Thoracic osteochondrosis is rare in clinical practice. Previously, it was mainly diagnosed in the elderly, but is now often detected in patients under 35 years of age. More often, the pathology develops in women than in men. This degenerative-dystrophic disease is difficult to diagnose, as severe symptoms appear only in the later stages.
Furthermore, the symptoms of this disorder can be easily confused with signs of impaired lung and heart function. This disease can not be left untreated, as it can cause curvature of the spine, the development of persistent pain syndrome and other complications that can negatively affect the quality of human life.What is thoracic osteochondrosis?
In the international classification of diseases, this pathological condition has an ICD-10 code - M42. Thoracic osteochondrosis is much less common than cervical or sacral. This is no coincidence. Due to the presence of a rigid rib cage in this part of the body, this part of the spine is physiologically less mobile.
The thoracic region contains more vertebrae than the cervix and lumbar spine, but in this part of the spine the discs are thinner. These anatomical features contribute to the reduced mobility of this part of the spine, so it is less prone to injury.
However, when exposed to a number of unfavorable factors, osteochondrosis can develop. At first, there are signs of damage to a disc, but in the future, other elements may be involved in the pathological process. As the disease progresses, the bone elements are damaged, as are the ligaments and muscles that support the spine.Degenerative-dystrophic processes in the thoracic region grow more slowly. It often takes years before the fibrous rings of damaged discs are destroyed so much that elongation and herniation appear.
Severe clinical manifestations occur after a critical decrease in disc height and root blockage. This can lead not only to dorsago, i. e. short-term attacks of pain in the chest region, but also to a violation of internal organ innervation. Much is much more difficult to treat tight nerve roots that stretch in this area.
Reasons for development
In most cases, spinal problems do not appear suddenly. A disease such as osteochondrosis is no exception in this regard. This pathology, which affects the intervertebral discs, is the result of long-term degenerative-dystrophic processes. In most cases, it is impossible to determine exactly what caused the disorder to develop. Factors that may provoke the onset of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine include:
- congenital or acquired deformities of the spine;
- overweight;
- spinal overload during pregnancy;
- infectious diseases;
- hypothermia;
- metabolic disorders;
- hormonal disorders;
- chronic stress;
- bad habits;
- connective tissue diseases;
- dysplastic changes;
- behavioral disorders;
- unhealthy diet;
- injuries.
Shrinkage negatively affects the condition of the spine. People who lead a sedentary lifestyle are more likely to suffer from osteochondrosis of the chest. Moreover, age-related changes and slowing of metabolism, which are observed in patients over 55 years of age, contribute to the occurrence of these disorders.
Genetic predisposition may be a factor that may provoke the development of pathology. The genes that create the conditions for the development of breast osteochondrosis have not yet been identified, but in people with a family history of cases of this disease, it is diagnosed more often.
Symptoms and Signs
The clinic of this pathological condition depends on the stage of neglect of the process, the degree to which the intervertebral disc damage has occurred and the age of the patient. In the early stages of development, there are no specific signs, but general symptoms may occur periodically. Often, in the early stages of development, the disease appears only with the onset of cold weather or after physical overload. Initial manifestations of osteochondrosis development in the chest region include:
- rapid fatigue;
- pain and pressure in the back;
- muscle spasms;
- cold extremities.
As the disease progresses, the patient's condition worsens. Chest pain appears. They especially often occur against the background of prolonged stay in one position or with sudden movements. In addition, severe pain syndrome can occur when lifting weights. Bust recurrence can cause increased pain. The presence of osteochondrosis is also indicated by the appearance of dull pain in the area of the shoulder blades.
Often, osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is accompanied by the appearance of an abnormal turn. In severe cases, the patient may develop a lump. In addition, this disease can provoke the appearance of pain during deep breathing and breathing.
When nerve roots are compressed, there is often a feeling of numbness in the upper limbs and upper body skin. Due to the violation of innervation and blood circulation, a feeling of goose bumps appears on the skin. Feet and hands are always cold. Sensory damage to the extremities may be present. In advanced cases, this disease can lead to the appearance of symptoms of damage to other organs as a result of violation of their nerves. In the final stages of the process, it is possible to:
- intercostal neuralgia;
- bowel disorders;
- bounce;
- heartburn and nausea;
- itching and burning in the feet;
- reproductive system disorders;
- asthma attacks.
As the pathology progresses, a person's ability to work decreases. Physical activity is minimized. In the future, this disorder may create the preconditions for the development of serious complications. The risk of pathological fractures increases. Bending of the spine leads to compression of the organs located in the chest.
