometric assessment of the long-term effects of alendronate on bone quality and remodeling in patients with osteoporosis. J Clin Invest 1997;100:1475-1480.

41. Balena R., Toolan B.C., Shea M. et al. The effects of 2-year treatment with the aminobisphosphonate alendronate on bone metabolism, bone histomorphometry, and bone strength in ovariectomized nonhuman primates. J Clin Invest 1993;92:2577-2586.

42. Duque G., Rivas D. Alendronate has an anabolic effect on bone through the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. J Bone Miner Res 2007;22:1603-1611.

43. Gloth F.M. Vitamin D. In: Rosen C.J., Glowacki J., Bilezikian J.P., eds. The Aging Skeleton. San Diego, CA: Academic Press 1999.

44. Duque G., Macoritto M., Dion N. et al. 1,25(OH)2D3 acts as a boneforming agent in the hormone-independent senescence-accelerated mouse (SAM-P/6). Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2005;288:E723-730.

45. Duque G., El Abdaimi K., Henderson J.E. et al. Vitamin D inhibits Fas ligand-induced apoptosis in human osteoblasts by regulating components of both the mitochondrial and Fas-related pathways. Bone 2004;35:57-64.

46. ​​Duque G., Macoritto M., Kremer R. Vitamin D treatment of senescence accelerated mice (SAM-P/6) induces several regulators of stromal cell plasticity. Biogerontology 2004;5:421-429.

47. Suda T., Ueno Y., Fujii K. Vitamin D and bone. J Cell Biochem 2003;88(2):259-266.

About the authors / For correspondence

State Institution Center for Speech Pathology and Neurorehabilitation of the Moscow Department of Health

Shishkova V.N. - Ph.D., senior researcher Department of Neurorehabilitation.