Thorax osteochondrosis is rare in clinical practice. Previously, the disease was diagnosed mainly in the elderly, but now it is often detected in patients under 35 years of age. More often, pathology develops in women than in men. This degenerative-dystrophic disease is difficult to diagnose, as severe symptoms only appear at a later stage.
In addition, the symptoms of this disorder are easily confused with signs of impaired lung and heart function. This disease should not be left untreated, as it can cause curvature of the spine, the development of persistent pain syndrome and other complications that can negatively affect the quality of human life.
What is thoracic osteochondrosis?
In the international classification of diseases, this pathological condition has ICD-10 code - M42. Thorax osteochondrosis is much less common than cervical or sacral. This is not a coincidence. Because there are stiff ribs in this part of the body, this part of the spine is physiologically less mobile.
The thoracic region contains more vertebrae than the cervix and lumbar, but in this part of the spine, the disc is thinner. These anatomical features contribute to the reduced mobility of this part of the spine, resulting in less injury.
However, when exposed to a number of adverse factors, osteochondrosis may develop. Initially, there are signs of damage to one disc, but in the future, other elements may be involved in the pathological process. As the disease progresses, the bone elements are damaged, as well as the ligaments and muscles that support the spinal space.
The degenerative-dystrophic process in the thoracic region develops more slowly. It often takes years before the fibrous ring of a damaged disc is destroyed until a bulge and hernia appear.
Severe clinical manifestations occur after a critical decrease in disc height and root traps. This can not only cause dorsago, which is a short-term pain attack in the thoracic area, but also a violation of the preservation of internal organs. It is much more difficult to treat the pinched nerve roots that are widespread in this area.
Reason for development
In most cases, spinal problems do not arise suddenly. Diseases such as osteochondrosis are no exception in this regard. This pathology, which affects the intervertebral disc, is the result of a long-term degenerative-dystrophic process. In most cases, it is impossible to determine exactly what triggers the development of the disorder. Factors that can provoke the appearance of thoracic spine osteochondrosis include:
- congenital or acquired spinal deformities;
- overweight;
- excess of the spine during pregnancy;
- infectious diseases;
- hypothermia;
- metabolic disorders;
- hormonal disorders;
- chronic stress;
- bad habits;
- connective tissue disease;
- dysplastic changes;
- posture disorders;
- unhealthy diet;
- injury.
Self-restraint has a negative effect on the condition of the spinal space. People who lead an inactive lifestyle are more likely to suffer from chest osteochondrosis. In addition, this disorder contributes to the emergence of age-related changes and slowing of metabolism, which is observed in patients older than 55 years.
Genetic predisposition may be a factor that may provoke the development of pathology. The genes that create conditions for the appearance of breast osteochondrosis have not yet been identified, but in people with a family history of cases of the disease, they are more frequently diagnosed.
Symptoms and Signs
The clinic of this pathological condition depends on the degree of neglect of the process, the degree to which intervertebral disc lesions occur, and the age of the patient. In the early stages of development, there are no specific signs, but general symptoms can occur periodically. Often, in the early stages of development, the disease appears only with the onset of cold weather or after physical stress. Early manifestations of the development of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region include:
- fatigue;
- pain and pressure in the back;
- muscle cramps;
- cold toe tips.
As the disease progresses, the patient's condition worsens. Chest pain hurts. They often occur with a prolonged background in one position or with sudden movements. In addition, severe pain syndrome can appear during weight lifting. Rotating the body can cause increased pain. The presence of osteochondrosis is also indicated by the occurrence of dull pain in the shoulder blade area.
Often, osteochondrosis of the thoracic area is accompanied by the appearance of abnormal bends. In severe cases, the patient may experience a lump. In addition, the disease can provoke the appearance of pain while inhaling and exhaling.
When nerve roots are pinched, there is often numbness in the upper legs and upper skin. Due to violations of nerves and blood circulation, the feeling of goose bumps appears on the skin. Feet and hands are always cold. Sensory deterioration in the extremities may occur. In further cases, the disease can cause the appearance of symptoms of damage to other organs as a result of violation of their fertilization. At the last stage of the process, the following may appear:
- intercostal neuralgia;
- feces disorders;
- bloated;
- heartburn and nausea;
- itching and burning in the legs;
- breeding system violations;
- asthma attacks.
As pathology progresses, a person's ability to work decreases. Physical activity is minimized. In the future, this disorder can create prerequisites for the development of severe complications. The risk of pathological fractures increases. The curvature of the spine leads to compression of the organs located in the chest.
