The human spine is its support in the truest sense of the word. It is designed to withstand heavy loads. With another negative impact on the body, thoracic osteochondrosis develops.
Osteochondrosis is a disease in which the intervertebral discs lose their elasticity, elasticity and firmness, so their dystrophic and degenerative changes occur. The basis is the violation of metabolic processes in the tissues of the intervertebral discs. In addition, the structure of the vertebrae itself changes.
The admissibility of the use of the term "osteochondrosis of the spine" has become controversial, as has the writing off of all back pain on this problem.
In the international classification of diseases of the 10th revision, the nosological unit "osteochondrosis" is not included, but the term still exists among doctors.
Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the thoracic spine are less common, they can mimic the symptoms of somatic diseases.
If pain occurs in the left side of the chest, even if it increases with inspiration combined with movement, electrocardiography is mandatory to rule out acute coronary syndrome.
What is the disease
Thoracic osteochondrosis is the rarest form of unnatural changes in the spine. The fact is that the chest area of the spine, unlike the lumbar and neck areas, is supported and strengthened by the ribs.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is less common than other forms of this condition because the thoracic spine is reinforced with ribs.
Symptoms are often similar to those of heart disease as well as diseases of the pleura.
The diagnosis is made on the basis of X-rays, CT, MRI. Treatment is chosen to relieve symptoms and prevent further breakdown of the cartilage in the spine.
Even considerable loads cause minimal damage to the vertebrae in this area. However, the main danger to the vertebrae in this area is prolonged lack of exercise.
Such osteochondrosis provokes a change both in the vertebrae themselves and in nearby organs. The onset of the disease is generally mild, with no sharp pain. At the same time, it is extremely difficult to identify osteochondrosis in the chest area, as it can simulate other diseases.
Very often this pathology can be confused with:
- Angina pectoris;
- DiseasesGastrointestinal tract(Gastritis, ulcer, colitis);
- DiseasesHearts;
- inflammationAttachment;
- KidneyColic.
On extensive examination, it quickly turns out that the symptoms of other diseases are not confirmed, while there are clear signs of one of the degrees of osteochondrosis.
The prevalence of the disease
The risk group includes employees of all types of work. Most often, breast osteochondrosis (GO) occurs in people over the age of 55, but you can also see the first signs of the development of the disease in young people. In the sample interviewed by doctors, 38% were men and 62% women.
The initial stage of HO occurs in 71% of the respondents. Osteochondrosis is the leading cause of disability in the workforce. There are 33 to 165 cases per 100 workers per year. Those. In many cases, a person will have several relapses within a year, each of which must be written off sick.
degrees
The development of thoracic osteochondrosis goes through several stages:
- Dehydration of the tissueHard drives,as a result, they lose flexibility and elasticity. At this stage, the intervertebral discs are gradually flattened and modified, they are still able to withstand the load, but the person is already experiencing unpleasant sensations.
- Cracking dehydratedfibrousWasher rings. When the position of the body changes, pronounced pain is felt.
- The gapthe outer covering of the intervertebral disc, the nucleus pulposus, protrudes and forms a fracture that touches the nerve roots emanating from the spine, in such a situation there is a sharp pain.
- convergenceneighboring vertebrae, their displacement, flattening and growth.
Osteochondrosis is divided into several degrees:
- illness1 degreediagnosed with a ruptured disc when there is a sharp pain in the sternum similar to an electric shock while the muscles are extremely tense.
- 2 degreescharacterized by the appearance of a bulging disc when part of it begins to press on the nerve roots, but the nucleus pulposus is still intact and does not come out. This degree of osteochondrosis takes place in a constant alternation of exacerbations and remissions.
- at3 degreesPain is permanent as the nerve endings are constantly irritated. At this stage there is numbness of the limbs, severe headache, cardiac arrhythmia, insomnia, increased nervousness due to a general poor state of health.
- at4 degreesIrreversible transformations are observed in the vertebrae, after their convergence and modification the spine loses its mobility at this point.
