Osteochondrosis is the main cause of back pain. The thoracic spine is affected less often than other parts, it is less mobile at first. Due to the lack of characteristic symptoms, it is more difficult to diagnose degenerative disease. Untimely treatment leads to serious consequences.
Degree and symptoms of osteochondrosis
Dystrophic lesions of bone and cartilage tissue are most often chronic human diseases. The pathological process begins with the nucleus of the intervertebral disc and then spreads to the annular fibrosus. Atrophied cartilage loses its cushioning properties, and the load on the bone increases. The distance between the vertebrae is reduced, protrusions and hernias appear, nerve endings are compressed.
Symptoms of pathology:
- dorsalgia (back pain), intensified by body movements, 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 numb part of the skin and limbs;
- painful sensations in the xiphoid process, extending to the shoulders and arms;
- dorsago - acute chest pain in a longer position in one position.
Irritation of receptors in the spine in the area of the chest is manifested by impulses that mimic heart disease. This pseudo-coronary pain is called anterior chest wall syndrome. The aching pain on the left side lasts for weeks, it is not relieved by heart medications. At the same time, the ECG does not show violations in the work of organs.
The 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 an accurate diagnosis.
The clinical picture of the disease varies depending on the form of compression or non-compression of osteochondrosis. When nerve endings are compressed, pain, numbness, muscle weakness, and difficulty moving occur. The non-compression form is manifested by the syndrome of acute or chronic pain in the damaged area of the spine, as well as reflex pain in the area of the heart, stomach and liver. Clinical signs of pathology vary depending on the stage of the disease and the age of the person.
Uncharacteristic symptoms of osteochondrosis of the breast include feelings of pain in the mammary gland in women, brittle nails, and peeling skin. The disease is triggered by pregnancy. At that time, a woman's 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.
Degree of osteochondrosis
Depending on the condition of the cartilage tissue, there are 4 degrees of the disease:
- Grade 1 - in the early stage of the disease, cracks appear in the annular fibrosus. The nucleus pulposus protrudes through them. Unpleasant feelings are in the sternum, the heart area. This phase is characterized by pulling pains and muscle cramps.
- Grade 2 - the situation is aggravated by pathological mobility of the vertebrae. The sign of this phase is increased pain when moving and for a long time in one position. Vertebral subluxation is possible.
- Stage 3 - the structure of the spinal column is seriously damaged, the fibrous ring is completely ruptured. Defeat of nerve endings leads to intercostal neuralgia. The mobility of the person is limited, it takes a forced hold. The pain radiates to the internal organs, abdomen, limbs.
- Grade 4 - the structures surrounding the spine are involved in the pathological process. Excessive growth of scar tissue leads to ligament fibrosis. A severe neurological reaction requires regular use of supportive medications.
Early diagnosis of the disease can slow the destruction of 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 disc herniation, inflammation of nerve endings, osteophyte proliferation, paresis. With the growth of bone formations, there is a great danger of damage to the tissues of the spinal canal. The initiated dystrophic processes are the complete destruction of the vertebrae. Only surgery can help the patient.
Causes and risk factors
The disease most often affects the mobile cervical and lumbar spine. The thoracic region is strengthened 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. There is a separate code for adolescent patients - M42. 0. Poor posture, kyphosis or scoliosis are provoked by factors for the occurrence of the disease in young people.
The main causes of the disease
Degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs occur with malnutrition. The nucleus pulposus loses the ability to distribute the load evenly, and cracks appear in the annular fibrosus. Doctors believe that a common cause of pathology is a genetic predisposition to osteochondrosis. Other factors include:
- inactive lifestyle and inactive work;
- spinal cord injury;
- infectious diseases;
- increased physical activity;
- hormonal disorders;
- weak muscle corset.
The exact cause of degenerative changes cannot be determined. 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 careful about their manifestations.
Provoking factors
The natural tendency towards cartilage dystrophy can appear only in middle age, when the natural aging process of the body begins. But there are factors that can cause accelerated degeneration. These include:
- chronic stress;
- hypothermia;
- unbalanced diet;
- difficult working conditions;
- overweight.
Prolonged pinching and inflammation of the nerve roots lead to disorders in the work of internal organs. Osteochondrosis is characterized by a wavy course, periods of acute or dull pain are replaced by remission.
Diagnostic methods
To establish the diagnosis, you will need to collect the patient's history, perform a physical examination. A preliminary conclusion is made during the initial examination. The patient's spine is examined in different positions. Confirmation of pathology and information about the condition of the spine is provided by instrumental diagnostics. Experts use:
- Radiography. Images of the thoracic region show the degree of pathology. Direct and lateral radiography help to determine the change in disc height, the appearance of osteophytes, the compaction of the end plates of the vertebral body, the narrowing of the diameter of the spinal canal and the formation of Schmorl's nodules.
- 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 a complex treatment. The choice of technique depends on the patient's condition. In the initial stages, conservative therapy is performed, and 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 nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are prescribed in the form of tablets and ointments.
Hormonal drugs - corticosteroids - are used to treat grade 3 osteochondrosis. They have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect. Anesthetic injections are indicated for acute pain syndrome. Muscle cramps and tension are relieved by muscle relaxants. To regenerate cartilage tissue, experts advise the use of chondroprotectors.
Healing of nerve root inflammation is facilitated by the intake of special vitamin complexes containing B vitamins. Useful elements are well absorbed from food - eggs, herbs, beef and cheese. The patient is advised to rest and rest. For the first few days, he must observe bed rest.
Physiotherapy
The effect of the apparatus has a pronounced therapeutic effect. Patients with osteochondrosis are prescribed:
- shock wave therapy;
- electrophoresis;
- ultrasound exposure;
- magnetotherapy;
- laser therapy.
Physiotherapy increases blood flow and relaxes muscles. During an electrophoresis session, the drugs penetrate deeper into the body tissues.
Folk remedies
You can treat yourself not only with drugs, but also with the help of folk remedies. At home, various herbs and foods can be used as medicine. Decoctions, ointments, rubs are prepared from them. Means enable alleviation of inflammation, acceleration of the regeneration process. A warm bath with sea salt and chamomile helps relieve pain. Effective recipes:
- Spruce and butter fat - Whisk the crushed spruce with butter until smooth. The composition is stored in the refrigerator.
- Pork heat and hop cones fat - dry cones are ground into powder and mixed with fat. Ointment is applied 2-3 times a day.
- Honey wrap - 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 wrap - 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 should be used with caution.
Before using the formulations, doctors advise to check them for an allergic reaction.
Massage
One of the parts of the complex treatment of thoracic spine osteochondrosis is massage. The procedure reduces pain, increases blood circulation and stimulates muscles. Applicators can replace massage and acupuncture at home. These are special mats with plastic needles.
Physiotherapy
When the period of deterioration is over, 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 deal with the disease and forget about back problems forever. During 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 according to the individual characteristics of the patient.
Preventive recommendations
Doctors advise, as a disease prevention, 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 high-back chairs that support the spine.
- Balance your diet.
- Refuse to lift and carry weights.
A timely visit to the doctor allows you to diagnose osteochondrosis at an early stage. This gives a favorable prognosis for recovery.