In an unfavorable way, the disease progresses to violations of the heart muscle and decreased lung volume. Often, such severe complications are accompanied by widespread osteochondrosis, in which several intervertebral discs are affected at once.
Degree of thoracic osteochondrosis
The existing classification divides the development of this pathological condition into 4 degrees. Each of them is characterized by the presence of a number of structural changes of the intervertebral disc, vertebrae and other elements that make up this part of the spine.
First degree
In the first stage of pathology, there are no obvious clinical manifestations, but specific changes in the structure of the intervertebral disc can already be expressed with a comprehensive diagnosis. The fibrous ring, which lacks moisture and nutrients, gradually loses its elasticity. Microcrack is often formed in tissues, where the nucleus pulposus is squeezed out. Transfer of the disc to the spinal canal is possible. Prominence is formed. There are no signs of fibrosus annulus rupture.
Second degree
With the transition of the disease to the second stage, the first clinical manifestations are observed. Patients sometimes experience pain and other neurological signs. During specific diagnostics, signs of decreased tissue elasticity that form the annulus fibrosus can be detected. The cartilage becomes very thin, which increases the risk of a hernia. There is a decrease in the height of the intervertebral disc, as the spinal space structure acquires abnormal mobility.
Third degree
In the third stage, changes in the structure of the disc become so significant that the first signs of the development of kyphosis or scoliosis appear. Often, at this stage of the process, the damaged fibrosus annulus ruptures. This phenomenon is accompanied by the release of the nucleus pulposus outside the disc. The hernia that forms, depending on the direction of protrusion, can press on the nerve root or spinal cord. Severe pain and neurological disorders occur. Spinal mobility increases, which creates conditions for injury and fractures.
Fourth grade
With the pathological transition to the fourth stage of development, the structure of the intervertebral disc is disrupted so that they stop performing the shrinkage function. The fibrous annulus and nucleus pulposus lose elasticity. These elements begin to oxidize. Due to a violation of the amortization function of the disc, the vertebrae suffer, which bears too much load.
At the edge of the spine adjacent to the damaged disc, osteophytes, i. e. bone growth, begin to grow rapidly. The surrounding ligaments are involved in pathological processes. They lose elasticity and stop supporting the spine properly. In addition, at the stage of development of this pathological process, the work of the muscular apparatus is disrupted.
Make a diagnosis
As these symptoms develop, patients need consultation with a neurologist and orthopedic surgeon. First, the doctor performs an external examination and collects the anamnesis. Laboratory tests that are often prescribed in the diagnosis of this disease include blood and urine tests. X-rays are taken to obtain information about the presence of defects in the spinal structure. This research reveals:
- lowers disk height;
- jagged element edges;
- hernia;
- vertebral body changes;
- forming osteophytes and so on.
To explain the defects of the disk structure, a discography is given. This study allows you to identify the uneven contours of the pulposus nucleus, assess the degree of disc destruction and decrease in tissue density. CT and MRI are often performed for better visualization. Given that the clinical manifestations of thoracic osteochondrosis are similar to the symptoms of ischemic heart disease, electrocardiography is often prescribed to differentiate this condition.
Treatment options
This pathological condition requires complex treatment. First of all, patients are selective medications that help eliminate symptomatic manifestations and improve intervertebral disc nutrition. Drug treatment should be complemented with physiotherapy and exercise therapy. As a supplement, you can use some traditional medicine. In addition, it is recommended that you follow a certain diet.
Medicine
In the event of severe pain syndrome, the patient is advised to rest in bed. This will reduce the intensity of the pain. To relieve discomfort, analgesics and NSAIDs are often prescribed. If the pain syndrome manifests itself too strongly, blockage may be necessary. Often, glucocorticosteroids are prescribed to relieve pain in this disease.
Chondroprotectors are prescribed to increase nutrient and water saturation of the intervertebral disc. In some cases, antispasmodics and muscle relaxation are prescribed in short courses. This medicine helps relieve muscle cramps. If necessary, diuretics are prescribed to relieve soft tissue edema. To improve the condition of compressed nerve endings, patients need vitamin B.
Physiotherapy and massage
Therapeutic exercise and massage are the most important components in the treatment of osteochondrosis, but they can only be used after the suppression of medication symptoms. Properly selected exercises help improve lung ventilation and strengthen muscle corsets that support the spinal space.
First, all necessary training must be learned under the supervision of an exercise therapy instructor. In the future, patients can practice at home. People with this condition may be advised to take classes at the pool.
