The human spine is its support in the literal sense of the word. It is designed in such a way that it can withstand heavy loads. In the case when a different kind of negative impact on the body develops, thoracic osteochondrosis develops.
Osteochondrosis is a disease in which the intervertebral discs lose their elasticity, elasticity and strength, in other words, their dystrophic and degenerative changes occur. The basis is a violation of metabolic processes in the tissues of the discs. In addition, changes in the structure of the vertebrae themselvesit happens.
The merits of using the term "osteochondrosis of the spine" are now disputed, as well as ascribing all back pain to this problem.
The nosological unit "osteochondrosis" is not in the International Classification of Diseases of the 10th revision, but this term still exists among doctors.
Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the thoracic spine do not develop so often, they can mimic the symptoms of somatic diseases.
If pain occurs in the left side of the chest, even if it increases with inspiration, associated with movement, electrocardiography is mandatory to exclude acute coronary syndrome.
what is disease
Thoracic osteochondrosis is the rarest form of unnatural changes in the spine. The fact is that, unlike the lumbar and cervical regions, the thoracic region of the spine is supported and strengthened by the ribs.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is less common than other forms of this condition, as the thoracic spine is strengthened by the 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 selected to relieve symptoms and prevent further erosion of the cartilage of the spine.
Even significant loads cause minimal damage to the vertebrae in this area. However, the main danger to the vertebrae in this area is prolonged sedentary positions.
Such osteochondrosis itself provokes changes in the vertebrae and nearby organs. The onset of the disease is usually mild, without severe pain. At the same time, it is extremely difficult to identify osteochondrosis in the thoracic region because of its peculiarities to otherdiseases to represent.
Often, this pathology can be confused with:
- angina pectoris;
- diseasesgastrointestinal tract(gastritis, ulcer, colitis);
- diseasesHeart;
- SwellingContract;
- kidneyStomach ache
With a comprehensive examination, it soon turns out that there are no confirmed symptoms of other diseases, while there are clear signs of one of the degrees of osteochondrosis.
prevalence of disease
The risk group includes workers of any type of activity. Most often, chest osteochondrosis (GO) occurs in people over 55 years old, but in young people, you can also notice the first signs of the development of the disease. Of the sample surveyed by doctors, 38% were men and 62% were women.
The early stage of HO occurs in 71% of those surveyed. Osteochondrosis is the most common cause of disability in the working population. There are 33 to 165 cases per 100 workers per year. They. In many cases, within a year, a person may be affected several times. There are frequent seizures, each time requiring sick leave.
degree
The development of thoracic osteochondrosis goes through several stages:
- dehydration of tissuesDisc,Because of which they lose flexibility and elasticity. At this stage, the discs are gradually flattened and modified, they are still able to withstand the load, but the person already feels unpleasant sensations.
- cracking dehydratedfibrousDisc rings. When the position of the body changes, pronounced pain is felt.
- differenceThe outer covering of the disc, the nucleus pulposus, comes out, forming a hernia, which touches the nerve roots extending from the spine, causing severe pain.
- convergenceAdjacent vertebrates, their displacement, flattening and development.
Osteochondrosis is divided into several degrees:
- Disease1 degreeThe diagnosis of rupture of the intervertebral disc, when there is a sharp pain in the sternum, is equivalent to an electric shock, while the muscles are extremely tense.
- second degreeThe disc is characterized by the presence of protrusion, when a 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 proceeds in a constant alternation of exacerbations and remissions.
- Feather3 degreesThe pain is permanent, as the nerve endings are subject to constant irritation. At this stage, numbness of the limbs, severe headache, arrhythmia, insomnia, increased nervousness due to general ill health.
- Feather4 degreeIrreversible changes are observed in the vertebrae, after their convergence and modification, the spine loses its mobility in this place.
