Osteochondrosis is the main cause of back pain. The thoracic spine is affected less often than other parts, initially it is less mobile. Due to the lack of characteristic symptoms, degenerative disease is more difficult to diagnose. Untimely treatment leads to serious consequences.
Degrees and symptoms of osteochondrosis
Dystrophic lesions of bone and cartilage are the most common chronic human diseases. The pathological process begins with the nucleus of the intervertebral disc, then spreads to the fibrous ring. Atrophied cartilage loses its cushioning properties and the load on the bone increases. The gap between the vertebrae is reduced, protrusions and hernias appear, nerve endings are pinched.
Pathology symptoms:
- back pain (pain in the back), aggravated by movement of the body, palpation, deep sighs and cough;
- discomfort in the sternum on the left side, shortness of breath, feeling of lump in the throat;
- excessive sweating;
- feeling of numbness of part of the skin and limbs;
- painful sensations in the xiphoid process, extending to the shoulder blades and arms;
- dorsago - sharp pain in the chest when in one position for a long time.
Irritation of receptors in the spine in the chest area is manifested by impulses that mimic heart disease. This pseudo-coronary pain is called anterior chest wall syndrome. Aching pain on the left side lasts for weeks, it is not relieved by cardiac medications. At the same time, the ECG does not show violations in the work of the organ.
Symptoms of the disease are often similar to other pathologies. Patient complaints may indicate heart failure or gastrointestinal problems. Only a comprehensive examination will help establish the correct diagnosis.
The clinical picture of the disease varies depending on the compression or non-compression forms of osteochondrosis. When the nerve endings are squeezed (compressed), pain, numbness, muscle weakness and difficulty in movement appear. The non-compressive form is manifested by acute or chronic pain syndrome in the damaged area of the spine, as well as reflected pain in the region of the heart, stomach, liver. The clinical signs of the disease vary according to the stage of the disease and the age of the person.
Unusual symptoms of breast osteochondrosis include sensations in women of pain in the mammary gland, brittle nails and peeling of the skin. The disease is triggered by pregnancy. At this time, the female body experiences increased stress on the spine and a lack of nutrients.
In men, compression of the nerve roots in the lower thoracic region leads to discomfort in the groin area, pain in the kidneys.
Degrees of osteochondrosis
Depending on the condition of the cartilage tissue, 4 degrees of the disease are distinguished:
- 1 degree - at an early stage of the disease, cracks appear in the fibrous ring. The pulpus nucleus protrudes through them. There are unpleasant sensations in the sternum, in the heart area. This phase is characterized by pulling pains and muscle spasms.
- 2 degrees - the situation is aggravated by the pathological mobility of the vertebrae. A sign of this phase is increased pain when moving and staying in one position for a long time. Possible subluxation of the vertebrae.
- Grade 3 - the structure of the spine is badly damaged, the fibrous ring is completely broken. The defeat of the nerve endings leads to intercostal neuralgia. The mobility of a person is limited, he assumes a forced posture. The pain radiates to the internal organs, abdomen, limbs.
- 4 degrees - the structures surrounding the spine are involved in the pathological process. Overgrowth of scar tissue leads to fibrosis of the ligaments. A severe neurological reaction requires the regular use of supportive medications.
Early diagnosis of the disease can slow down the destruction of the intervertebral discs. In the early stages, the treatment is more effective. With prolonged back pain and the manifestation of other symptoms of osteochondrosis, you should consult a neurologist.
A delayed visit to the hospital leads to dangerous complications. These include herniated discs, inflammation of nerve endings, proliferation of osteophytes, paresis. With the growth of bone formations, there is a great danger of damage to the tissue of the spinal canal. The initiated dystrophic processes are the complete destruction of the vertebra. The patient can only be helped by surgery.
Causes and risk factors
The mobile cervical and lumbar spine is most often affected by the disease. The thoracic region is reinforced with ribs, which reduces the risk of pathology, but does not exclude its appearance. The disease can occur at any age. Its ICD 10 code is M42. 14 - osteochondrosis of the spine in adults with localization in the thoracic region. For adolescent patients, there is a separate code - M42. 0. Poor posture, kyphosis or scoliosis are factors that cause the onset of the disease in young people.
The main causes of the disease
Degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs occur with insufficient nutrition. The pulpus nucleus loses its ability to evenly distribute the load and cracks appear in the fibrous ring. Doctors believe that a common cause of pathology is a genetic predisposition to osteochondrosis. Other factors include:
- sedentary lifestyle and sedentary work;
- spinal injury;
- infectious diseases;
- increased physical activity;
- hormonal disorders;
- weak muscle corset.
