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, the code is M42 (code M40-M43-deformed dorsopathy)
Osteochondrosis is the stratification of the intervertebral disc, as it becomes flatter and reduces the overall height of the spine. Defective intervertebral discs lead to pinched nerves and pain. Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is relatively rare, as this area, which consists of 12 vertebrae, is well repaired by the ribs and sternum. The disease usually affects the upper vertebrae of the department.
Causes of thoracic osteochondrosis
The disease most often appears in people for whom familial cases of osteochondrosis occur frequently, but there are exceptions. The onset of the disease can cause:
- congenital pathology of the spine;
- trauma;
- continuous vigorous physical activity;
- serious metabolic disorders;
- general muscle weakness;
- infections and frequent temperature changes;
- constant pressure.
Osteochondrosis appears in many women during menopause.
Signs of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
The symptoms of the disease can vary, much depending on the age of the patient, the stage 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 manifest themselves with the following symptoms:
- sharp pain or pain in the chest, in the area of the spine (dorsago);
- if the nerve roots coming out of the spinal cord (radiculopathy) are damaged, shooting pains, paresthesia and various sensory disturbances appear;
- there is a sharp pain in the heart area, which does not disappear after taking glycerol trinitrate;
- pulmonary syndrome, which can be identified by signs of oxygen starvation and poor ventilation;
- acute 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;
- compression myelopathy may develop. Myelopathy is characterized by changes 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 disease of internal organs. Patients may experience pain in the abdomen, liver, heart due to pinched nerves. Over time, "felt" illness may actually appear due to persistent inflammation.
If the patient feels pain in 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 preservation of the kidneys and the general condition of the body. With his osteochondrosis, a person feels pain in the kidneys, quickly tired. That is why it is important not to self -medicate, as is often advised in various forums, but to consult an expert.
Stages of osteochondrosis of the thoracic 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 arises only due to the fact that the intervertebral disc loses moisture, its height decreases, the vertebrae approach each other and begin to compress the nerves. Patients may feel a local pain syndrome in the diseased vertebral area, sometimes there is characteristic back pain. Painful sensations occur with active movement and physical exertion, but some exercises can relieve discomfort. Usually, stage 1 of the disease is taken for normal fatigue, so people do not rush to the doctor.
2 degrees.The vertebrae lose stability, and cracks form at the fibrous annulus. Due to the increased instability, both obvious and hidden subluxations are possible, which in the future can lead to many problems. Patients experience pain not only during physical exercise, but sometimes in a stationary position (e. g. , lying on the side or back). Stage 2 osteochondrosis is also characterized by general weakness, increased fatigue, pain can be observed in the area of internal organs, in the limbs. Thoracalgia may occur.
3 degrees.The fibrous ring becomes thinner, it ruptures, which causes a herniated disc. Such diseases cause some deviations in the work of internal organs, because the spine is in a curved state and severely restricts movement, forcing a person to take a position where 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 spine begins to grow in width, the process hardens, and the remnants of the intervertebral disc also harden. Patients often noted a decrease in pain, but spinal mobility was also significantly reduced. The spines approach each other, hardening and expanding their roots, which reduces the depreciation capacity of the spine. A person with advanced osteochondrosis significantly loses height, his movements become restricted, curvature of the spine (kyphosis or lordosis) is observed.
Against 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 intervertebral disc contour;
- The edges of the integumental plate are corrugated;
- The hook -shaped process is enlarged and pointed;
- Reducing the height of the intervertebral disc;
- Changing the shape of the intervertebral disc;
- Herniated intervertebral disc (easier to determine anterior hernia);
- Occurrence of osteophytes;
- The shape of the vertebral body changes.
In certain cases, x -ray contrast studies are performed - discography, which shows the following features:
- Irregular contour of nucleus pulposus;
- In the severe disease phase, the intervertebral disc is completely filled with contrast;
- With significant disc destruction, contrast is observed that goes beyond its limits, sometimes falling into the spinal canal.
As a result of osteochondrosis
If the disease is not treated, then its progression is very rapid. But with successful treatment, the number of possible complications is minimal. There are several major complications of osteochondrosis:
- Sciatica
- Spondylosis of the thoracic spine (and other departments)
- VSD
- Decreased hearing or vision
- Radiculitis
- Migraine
- Lumbago
- Rufous intervertebral
- Spondylarthrosis
- Disability
- Thoracalgia
- Epicondylitis
The main method of treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
Now the treatment of chest osteochondrosis is carried out using the following methods:
- Conservative treatment
- Surgical treatment
- attraction
Medical treatment is based on several principles. The main thing is to fight pain, as well as reduce inflammation. Therefore, doctors use anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain.
To improve the cartilage condition, doctors prescribe prescription chondroprotectors to patients.
Often, restrictions in spinal movement are caused by highly stretched muscles. To get rid of the disease, doctors prescribe muscle relaxants and antispasmodics.
To reduce pain, doctors recommend patients use various ointments for osteochondrosis, which produce a warming effect.
To treat this disease effectively, a doctor -controlled dose of medication is important. The patient must remember that it is necessary to take the medication strictly according to the sequence indicated by the doctor. Mixing the drug or replacing it with an analogue 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 must be performed by a professional.
In the early phase of the disease, the whole process of treatment of osteochondrosis in the thoracic spine is limited to physiotherapy training for osteochondrosis and some special exercises. Drug therapy consists of prescribing drugs that increase metabolism, as well as vitamin therapy.
Patients are advised not to do gymnastics without discussing this with their doctor. It should be noted that in the acute phase of the disease, no gymnastics can be performed. Any exercise therapy chosen depends on the location of the damaged area in the spine. Folk remedies can also be used.
What to do with the exacerbation of the disease?
The severity of osteochondrosis is always accompanied by pain. Therefore, 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 case these drugs are not effective, blockade with a local anesthetic may be used. Also, during exacerbation of the disease, strenuous physical exertion should be avoided, rest is recommended. Therefore, in such situations, exercise with osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is contraindicated until 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 the factors that can trigger the formation of osteochondrosis, do not forget about the dangers of heavy physical exertion, and maintain proper posture.
Everyone must undergo regular examinations at a specialized dispensary. If, during a medical examination, the doctor finds a major pathology of the spine, the patient should immediately contact an orthopedic specialist.
To prevent this disease, it is necessary to treat all diseases in a timely manner, and this is especially important in diseases of the musculoskeletal system. After an injury, it is necessary to undergo mandatory rehabilitation.
Take care of your body: change your body position more often while working to avoid hypothermia and hyperthermia, do not forget about medical examinations.
At home, people cannot always keep their bodies in the right tone, as can be done at the gym. However, do not forget to strengthen your back muscles with various exercises. So, for example, physiotherapy exercises for osteochondrosis will help nicely. The main thing is not to overdo it. And training photos and videos are easy to find on the Internet.
The best prevention for any disease is a balanced diet. Your diet should contain not only vegetables, but also vitamin complexes, which are very important in the spring-winter period. To strengthen the back, you can use massage, medicine, swimming.