Based on the degree and stage of the disease, symptoms and other factors, an appropriate method of treatment is selected.
reason
Osteochondrosis occurs for many reasons, but the most common:
- ExcessiveWeightBody. The spinal column is unable to consistently support a lot of weight.
- WrongNutrition.Due to the low consumption of calcium-rich foods and the simultaneous consumption of food, which provokes its leaching from the body, bone tissue is destroyed. Verebrates gradually deteriorate. Also, if enough in the dietIf the amount of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids is deficient, the intervertebral discs are affected, which lack these important micronutrients.
- smoking.Tobacco use disrupts metabolic processes in the body, and this has a significant effect on the condition of the intervertebral discs.
- ViolationPosture.Systematic violation of the normal position of the spine leads to scoliosis, which, in turn, provokes osteochondrosis.
- motionlessLifestyle. Sedentary work and lack of any physical activity leads to the fact that the muscles of the body lose their tone. They relax and are not able to fully support the spine, causing it to bend.
- increased physicalBurden.Most often they happen to professional athletes, however, such situations occur in everyday life. If a powerful impact is exerted on the spine, it is possible to change the position of the vertebrae, protrusion and the formation of hernias.
- geneticTendencyOften, similar pathological disorders in vertebrae and discs are found in close relatives.
- AgesChanges. Over the years, the body stops synthesizing glycosaminoglycans and other important compounds that give elasticity to the intervertebral discs. Bone tissue becomes porous and fragile, which means vertebrates are prone to deformation.
- shockBack. Even a minor injury to the spinal cord does not go away without leaving a scar and gives rise 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 symptoms to many other diseases, it is difficult to differentiate its signs. However, doctors agree that the obvious symptoms of osteochondrosis can be considered:
- pain betweenribs;
- upper back painOrgan,with a feeling of tingling and numbness;
- deep painbreathing;
- pain when tryingto raiseHand;
- inability to commit by body cellsWishin one direction or another;
- convulsionsin the muscles;
- yellownessskin due to improper functioning of nerve endings;
- sensationlumbagoin back.
Pain attacks increase at night, accompanied by a decrease in body temperature, when turning the body.
Since pain may radiate to the anterior upper sternum, it is often confused with pain in the heart.
| Vertebra no. | related to which parts of the body | what causes |
|---|---|---|
| d1 | trachea, esophagus | cough, asthma, arrhythmia |
| d2 | palms, wrists, hands | pain in chest, palms and arms |
| 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 disease |
| d7 | 12 duodenum, pancreas | Stool, Digestive Disorders, Ulcers and Diabetes |
| d8 | diaphragm, spleen | weakened immune system, allergies |
| D9 | adrenal glands | Weakness, fatigue, kidney problems |
| D10 | Kidney | Infertility, Digestive problems, Diseases of female genital organs |
| D11 | ureter | kidney disease, urinary problems |
| D12 | fallopian tubes, inguinal rings, colon, and small intestine | Infertility, genitourinary diseases, stool and digestive problems |
With osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, 2 general syndromes can be observed - dorsago and dorsalgia.
Dorsago is a syndrome characterized by severe, sharp and sudden pain in the sternum. Normal inhalation, exhalation and attempts to turn the body in one direction or another are accompanied by painful sensations. This syndrome often occurs in those whoThose who have to bend forward and spend a long time in one position.
Dorsalgia - unlike dorsago, it develops almost imperceptibly for about a month. It is characterized by throbbing pain and chest discomfort. With deep breathing and uncomfortable body position, the pain increases in the dark.
| where does it hurt? | how does it appear |
|---|---|
| breast | Tightness felt in back and chest, difficulty in breathing, pain on breathing and bending, sometimes felt in heart and left sternum |
| Neck | Hands go numb, hoarse voice, difficulty in breathing, headache, dizziness, loss of vision and hearing |
| tail bone | cold feet syndrome, spasms of the lower extremities, increased sweating, abnormalities in the genitourinary system, lower back pain - dull or intense |
Typical and rare symptoms of breast osteochondrosis:
- sensationKnotpain in the throat, larynx and esophagus, if the disease affects the upper chest;
- Symptomspancreatitis,Cholecystitis occurs when the mid-thoracic region is affected;
- PathologyIntestineis able to simulate the defeat of the lower thoracic region;
- intercostalneuralgia,Arising from a violation of the roots of the intercostal nerve, the pain in this case is of shingles in nature. It is easy to confuse neuralgia with many diseases of internal organs;
- LungsSyndrome - expressed by symptoms of hypoxia and congestion in the lungs.
