Unnatural changes in the cartilage and bones of the spine cause the development of the disease, which, according to the ICD-10 code, refers to the localization of M42 and is called thoracic osteochondrosis. The middle part of the spine experiences less stress than the middle part and the cervix, but the deformities are difficult to heal. The load is unevenly distributed due to the rounded configuration of the sternum, osteophytes and other dysplastic manifestations appear.
Symptoms and Signs
The disease appears in the pulposus nucleus of the intervertebral disc, spreads to the fibrous fibrous ring and to other parts of the vertebral segment, which ensure the mobility of the spine. The changes are manifested by compression, reflex or disorders and mixed neurological syndromes.
The pain is manifested by physical exertion. There are different types of sensations:
- Mild prolonged pain in the chest region is called dorsalgia;
- Sharp and sharp abdominal pain, provoking a difficult breathing or exhalation, leading to muscle immobility - dorsago.
The symptoms and treatment of thoracic spine osteochondrosis depend on the degree of ossification of the skeletal apparatus and the stage of aging, which are generalized and local.
Symptoms include:
- damage to peripheral nerve processes (neuralgia), characterized by painful attacks along the intercostal vasoconstrictors;
- concentration of pain on the left side of the chest or the appearance of a strong painful sensation of the nature of herpes;
- decreased spinal mobility in the chest area;
- numbness in the arms and hands;
- decreased sexual function;
- the appearance of pain in the area of internal organs, can give the heart, stomach, liver;
- lumbago on neck, cheekbones and head, cough or a lump in throat;
- arrhythmia, tachycardia, fever.
The signs of osteochondrosis are disguised as manifestations of related diseases, so the symptoms are vague. The spinal nerves are centered around the spine; when they are tightened, signals are sent to different parts of the body and organs.
Causes of osteochondrosis
There is no accurate information on which factors deform the intervertebral discs. A common cause of osteochondrosis is scoliosis or curvature of the spine, which is most often recorded in childhood and adolescence.
The theory considers such factors as vertebral deformity:
- dysontogenetic;
- hormonal;
- vascular;
- functional;
- involutive;
- infectious;
- immune;
- dismetabolic;
- mechanics;
- hereditary.
Deterioration and aging of bones and cartilage occurs as a result of prior exposure to adverse conditions. Atrophic degenerations in the spine are predetermined by a genetic factor and a disease with clinical symptoms arises under the influence of an exogenous and endogenous environment.
The consequence in the form of complications in the work of the vertebrae occurs when the process of destruction of complex substances prevails over their synthesis. A deterioration occurs when the disk power supply is disturbed and there is a lack of useful elements. The penetration of dissemination elements and products is reduced, cell viability is reduced, and cell parts accumulate due to self-destruction. The production of complex proteins is reduced, collagen fibers are destroyed.
The mechanical effect on the annular connective formation increases, the layered structure is disorganized, the fibrous skeleton is torn. The disc is bruised under the influence of biomechanical factors and body movements and its fixing ability decreases. Blood vessels and nerves may grow in the ring due to decreased hydrostatic pressure.
Diagnostic methods
In the process of cognition, radicular, pain, reflex, myotonic, autonomic and vascular factors are identified. The best method of examination is difficult to identify, because in each case, the diagnosis is made individually.
The main methods are:
- X-ray diagnosis;
- CT scan;
- Magnetic resonance imaging.
X-rays analyze the condition of the spine, images are given in sloping, lateral and direct projections. Sometimes, for a photo, a person bends, undresses or leans to the side.
Contrast radiography is divided into the following studies:
- pneumomyelography - 20 to 40 ml of air is injected into the spinal canal;
- angiography - 10 ml of contrast agent is injected into the vertebral lumen and 7 to 9 images are taken in 2-3 seconds;
- myelography - an injection of a dye fluid into the subarachnoid lumen, followed by a translucency of the structure;
- discography - the stained substance is injected directly into the disc for localized examination.
Computed tomography assesses the structure of bones and tissues, the condition of blood vessels. The painless method takes three-dimensional images in minutes.
Benefits of CT:
- high detection speed;
- examination of "dumb" areas during motion diagnosis;
- the possibility of multispiral angiography;
- recognition of long objects by obtaining high quality cuts with low thickness.
MRI uses the magnetic field of a machine that builds up hydrogen atoms in the human body in parallel with action. The particles signal, the response is recorded. Tomography recognizes the waves and shows the result on the screen. With MRI, there is no radiation, the method is less dangerous, but it is not recommended for pregnant women.
Treatment and prevention
It is necessary to treat osteochondrosis in several stages, the complexity depends on the severity of the disease, contraindications and resources of the body.
Method:
- drugs and medications;
- physiotherapy methods, exercises for removing the clamps, alleviating the patient's condition;
- operation.
There is a direction of kinesitherapy, within which spinal problems in the form of hernias, spondylosis with rehabilitative gymnastics can be treated. Also, a postoperative recovery method has been developed.