An appropriate method of treatment is selected depending on the degree and stage of the disease, symptoms and other factors.
causes
Osteochondrosis occurs for a number of reasons, but the most common are:
- ExcessivelyloadBody. The spine is unable to carry too much weight all the time.
- Not correctNourishment.Due to the low consumption of foods containing calcium and the simultaneous consumption of foods that provoke their leaching from the body, bone tissue is destroyed. The vertebrae gradually wear out. If the diet is also lacking in sufficient amounts of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, intervertebral discs suffer from a lack of these important micronutrients.
- Smoking.Tobacco consumption disrupts metabolic processes in the body, which has a significant effect on the condition of the intervertebral discs.
- violationAttitude.A systematic violation of the normal position of the spine leads to scoliosis, which in turn provokes osteochondrosis.
- SittingWay of life. Sedentary work and lack of physical activity cause the muscles of the body to lose their tone. They relax and cannot fully support the spine, causing it to bend.
- Increased physicalLoad.Most often they happen to professional athletes, but such situations do exist in everyday conditions. When a strong effect is exerted on the spine, it is possible to change the position of the vertebrae, the formation of protrusions and hernias.
- geneticsPredisposition. Very often, similar pathological diseases of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs are found in close relatives.
- ageChanges. Over the years, the body stops synthesizing glycosaminoglycans and other important compounds that give the intervertebral discs elasticity. The bone tissue becomes porous and fragile, which means that the vertebrae are prone to deformation.
- traumareturn. Even a slight injury to the spine does not pass without a trace and leads to changes in the vertebrae.
In addition, hormonal disorders in the body, hypothermia and infectious diseases can become an impetus for the development of osteochondrosis.
Symptoms
Since thoracic osteochondrosis is similar in symptomatology to many other diseases, it is quite difficult to distinguish its signs. However, doctors agree that the obvious symptoms of osteochondrosis can be considered:
- Pain betweenRibs;
- pain in the topLimbs,accompanied by a tingling sensation and numbness;
- Deep painBreathing;
- Pain when tryingraiseHand;
- Inability to commit through the body of the bodyTiltin one direction or the other;
- crampsin the muscles;
- palenessSkin due to a malfunction of the nerve endings;
- sensationlumbagoin the back.
The pain attacks increase at night with a decrease in body temperature when turning the body.
Since pain can radiate into the anterior upper sternum, it is often mistaken for pain in the heart.
| Vortex no. | Which parts of the body are associated with? | Which reasons |
|---|---|---|
| D1 | Trachea, esophagus | Cough, asthma, cardiac arrhythmias |
| D2 | Palms, wrists, hands | Chest, palms and arms pain |
| D3 | Chest, pleura, lungs, bronchi | Pneumonia, pleurisy, asthma, bronchitis |
| D4 | Bile duct and bladder | Jaundice, gallstones |
| D5 | Solar plexus | Jaundice, poor blood clotting |
| D6 | liver | Ulcers, gastritis, digestive problems, liver dysfunction |
| D7 | 12 duodenum, pancreas | Bowel movements, indigestion, ulcers and diabetes |
| D8 | Diaphragm, spleen | Weakened immune system, allergies |
| D9 | Adrenal glands | Weakness, tiredness, kidney problems |
| D10 | kidney | Infertility, digestive problems, diseases of the female genital organs |
| D11 | ureter | Kidney disease, urinary tract problems |
| D12 | Fallopian tubes, inguinal rings, large and small intestines | Infertility, reproductive system diseases, stool and digestive problems |
With osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, 2 common syndromes can be observed - dorsago and dorsalgia.
Dorsago is a syndrome that is accompanied by severe, sharp, and sudden pain in the sternum. The usual inhalation, exhalation and attempts to turn the body one way or another are accompanied by painful sensations. This syndrome is common in people who have to spend a long time in one position and who lean forward.