During the course of the disease, several and almost all symptoms can be observed simultaneously, and they change depending on the stage of chest osteochondrosis.
| factor | osteochondrosis | myocardial infarction | angina pectoris |
|---|---|---|---|
| intensity | less often strong, more often mild pain | stronger than unbearable | weak |
| Period | Long: a day or more | several hours or days | 1 to 15 minutes |
| Location | left sternum, back, area between shoulder blades | neck, behind the breastbone | neck, behind the breastbone |
diagnosis
The main methods for the diagnosis of thoracic osteochondrosis are:
- X-ray.In the images obtained with its help, there are usually the following signs: an altered shape of the vertebral body; the presence of bone growth; low height of the intervertebral disc; uneven shape of the plates; dilation of the spinal canal; Degenerative processes in the structure of the spine.
- computerTomography. In difficult cases it is necessary to obtain a full blown 3D model of the spinal column.
- neurophysiologicalExamination. Tendon reflexes are evaluated, as well as muscle nerve conduction (electroneuromyography).
- StudybloodTo determine the level of calcium in it.
Since chest osteochondrosis is quite difficult to diagnose, you should know its primary symptoms in order to consult a doctor in time.
first aid for exacerbation
If it becomes necessary to get rid of an attack in a short time, experts recommend following a number of recommendations.
First of all, the area where the pain syndrome appears needs to be warmed up. To do this, it is better to use special medicinal ointments. Doctors strongly advise against using herbal decoctions, becauseSerious burns are likely. A woolen shawl or scarf works best for warming compresses.
Next, you need to take a body position that will not provoke the manifestation of unpleasant sensations. It is advisable to lie down on a hard surface such as the floor.
At the time of intensity a tight bandage should be put on the chest.
Taking a drug with an analgesic effect will help prevent or reduce the severity of the attack.
If after 60 minutes the state of health does not improve, you need to call an ambulance. When the doctor arrives, he should be told about the use of painkillers.
Treatment
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis includes a set of the following procedures:
- anti-inflammatoryNon-steroidal drugs - help to suppress inflammation and relieve pain. Hormonal preparations are added if necessary.
- muscle relaxants- Relax tense muscles.
- sedativeMedications - to reduce anxiety and irritability caused by persistent pain.
- diureticMedicines to relieve inflammation.
- medicinesTo stimulate blood circulation.
- Chondroprotectors.Prescribed drugs to accelerate the regeneration of cartilage tissue - insufficient evidence base, the effect is individual.
- Acupuncture.Specialists in acupuncture are able to relieve pain in osteochondrosis by affecting specific areas of the body.
- Physiotherapy.
- hand madeMedicine. An experienced chiropractor is able to improve blood circulation, relieve muscle spasms and prevent the development of osteochondrosis.
- Massage.It is permissible to use this method of treatment in the absence of a herniated disc.
- ultrasonicTreatment.
- electromagneticTreatment.
- Mud therapy.
- Stretch.Thanks to this method, the muscles and spine are stretched by 1. 5 mm. This, in turn, leads to decompression of nerve endings, while the inflammatory process is eliminated, pain disappears and local blood circulation increases. goes.
If standard treatment does not work or a herniated disc has formed, surgery is rarely needed.
The diet should include dishes that are natural chondroprotectors - jelly meats, jelly, puddings, strong broths cooked from lamb and beef.