Massage helps to eliminate muscle hypertonics and improve the nutrition of soft tissues. In order for the procedure not to be harmful, the procedure must be performed by a specialist. In most cases, a classic massage is performed, which includes rubbing, smoothing and pinching the area in a row. Acupressure and segmental sequences can provide many benefits. This technique involves the effect on the pain point. They help improve blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. In most cases, it is enough for the patient to perform the procedure 2-3 times a week.
Acupuncture
This method involves placing a needle in the patient's body area. This method allows you to get rid of muscle cramps and pain quickly. Acupuncture procedures should be performed by a professional in this regard. If the specialist does this, the procedure is almost painless. Acupuncture is contraindicated for people suffering from oncological diseases, mental disorders. It is not recommended to use this method to treat osteochondrosis if there is a severe inflammatory process.
Manual therapy
Manual therapy helps restore the correct anatomical position of the vertebrae. In addition, this method helps reduce the intensity of pain and muscle cramps. This effect helps restore the ligament apparatus. Such a procedure can slow the development of this pathological condition. The duration of the course of manual therapy is chosen individually for the patient.
Post-isometric relaxation techniques
Post-isometric relaxation procedures are special techniques that involve stretching all the muscles around the spine and then relaxing them.
Such training should be performed under the supervision of a specialist who can assess the accuracy of movement and the severity of muscle tension. This method allows you to get rid of pain quickly and restore normal muscle and ligament function.
People's solution
It is impossible to treat osteochondrosis only with folk remedies, as this approach can lead to an increase in the disease. It is best to use various formulations based on herbal ingredients and other natural ingredients as a complement to traditional therapy. You should seek medical advice on the effectiveness of the use of this medicine or traditional medicine before starting to use it.
Celery root
Properly cooked celery root is believed to help smooth cartilage with nutrients and water. To prepare this medicine, 1 root should be carefully chopped and pour 1 liter of boiling water. You need to insist on the composition for at least 8 hours. After this time, you need to stretch the product and take 1 tsp. 3 times a day before meals.
Sunflower Roots
For the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, a decoction of sunflower root is often used. To prepare this product, you need about 1 glass of chopped plant material, pour 3 liters of water. The mixture should be boiled for 3-5 minutes. After that, the agent should be cooled and taken in the form of tea for several days. To enhance the taste of the drink, honey can be added to it. It is better to keep the waste of medicinal products in a thermos.
Home Ointment
A simple homemade ointment can be used for rubbing with osteochondrosis. To prepare this product, you need to dilute about 150 g of lard in a water bath. After that, 2 tbsp should be put in it. l. natural candles.
The composition must be boiled for at least 20 minutes. After that, 1 tbsp should be added to the heated mixture. l. fir oil. The product should be boiled for another 20 minutes. Finally, 2-3 minutes before removing the container from the heat, 1 tbsp is added to the mixture. l. ammonia. The finished composition must be distributed in jars. Store homemade ointment in the refrigerator.
Nutrition for osteochondrosis of the chest
Patients suffering from osteochondrosis of the thoracic region need a balanced diet. Adequate protein-rich foods should be included in the diet. It is best to always eat dishes that contain large amounts of chondroitin, including aspirin from fish, jelly meat, and so on. It is important to include fermented milk products, vegetables and fruits in the diet. Dishes must be steamed or baked. Fatty and fried foods should be avoided. It is best to take food in small portions, but often. This will help avoid overeating.
Damage: what to do?
In the acute period of the disease, it is desirable to reduce activity to a minimum. If possible, you should avoid the onset of a condition where the pain syndrome is increasing. First aid to exacerbate osteochondrosis involves the use of medications that reduce the severity of edema, inflammation and pain. Patients are advised to rest in bed. It is recommended to adhere to a gentle diet during this period. Only after getting rid of the symptoms can you start exercise therapy and physiotherapy.
Forecast
Now the disease can be cured only in the early stages of its development. With late diagnosis, therapy aims to relieve symptoms and increase spinal mobility. In some cases, surgical treatment is required. With an integrated therapeutic approach, a person suffering from this pathology can lead a full lifestyle without experiencing pain and other neurological disorders.
Prevention
To prevent the development of this pathological condition, it is recommended to avoid sudden weight gain. You should always dress for the weather, avoiding hypothermia. In addition, to prevent osteochondrosis, one must fight hypodynamics and monitor body posture. As part of this pathological prevention, it is recommended to eat properly and monitor your weight carefully.