Osteochondrosis is one of the most common diseases of the spine. It usually appears in many people over the age of forty, but it usually occurs in younger people. Osteochondrosis is included in 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 total height of the spine. Deformed intervertebral discs cause pinched nerves and pain. Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is relatively rare, since it is this area, consisting of 12 vertebrae, that is well fixed by the ribs and the sternum. The disease usually affects the upper vertebrae of the department.
Causes of thoracic osteochondrosis
This disease appears more often in people in whose families cases of osteochondrosis are frequent, but there are exceptions. The appearance of the disease can lead to:
- congenital pathologies of the spine;
- trauma;
- strong and constant 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.
Symptoms of this disease can be different, much 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 aching pain in the chest, in the region of the spine (dorsago);
- if the nerve roots leaving the spinal cord (radiculopathy) are damaged, stabbing pains, paresthesias and various sensory disturbances appear;
- there is aching pain in the region of the heart, which does not go away after taking glycerol trinitrate;
- pulmonary syndrome, which can be identified by signs of oxygen deprivation 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;
- compressive myelopathy may develop. Myelopathy is characterized by a change in sensation of the skin and muscles near the affected area of the spine.
Important!Osteochondrosis of the thoracic and lumbar regions often simulates diseases of the internal organs. Patients may experience pain in the stomach, liver, and heart due to pinched nerves. Over time, "perceived" diseases can 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 condition of the body. With his osteochondrosis, a person feels pain in the kidneys and quickly gets tired. 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 thoracic region, each of which has its own clinical picture:
1 degreeAt this stage, the disease arises only as a result of the fact that the intervertebral disc loses moisture, its height decreases, the vertebrae move closer together and begin to compress the nerves. The patient may feel a local pain syndrome in the region of the diseased vertebra, occasionally there are characteristic back pains. Painful sensations occur with active movement and physical exertion, but some exercises can relieve discomfort. Usually the first degree of the disease is considered common fatigue, so people do not rush to the doctor.
2nd grade.The vertebra loses stability and cracks form in the annulus fibrosus. Due to increased instability, both obvious and hidden subluxations are possible, which in the future can bring a lot of trouble. The patient experiences pain not only during physical exertion, but sometimes in a stationary state (for example, lying on the side or on the back). Osteochondrosis of the second degree is also characterized by general weakness, increased fatigue, pain in the area of internal organs, in the extremities can be observed. Thoracalgia may occur.
3rd grade.The annulus fibrosus becomes thinner, ruptures, causing a herniated disc. Such a disease causes a number of deviations in the work of internal organs, since the spine is in a curved state and severely restricts movement, forcing a person to adopt positions in which less pain is felt. The pain syndrome is very strong, at this stage the formation of the spine with radicular syndrome is possible.
4th grade.The vertebrae begin to grow in width, their processes ossify, and the remains of the intervertebral discs also ossify. Patients often note a decrease in pain, but the mobility of the spine is also markedly decreased. The vertebrae move closer to each other, ossify and take root, which reduces the depreciation capacity of the spine. A person with advanced osteochondrosis noticeably loses height, his movements become restricted, spinal curvature (kyphosis or lordosis) is observed.
Against the background of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, various diseases of the internal organs can form, therefore 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 hook-shaped processes are enlarged and pointed;
- Reduced height of the intervertebral discs;
- Changed the shape of the intervertebral discs;
- Herniated intervertebral discs (it is easier to determine previous hernias);
- Appearance of osteophytes;
- The shape of the vertebral body is changed.
In certain cases, an X-ray contrast study - discography is performed, 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, a 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 rufous
- spondyloarthrosis
- 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
- 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 eliminate pain.
To improve the condition of cartilage, doctors prescribe prescription chondroprotectors to patients.
Restrictions in spinal movement are often 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 have a warming effect.
To effectively treat this disease, it is important that a doctor controls the dose of the drug. The patient must remember that it is necessary to take the drugs strictly in the order indicated by the doctor. Drugs should not be mixed or replaced with analogues 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 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 in prescribing drugs that improve metabolism, as well as vitamin therapy.
Patients are advised not to exercise without consulting their doctor. It should be noted that in the acute phase of the disease you can not do gymnastics. Any exercise therapy is selected depending on the location of the damaged area on the spine. Home remedies can also be used.
What to do with an exacerbation of the disease?
Exacerbation 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 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 such situations, exercise with osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is contraindicated until decided 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 factors that can provoke the formation of osteochondrosis, do not forget about the danger of intense physical exertion, and maintain correct posture.
Each person must undergo regular examinations at a specialized dispensary. 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 can be done in the gym. But still, do not forget to strengthen the 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.