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 you need 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 column) there are from 33 to 35 vertebrae, which are connected by elastic disks, consisting of connective tissue and the nucleus.
So, with the development of the disease (this is about 12 vertebrae), the connective tissues around the intervertebral discs are deformed first of all, due to which their elasticity decreases.
As a result, 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 in the spinal column.
The second scenario is a consequence of the growth of bone outgrowths 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 occur.
- 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.
- Discs lose shock-absorbing properties. The vertebrae, approaching, almost completely lose their 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 35 years old. What contributes to the deterioration of metabolism, the "accumulation" of injuries and the general wear and tear of the spine.
In other words, the older the patient, the higher the likelihood of detecting signs of thoracic osteochondrosis in him.
But in fairness, it should be noted that recently more and more patients aged 19-30 years old are turning to neurologists with chest pains, which are increasingly diagnosed as symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis. Doctors explain such dynamics with poor physical 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 development of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- spinal injury;
- genetic predisposition;
- immobility;
- overweight and smoking (metabolic disorders);
- prolonged exposure to the spine of incorrect postures;
- excessive loads;
- incorrect, poor nutrition (lack of fluid and trace elements);
- overload of the spine due to various diseases or wearing uncomfortable shoes;
- stressful situations, nervous strain;
- violation of posture;
- diseases that lead to metabolic disorders.
Symptoms and signs of chondrosis of the chest
As already noted, the sensations in thoracic osteochondrosis (symptoms) very often resemble other diseases, since they are less pronounced in comparison with 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.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis GOP:
- pain between the shoulder blades when bending over or raising the arm(s) up;
- pain between the ribs when walking;
- with thoracic osteochondrosis, it is difficult to breathe with increased pain during a deep breath or exhalation;
- feeling as if the back and chest were squeezed by a hoop.
Chest pain in thoracic osteochondrosis appear:
- after or during a long stay in one position;
- slopes;
- physical activity;
- turns;
- in nighttime.
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 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;
- bouts of shortness of breath;
- constant tension of the neck muscles;
- frequent hiccups.
It is worth noting that in women, the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the GOP are more pronounced, since 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 because of 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:
- Dorsalgia - mild, nagging, tedious pain in the area of damaged discs, which gradually increase and last up to 2-3 weeks;
- Dorsago is a strong, sharp, acute pain during an attack of thoracic osteochondrosis, which is also called "chest backache. "
Diagnosis
Since osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is less common than other types of this disease, and its symptoms are typical for other ailments, 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 manifestation of characteristic pain sensations.
The diagnostic process itself takes place in 2 stages:
- Establishment of the primary diagnosis: examination and questioning of the patient. As a rule, this is done by a neurologist. Using a special technique, he examines the spine in various postures, states of rest and movement, paying attention to the structure of the body, posture and the line of sharp processes. After identifying 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.
- Further, 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 through 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 blockade;
- massage;
- drug therapy;
- manual technique;
- spinal traction;
- reflexology;
- physiotherapy exercises (LFK).
Prevention
Methods for preventing the occurrence of osteochondrosis GOP are very simple:
- prevent hypothermia of the spine;
- avoid excessive loads;
- frequent change of posture during "office", sedentary work and breaks every hour for 5-10 minutes;
- morning work-out.