With an unfavorable course, the disease continues with damage to the heart muscle and a decrease in lung volume. Most often, such severe complications are associated with diffuse osteochondrosis, in which several intervertebral discs are affected at the same time.
Degrees of thoracic osteochondrosis
The existing classification divides the development of this pathological condition into 4 degrees. Each of them is characterized by the presence of a number of changes in the structure of the intervertebral discs, vertebrae and other elements that form this part of the spine.
First degree
In the first degree of pathology, there are no pronounced clinical manifestations, but specific changes in the structure of the intervertebral discs can already be detected with a comprehensive diagnosis. The fibrous ring, which receives less moisture and nutrients, gradually loses its elasticity. Microcracks often form in tissues, into which the pulposus nucleus is pushed. Disk displacement in the spinal canal is possible. Protrusions are formed. There are no signs of fibrosus ring rupture.
Second degree
As the disease progresses to the second degree, the first clinical manifestations are observed. Patients occasionally experience pain and other neurological signs. When performing specific diagnostics, signs of a decrease in the elasticity of the tissues that form ring fibrosis can be detected. The cartilage becomes very thin, which leads to an increased risk of hernias. There is a decrease in the height of the intervertebral discs, due to which the structures of the spine acquire abnormal mobility.
Third degree
In the third stage, the changes in the structure of the disc become so pronounced that the first signs of kyphosis or scoliosis appear. Often, at this stage of the process, the damaged anus fibrosis ruptures. This phenomenon is associated with the emergence of the nucleus pulposus beyond the disc. A formative hernia, depending on the direction of extension, can compress the nerve roots or spinal cord. Severe pain and neurological disorders occur. Spinal mobility increases, which creates conditions for injuries and fractures.
Fourth degree
As the pathology progresses to the fourth stage of development, the structure of the intervertebral discs becomes so disturbed that they cease to perform a cushioning function. Anulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus lose elasticity. These elements begin to ossify. Due to the violation of the cushioning function of the discs, the beads suffer, which carry a lot of load.
At the ends of the vertebrae adjacent to the damaged disc, osteophytes, that is, bone growths, begin to grow rapidly. The surrounding connections are involved in the pathological process. They lose elasticity and no longer support the spine properly. In addition, at this stage of development of the pathological process, the work of the muscular apparatus is interrupted.
Making a diagnosis
When signs of this disorder develop, the patient needs a consultation with a neurologist and orthopedic surgeon. First, the doctor performs an external examination and collects a medical history. Laboratory tests often prescribed in the diagnosis of this disease include blood and urine tests. X-rays are taken to get information about the presence of defects in the structure of the spine. This research reveals:
- reduce disk height;
- serrated edges of elements;
- hernie;
- change of vertebral bodies;
- forming osteophytes etc.
To clarify defects in the disk structure, a discography is assigned. This study allows you to identify uneven contours of the nucleus pulposus, assess the degree of disc destruction, and reduce tissue density. CT and MRI are often done for better visualization. Given that the clinical manifestations of thoracic osteochondrosis are similar to the symptoms of coronary heart disease, electrocardiography is often prescribed to differentiate these conditions.
Treatment options
This pathological condition requires complex treatment. First of all, patients are selected medications that help eliminate symptomatic manifestations and improve intervertebral disc nutrition. Medications should be supplemented with physiotherapy and exercise therapy. As a supplement, you can use some folk remedies. In addition, it is recommended that you follow a specific diet.
Medications
In case of severe pain syndrome, the patient is advised to rest on the rest of the bed. This will reduce the intensity of the pain. Analgesics and NSAIDs are often prescribed to eliminate the concerns. If the pain syndrome appears too intense, blockages may be required. Often, glucocorticosteroids are prescribed to eliminate the pain in this disease.
Chondroprotectors are prescribed to improve the nutrient and water saturation of the intervertebral discs. In some cases, antispasmodics and muscle relaxants are prescribed in short courses. These medications help relieve muscle spasm. If necessary, diuretics are prescribed to eliminate soft tissue edema. To improve the condition of the nerve endings that undergo compression, the patient needs vitamin B.
Physiotherapy and massage
Physical therapy and massage are the most important ingredients in the treatment of osteochondrosis, but they can only be used after suppression of symptoms by medication. Properly selected exercises help to improve lung ventilation and strengthen the muscular corset that supports the spine.
First, all the necessary exercises should be taught under the supervision of an exercise therapy instructor. In the future, the patient can do exercises at home. People with this condition may be advised to take classes in the pool.
