[Dystrophic changes in the locomotor system of manual labourers].

The specific features of dystrophic changes in the locomotor system of manual and intellectual laborers were studied on the basis of clinical and radiation diagnosis. The rate of dystrophic vertebral column lesions was approximately equal in both groups (38.5 +/- 4.8 and 37.7 +/- 6.7, respectively); however, the manifestations of sanogenetic reactions generally developed as hypertrophy upon exposure to chronic functional overstrain and as atrophy in intellectual laborers. Decompensation of the adaptive sanogenetic reactions manifesting as reflex, radicular, or myelogenous symptoms was observed in both occupational groups. The intellectual laborers more frequently underwent surgical treatment for complications of dystrophic vertebral column lesions.