The exact cause of the onset of degenerative changes cannot be established. The disease can be recognized by objective signs and symptoms. People who spend a lot of time in a sitting position, have posture problems and spinal injuries should pay special attention to their manifestations.
Provocative factors
The natural tendency to cartilage dystrophy may not manifest until middle age, when the body's natural aging process begins. But there are factors that can cause accelerated degeneration. These include:
- chronic stress;
- hypothermia;
- unbalanced diet;
- difficult working conditions;
- overweight.
With prolonged pinching and inflammation of the nerve roots, disturbances in the work of internal organs occur. Osteochondrosis is characterized by a wavy course, periods of sharp or dull pain are replaced by remission.
Diagnostic methods
To establish a diagnosis, it will be necessary to collect the patient's history, conduct a physical examination. A preliminary conclusion is made during the initial exam. The patient's spine is examined in various positions. Confirmation of pathology and information on the state of the spine are provided by instrumental diagnostics. Experts use:
- X-ray. The images of the thoracic region show the degree of pathology. Direct and lateral radiography helps to establish a change in disc height, the appearance of osteophytes, compaction of the endplates of the vertebral body, narrowing of the diameter of the spinal canal and the formation of Schmorl's nodes.
- Computed tomography is done to detect and measure bone structures.
If necessary, MRI is prescribed.
Treatment and prevention
Getting rid of pain, inflammation and other problems is possible only with complex treatment. The choice of technique depends on the patient's condition. Conservative therapy is practiced in the early stages, surgery will be required in advanced cases.
medications
A course of drugs is prescribed to eliminate pain and prevent further destruction of the intervertebral disc structures. The basis of therapy is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are prescribed in the form of tablets and ointments.
For the treatment of 3 degrees of osteochondrosis, hormonal drugs are used - corticosteroids. They have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect. In acute pain syndrome, injections of anesthetic are indicated. Muscle spasms and tension are relieved by muscle relaxants. To restore cartilage tissue, experts recommend using chondroprotectors.
Treatment of inflammation of the nerve roots is facilitated by taking special vitamin complexes containing vitamins of group B. Useful elements are well absorbed from food: eggs, herbs, beef and cheese. The patient is advised to rest and rest. Must observe bed rest in the first days.
Physiotherapy
The impact of the apparatus has a pronounced therapeutic effect. Patients with osteochondrosis are prescribed:
- shock wave therapy;
- electrophoresis;
- ultrasound exposure;
- magnetotherapy;
- laser therapy.
Physiotherapy improves blood flow and relaxes the muscles. During electrophoresis sessions, drugs penetrate deeper into the body's tissues.
Folk remedies
You can be treated not only with drugs, but also with the help of folk remedies. At home, various herbs and foods can be used as cures. From them, decoctions, ointments, rubs are prepared. Means allow to relieve inflammation, accelerate regeneration processes. A warm bath with sea salt and chamomile helps relieve pain. Effective recipes:
- Juniper Butter Ointment: Beat the crushed juniper with the butter until smooth. The composition is stored in the refrigerator.
- Ointment from the heat of the pig and hop cones - dry cones are ground into a powder and mixed with fat. The ointment is applied 2-3 times a day.
- Honey compress - 2 tablespoons of honey, 2 tablespoons of vodka, 1 tablespoon of aloe juice are needed for the composition. The products are mixed and applied to the affected area.
- Mustard Pack: Vodka, camphor alcohol and mustard powder are mixed in equal proportions. Add 3 proteins and incubate for 12 hours. The product has an irritating effect, so it is used with caution.
Before using the formulations, doctors recommend checking them for an allergic reaction.
Massage
One of the parts of the complex treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is massage. The procedure reduces pain, increases blood circulation and stimulates the muscles. Applicators can replace massage and acupuncture at home. These are special carpets with plastic needles.
Physiotherapy
At the end of the exacerbation period, it is recommended to switch to light physical activity. These include walking, swimming, yoga, and remedial gymnastics. Performing a special set of exercises is the easiest way to cope with a disease and forget about back problems forever. During the exercise, the emphasis is on stretching and strengthening the chest muscles. There is a special technique that helps improve the health of the spine. Exercises are selected based on the individual characteristics of the patient.
Preventive recommendations
Doctors advise, as a prevention of the disease, to regularly perform a series of exercises aimed at strengthening the muscles of the back and chest. In addition to gymnastics, you should adhere to the following rules:
- Take breaks while doing sedentary work. Change your posture often so that the load is distributed over different muscle groups.
- Choose a comfortable orthopedic mattress for a good rest of the spine.
- Use chairs with a high back that supports the spine.
- Balance your diet.
- Refuse to lift and carry weights.
A timely visit to a doctor allows you to determine osteochondrosis at an early stage. This gives a favorable prognosis for recovery.