Osteochondrosisis a disease of modern society.
Hypodynamics, improper diet lead to pathological changes in the spine.
Thoracic osteochondrosis is much rarer than cervical and lumbar.
This is due to less mobility of this part of the spine.
According to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD 10), the disease has the code M42.
The essence of pathology
Thoracic spine osteochondrosis is a dystrophic change in the cartilage and bone tissue of the spine. The disease affects both sexes between the ages of 25 and 50. The insidiousness of the disease is that the symptoms are “masked” into signs of other diseases (cardiovascular or gastric), so osteochondrosis in the chest is diagnosed too late.
Disease Development Algorithm:
- Under the influence of unfavorable factors, the nucleus of the spinal disc becomes thinner and flattened.
- Neighboring vertebrae are approaching, a focus of inflammation is forming between them.
- The joint capsules are stretched, the mobility of the spine is reduced.
- The roots of the spinal nerve are constricted.
- The spinal cord is compressed.
- The bone tissue of the vertebrae grows, bone processes (osteophytes) appear.
There are four stages of the disease, depending on the degree of the spinal lesion:
| Phase 1 | Changes in the vertebrae are not pronounced, no bright symptoms. At this stage, the treatment gives a good effect: it is possible to restore the damaged tissue. |
| Phase 2 | This phase is characterized by the appearance of microcracks in the vertebrae, impaired mobility. The vertebrae begin to move toward each other. Treatment takes a lot of effort and time. |
| Phase 3 | Spinal discs become thinner to the point that protrusions and hernias appear. Mobility is kept to a minimum. At this stage, the nerves are tightened, the work of internal organs is disturbed. If you do not start treatment, it will lead to disability. |
| Phase 4 | There is a complete thinning of the discs, the function of the spine is disturbed, and the process of destroying the bone tissue is in progress. Neurological symptoms are pronounced. |
Thoracic osteochondrosis has a wavy character, ie periods of remission and worsening alternate.
Reasons
So farthe exact causes of the disease have not been determined. There are many theories in medicine on this topic, but none of them gives an exact explanation why the process of spinal cartilage degeneration begins. The main "culprit" is recognized upright walking.
Provocation factors taken into account:
- Heredity.
- Congenital malformations of the spine.
- Infectious diseases.
- Obesity.
- Hypodynamics.
- Long stay in one position.
- An unbalanced diet, deficient in vitamins and minerals.
- Back injuries.
- Age changes.
- Great physical activity (during sports or in connection with work).
- Flat feet.
- Pregnancy.
- Prolonged stress.
- Smoking.
Consequences
If left untreated, the consequences of osteochondrosis can be catastrophic.Degenerative changes provoke the appearance of spinal hernia. Nerve compressionleads to loss of sensation in the limbs. The most serious complication is paralysis of the arms or legs.
In addition,disrupts the work of all internal organs and systems: cardiovascular, urinary, digestive. The patient develops vegetative-vascular dystonia. The fact is that the spinal vessels are constricted, the supply of the brain is disrupted. The patient experiences constant headaches, panic attacks, sleep disorders. Intercostal neuralgia is also a consequence of osteochondrosis.
Symptoms
The first symptom of the disease isfeeling of tension in the back muscles. Then a dull pain in his back joined him. The rest of the manifestations may be similar to the signs of other diseases, which is why osteochondrosis in the chest is called "chameleon".
The main symptoms of the disease are:
- "shiver";
- chest pain;
- shooting pain between the shoulder blades, especially when turning the body;
- dizziness;
- unconsciousness;
- pressing pain in the heart area;
- swelling of arms and legs;
- feeling of numbness in the hands;
- indigestion;
- decreased sexual function;
- short-term acute pain in the rib area;
- fatigue, decreased performance;
- general malaise.
Diagnostics
A doctor can make a diagnosis by performing a comprehensive examination.
It is important to distinguish osteochondrosis from other diseases of the skeletal system, such as:
- rheumatoid arthritis;
- ostiomyelitis;
- spondylopathy.
