Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine (OS) means not only the destruction of fibrous rings and bone elements, but also weakness of the muscle structures. This form of pathology is rare and has specific symptoms that may resemble an attack of angina or gastritis.
This is why it is so important to differentiate the disease and rule out other causes of back problems. We will show you how to recognize symptoms of illness and carry out effective therapy.
Signs of thoracic osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the hip joint is rarely diagnosed, in contrast to lumbar and cervical osteochondrosis. This is explained by the anatomy of the thoracic region: it consists of more elements, they are smaller and thinner, and they also have long processes. The mobility of this ridge section is significantly lower and the lion's share of the load is borne by the sternum and ribs.
A lump in the throat with osteochondrosis of the GOP occurs due to spasms of the throat and neck muscles.
The physiological curvature of the GOP, which is directed convexly backwards, also plays an important role. In this case, the main pressure falls on the anterior area of the intervertebral discs, while the removed part remains relatively calm. This means that developed protrusions and hernias occur outside the ridge without affecting the spinal cord.
Types of diseases
Symptoms and treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis directly depend on the syndrome observed. There are two types: neurological and pain.
The first case is characterized by numbness of the upper extremities, crawling, twitching and reflex tension of the back muscles. In particularly severe cases, breathing difficulties, a feeling of lumpiness in the throat, heartburn and pressure in the upper abdomen occur.
The pain syndrome can be sharp and intense (dorsago) or long-lasting and mild (dorsalgia), and can also manifest itself as intercostal neuralgia.
There is a code according to ICD-10 to describe the destructive effect of osteochondrosis. For children it corresponds to the value M42, 0, for adults the code M42, 1 is used. If the diagnosis is not confirmed by MRI and X-ray results, the patient receives code M54 – Dorsalgia.
Dorsago
This term refers to a sharp, sudden pain in the breastbone. They can be so severe that they make breathing and movement difficult. They are also called lumbago in the chest.
A dangerous symptom is the appearance of pain on the left side in front. If the attack is not caused by thoracic osteochondrosis, it may be a sign of heart disease. In this case, the person needs urgent medical attention, so it is helpful to know some of the characteristic features of chest pain.
So, with Dorsago, the patient's well-being does not improve after taking "heart" drugs and the ECG does not show any changes in the rhythm. In addition, the discomfort when coughing and bending the upper body to the side and forward increases sharply.
Such manifestations of the breast form of the disease must be distinguished from other pathologies with similar symptoms. A neurologist carries out an ECG, an X-ray, a CT scan and an MRI of the spine. In particularly difficult cases, a thoracic surgeon is involved in the diagnosis.
Dorsalgia
Dorsalgia is called back pain. The peculiarity of this syndrome is the duration of its course and the lack of expression of the clinical picture, while the main symptoms do not extend beyond the chest.
The disease develops gradually and torments the patient at night with unpleasant sensations in the shoulder blade area. In the morning the symptoms disappear on their own after short movements.
The pain increases with deep and frequent breathing, bending and twisting. With dorsalgia, spasms of the back muscles and a deterioration in the mobility of the cervicothoracic or lumbar-thoracic segments are observed.
Predisposing factors for the onset of the disease
The thoracic form of osteochondrosis never occurs on its own. It is preceded by unfavorable circumstances, which exist either individually or simultaneously and can reinforce each other.
Provoking factors:
- restricted diet, micronutrient deficiencies;
- passive lifestyle;
- professional sports;
- back injuries;
- congenital anomalies of the structure of bone structures;
- Obesity;
- infectious and inflammatory diseases that can disrupt the diffuse nutrition of the vertebrae (bechterew's disease, spinal tuberculosis);
- Flat feet.
When an elderly person is diagnosed with osteochondrosis, doctors speak of the inevitable aging of the body. However, if the disease develops in young patients, especially teenagers, this indicates an incorrect lifestyle and adherence to bad habits.
The chest form of the disease is most common in office workers, students and schoolchildren who spend a lot of time sitting with their backs hunched. The thoracic type of osteochondrosis is dangerous for the heart muscle.
Predisposing factors for the onset of the disease in women include pregnancy, wearing high heels and weak back muscles. Symptoms of pathology noticeably increase during menopause - due to a decrease in estrogen production. If hormone replacement therapy is started during this period, damage to the spine can be stopped for many years.
Main treatment methods
Osteochondrosis is a degenerative disease that leads to deformation of the intervertebral discs and disruption of the biomechanics of the entire skeleton. A cure is not possible because many neurological and vertebral diseases develop simultaneously with the destruction. Therefore, therapy for osteochondrosis is symptomatic.
The treatment regimen for spinal dystrophy includes several types of medications.
What drugs are used to combat pathology? These are primarily NSAIDs in tablets and injections.
Ointments and creams for osteochondrosis of the hip joint are ineffective because the intervertebral disc is hidden behind the thickness of the muscles and the medicinal composition is unlikely to be able to penetrate so deeply.
