Osteochondrosis is one of the most common diseases of the spine. It usually occurs in many people over the age of forty, but it often occurs in younger people as well. Osteochondrosis is included in ICD-10, its code is M42 (codes M40-M43 - deforming dorsopathy)
Osteochondrosis is the layering of the intervertebral discs, due to which they become flatter and reduce the overall height of the spinal column. Deformed intervertebral discs lead to pinched nerves and pain. Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is relatively rare, because this area, which consists of 12 vertebrae, is well fixed by the ribs and sternum. The disease usually affects the upper vertebrae of the department.
Causes of thoracic osteochondrosis
This disease most often occurs in people whose family has frequent cases of osteochondrosis, but there are exceptions. The appearance of the disease can lead to:
- congenital pathologies of the spine;
- trauma;
- constant vigorous physical activity;
- serious metabolic disorders;
- general muscle weakness;
- infections and frequent temperature changes;
- constant stress.
Osteochondrosis occurs in many women during menopause.
Signs of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
The symptoms of this disease can be different, a lot depends on the age of the patient, the degree of the disease and the stage. During remission, the disease is practically not felt, but during 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 spinal column (dorsago);
- if the roots of the nerves coming out of the spinal cord (radiculopathy) are damaged, shooting pains, paresthesias and various sensory disturbances occur;
- there is a painful pain in the region of the heart, which does not disappear after taking glycerol trinitrate;
- pulmonary syndrome, which can be recognized by signs of oxygen starvation and poor ventilation;
- acute abdominal pain;
- pain in osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is not accompanied by an elevated temperature, as is often the case with back pain;
- the 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 feel pain in the stomach, liver, heart due to pinched nerves. Over time, "perceived" diseases may actually occur 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 organism. With his osteochondrosis, a person feels pain in the kidneys, gets tired quickly. That is why it is important not to self-medicate, as is often advised on various forums, but to consult a specialist.
Stages of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
The international classification established 4 degrees (degrees) of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, each of which has its own clinical picture:
1 degree.At this stage, the disease occurs only as a result of the fact that the intervertebral disc loses moisture, its height decreases, the vertebrae come closer to each other and begin to squeeze the nerves. The patient may feel a local pain syndrome in the area of the affected vertebra, occasionally characteristic back pain occurs. Painful sensations occur 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 appear on the annulus fibrosus. Due to the increase in instability, both obvious and hidden subluxations are possible, which can bring many problems in the future. The patient feels pain not only during physical exertion, but sometimes also in a stationary state (for example, lying on his side or back). Osteochondrosis of the 2nd degree is also characterized by general weakness, increased fatigue, pain can be observed in the area of internal organs, in the limbs. Thoracic pain may occur.
3 degree.The fibrous ring becomes thinner, ruptures, which causes a herniated disc. Such a disease causes a number of deviations in the work of internal organs, because the spine is in a curved state and severely limits movement, forcing the person to take positions in which the pain is felt less. The pain syndrome is very strong, at this stage it is possible to form a spine with radicular syndrome.
4 degree.The vertebrae begin to grow in width, their processes ossify, and the remains of the intervertebral discs also ossify. Patients often notice a reduction in pain, but the mobility of the spine is also significantly reduced. Vertebrae move closer to each other, ossify and grow roots, which reduces the cushioning capacity of the spine. A person with advanced osteochondrosis noticeably loses height, his movements become restricted, the curvature of the spine (kyphosis or lordosis) is observed.
On the background of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, various diseases of 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 integumentary plates;
- The hooked appendages are enlarged and pointed;
- Reduced height of intervertebral discs;
- Changed shape of intervertebral discs;
- Hernia of intervertebral discs (it is easier to determine anterior hernias);
- Occurrence of osteophytes;
- The shape of the vertebral body has changed.
In certain cases, an X-ray contrast study - discography is performed, which shows the following characteristics:
- Irregular contour of the nucleus pulposus;
- In the severe stage of the disease, the intervertebral disc is completely filled with contrast;
- With a significant destruction of the disc, contrast is observed that crosses its borders, sometimes falling into the spinal canal.
Consequences of osteochondrosis
If the disease is not treated, its progress is very fast. 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)
- VSD
- Impaired hearing or vision
- Radiculitis
- Migraine
- Lumbago
- Intervertebral blush
- Spondylarthrosis
- Disability
- Thoracalgia
- Epicondylitis
The main methods of treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
Now the treatment of osteochondrosis of the chest is carried out by 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. Therefore, doctors use anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain.
In order to improve the condition of the cartilage, doctors prescribe chondroprotectors to patients by prescription.
Often, restrictions in the movement of the spine are caused by severely stretched muscles. In order to get rid of this disease, doctors prescribe muscle relaxants and antispasmodics.
In order to reduce pain, doctors recommend patients to use various ointments for osteochondrosis, which produce a warming effect.
For the effective treatment of this disease, a controlled dose of the drug by a doctor is important. The patient must remember that it is necessary to take medicines strictly in the order determined by the doctor. Mixing drugs or replacing them with analogues should not happen without the consent of the doctor.
In addition to medical treatment, doctors prescribe acupuncture, reflexology, physiotherapy, and therapeutic massage. All these treatments should be discussed in detail with your doctor and must be performed by professionals.
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 a few special exercises. Drug therapy consists of prescribing drugs that improve metabolism, as well as vitamin therapy.
Patients are advised not to do gymnastics without talking to their doctor. It should be noted that gymnastics cannot be done in the acute phase of the disease. Any exercise therapy is chosen depending on the location of the damaged area in the spine. Folk remedies can also be used.
What to do with the worsening of the disease?
Aggravation of osteochondrosis is always accompanied by pain. Therefore, the main treatment is aimed at reducing pain.
NSAIDs are prescribed for this. They reduce the production of prostaglandins, which irritate the nerve endings responsible for pain. In cases of ineffectiveness of these drugs, blockade with local anesthetics can be applied. Also, during the worsening of the disease, heavy physical exertion should be avoided, rest is recommended. Therefore, in such situations, exercise with osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is contraindicated until further decision of the doctor.
Prevention 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 cause osteochondrosis, not to forget the danger of heavy physical exertion and to maintain correct posture.
Every person should undergo regular examinations in a specialized clinic. If during the medical examination the doctor discovered primary pathologies of the spine, the patient should immediately contact an orthopedist.
For the prevention of diseases, it is necessary to treat all diseases in a timely manner, and this is especially important for 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 examinations.
At home, people cannot always keep their body in the right tone, as it 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 photos and videos of exercises 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.