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 scoliosis)
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 this region, consisting of 12 vertebrae, is well supported by the ribs and sternum. The disease usually affects the upper vertebrae of the department.
Causes of thoracic osteochondrosis
This disease occurs most often in people in whose family cases of osteochondrosis are frequent, but there are exceptions. The appearance of the disease can lead to:
- congenital pathologies of the spine.
- wound;
- constant vigorous physical activity.
- severe 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 may be practically not noticeable, but during an exacerbation it is impossible not to notice it.
Pathological changes in the spine are manifested by the following symptoms:
- sharp or pain in the chest, in the region of the spine (dorsago).
- If the roots of the nerves exiting the spinal cord (radiculopathy) are damaged, pain, paresthesia and various sensory disturbances occur.
- there is pain in the region of the heart, which does not disappear after taking glycerine trinitrate.
- pulmonary syndrome, which can be recognized by signs of oxygen starvation and inadequate 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.
- 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.
Great! Osteochondrosis of the thoracic and lumbar regions often simulates diseases of the internal organs. Patients may experience pain in the stomach, liver, heart due to a pinched nerve. 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 body. With its osteochondrosis, a person feels pain in the kidneys, gets tired quickly. That is why it is important not to self-medicate, as is often recommended 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 of which has its own clinical picture:
1 point.At this stage, the disease appears 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 compress the nerves. The patient may feel a local pain syndrome in the region of the affected vertebra, occasionally there are characteristic pains in the back. Painful sensations appear with active movement and physical exercise, but certain 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 points.The vertebra loses its stability and cracks form in the annulus fibrosus. Due to the increase in instability, both visible 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 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 area of internal organs, in the extremities. Chest pain may occur.
3 degrees.The annulus fibrosus becomes thinner, breaks, which causes a herniated disc. Such a disease causes certain deviations in the work of internal organs, since the spine is in a curved state and severely limits movement, forcing a person to take positions in which pain is felt less. 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 increase in width, their processes ossify, and the remnants of the intervertebral discs also ossify. Patients often note a reduction in pain, but spinal mobility is also noticeably reduced. Vertebrae move closer to each other, ossify and their roots grow, which reduces the cushioning capacity of the spine. A person with advanced osteochondrosis noticeably loses height, his movements are limited, a curvature of the spine (kyphosis or lordosis) is observed.
In the context 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 symptoms of this disease are:
- Irregular contour of the intervertebral disc.
- Wavy edge of sheathing plates.
- The hook-shaped processes are enlarged and pointed.
- Reduced intervertebral disc height.
- It changed the shape of the intervertebral discs.
- Herniated disc (anterior hernias are easier to identify).
- Appearance of osteophytes?
- The shape of the vertebral body changes.
In some cases, an X-ray contrast study - discography is carried out, which shows the following features:
- Irregular outline 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 escapes its boundaries, sometimes falling into the spinal canal.
Consequences of osteochondrosis
If the disease is not treated, then its progression 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 parts)
- VSD
- Impaired hearing or vision
- Rhizitis
- Migraine
- Lumbago
- Intervertebral ridge
- Vertebral joint
- Disability
- Thoracic 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 therapy
- Surgical treatment
- traction
Medical treatment is based on several principles. The main thing is to fight pain, as well as reduce inflammation. So, doctors use anti-inflammatory drugs to eliminate pain.
To improve the condition of the cartilage, doctors prescribe chondroprotectants 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 patients to use various ointments for osteochondrosis, which produce a heating 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 indicated by the doctor. Mixing drugs or replacing them with analogues should not be done without the consent of the attending physician.
In addition to medical treatment, doctors prescribe acupuncture, reflexology, physiotherapy, therapeutic massage. All these treatments should be discussed in detail with your doctor and should be performed by a professional.
In the initial stages of the disease, the entire therapeutic process of osteochondrosis in the thoracic spine is limited to physiotherapy exercises for osteochondrosis and several special exercises. Drug treatment consists of prescribing drugs that improve metabolism, as well as vitamin therapy.
Patients are advised not to exercise without discussing it with their doctor. It should be noted that in the acute phase of the disease, gymnastics cannot be done. 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 outbreak 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 production 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, intense 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 attending physician.
Preventive 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 cause the formation of osteochondrosis, do not forget about the risk of heavy physical exercise and maintain the correct posture.
Each person must undergo regular examinations at a specialized clinic. 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, 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, do not forget about medical examinations.
At home, people cannot always keep their body in the right tone, as it can be done in the gym. However, 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, drugs, swimming.