It is also important to rule out diseases of the internal organs:
- ischemia;
- heart attack; gastritis;
- gastric ulcer;
- pancreatitis;
- kidney stones;
- pyelonephritis;
- tumors.
Laboratory and instrumental methods are used for diagnostics:
- Blood test. There is a slight increase in leukocytes and ESR.
- Electrolyte blood test. With osteochondrosis, the level of calcium in the serum decreases.
- General urine analysis.
- Blood biochemistry.
- Spinal X-ray. It enables the detection of disc deformation, movement of the vertebrae, the presence of a hernia. MRI. With the help of layered images, the degree of degenerative changes in the spine is determined.
- Myelography. This is a contrast-enhanced X-ray examination of the spine. It allows you to assess the state of blood flow in the vessels of the spine.
Treatment
Treatment of the disease is carried out on an outpatient basis. Conservative methods are used for this.Therapy focuses on:
- pain relief;
- reduction of inflammation;
- removal of nerve ending compression;
- cartilage tissue regeneration.
If the patient is in severe pain, it is necessary to ensure bed rest. Novocaine blockade is performed with severe pain syndrome. At the same time, the drops are placed with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Methods of treating osteochondrosis
This medication includes the following medications:
| Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs | Depending on the weight, the products can be injected, tablets or ointments. |
| Pain relievers | - |
| Muscle Relaxants | Use if there is a back muscle spasm. |
| Chondroprotectors | Restore cartilage tissue. |
| Diuretics | Reduce edema. |
| B vitamins | For general strengthening of the muscles of the back, spine and central nervous system |
In stages 3 and 4 of the disease, the therapy is more serious. Hormonal medications are prescribed.
Massageincreases back muscle tone, relieves pain.The following types of massage are used:
- classic;
- dotted;
- canned.
Physiotherapy exercisesare prescribed in the remission phase, performed under the supervision of specialists. The exercises are aimed at strengthening the muscular corset, increasing the mobility of the spine and relieving the compression of the nerve roots. The patient's metabolism improves.
Physiotherapyhas a good therapeutic effect, especially in 1-2. phase. It is recommended to conduct several courses a year to prevent deterioration. They use magnetotherapy, laser exposure, ultrasound, electrophoresis.
Manual therapyis an indispensable method for the treatment of osteochondrosis. Blood circulation is restored, the nutrition of the spinal tissue is improved. Qualifications of specialists are of great importance.
Spine tractionis a controversial method. Some doctors believe that, on the contrary, it worsens the patient's condition. The essence of traction is to increase the intervertebral space with the help of special equipment. In any case, this method must be used with caution.
Acupuncture. The influence on the active points not only alleviates the pain, but also balances the patient's psyche.
After a special diet. It means reducing the diet of animal fats, increasing the amount of plant foods. The diet needs to be balanced in order for the body to be supplied with vitamins and minerals.
The effect of therapy is achieved by combining several treatments. Surgical treatment is extremely rare if there is no effect of conservative treatment.
Prognosis and prevention
The prognosis of the disease depends on the degree of the spinal lesion.It is impossible to completely cure the disease in 2-4 stages. Properly chosen therapy can only alleviate inflammation and stop the progression of the disease. With proper treatment, a phase of remission is achieved, which must be maintained by preventive methods.
Osteochondrosis prevention is:
- maintaining a healthy lifestyle;
- adherence to a proper diet;
- exclusion of excessive physical exertion;
- avoiding a long stay in one position;
- weight loss;
- timely treatment of infectious diseases.
Conclusion
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic regionis a serious disease that "rejuvenates" every year. Due to the least mobility of this spine in the initial stage, the disease does not manifest itself.
Symptoms are not specific, so other pathologies of internal organs are suspected. It is important to make a differential diagnosis in order to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe adequate treatment.
The disease is treated with conservative methods, which are used in combination. Surgery is extremely rare if serious complications occur. In the absence of proper treatment, the patient's internal organs are disturbed, and the quality of life significantly deteriorates.
Negative consequences can be avoided with the help of properly selected therapy and adherence to preventive measures.