Osteochondrosisis a disease of modern society.
Hypodynamia, improper nutrition lead to pathological changes in the spine.
Thoracic osteochondrosis is much less common than cervical and lumbar.
This is due to the lower mobility of this part of the spine.
According to the international classification of diseases (ICD 10), the disease has the code M42.
Essence of pathology
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is dystrophic changes in the cartilage and bone tissues of the spinal column. The disease affects both sexes between the ages of 25 and 50. The insidiousness of the disease is that the symptoms are "disguised" as signs of other diseases (cardiovascular or gastric), therefore, chest osteochondrosis is diagnosed too late.
Algorithm of disease development:
- Under the influence of unfavorable factors, the nucleus of the vertebral disc becomes thinner and flattened.
- Adjacent vertebrae approach each other, a focus of inflammation arises between them.
- The joint capsules are stretched, the mobility of the spine decreases.
- Spinal nerve roots are pinched.
- Spinal cord is compressed.
- The bone tissue of the vertebrae grows, bone processes (osteophytes) appear.
There are four stages of the disease depending on the degree of vertebral lesion:
| Stage 1 | Changes in the vertebrae are not expressed, there are no bright symptoms. At this stage, the treatment gives a good effect: it is possible to restore the damaged tissue. |
| Stage 2 | This stage is characterized by the appearance of microcracks in the vertebrae, impaired mobility. The vertebrae begin to shift relative to each other. Treatment takes a lot of effort and time. |
| Stage 3 | The vertebral discs become thinner to such an extent that protrusions and hernias appear. Mobility is reduced to a minimum. At this stage, nerves are pinched, the work of internal organs is disrupted. If you do not start treatment, this will lead to disability. |
| Stage 4 | There is a complete thinning of the discs, the function of the spine is disrupted, the process of destruction of bone tissue is underway. Neurological symptoms are pronounced. |
Thoracic osteochondrosis has a wavy character, that is, periods of remission and exacerbation alternate.
Reasons
Until nowthe exact causes of the disease have not been established. In medicine, there are many theories on this subject, but none of them gives an accurate explanation of why the process of degeneration of the spinal cartilage begins. The main "culprit" is recognized upright walking.
Provoking factors are considered:
- Heredity.
- Congenital malformations of the spinal column.
- Infectious diseases.
- Obesity.
- Hypodynamics.
- Long stay in one position.
- Unbalanced diet, in which there is a lack of vitamins and minerals.
- Back injuries.
- Age related changes.
- Large physical activity (during sports or work-related).
- Flat feet.
- Pregnancy.
- Prolonged stress.
- Smoking.
Consequences
Left untreated, the consequences of osteochondrosis can be catastrophic.Degenerative changes provoke the appearance of a hernia of the spine. Compression of the nervesleads to loss of sensation in the limbs. The most serious complication is paralysis of the arms or legs.
In addition,disrupts the work of all internal organs and systems: cardiovascular, urinary, digestive. The patient develops vegetative-vascular dystonia. The fact is that the spinal vessels are compressed, the supply of oxygen to the brain is disrupted. The patient experiences constant headaches, panic attacks, sleep disturbances. Intercostal neuralgia is also a consequence of osteochondrosis.
Symptoms
The first symptom of the disease isfeeling of tension in the back muscles. Then a dull pain in the back joins it. The rest of the manifestations may be similar to the signs of other diseases, for this reason, chest osteochondrosis is called "chameleon".
The main symptoms of the disease are:
- "goosebumps";
- chest pain;
- shooting pain between the shoulder blades, especially when turning the body;
- dizziness;
- fainting;
- pressing pain in the region of the heart;
- swelling of the arms and legs;
- feeling of numbness in the hands;
- indigestion;
- decreased sexual function;
- short-term acute pain in the rib area;
- fatigue, decreased performance;
- general malaise.
Diagnostics
A doctor can make a diagnosis by conducting a comprehensive examination.
It is important to differentiate osteochondrosis from other diseases of the skeletal system, such as:
- rheumatoid arthritis;
- ostiomyelitis;
- spondylopathy.
