Osteochondrosisis a disease of modern society.
Hypodynamic, inadequate nutrition leads to pathological changes in the spine.
Thoracic osteochondrosis is much less common than cervical and lumbar.
This is due to the less mobility of this part of the column.
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 spine. The disease affects both sexes between the ages of 25 and 50. The insidious thing about the disease is that the symptoms are "disguised" as signs of other diseases (cardiovascular or gastric), so thoracic osteochondrosis is diagnosed too late.
Disease development algorithm:
- Under the influence of unfavorable factors, the nucleus of the vertebral disc becomes thinner and flatter.
- Adjacent vertebrae move closer to each other, a focus of inflammation arises between them.
- The joint capsules are stretched, the mobility of the spine decreases.
- The spinal nerve roots are pinched.
- The spinal cord is compressed.
- The bone tissue of the vertebrae grows, bone processes (osteophytes) appear.
Four stages of the disease are distinguished according to the degree of vertebral injury:
| Stage 1 | Changes in the vertebrae are not expressed, no bright symptoms. At this stage, the treatment gives a good effect: it is possible to restore damaged tissue. |
| Stage 2 | This stage is characterized by the appearance of microcracks in the vertebrae, reduced mobility. The vertebrae begin to move with each other. Treatment requires a lot of effort and time. |
| Stage 3 | The spinal discs become thinner to the point that bulges and hernias appear. Mobility is reduced to a minimum. At this stage, the nerves are pinched, the work of the internal organs is interrupted. Failure to start treatment will lead to disability. |
| Stage 4 | There is a complete thinning of the discs, the function of the spine is affected, the process of destruction of bone tissue is underway. The neurological symptoms are pronounced. |
Thoracic osteochondrosis has a wavy character, that is, the periods of remission and exacerbation alternate.
Reasons
So farthe exact causes of the disease have not been established. In medicine, there are many theories on this subject, but none of them give a precise explanation of why the process of degeneration of the spinal cartilage begins. The main "culprit" is walking upright.
Provocative factors are considered:
- Inheritance.
- Congenital malformations of the spine.
- Infectious diseases.
- Obesity.
- Hypodynamics.
- Long stay in one position.
- Unbalanced diet, lacking vitamins and minerals.
- Back injuries.
- Age-related changes.
- Intense physical activity (sports or work-related).
- Flat feet.
- Pregnancy.
- Prolonged stress.
- Smoking.
Consequences
If left untreated, the consequences of osteochondrosis can be catastrophic.Degenerative changes cause the appearance of a spinal hernia. Compression of the nervesleads to loss of sensation in the extremities. The most serious complication is paralysis of the arms or legs.
In addition,the work of all internal organs and systems is interrupted: 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 interrupted. 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 she is joined by a dull ache in her back. The rest of the manifestations can be similar to the signs of other diseases, for this reason, thoracic osteochondrosis is called "chameleon".
The main symptoms of the disease are:
- "goose bumps";
- chest pain;
- shooting pain between shoulder blades, especially when turning the body;
- dizziness;
- fainting;
- oppressive pain in the region of the heart;
- swelling of the hands and feet;
- feeling of numbness in the hands;
- indigestion;
- decreased sexual function;
- acute pain of short duration in the area of the ribs;
- fatigue, decreased performance;
- general malaise.
Diagnosis
A doctor can make a diagnosis by performing a comprehensive exam.
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.
Instrumental and laboratory 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 spine. It allows you to detect the deformation of the discs, the displacement of the vertebrae, the presence of a hernia.
- MRI. With the help of layer-by-layer imaging, the degree of degenerative changes in the spine is specified.
- Myelography. This is an X-ray exam of the spine with contrast. It allows you to assess the state of blood flow in the vessels of the spine.
Treatment
Treatment of the disease is done on an outpatient basis. To do 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 bed rest. With severe pain syndrome, a novocaine block is performed. At the same time, droppers are placed with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Methods of treating osteochondrosis
Medications include the following medications:
| Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs | Depending on the severity, the products can be injected, pills or ointments. |
| Painkillers | - |
| Muscle relaxants | Use if there are spasms of the back muscles. |
| Chondroprotectors | Restore cartilage tissue. |
| Diuretics | Reduces edema. |
| Group B vitamins | For general strengthening of the muscles of the back, spine and central nervous system |
In 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.
Physiotherapyis prescribed in the remission stage, performed under the supervision of a specialist. The exercises are aimed at strengthening the muscular corset, increasing the mobility of the spine and relieving compression of the nerve roots. Improves the metabolism of the patient.
Physiotherapyhas a good therapeutic effect, especially in stages 1-2. It is recommended to take 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, the nutrition of 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 disc space using special equipment. In any case, this method should be used with caution.
AcupunctureThe impact on the active points not only relieves pain, but also balances the psyche of the patient.
Following a special dietIt involves a decrease in the diet of animal fats, an increase in the amount of plant foods. Nutrition must be balanced to provide the body with vitamins and minerals.
The effect of the 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 injury.It is impossible to completely cure the disease in 2-4 stages. Properly selected therapy can only relieve inflammation and stop the progression of the disease. With proper treatment the remission stage is reached, which must be maintained with preventive methods.
The prevention of osteochondrosis is:
- maintain a healthy lifestyle;
- observance of proper nutrition;
- exclusion of excessive physical effort;
- avoid 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 “rejuvenates” every year. Due to the reduced mobility of this column in the initial stage, the disease does not manifest itself.
The 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 an appropriate 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 disturbed and the quality of life deteriorates significantly.
Negative consequences can be avoided with the help of correctly selected therapy and adherence to preventive measures.