Massage helps eliminate muscle hypertension and improve soft tissue nutrition. In order for the procedures not to hurt, they should be performed by a specialist. In most cases, a classic massage is performed, which involves successive rubbing, smoothing and pinchings of the problem area. Acupressure and segmental massage can be of great benefit. These techniques include impact on pain points. They help improve blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. In most cases, it is enough for patients to have procedures 2-3 times a week.
Acupuncture
This method involves inserting needles into areas of the patient's body. This method allows you to quickly eliminate muscle spasms and pain. Acupuncture procedures should be performed by a professional in this matter. If a specialist does this, the procedure will be almost painless. Acupuncture is contraindicated for people suffering from oncological diseases, mental disorders. It is not recommended to use this method of treating osteochondrosis in the presence of severe inflammatory processes.
Manual therapy
Manual therapy helps to restore the correct anatomical position of the vertebrae. In addition, this method helps reduce the intensity of pain and muscle spasms. This effect helps to restore the ligament apparatus. Such procedures can slow down the development of this pathological condition. The duration of the manual therapy course is chosen for the patient individually.
Post-isometric relaxation technique
Post-isometric relaxation procedures are a special technique that involves straining all the muscles surrounding the spine and then relaxing them.
Such exercises should be performed under the supervision of a specialist who can assess the correctness of the movements and the degree of muscle tension. This method allows you to quickly eliminate pain and restore normal muscle and ligament function.
Folk remedies
It is therefore impossible to treat osteochondrosis with folk remedies alone, as this approach can cause a worsening of the course of the disease. It is best to use different formulations based on herbs and other natural ingredients in addition to traditional therapies. You should get a doctor's recommendation on the advisability of using this or that folk remedy before you start using it.Celery Root
Properly cooked celery root is believed to help saturate cartilage tissue with nutrients and water. To prepare this product, you need to thoroughly grind 1 root and pour 1 liter of boiling water. You need to insist on the composition for at least 8 hours. After this time, you should cultivate the product and take 1 tbsp. 3 times daily before meals.
Sunflower root
For the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, a decoction of sunflower root is often used. To prepare this product, you will need about 1 cup of chopped plant ingredients, pour 3 liters of water. The mixture should be boiled for 3-5 minutes. After that, the agent should be cooled and taken in the form of tea for a few days. To improve the taste of drinks, honey can be added to it. It is best to store the rest of the medicinal product in a thermos.
Home ointment
A simple household oil can be used for rubbing with osteochondrosis. To prepare this product, you need to melt about 150 g of lard in a water bath. After that, 2 tbsp should be inserted into it. natural ldylli.
The composition should be boiled for at least 20 minutes. After that, 1 tablespoon should be added to the hot mixture. lvaj fir. The product should be boiled for another 20 minutes. Last but not least, 2-3 minutes before removing the pan from the heat, 1 tbsp is added to the mixture. lamoniak. The finished composition should be distributed in jars. Store household oil in the refrigerator.
Diet for osteochondrosis of the chest
Patients suffering from thoracic osteochondrosis need a balanced diet. A sufficient amount of protein-rich food should be included in the diet. It is advisable to regularly consume dishes that contain a large amount of chondroitin, including aspic from fish, favorite meat, etc. It is imperative to include fermented milk products, vegetables and fruits in the diet. Dishes should be steamed or baked. Fatty and fried foods should be avoided. It is advisable to take food in small portions, but often. This will help avoid overeating.
Deterioration: what to do?In the acute period of the disease course, it is desirable that the activity be reduced to a minimum. If possible, you should avoid poses in which pain syndrome increases. First aid for worsening osteochondrosis involves the use of medications that reduce the severity of edema, inflammation, and pain. The patient is advised to rest in bed. It is advisable to follow a gentle diet during this period. Only after eliminating the symptoms can you start exercise therapy and physiotherapy.
Prediction
Now this disease can be cured only in the early stages of development. With late diagnosis, therapy aims to eliminate the symptoms and improve spinal mobility. In some cases, surgical treatment is required. With an integrated approach to therapy, a person suffering from this pathology can lead a complete lifestyle without experiencing pain and other neurological disorders.
Prevention
To prevent the development of this pathological condition, it is recommended to avoid sudden heavy lifting. You should always dress for the weather, avoiding hypothermia. In addition, to prevent osteochondrosis, hypodynamics should be combated and behavior monitored. As part of preventing this pathology, it is recommended that you eat well and monitor your weight carefully.