Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine (TOP) is a dystrophic (destructive) degenerative change in the functioning and condition of intervertebral fibrocartilaginous formations (discs).
This disease, despite its high prevalence, is characterized by the difficulty of detecting at the initial stage of development, since its symptoms are similar to gastrointestinal diseases (peptic ulcer, gastritis, gastrological syndrome in colitis), angina pectoris and sometimes myocardial infarction.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is very difficult to diagnose.
Less commonly, this disease is "disguised" as renal colic with cholecystitis or appendicitis. That is why it is necessary to know the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine in order to correctly diagnose it and start treatment on time.
How does osteochondrosis GOP develop?
In the human spine (more precisely, in the spine) there are from 33 to 35 vertebrae, which are connected by elastic discs, consisting of the connective tissue and the nucleus.
So, with the development of the disease (it is about 12 vertebrae), the connective tissues around the intervertebral discs first of all deform, as a result of which their elasticity decreases.
As a result, the discs lose their inherent strength and elasticity, which over time leads to one of two scenarios:
- cracking of the discs, as a result of which intervertebral hernias appear;
- spinal deformity + damage to individual vertebrae of the spine.
The second scenario is a consequence of the growth of bone growths along the edges of the spine, their deformation and thinning.
There are 4 degrees of deformation in osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine:
- Reduced elasticity and height of the discs, protrusions may appear.
- Osteochondrosis of the 2nd degree of the thoracic spine is characterized by a further decrease in the elasticity and height of the discs, instability of the GOP. As a result, the appearance of neurological symptoms or hernias.
- Formation of an intervertebral hernia.
- The discs lose their shock absorbing properties. The vertebrae, approaching, almost completely lose mobility.
Causes of the disease
The main reason for the development of this disease is considered to be aging, because according to statistics, the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region are found, as a rule, in people over the age of 35. What contributes to the deterioration of metabolism, the "accumulation" of injuries and general wear and tear of the spine.
In other words, the older the patient, the greater the likelihood of detecting signs of thoracic osteochondrosis in him.
But in fairness, it should be noted that recently more and more patients between the ages of 19 and 30 are turning to neurologists with chest pains, which are increasingly being diagnosed as symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis. Doctors explain these dynamics with poor fitness, poor nutrition, curvature of the spine, and flat feet. These violations are typical for people living in an urban environment with "office" work.
Common causes of thoracic osteochondrosis development:
- spinal injury;
- genetic predisposition;
- immobility;
- overweight and smoking (metabolic disorders);
- prolonged exposure to the spine of incorrect postures;
- excessive loads;
- incorrect and poor nutrition (lack of fluids and trace elements);
- overload of the spine due to various diseases or wearing uncomfortable shoes;
- stressful situations, nervous tension;
- violation of posture;
- diseases that lead to metabolic disorders.
Symptoms and signs of chest chondrosis
As already noted, the sensations in thoracic osteochondrosis (symptoms) very often resemble other diseases, as they are less pronounced than in other types of this disease.
That is why it is very important not to engage in self-diagnosis, but to consult a qualified doctor in case of prolonged, periodic or "causeless" pain in the thoracic spine.
GOP osteochondrosis symptoms:
- pain between the shoulder blades when bending or lifting the arm or arms;
- pain between the ribs when walking;
- with thoracic osteochondrosis, it is difficult to breathe with increased pain during a deep breath or an exhalation;
- feeling as if the back and chest are being squeezed by a circle.
Chest pain in thoracic osteochondrosis appears:
- after or during a long stay in one position;
- slopes;
- physical activity;
- turns;
- in the night.
Additional (special) symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis, which can be masked as other diseases, especially in women:
- ringing and noise in the ears;
- frequent headaches;
- hoarseness and hoarseness;
- drops in blood pressure;
- numbness of the limbs;
- burning sensation in the chest, similar in sensations to heart pain in a heart attack, angina pectoris or pathology of the mammary glands;
- in old age, frequent loss of consciousness;
- attacks of shortness of breath;
- constant tension of the neck muscles;
- frequent hiccups.
It is worth noting that in women the symptoms of osteochondrosis of GOP are more pronounced, as their vertebrae are smaller and the connective tissue is thinner.
It is important to clarify that, contrary to popular belief, with osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, the body temperature does not rise precisely due to this disease. However, it can increase due to inflammatory processes caused by osteochondrosis of the GOP.
Characteristics of pain
With osteochondrosis, pain in the sternum manifests itself as:
- Back pain - mild, nagging and dull pain in the area of damaged discs, which gradually increase and last up to 2-3 weeks;
- Dorsago is a sharp, sharp, sharp pain during an attack of thoracic osteochondrosis, which is also called "thoracic back pain".
Diagnosis
Since osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is less common than other types of this disease and its symptoms are typical of other disorders, establishing the correct diagnosis sometimes takes a long time (trial and error). And only after excluding the most obvious options, doctors turn their attention to the symptoms of osteochondrosis.
Therefore, experts recommend contacting medical institutions specializing in problems with the musculoskeletal system in case of the manifestation of characteristic painful sensations.
The diagnostic process itself takes place in 2 stages:
- Establishment of primary diagnosis: examination and questioning of the patient. As a rule, this is done by a neurologist. Using a special technique, she examines the spine in various positions, states of rest and movement, paying attention to the structure of the body, posture and the line of acute processes. After identifying the signs of osteochondrosis of the GOP, a more detailed examination (finger) of the damaged area is carried out to determine the location and degree of the disease.
- Also, after the initial diagnosis, the patient is sent for a basic and more thorough examination of the thoracic spine: X-ray, CT and MRI.
How is osteochondrosis GOP treated?
Treatment is almost always carried out by conservative methods aimed at preventing the development of the disease, eliminating pain, restoring the functions of the spine.
If that doesn't work, then surgery should be done.
Conservative treatment includes:
- Physiotherapy;
- special diet;
- therapeutic block;
- massage;
- pharmacological therapy;
- manual technique;
- spinal traction;
- reflexology;
- physiotherapy exercises (LFK).
Prevention
Methods for preventing the onset of osteochondrosis GOP are very simple:
- prevent hypothermia of the spine;
- avoid excessive loads;
- frequent changes of posture during "the office", sedentary work and breaks every hour for 5-10 minutes;
- morning workout.