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. Osteochondrosis is included in ICD-10, its code is M42 (codes M40-M43 - deforming dorsopathy)
Osteochondrosis is a layering of the intervertebral discs, due to which they become flatter and reduce the overall height of the spine. Deformed intervertebral discs lead to nerve compression and pain. Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is relatively rare, since this particular area, consisting 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 appears more often in people whose families have frequent cases of osteochondrosis, but there are exceptions. The appearance of the disease can lead to:
- congenital pathologies of the spine;
- trauma;
- continuous 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 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 painful pains in the chest, in the region of the spine (dorsago);
- if the nerve roots coming out of the spinal cord (radiculopathy) are damaged, shooting pains, paresthesias and various sensory disturbances appear;
- there is painful pain in the region of the heart, which does not disappear after taking glycerine trinitrate;
- pulmonary syndrome, which can be identified by signs of oxygen starvation and poor ventilation;
- acute abdominal pain;
- 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 the 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 pain in the stomach, liver, heart due to compressed nerves. Over time, "perceived" diseases 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 state of the body. 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 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 chest region, each of which has its own clinical appearance:
1 degree.At this stage, the disease arises 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 diseased vertebra, occasionally there is characteristic back pain. Painful sensations occur with active movement and physical exercise, but some exercises can relieve discomfort. Usually, the first stage of the disease is taken for ordinary fatigue, so people do not rush to the doctor.
2 degrees.The vertebra loses stability and cracks are created in the annulus fibrosus. Due to increased instability, both visible and hidden subluxations are possible, which in the future can bring a lot of trouble. The patient experiences pain not only during physical exercise, but sometimes in a stationary state (for example, lying on his side or on his back). Osteochondrosis of the second 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 degrees.The fibrous ring becomes thinner, ruptures, which causes disc herniation. Such a disease causes a number of 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 grow in width, their processes ossify, and the remnants of the intervertebral discs also ossify. Patients often notice a decrease in pain, but the mobility of the spine is also significantly reduced. Vertebrae move closer to each other, ossify and grow their roots, which reduces the cushioning capacity of the spine. A person with advanced osteochondrosis significantly loses height, his movements become limited, the curvature of the spine (kyphosis or lordosis) is observed.
Against the background of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, various diseases of internal organs can develop, 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;
- The wavy edge of the integration plates;
- The hook-shaped processes are enlarged and pronounced;
- Reduced height of the intervertebral discs;
- Changed the shape of the intervertebral discs;
- Hernia of intervertebral discs (it is easier to determine anterior hernias);
- Appearance of osteophytes;
- The shape of the vertebral body is changed.
In certain cases, an x-ray contrast study is performed - discography, which shows the following characteristics:
- Irregular contour of nucleus pulposus;
- In the severe stage of the disease, the intervertebral disc is completely filled with contrast;
- With a significant destruction of the disc, a contrast is observed that goes beyond its borders, sometimes falling into the spinal canal.
Consequences of osteochondrosis
If the disease is not treated, then 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
- Loss of hearing or vision
- Radiculitis
- Migraine
- Lumbago
- Rufous intervertebral
- 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 using the following methods:
- Conservative treatment
- Surgical treatment
- retreat
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 to eliminate pain.
To improve the condition of the cartilage, doctors prescribe chondroprotectors to patients by prescription.
Often, limitations 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 produce a warming effect.
To effectively treat 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 according to the order indicated by the doctor. Mixing drugs or replacing them with analogs should not happen 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 early stages of the disease, the entire process of treating osteochondrosis in the thoracic spine is limited to physiotherapy exercises for osteochondrosis and some special exercises. Drug therapy consists of giving drugs that improve metabolism, as well as vitamin therapy.
Patients are advised not to do gymnastics without discussing this with their doctor. It should be emphasized that gymnastics cannot be done in the acute phase of the disease. Each exercise therapy is selected depending on the location of the damaged area on the back. Folk remedies can also be used.
What to do with an exacerbation of the disease?
Aggravation 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, blocking 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 by 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 factors that can provoke the formation of osteochondrosis, do not forget about the risk of a heavy physical strain and maintain the right posture.
Each person must undergo regular examinations at a specialized clinic. If during a medical examination, the doctor discovered primary pathology 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 the 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 exercise photos and videos are easy to find online.
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.