Dorsalgia - unlike Dorsago, it develops imperceptibly for about a month. It is characterized by throbbing pain and chest discomfort. The pain increases in the dark, with deep breathing and an uncomfortable posture.
| Where does it hurt? | How does it manifest itself? |
|---|---|
| chest | Tightness in the back and chest, difficulty breathing, painful breathing and bending, sometimes in the heart and left sternum area |
| neck | Hands become numb, voice hoarse, shortness of breath, headache, dizziness, eyesight and hearing decrease |
| cross | Cold foot syndrome, lower extremity cramps, increased sweating, abnormalities of the genitourinary system, lower back pain - dull or acute |
Specific and rare symptoms of breast osteochondrosis:
- sensationLumpin the throat, pain in the larynx and esophagus, if the disease affects the upper chest;
- SymptomsPancreatitis,Cholecystitis occurs when the middle region of the chest is affected;
- pathologyOffalis able to simulate the defeat of the lower rib cage;
- intercostalNeuralgia,due to the violation of the roots of the intercostal nerve, the pain in this case is shingles. It is easy to confuse neuralgia with many diseases of the internal organs;
- pulmonarySyndrome - expressed by symptoms of hypoxia and congestion in the lungs.
In the course of the disease, both several and almost all symptoms can be observed at the same time, which change depending on the stage of breast osteochondrosis.
| factor | Osteochondrosis | Heart attack | Angina pectoris |
|---|---|---|---|
| intensity | Less severe, more often mild pain | Strong to unbearable | Weak |
| duration | Long: a day or more | Several hours or days | 1 to 15 minutes |
| Location | Left sternum, back, area between the shoulder blades | Neck, behind the sternum | Neck, behind the sternum |
diagnosis
The main methods of diagnosing thoracic osteochondrosis are:
- Roentgen.In the images obtained with its help, there are usually the following signs: a changed shape of the vertebral body; the presence of bone growths; reduced height of the intervertebral discs; uneven contours of the panels; Thinning of the spinal canal; degenerative processes in the structure of the spine.
- computerTomography. In difficult cases, it is necessary to get a full-fledged 3D model of the spine.
- NeurophysiologicalInvestigation. Tendon reflexes are assessed, as is muscle nerve conduction (electroneuromyography).
- To learnbloodto determine calcium levels.
Since breast osteochondrosis is very difficult to diagnose, you should know its main symptoms in order to consult a doctor in a timely manner.
First aid in case of exacerbation
When it becomes necessary to get rid of an attack in a short period of time, experts recommend following a number of recommendations.
First of all, it is necessary to warm the area where the pain syndrome manifests itself. For this it is better to use special medicinal ointments. Doctors strongly advise against using herbal decoctions due to the possibility of a severe burn. A wool scarf or scarf is best used as a warming compress.
Next, you need to take a body position that does not cause unpleasant sensations. It is advisable to lie on a hard surface such as the floor.
A strong bandage should be placed around the chest at the time of an exacerbation.
Taking medication that has analgesic effects will help stop or reduce the severity of the seizure.
If after 60 minutes your health does not improve, you need to call an ambulance. When the doctor arrives, he must be informed about the use of pain relievers.
treatment
Treatment for thoracic osteochondrosis involves a number of the following procedures:
- Anti-inflammatorynonsteroidal drugs - help suppress inflammation and relieve pain. If necessary, hormonal preparations are added.
- Muscle relaxants- relax muscles that are tense.
- SedativesMedication - to reduce anxiety and irritability from constant pain.
- DiureticMedicines to relieve swelling.
- Medicationto stimulate blood circulation.
- Chondroprotectors.Drugs prescribed to accelerate the regeneration of cartilage tissue - insufficient evidence base, the effect is individual.
- Acupuncture.Acupuncturists can relieve pain associated with osteochondrosis by affecting specific areas of the body.
- Physical therapy.
- ManualTherapy. A skilled chiropractor is able to improve blood circulation, relieve muscle spasms, and stop osteochondrosis from developing.
- Massage.It is allowed to use this method of treatment in the absence of a herniated disc.
- UltrasonicTherapy.
- ElectromagneticTherapy.
- Mud therapy.
- Stretch.Thanks to this method, the muscles and the spine are stretched up to 1. 5 mm. This, in turn, leads to a decompression of the nerve endings, while the inflammatory process is eliminated, pain disappears, and local blood flow is increased.
