Osteochondrosis is one of the most common diseases of the spine. It usually appears in many people over the age of forty, but it often occurs in younger people. Osteochondrosis is included in ICD-10, its code is M42 (codes M40-M43 - deforming dorsopathy)
Osteochondrosis is a stratification of the intervertebral discs, due to which they become flatter and reduce the overall height of the spine. Deformed intervertebral discs lead to pinched nerves and pain. Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is relatively rare, since it is this region, consisting of 12 vertebrae, which is well fixed by the ribs and sternum. The disease usually affects the upper vertebrae of the department.
Causes of chest osteochondrosis
This disease most often appears in people in whose families there are frequent cases of osteochondrosis, but there are exceptions. The onset of the disease can lead to:
- congenital pathologies of the spine;
- trauma;
- strong and constant physical activity;
- severe metabolic disorders;
- general muscle weakness;
- infections and frequent temperature changes;
- constant stress.
Osteochondrosis appears in many women during menopause.
Signs of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
Symptoms of this disease can be different, it all depends on the age of the patient, the degree of the disease and the stage. During remission, the disease can practically not be felt, but during an exacerbation it is impossible not to notice it.
Pathological changes in the spine are manifested by the following symptoms:
- sharp or aching pain in the chest, in the region of the spine (dorsago);
- if the nerve roots that come out of the spinal cord (radiculopathy) are damaged, shooting pains, paresthesias and various sensory disturbances appear;
- there is aching pain in the region of the heart, which does not go away after taking glycerol trinitrate;
- pulmonary syndrome, which can be identified by signs of lack of oxygen and poor ventilation;
- sharp pain in the abdomen;
- pain in osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is not accompanied by fever, as is often the case with back pain;
- pain syndrome increases with pressure on the vertebrae;
- compressive myelopathy may develop. Myelopathy is characterized by a change in the sensitivity of the skin and muscles near the affected area of the spine.
Important!Osteochondrosis of the thoracic and lumbar regions often simulates diseases of internal organs. Patients may experience stomach, liver, and heart pain due to pinched nerves. Over time, "perceived" illnesses may actually appear due to persistent inflammation.
If the patient feels pain in the internal organs, but pain is the only symptom, it is necessary to check the condition of the spine. So, for example, the tenth vertebra is responsible for the innervation of the kidneys and the general condition of the body. With osteochondrosis, a person feels pain in the kidneys, quickly gets tired. That is why it is important not to self-medicate, as is often advised in various forums, but to consult a specialist.
Stages of osteochondrosis of the chest region
The international classification has established 4 stages (degrees) of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, each of which has its own clinical picture:
1 degree.At this stage, the disease occurs only due to the fact that the intervertebral disc loses moisture, its height decreases, the vertebrae move closer together and begin to compress the nerves. The patient may experience a local pain syndrome in the region of the diseased vertebra, sometimes there are characteristic back pains. Painful sensations arise during active movement and physical exertion, but some exercises can relieve discomfort. Usually the 1st degree of the disease is taken for ordinary fatigue, so people do not rush to the doctor.
2 degree.The vertebra loses its stability and cracks form on the annulus fibrosus. Due to increased instability, both obvious and hidden subluxations are possible, which in the future can cause a lot of trouble. The patient feels pain not only during physical exertion, but sometimes in a stationary state (for example, lying on his side or on his back). Osteochondrosis of the 2nd degree is also characterized by general weakness, increased fatigue, pain can be observed in the internal organs, in the limbs. Chest pain may occur.
3 degrees.The fibrous ring thins, it breaks, which causes a herniated disc. Such a disease causes a number of deviations in the work of internal organs, since the spine is in a curved state and greatly restricts movement, forcing a person to take positions in which pain is less felt. The pain syndrome is very strong, at this stage the formation of the spine with radicular syndrome is possible.
4 degrees.The vertebrae begin to enlarge, their processes ossify, and the remains of the intervertebral discs also ossify. Patients often note a decrease in pain, but the mobility of the spine also decreases markedly. The vertebrae get closer together, ossify and grow their roots, which reduces the damping capacity of the spine. A person with advanced osteochondrosis noticeably loses height, his movements become constrained, curvature of the spine (kyphosis or lordosis) is observed.
Against the background of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, various diseases of the internal organs can form, therefore it is dangerous to delay diagnosis and treatment.
