The spine, that is, columna vertebralis, is the bone structure consisting of vertebrae and containing the spinal cord. Columna vertebralis is 70 cm long, and the spinal cord inside it varies between 43-45 cm; that is, the spinal cord is shorter than the columna vertebralis. The spine is the most important part and the main axis of the skeleton, which consists of bone, cartilage or both. It extends along the back and provides support to the body.
Duty of the Spine
Many structures in the head, trunk, chest and abdominal cavity. It is to carry the weight of the internal organs and to be a solid support for them. It also enables movements of the head and trunk. Meanwhile, it forms a strong and safe cover for a very important organ such as the spinal cord within the spinal canal.
The spine in humans consists of 33-34 vertebrae. The first 24 of these vertebrae are connected to each other through joints containing cartilages called intervertebral discs. These vertebrae are divided into three groups. These are 7 cervical vertebrae, 12 back vertebrae and 5 lumbar vertebrae. The coccyx bone was formed by the union of the first five of the remaining 9-10 vertebrae, and the tailbone was formed by the union of the 4-5 small and not fully developed vertebrae at the bottom.
Spinal Fractures
The cause of fracture of the spinal bones is usually a very severe trauma. Since the spine has a solid structure and is very well protected by the fibrous tissues surrounding it, its fracture can only occur due to very severe impacts. Injuries to the spine may occur in automobile accidents, falls, when trying to move or lift a very heavy load, or during sudden jumps and jumps. In general, the first complaint in patients with spinal fractures is pain. Neck, back or waist pain may be accompanied by muscle spasms. If there is a spinal cord injury along with the fracture, there may be various complaints such as numbness, numbness in the arms and/or legs, loss of strength, incontinence, incontinence, and inability to urinate. If adequate treatment is not applied to patients without post-fracture nerve injury, a humpback (kyphosis) may occur in the spine, resulting in severe pain and paralysis. If the injury causes an unstable fracture or fracture-dislocation, or causes spinal cord damage. or create If there is a risk, surgical methods are preferred in the treatment. In surgical treatment, restoring the integrity of the vertebrae is usually achieved with screws and rods applied from the back. The placement of these rods can also be performed by closed methods in suitable patients, thus minimizing postoperative pain and hospital stay. If there is a risk of nerve damage or injury, a relaxation procedure called decompression is also added to the treatment during surgery.
For depression fractures caused by osteoporosis, vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty method is preferred. In the vertebroplasty method, bone cement is sent into the vertebra, relieving pain and preventing further collapse.
Degenerative Spine Diseases
< br /> The spine is the most important structure of the movement system consisting of the articulation of bones called vertebrae. Thanks to these multiple joints, we can bend forward, backward and sideways. The basic articulation between the bones here occurs through discs.
These joints, which connect the vertebrae to each other and provide their mobility, can wear out and become painful over time, just like the hip and knee joints of the body.
Another feature of the spine that distinguishes it from other joints is that it contains a space in the middle called the spinal canal, which contains the spinal cord and nerve roots. All kinds of formations in the bones and joints surrounding this canal can put pressure on the nerve tissue inside after a certain size, causing problems such as pain, numbness, and loss of muscle strength (paralysis).
These structural changes in the discs and joints are always It is progressive. There is never a spontaneous recovery or return, but all of these changes that occur in the spine are called degenerative spine disease. Lumbar (waist) and cervical (neck) spine are the most common regions. It is thought that the majority of them occur due to genetic reasons. In addition, sedentary life, smoking, obesity, and heavy working conditions are also factors that accelerate the process.
The disease starts from the disc. first change dis The reason is the decrease in liquid content. As the disk begins to dry out, it begins to fail to fulfill its basic duty of carrying load and its fragility increases. It cannot maintain the height between two vertebrae and becomes curved towards the environment. He cannot control movement between two vertebrae. It loses its load-bearing power.
The aim of non-surgical treatments is to relieve pain, reduce stimulation of the nerve or disc, and improve the physical condition of the patient to protect the spine. This procedure is successful in most patients with an organized treatment program that combines various treatment methods. Since degenerative changes can never resolve on their own, the main goal is for the patient to adapt his life to it. When this cannot be done or in some cases where it is necessary, the problem is solved with surgical treatment.
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