If standard care does not help or if a herniated disc has formed, surgery is rarely required.
The diet should include dishes that are natural chondroprotectors - jellied meat, jelly, pudding, strong broths of lamb and beef.
All doctors say that swimming is essential to maintaining spine health. This type of activity allows the load to be evenly distributed throughout the body, helps align the spine, strengthens the back muscles, and generally improves the health of the body. But it should be remembered that with a hernia, such a method of repair is excluded while an exacerbation is taking place.
physical therapy
If 1st degree breast osteochondrosis is diagnosed, regular exercise can help you manage the problem without resorting to medication. Also, to get a positive result, it is recommended to do gymnastics for at least 4 months.
To treat the disease, it is recommended to do the following exercises on a daily basis:
- tilt the body forward while alternately bending the lower limbs;
- bend to the side, alternately raising your hands;
- simultaneously raise the upper and lower limbs in the prone position;
- Lean your body forward and grasp the foot on the opposite side with your hands.
Each of the exercises is repeated 10 times. 3 approaches are allowed.
Experts give a different set of exercises:
- Take a standing position. Raise your arms as you inhale and lower your arms as you exhale.
- Sit in a chair with a backrest. Inhale and pull your shoulders back so your shoulder blades are as close together as possible. Bend your lower back slightly.
- Get on all fours. Lift right leg and left arm off the floor, stretch and remove. You must remain in this position for 15 seconds. After that, take the starting position and do the same on the opposite limbs.
- Perform the "cat" exercise. To do this, you also need to take a position, stand on all fours, bend your lower back and bend up.
Each must be done 15-20 times. If there are painful sensations during an exercise, it is better not to do so.
After the muscle corset has become stronger, the specialist will recommend moving to more complex exercises.
It must be remembered that during the exacerbation of the disease, the burden should be minimal, but you should not completely abandon classes.
Consequences and complications
Complications in the occurrence of thoracic osteochondrosis are not uncommon, since the disease is initially latent and asymptomatic, it can be recognized as it progresses significantly. A distinction is made between the following complications:
- ConstrictionSpinal canal;
- OvergrowthVertebral bone tissue;
- Spondyloarthrosis(Thoracoarthrosis, dorsarthrosis);
- inflammationNerve roots of the spine;
- vegetative-vascularDystonia.
The nature and severity of the complications depend on the timeliness and accuracy of treatment. At the same time, at a younger age, it is more often possible to avoid the consequences.
Prevention methods
Therefore, there is no separate prevention against osteochondrosis; general care of the spine is necessary to prevent changes in it. Therefore, you should adhere to the following rules:
- Do not allowinjurySpine. Athletes need to carefully calibrate the load and use sports belts and corsets to support the spine. People whose work involves physical activity need to strengthen their back muscles to support the spine.
- Perform a complex of specialGymnastics-A practice. So that the intervertebral discs do not suffer from the necessary trace elements, it is necessary to normalize the blood supply to the spine. For sedentary work, you need to get up and warm up a little at least once an hour.
- You must submit an application at the slightest typical signs of diseases of the spine (tingling, numbness, lumbago)advisoryto a neurologist.
It is necessary to take care of the health of the spine, maintain moderate physical activity, avoid bad habits, eat a balanced diet and drink more fluids. All of this helps to prevent changes in the vertebrae and intervertebral discs between them and to keep the spine functioning for a long time.
Answers to frequently asked questions
Which doctor treats?
At the first symptoms of the manifestation of the pathology, you need to contact a vertebrologist or neurologist. In addition, to prescribe complex treatment, you need a consultation with a traumatologist (if the cause of the disease is a bruise, trauma, fracture), an osteopath (determines the area of the spinal lesion), a rheumatologist (inflammation in the connective tissue).
How long does an exacerbation last?
The duration of the acute phase can be 3 to 14 days. In the absence of therapeutic measures, relapses can be repeated over and over, causing gradual damage to new areas.
Which position to sleep in?
Experts recommend lying on your side in the embryo position. It is also allowed to sleep on your back, but in this case the internal organs may put pressure on the chest region. Sleeping on your stomach can cause neck pain.