Diagnostic methods
The main radiological signs of this disease are:
- Irregular outline of the intervertebral disc;
- Wavy edge of integumentary plates;
- The hook-shaped processes are enlarged and pointed;
- Reduced height of the intervertebral discs;
- Change in the shape of the intervertebral discs;
- Herniated intervertebral discs (it is easier to determine anterior hernias);
- Presence of osteophytes;
- The shape of the vertebral body is changed.
In some cases, an X-ray contrast study is performed - discography, which has the following features:
- Irregular contour of the nucleus pulposus;
- In the severe phase of the disease, the intervertebral disc is completely filled with contrast;
- With significant destruction of the disc, contrast is observed that exceeds its limits, sometimes falling into the spinal canal.
Consequences of osteochondrosis
If the disease is not treated, its progression is very rapid. But with successful treatment, the number of possible complications is minimal. There are several main complications of osteochondrosis:
- Sciatica
- Spondylosis of the thoracic spine (and other departments)
- VOD
- Decreased hearing or vision
- radiculitis
- Migraine
- Lumbago
- Red intervertebral
- Spondylarthrosis
- Disability
- Thoracalgia
- Epicondylitis
The main methods of treating osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
Now the treatment of osteochondrosis of the chest is carried out using the following methods:
- Conservative treatment
- Surgical treatment
- traction
Medical treatment is based on several principles. The main one is the fight against pain, as well as the reduction of inflammation. Thus, doctors use anti-inflammatory drugs in order to eliminate the pain.
To improve the condition of the cartilage, doctors prescribe prescription chondroprotectors to patients.
Often, spinal movement restrictions are caused by overstretched muscles. In order to get rid of this disease, doctors prescribe muscle relaxants and antispasmodics.
To reduce pain, doctors recommend patients to use various ointments for osteochondrosis, which produce a warming effect.
To effectively treat this disease, controlled dosage of the drug by a doctor is important. The patient should remember that it is necessary to take the drugs strictly in the order indicated by the doctor. Mixing of drugs or their replacement with analogues should not take place without the consent of the attending physician.
In addition to medical treatment, doctors prescribe acupuncture, reflexology, physiotherapy, therapeutic massage. All of these treatments should be discussed in detail with your doctor and should be performed by a professional.
In the early stages of the disease, the whole process of treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is limited to physiotherapy exercises for osteochondrosis and several special exercises. Pharmacotherapy consists of prescribing drugs that improve metabolism, as well as vitamin therapy.
Patients are advised not to do gymnastics without discussing it with their doctor. It should be noted that in the acute phase of the disease, no gymnastics can be performed. Any exercise therapy is selected based on the location of the damaged area in the spine. Folk remedies can also be used.
What to do with an exacerbation of the disease?
Exacerbation of osteochondrosis is always accompanied by pain. Thus, the main treatment is aimed at reducing pain.
For this, NSAIDs are prescribed. They reduce the generation of prostaglandins, which irritate the nerve endings responsible for pain. If these drugs are ineffective, blockade with local anesthetics can be used. Also, during an exacerbation of the disease, heavy physical exertion should be avoided, rest is recommended. Therefore, in such situations, exercise with osteochondrosis of the chest region is contraindicated until a further decision of the attending physician.
Preventative measures
In order to prevent the development of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, you should always take care of your health.
The first step is to eliminate all factors that can provoke the formation of osteochondrosis, do not forget about the danger of heavy physical exertion and maintain correct posture.
Each person must undergo regular examinations in a specialized dispensary. If during a medical examination the doctor found primary pathologies of the spine, the patient should immediately contact an orthopedist.
To prevent the disease, it is necessary to treat all diseases in a timely manner, which is especially important in diseases of the musculoskeletal system. After injuries, it is necessary to undergo mandatory rehabilitation.
Take care of your body: change your body position more often during labor to avoid hypothermia and hyperthermia, do not forget about medical examinations.
At home, people can't always keep their bodies in tune like you can at the gym. But still, don't forget to strengthen your back muscles with various exercises. So, for example, physiotherapy exercises for osteochondrosis will help very well. The main thing is not to overdo it. And exercise photos and videos are easy to find on the Internet.
The best prevention of any disease is a balanced diet. Your diet should contain not only vegetables, but also a vitamin complex, which is especially important in the spring-winter period. In order to strengthen the back, you can use massage, medicine, swimming.