Yoga exercises help adult men, women, a child overcome pain, warning that the main thing is a psychological attitude.
medicaments
Medications are prescribed by a neurosurgeon or neuropathologist in accordance with the card and medical history. Patients take medication in the hospital or at home, the main thing is to follow the instructions and not to deviate from the intake regimen.
Common medicines:
- NSAIDs relieve pain, fever, and inflammation;
- muscle relaxants reduce skeletal muscle tone;
- hormones reduce neuralgic pain;
- vitamins B2, B6, B12, A and C are taken during remission and for simple prophylaxis;
- diuretics relieve swelling and relieve constricted radicular nerves;
- neurometabolic stimulants improve metabolism in nerve tissues;
- chondroprotectors restore vertebral cartilage after injury.
Sometimes the patient does without medication in the first stage of the appearance of unpleasant sensations. Just exercise, use a massager.
Physiotherapy
This type of exposure is used in conjunction with drug treatment or separately. In addition, bed rest is applied, heat is applied to the affected area. Popular recipes are used to relieve pain.
Physiotherapy in a medical institution includes procedures:
- ultrasound and phonophoresis;
- shock wave therapy;
- detensor impact;
- laser therapy;
- electrotherapy;
- magnetic waves;
- clay therapy and balneotherapy;
- massage.
Ultrasound involves the effect of high-frequency waves on tissue, which reduces pain sensitivity. Ultrasonophoresis adds pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs to better distribute them to the affected areas.
Shock wave therapy is the transmission of an acoustic wave to the painful area, used to improve blood circulation, to speed up metabolism. Detensor therapy consists of stretching the spine using the patient's body weight.
Laser therapy is based on the generation of helium-neon lasers to activate bioelectric currents in nerve fibers. The laser acts on inflamed nerve roots in the paravertebral region along the chest region.
Electrotherapy improves the nutrition and metabolism of products in tissues, and pulse currents affect the sensory nerve endings. Low frequency waves relieve acute pain and are used as first aid.
Magnetic therapy is used to relieve swelling, spasms and inflammation. A magnetic wave inductor is placed in the affected region of the chest. Balneotherapy and mud therapy consists of swimming in swimming pools, taking baths, contrast shower for treatment and during recovery. Metabolism is normalized, blood circulation to the affected areas is accelerated, pain and inflammation are reduced.
Therapeutic massage for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is vacuum, droplet and lymphatic drainage, improves blood microcirculation, tissue nutrition and tones muscles. Sessions are performed by a competent specialist, if you trust the backbone of amateurs, there can be dangerous consequences. The massage is prescribed after the end of the acute phase, the first session should not exceed 10 minutes.
Surgical treatment
The patient is indicated for an operation if medical treatment, massage and other procedures do not alleviate the condition.
The intervention is divided into 2 phases:
- elimination of the cause of severe pain (decompensation);
- stabilization of the spine.
Through the posterior approach the facetomy is performed, because the aspect sensors can compress the nerves. Foraminotomy is the expansion of the radicular canal through which the nerve leaves the vertebrae. Laminectomy removes the back of the vertebra, which protects the lumen of the spine and compresses the brain due to deformation. Laminotomy involves widening the canal opening, where the spinal cord is located, removing a specific fragment of the posterior vertebral region.
Anterior surgery is performed if there is a protrusion (swelling of the vertebral disc toward the lumen of the spine) or a hernia coming out in the direction of the canal.
The following methods are used for anterior decompression:
- discectomy - removal of an entire disc or a specific part of it;
- corpectomy - removal of an entire vertebra and adjacent disc followed by implantation.
Discectomy and corpectomy lead to spinal destabilization and increase the risk of neurological defects. Rigid fixation or fusion of three beads is used.
Prevention of chest osteochondrosis
Exacerbations of the disease reduce the ability to work and the quality of human life, so special attention is paid to prevention. As a result, vertebral degeneration appears later and disability is avoided.
Methods of disease prevention:
- decrease in physical activity in the spine;
- you can not stand still for a long time without changing the supporting limb, you can lean on an improvised object or a wall;
- it is not recommended to sit at a table for a long time and when working with the computer, you should take active breaks, walk around;
- orthopedic mattresses and headrests are chosen for sleeping;
- while running and walking, you should avoid sudden turns and jumps, walk in shoes that absorb shocks with small heels;
- carry weights not more than 10 kg, gradually lift from a sitting position.
In the car, you should use backrests for the back and headrests, while the driver's seat should be rigid. Work can not be performed in a semi-sloping position, you can stand or sit. Well-developed muscles support the skeleton, so they pay attention to physical education and possible strengthening.
Possible complications
The disease develops for a long time, sometimes the symptoms of pain do not come immediately. Any degenerative change in the chest region leads to the appearance of pathologies.
Types of complications:
- cardiovascular pathology with subsequent myocardial infarction or angina pectoris;
- intercostal neuralgia or inflammation of peripheral nerves with chest pain from root compression;
- emergence of intervertebral discs.
Complications occur with advanced forms of osteochondrosis, so timely treatment in the early stages will help avoid concomitant diseases.