Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine (TOP) is a dystrophic (destructive) degenerative change in the work and condition of the intervertebral fibrocartilaginous joints (discs).
This disease, despite its high prevalence, is characterized by the difficulty of detecting it in the initial stage of development, because its symptoms are similar to gastrointestinal diseases (gastric syndrome during gastric ulcer, gastritis, colitis), angina pectoris, and sometimes myocardial infarction.
It is very difficult to diagnose osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.
Less commonly, this disease is "masked" 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 in time.
How does osteochondrosis GOP develop?
The human spine (more precisely, the column) has 33 to 35 vertebrae connected by elastic discs consisting of connective tissue and a nucleus.
Thus, with the development of the disease (this is about 12 vertebrae), first of all, the connective tissues around the intervertebral discs are deformed, so their elasticity decreases.
As a result, the discs lose their strength and elasticity, leading to one of two scenarios over time:
- disc cracking, as a result of which intervertebral tears appear;
- deformation of the spine + damage to individual vertebrae in the spine.
The second scenario is the result of the growth of bony protrusions along the edges of the spine, their deformation and thinning.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine has 4 degrees of deformation:
- A decrease in the flexibility and height of the discs, protrusions may appear.
- Grade 2 osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is characterized by a further decrease in the flexibility and height of the discs, instability of the GOP. As a result, the appearance of neurological symptoms or hernias.
- Formation of intervertebral hernia.
- Discs lose their shock absorbing properties. The approaching vertebra almost completely loses its mobility.
Causes of the disease
Aging is considered the main reason for the development of this disease, because according to statistics, signs of osteochondrosis of the breast are usually found in people over 35 years old. What causes the deterioration of the metabolism, the "accumulation" of injuries and the general wear and tear of the spine.
In other words, the older the patient is, the more likely it is to detect symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis.
However, for the sake of fairness, it should be noted that recently patients aged 19-30 are increasingly turning to neurologists with chest pain 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 urban environments with "office" jobs.
Common reasons for the development of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- spinal cord injury;
- genetic predisposition;
- immobility;
- overweight and smoking (metabolic disorders);
- long exposure to the spine of incorrect postures;
- overload;
- incorrect, poor nutrition (lack of liquid and trace elements);
- overloading of the spine due to various diseases or wearing uncomfortable shoes;
- stressful situations, nervous tension;
- violation of posture;
- diseases that cause metabolic disorders.
Symptoms and signs of thoracic chondrosis
As already mentioned, sensations (symptoms) in thoracic osteochondrosis are often similar to other diseases, because they are less expressed than in other types of this disease.
Therefore, it is very important not to self-diagnose, to consult a qualified doctor in case of long-term, periodic or "unexplained" pain in the thoracic spine.
Symptoms of GOP osteochondrosis:
- pain between shoulder blades when bending over or raising arm(s);
- pain between the ribs when walking;
- with thoracic osteochondrosis, it is difficult to breathe with increasing pain during deep breathing or exhalation;
- feeling that the back and chest are pressed by the ring.
Chest pain appears in thoracic osteochondrosis:
- after or during a long stay in one position;
- slopes;
- physical activity;
- queues;
- night time.
Additional (specific) symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis, which can be masked as other diseases, especially in women:
- ringing and noise in the ears;
- frequent headache;
- noise and noise;
- decrease in blood pressure;
- numbness of limbs;
- burning sensation in the chest, heart attack, heartache-like sensations in angina pectoris or pathology of the mammary glands;
- in old age, frequent loss of consciousness;
- shortness of breath;
- constant tension of neck muscles;
- frequent hiccups.
It should be noted that the symptoms of GOP osteochondrosis are more obvious in women, because their vertebrae are smaller and the connective tissue is thinner.
Contrary to popular belief, it is important to clarify that with osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, the body temperature does not rise precisely because of this disease. However, GOP may increase due to inflammatory processes caused by osteochondrosis.
Characteristics of pain
Pain in the sternum with osteochondrosis is manifested by:
- Dorsalgia - light, nagging, tiring pain in the area of the damaged discs that gradually increases and lasts up to 2-3 weeks;
- Dorsago is a strong, sharp, sharp pain during an attack of thoracic osteochondrosis, which is also called "chest back pain".
Diagnosis
Since osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is less common than other types of this disease, and its symptoms are characteristic of other diseases, it sometimes takes a long time (trial and error) to make the correct diagnosis. And only after excluding the most obvious options, doctors turn their attention to the symptoms of osteochondrosis.
Therefore, experts advise to refer to medical institutions specialized in problems related to the musculoskeletal system in case of the manifestation of characteristic pain sensations.
The diagnostic process itself takes place in 2 stages:
- Establishing the initial 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, resting and moving states, paying attention to the structure of the body, posture and the line of acute processes. After determining the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the GOP, a more detailed examination of the damaged area (finger) is performed to determine the location and extent of the disease.
- In addition, after the initial diagnosis, the patient is sent for a basic and comprehensive 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, relieving pain, and restoring the functions of the spine.
If this does not help, surgery should be performed.
Conservative treatment includes:
- physiotherapy;
- special diet;
- therapeutic blockade;
- massage;
- drug treatment;
- manual techniques;
- stretching of the spine;
- reflexology;
- physiotherapy exercises (LFK).
Prevention
The methods of preventing GOP osteochondrosis are very simple:
- prevent hypothermia of the spine;
- avoid overloads;
- "office", frequent posture changes and 5-10 minute breaks during sedentary work;
- morning exercise.