Osteochondrosis is one of the most common diseases of the spine. It usually appears in many people over forty, but it usually occurs in younger people. Osteochondrosis is included in the 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, as it is this area, made up of 12 vertebrae, that is well fixed by the ribs and sternum. The disease usually affects the upper vertebrae of the department.
Causes of Thoracic Osteochondrosis
This disease appears more often in people in whose family cases of osteochondrosis are frequent, but there are exceptions. The onset of the disease can lead to:
- congenital pathologies of the spine;
- trauma;
- constant strong 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
The symptoms of this disease can be different, it depends a lot 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 manifest with the following symptoms:
- sharp or aching pain in the chest, in the spine (back) region;
- if the nerve roots leaving the spinal cord (radiculopathy) are damaged, sharp pains, paresthesias and various sensory disturbances appear;
- there is pain in the heart region, 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;
- may develop compressive myelopathy. 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 mimics diseases of Organs internal organs. Patients may experience pain in stomach, liver, heart due to pinched nerves. Over time, "noticed" diseases can actually appear due to persistent inflammation.
If the patient feels pain in Organs internal organs, but the 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 state of the body. With his osteochondrosis, a person feels pain in the kidneys, quickly gets tired. That's why it's important not to self-medicate, as is often advised in various forums, but to consult a specialist.
Stages of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
The international classification has established 4 stages (grades) of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, each with its own clinical picture:
1 degree.At this stage, the disease only arises as a result of the fact that the intervertebral disc loses moisture, its height decreases, the vertebrae come together and begin to compress the nerves. The patient may experience a local pain syndrome in the region of the diseased vertebra, occasionally there is characteristic back pain. Painful sensations occur with active movement and physical exertion, but some exercises can relieve discomfort. Usually, the 1st degree of the disease is considered common fatigue, so people do not rush to the doctor.
2 degrees.The vertebra loses stability and cracks form in the annulus fibrosus. Due to the increase in instability, both obvious and hidden subluxations are possible, which in the future can bring many problems. The patient experiences pain not only during physical exertion, but sometimes in a steady state (eg, lying on the side or on the back). 2nd degree osteochondrosis is also characterized by general weakness, increased fatigue, pain can be observed in the area of Organs internal organs, in the limbs. Thoracalgia may occur.
3 degrees.The annulus fibrosus becomes thinner, ruptures, which causes a herniated disc. Such a disease causes a series of deviations in the work of Organs internal organs, as the spine is in a curved state and severely restricts movement, forcing the person to assume positions in which the 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 grow in width, their processes ossify, and the remnants of the intervertebral discs also ossify. Patients usually notice a decrease in pain, but spinal mobility also decreases markedly. The vertebrae approach, ossify and grow their roots, which reduces the spine's ability to depreciate. A person with advanced osteochondrosis noticeably loses height, their movements are restricted, curvature of the spine (kyphosis or lordosis) is observed.
Against the background of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, various diseases of Organs internal organs can form, so it is dangerous to delay diagnosis and treatment.
diagnostic methods
The main radiological signs of this disease are:
- Irregular contour of the intervertebral disc;
- Wavy edge of the integumentary plates;
- The hook-shaped processes are enlarged and pointed;
- Reduced height of intervertebral discs;
- Changed the shape of the intervertebral discs;
- Intervertebral disc hernias (it is easier to determine anterior hernias);
- Occurrence of osteophytes;
- The shape of the vertebral body is altered.
In certain cases, an x-ray contrast study - discography is carried out, which shows 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 goes beyond its limits, sometimes falling into the spinal canal.
Consequences of osteochondrosis
If the disease is not treated, its progress 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)
- CIV
- Decreased hearing or vision
- radiculitis
- Migraine
- Lumbago
- intervertebral redhead
- spondylarthrosis
- Inability
- chest pain
- epicondylitis
The main methods of treatment of 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 fighting pain as well as reducing inflammation. So doctors use anti-inflammatories to eliminate pain.
To improve the condition of the cartilage, doctors prescribe prescribed chondroprotectors to patients.
Often, restrictions in spinal movement are caused by overstretched muscles. To get rid of this disease, doctors prescribe muscle relaxants and antispasmodics.
To reduce pain, doctors recommend that patients use various ointments for osteochondrosis, which have a warming effect.
To effectively treat this disease, a controlled dosage of the drug by a physician is important. The patient must remember that it is necessary to take the medicines strictly in the order indicated by the doctor. Mixing drugs or replacing them with analogues should not take place without the consent of the attending physician.
In addition to medical treatment, doctors prescribe acupuncture, reflexology, physical therapy, massage therapy. 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 entire process of treating osteochondrosis in the thoracic spine is limited to physiotherapy exercises for osteochondrosis and various special exercises. Drug therapy consists of prescribing drugs that improve metabolism, as well as vitamin therapy.
Patients are advised not to exercise without discussing this with their physician. It should be noted that in the acute phase of the disease, no gymnastics can be done. Any exercise therapy is selected depending on the location of the damaged area on the spine. Folk remedies can also be used.
What to do with an exacerbation of the disease?
The 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. In cases of ineffectiveness of these drugs, 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 these situations, exercise with osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is contraindicated until further decision by the attending physician.
prevention measures
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 the factors that can provoke the formation of osteochondrosis, do not forget about the danger of heavy physical exertion and maintain the correct posture.
Each person must undergo regular examinations at a specialized dispensary. If, during a medical examination, the doctor finds primary pathologies of the spine, the patient should immediately contact an orthopedist.
To prevent disease, it is necessary to treat all diseases in a timely manner, and this 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 work to avoid hypothermia and hyperthermia, don't forget about medical exams.
At home, people are not always able to keep their body in the right tone, as can be done in 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 complex of vitamins, which is especially important in the spring-winter period. To strengthen the back, you can use massage, medicine, swimming.