Osteochondrosis is the main cause of back pain. The thoracic spine is affected less often than other parts, it is initially 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 tissue are the most common chronic human diseases. The pathological process begins with the nucleus of the intervertebral disc, then spreads to the annulus fibrosus. 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.
Symptoms of pathology:
- dorsalgia (pain in the back), aggravated by movement of the body, palpation, deep sighing and coughing;
- discomfort in the sternum on the left side, shortness of breath, feeling of a 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 - acute pain in the chest when in one position for a long time.
Irritation of the spinal receptors 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 drugs. 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-compression form is manifested by acute or chronic pain syndrome in the damaged area of the spine, as well as reflex pain in the region of the heart, stomach, liver. Clinical signs of pathology vary depending on the stage of the disease and the age of the person.
The uncharacteristic symptoms of breast osteochondrosis include the sensations in women of soreness 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 part of the 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 annulus fibrosus. The nucleus pulposus protrudes through them. There are unpleasant sensations in the sternum, heart area. This stage is characterized by pulling pains and muscle spasms.
- 2 degree - the situation is aggravated by the pathological mobility of the vertebrae. A sign of this stage is increased pain when moving and being in one position for a long time. Subluxation of the vertebrae is possible.
- Grade 3 - the structure of the spinal column is seriously damaged, the fibrous ring is completely ruptured. The defeat of the nerve endings leads to intercostal neuralgia. The mobility of a person is limited, he takes a forced posture. The pain radiates to the internal organs, abdomen, limbs.
- 4 degree - 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, 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. Launched dystrophic processes are the complete destruction of the vertebra. Only surgery can help the patient.
Causes and risk factors
The movable cervical and lumbar spine are more likely than others to be 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 provoking factors for 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 nucleus pulposus loses its ability to evenly distribute the load, and cracks appear in the annulus fibrosus. 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 problems with posture and spinal injuries should be especially attentive to their manifestations.
Provoking factors
The natural tendency towards cartilage dystrophy may not appear until middle age, when the natural aging process of the body begins. But there are factors that can provoke 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 acute or dull pain are replaced by remission.
Diagnostic methods
To establish a diagnosis, you will need to collect the patient's history, conduct a physical examination. A preliminary conclusion is made during the initial examination. The patient's spine is examined in various positions. Confirmation of pathology and information about the state of the spine is provided by instrumental diagnostics. Experts use:
- Radiography. Pictures of the thoracic region show the degree of pathology. Direct and lateral radiography help 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 performed to detect and measure bone structures.
If necessary, magnetic resonance imaging 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. In the initial stages, conservative therapy is practiced; in advanced cases, surgical intervention will be required.
Medications
A course of medication is prescribed to eliminate pain and prevent further destruction of the structures of the intervertebral disc. 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, anesthetic injections are indicated. Muscle spasms and tension are relieved by muscle relaxants. To restore cartilage tissue, experts advise using chondroprotectors.
The cure of inflammation of the nerve roots is facilitated by the intake of 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. He 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;
- ultrasonic exposure;
- magnetotherapy;
- laser therapy.
Physiotherapy enhances blood flow and relax muscles. During electrophoresis sessions, drugs penetrate deeper into the tissues of the body.
Folk remedies
You can be treated not only with medications, but also with the help of folk remedies. At home, various herbs and foods can be used as cures. Decoctions, ointments, rubbing are prepared from them. Means allow to relieve inflammation, accelerate regeneration processes. A warm bath with sea salt and chamomile helps relieve pain. Effective recipes:
- Juniper and butter ointment - beat the crushed juniper with butter until smooth. The composition is stored in the refrigerator.
- Ointment from pork heat and hop cones - dry cones are ground into powder and mixed with fat. The ointment is applied 2-3 times a day.
- Honey compress - for the composition you need 2 tablespoons of honey, 2 tablespoons of vodka, 1 tablespoon of aloe juice. The products are mixed and applied to the affected area.
- Mustard compress - 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 advise 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 muscles. Applicators can replace massage and acupuncture at home. These are special rugs with plastic needles.
Physiotherapy
When the period of exacerbation ends, 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 an illness and forget about back problems forever. During exercise, the emphasis is on stretching and strengthening the muscles of the chest. There is a special technique that helps to improve the health of the spine. Exercises are selected according to the individual characteristics of the patient.
Preventive recommendations
Doctors advise, as a prevention of the disease, to regularly perform a set 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 to different muscle groups.
- Choose a comfortable orthopedic mattress for a good spine rest.
- Use chairs with a high back that supports the spine.
- Balance your diet.
- Refuse lifting and carrying weights.
A timely visit to a doctor allows you to determine osteochondrosis at an early stage. This gives a favorable prognosis for recovery.