It is also important to exclude diseases of the internal organs:
- ischemia;
- heart attack;
- gastritis;
- stomach ulcer;
- pancreatitis;
- kidney stones;
- pyelonephritis;
- tumors.
Laboratory and instrumental methods are used for diagnosis:
- Blood test. There is a slight increase in leukocytes and ESR.
- Blood test for electrolytes. With osteochondrosis, the serum calcium level is reduced.
- General urine analysis.
- Blood biochemistry.
- X-ray of the spinal column. Allows you to detect deformation of the discs, displacement of the vertebrae, the presence of a hernia.
- MRI. With the help of layer-by-layer images, the degree of degenerative changes in the spine is specified.
- Myelography. This is an x-ray examination of the spine using contrast. Allows you to assess the state of blood flow in the vessels of the spine.
Treatment
Treatment of the disease is carried out on an outpatient basis. For this, conservative methods are used.Therapy focuses on:
- pain relief;
- reduction of inflammation;
- elimination of compression of nerve endings;
- restoration of cartilage tissue.
If the patient is in severe pain, it is necessary to provide him with bed rest. With severe pain syndrome, novocaine blockade is performed. At the same time, droppers are placed with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Methods of osteochondrosis treatment
Medication includes the following drugs:
| Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs | Depending on the severity, the products can be injected, pills or ointments. |
| Pain Relievers | - |
| Muscle relaxants | Use if there is spasm of the back muscles. |
| Chondroprotectors | Restore cartilage tissue. |
| Diuretics | Reduce edema. |
| Group B vitamins | For general strengthening of the muscles of the back, spine and central nervous system |
At 3 and 4 stages of the disease, therapy is more serious. Hormonal drugs are prescribed.
Massageincreases the tone of the back muscles, relieves pain.The following types of massage are used:
- classic;
- dotted;
- canned.
Physiotherapy exercisesis prescribed at the stage of remission, carried out under the supervision of a specialist. The exercises are aimed at strengthening the muscular corset, increasing the mobility of the spine, and relieving the compression of the nerve roots. The patient's metabolism improves.
Physiotherapyhas a good therapeutic effect, especially in stages 1-2. It is recommended to conduct several courses a year to prevent exacerbation. They use magnetotherapy, laser exposure, ultrasound, electrophoresis.
Manual therapyis an irreplaceable method for the treatment of osteochondrosis. Blood circulation is restored, nutrition of the spinal tissues improves. The qualifications of a specialist are of great importance.
Spinal tractionis a controversial method. Some doctors believe that this, on the contrary, aggravates the patient's condition. The essence of traction is to increase the intervertebral space using special equipment. In any case, this method must be used with caution.
Acupuncture. The impact on active points not only relieves pain, but also balances the patient's psyche.
Following a Special Diet. Assumes a decrease in the diet of animal fats, an increase in the amount of plant foods. Nutrition should be balanced to provide the body with vitamins and minerals.
The effect of therapy is achieved by combining several treatments. Surgical treatment is extremely rare if there is no effect of conservative treatment.
Forecast and prevention
The prognosis of the disease depends on the degree of spinal lesion.It is impossible to completely cure the disease at 2-4 stages. Correctly selected therapy can only relieve inflammation and stop the progression of the disease. With proper treatment, the stage of remission is reached, which must be maintained with preventive methods.
Prevention of osteochondrosis is:
- maintaining a healthy lifestyle;
- observance of proper nutrition;
- exclusion of excessive physical exertion;
- avoiding being in one position for a long time;
- weight loss;
- timely treatment of infectious diseases.
Conclusion
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic regionis a serious disease that “gets younger” every year. Due to the least mobility of this spine at the initial stage, the disease does not manifest itself.
Symptoms are not specific, so other pathologies of internal organs are suspected. It is important to carry out a differential diagnosis in order to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe adequate treatment.
The disease is treated using conservative methods, used in combination. Surgery is extremely rare if serious complications arise. In the absence of correct treatment, the patient's internal organs are disrupted, and the quality of life is significantly deteriorating.
Negative consequences can be avoided with the help of properly selected therapy and adherence to preventive measures.