If NSAIDs are contraindicated or do not achieve the desired effect, glucocorticosteroids are used, also in the form of paravertebral blockades. To relieve pain and inflammation, ultraphonophoresis with analgesics, magnetic therapy and UHF are prescribed. Muscle spasms are relieved with muscle relaxants.
Non-drug treatment
The most effective method of combating thoracic osteochondrosis is massage. It helps to relax tense muscles, relieve back pain and partially restore the biomechanics of the spine. You can perform the procedure yourself by purchasing a suitable massager for your home.
Traction (extension) of the spine reduces stress on damaged intervertebral discs. With this procedure, it is possible to relieve pinched nerve roots and significantly improve the patient's condition. It is noticeable that the patient feels relief after the first session.
At home, it is recommended to stretch the spine with specially selected exercises. Of course, traction works faster for osteochondrosis, but exercise therapy has a number of advantages: it relaxes and strengthens the back muscles, relieves the load on the intervertebral discs, improves the patient's general well-being and improves mood.
There are many interesting and effective complexes for the thoracic spine. Very good exercises that do not require sports training and are accessible to everyone. It is recommended to start training with the simplest movements and gradually increase the complexity of the exercises.
Recently, a basic complex with universal movements that restore the functionality of all body systems has become very popular. Gymnastics is well complemented by swimming in the pool and hydromassage.
Measures to aggravate osteochondrosis
Thoracic osteochondrosis is a chronic pathology and the frequency of relapses directly depends on the degree of disc damage and the patient's lifestyle.
During an exacerbation, in which there is pinching of nerve fibers, the patient needs complete rest and treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs. It is also recommended to take painkillers and vitamin and mineral complexes high in calcium and B vitamins.
When osteochondrosis relapses, folk remedies are very effective. Non-traditional treatments include various ointments and rubs made on the basis of camphor alcohol, fir, juniper and thuja essential oils.
Infusions and decoctions of medicinal herbs help to cope with a relapse. Compresses made from fresh burdock and cabbage leaves, lotions with a decoction of linden flowers, birch buds or celery root provide a good anti-inflammatory effect.
In case of acute back pain, traditional healers recommend placing mustard plasters on the area of the affected vertebrae. It is difficult to say how effective and safe this method is, but for many it really helps get rid of painful symptoms.
There are many good reviews about this method of treating exacerbations, such as acupuncture. The procedure, performed by a highly qualified specialist, perfectly relieves pain, soothes and relaxes, and stimulates the body's defenses. Helps both in the early stages of the disease and in very advanced forms.
Consequences of osteochondrosis GOP
If degenerative changes in the spine are not treated promptly, they progress quickly and lead to serious disorders in the body. The most common complications of osteochondrosis are:
- Disturbances in the activity of the gastrointestinal tract;
- Diseases of the lungs and bronchi;
- pathologies of the cardiovascular system;
- Deterioration of blood circulation in the extremities.
The development of bulges and herniations of the intervertebral discs leads to compression of nerve fibers, arteries and the spinal cord.
As a result of the deterioration in blood circulation, the patient may experience paralysis of the limbs and the functionality of the brain may deteriorate. Neurological disorders often occur: Brown-Séquard and Personage-Turner syndromes, Adamkiewicz reaction, infarction of the anterior spinal artery.
Complications of osteochondrosis of GOP include VSD (complex of vegetative-vascular disorders).
Why is this type of osteochondrosis dangerous?
The main danger of thoracic spinal dystrophy is making an incorrect diagnosis and prescribing inappropriate treatment. As the patient takes tablets for the heart or stomach, the destruction of the intervertebral discs progresses, leading to bulges and hernias.
The danger of the disease is also great in terms of the possible development of heart disease - advanced osteochondrosis of the heart often becomes the cause of cardiac arrhythmias, cardiovascular failure and myocardial infarction.
During an acute Dorsago attack, breathing difficulties may occur. Long-term restriction of airflow leads to destructive bronchitis, asthma and lung disease. The resulting hernias lead to a deterioration in the function of the stomach, pancreas, kidneys and liver.
Women suffering from thoracic osteochondrosis are faced with a disorder of the reproductive system - they cannot conceive a child for years without even suspecting that the cause of infertility lies in spinal dystrophy. Men also suffer from breast diseases - potency decreases, muscle tone decreases, strength in the arms is lost and a possible postponement from conscription into the army is possible.
Precautions
It is not difficult to avoid problems with the spine. The main thing is to get used to daily physical activity. A little exercise early in the morning and a few active breaks during the work day bring huge benefits.
It is good to go swimming if you are overweight, be careful to lose weight, but without excessive zeal. The diet should be balanced and high in calories. Additionally, you can take chondroprotectors.
To prevent spinal diseases, it is recommended to visit a qualified masseur, do yoga or stretching.
Diploma
Even with osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, you can live to the fullest and forget about the disease for many years. The most important thing is to remember to engage in regular physical activity. As soon as we reduce activity, the body begins to age rapidly and develop all sorts of diseases, including spinal dystrophy. With this knowledge, it is not difficult to prevent pathologies or slow down the destruction that has already begun.