All doctors say that swimming is necessary to maintain spinal health. This type of activity allows you to evenly distribute the load throughout the body, helps align the spine, stretches the muscles of the backStrengthens and generally improves the health of the body. However, it is worth remembering that in the presence of a hernia, such a method of recovery is excluded, while an exacerbation is taking place.
physical treatment
If chest osteochondrosis of the first degree is diagnosed, regular exercise will allow you to cope with the problem without resorting to drugs. Also, to achieve a positive result, it is recommended to do gymnastics for at least 4 months. She goes.
To cure the disease, it is recommended to do the following exercises daily:
- tilt the body forward, alternately bending the lower limbs;
- Lifting your hands alternately bend to the sides;
- Simultaneously raise the upper and lower limbs in a prone position;
- Tilt the body forward, reaching your hands to the foot located on the opposite side.
Each exercise is repeated 10 times. It is allowed to do 3 approaches.
Experts give another set of exercises:
- Take a standing position. As you inhale, raise your arms and lower them as you exhale.
- Sit on a chair on your back. Inhale and pull your shoulders back so that the shoulder blades are as close to each other as possible. Bend the lower back slightly.
- Go around. Lift the right leg and left arm off the floor, straighten and take it away. In this position you need to hold for 15 seconds. After that, take the starting position and do the same on the opposite limbs.
- Perform the exercise "Cat". To do this, you also need to take a position, standing on all fours, bend in the lower back and bend up.
Each should be done 15-20 times. If during any exercise painful sensations appear, it is better not to do it.
After the muscle corset is strengthened, the specialist will recommend moving on to more complex exercises.
It should be remembered that during the period of exacerbation of the disease, the load should be minimal, but you should not completely skip classes.
Consequences and complications
Complications with the occurrence of thoracic osteochondrosis are not uncommon, since at first the disease is latent and asymptomatic, it can be recognized when it has progressed significantly. The following complications are distinguished:
- constrictspinal canal;
- rise upvertebral bone tissue;
- spondyloarthrosis(thoracoarthrosis, dorarthrosis);
- Swellingnerve roots of the spinal column;
- vegetative vasculardystonia
The nature and severity of complications depend on the timeliness and correctness of treatment. At the same time, at a young age, it is more often possible to avoid the consequences.
prevention methods
As such, there is no separate prevention of osteochondrosis, it is usually necessary to take care of the spine to prevent any changes in it. Therefore, you should adhere to the following rules:
- disallowInjurythe spine. This requires strengthening your back muscles.
- do a complex of specialswork outExercise. It is necessary to normalize blood circulation in the spine so that the intervertebral discs do not suffer from a lack of essential trace elements. When performing sedentary work, you need to get up at least once an hour and do a little warm-up.
- At the slightest symptoms of diseases of the spine (tingling, numbness, lumbago), you need to apply forCounselingto a neurologist.
It is necessary to take care of the health of the spine, observe moderate physical activity, avoid bad habits, eat a balanced diet and drink more fluids. All this will help prevent changes in the vertebrae and discs between them and lengthen the spine. Will maintain in working condition for a long time.
answers to common questions
Which doctor is treating?
At the first signs of the manifestation of pathology, you need to contact a vertebral specialist or neurologist. To prescribe a complex treatment, you will additionally need a traumatologist (if the cause of the disease is an injury, trauma, fracture), Consultation with an osteopath (determines the area of the spinal cord lesion), a rheumatologist (in inflammation) will be required. connective tissue).
How long does a stimulus last?
The duration of the acute phase can be from 3 to 14 days. In the absence of therapeutic measures, relapses can be repeated continuously, gradually damaging new areas.
In which position should I sleep?
Experts recommend taking the lateral position in the fetal position. It is also allowed to sleep on your back, but in this case, the internal organs can put pressure on the thoracic region. Sleeping on the stomach can cause neck pain.