Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine (TOP) is a degenerative-dystrophic (destructive) change in the functioning and condition of intervertebral fibrocartilaginous formations (discs).
This disease, despite its high prevalence, is characterized by the difficulty of detection at the initial stage of development, since its symptoms are similar to gastrointestinal diseases (peptic ulcer, gastritis, gastrointestinal syndrome in colitis), angina ofchest and sometimes myocardial infarction.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is very difficult to diagnose.
More rarely, 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 diagnose it correctly and start treatment in time.
How does GOP osteochondrosis develop?
In the human spine (more precisely in the column) there are 33-35 vertebrae, which are connected by elastic discs, 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 first of all become deformed, which decreases their elasticity.
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;
- deformation of the spine + damage to individual vertebrae of the spine.
The second scenario is a consequence of the growth of bony growths along the edges of the spine, their deformation and thinning.
There are 4 degrees of deformity in osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine:
- Reduced elasticity and height of 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 their mobility.
Causes of disease
The main reason for the development of this disease is considered to be aging, because according to statistics, symptoms of osteochondrosis of the chest region are usually found in people over 35 years old. Which contributes to the deterioration of the metabolism, the "accumulation" of injuries and general wear and tear on the spine.
In other words, the older the patient, the higher the probability of detecting signs of thoracic osteochondrosis in him.
But to be fair, it should be noted that recently more and more patients aged 19-30 are turning to neurologists with chest pain, which is increasingly being diagnosed as a symptom of chest osteochondrosis. Doctors explain such dynamics with poor physical condition, poor nutrition, curvature of the spine and flat feet. These violations are typical for people living in urban settings with "desk" jobs.
Common causes of development of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- Spinal injury;
- genetic predisposition;
- immobility;
- overweight and smoking (metabolic disorders);
- prolonged exposure to the spine from incorrect postures;
- excessive loads;
- poor diet (lack of fluid and trace elements);
- overload of the spine due to various diseases or wearing uncomfortable shoes;
- stressful situations, nervous tension;
- violation of posture;
- diseases leading to metabolic disorders.
Symptoms and signs of chondrosis of the chest
As already noted, sensations in thoracic osteochondrosis (symptoms) very often resemble other diseases, as they are less pronounced compared to other types of this disease.
That is why it is very important not to self-diagnose, but to consult a qualified doctor in case of prolonged, periodic or "causeless" pain in the thoracic spine.
Symptoms of GOP osteochondrosis:
- pain between the shoulder blades when bending or raising the arm(s) upwards;
- pain between the ribs when walking;
- with thoracic osteochondrosis, it is difficult to breathe with increased pain when taking a deep breath or exhaling;
- feeling as if the back and chest were squeezed by a hoop.
Chest pains in thoracic osteochondrosis appear:
- after or during a long stay in a post;
- slopes;
- physical activity;
- turns;
- in the night.
Additional (special) symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis, which can be masked like other diseases, especially in women:
- ringing and noise in the ears;
- frequent headaches;
- hoarseness and hoarseness;
- drop in blood pressure;
- numbness of limbs;
- burning sensation in the chest, similar to the sensations of heart pain during 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 should be noted that in women, the symptoms of GOP osteochondrosis 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, body temperature does not rise precisely because of this disease. However, it can increase due to inflammatory processes caused by GOP osteochondrosis.
Characteristics of pain
With osteochondrosis, pain in the sternum is manifested by:
- Back pain - mild, throbbing, tedious pain in the area of damaged discs, which gradually increases and lasts up to 2-3 weeks;
- Dorsago is a sharp, sharp, sharp pain in an attack of thoracic osteochondrosis, also called "thoracic back pain".
Diagnostic
Since osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is less common than other types of this disease, and its symptoms are typical for other conditions, 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 of the musculoskeletal system in the event of the manifestation of characteristic painful 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 motion, paying attention to body structure, posture and the line of sharp processes. After identifying the signs of GOP osteochondrosis, a more detailed (finger) examination of the damaged area is performed to determine the location and degree of the disease.
- In addition, after the initial diagnosis, the patient is sent for a basic and more in-depth examination of the thoracic spine: X-ray, CT scan and MRI.
How is GOP osteochondrosis 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 this does not work, surgery must be performed.
Conservative treatment includes:
- physiotherapy;
- special diet;
- therapeutic blockade;
- massage;
- pharmacotherapy;
- manual technique;
- spinal traction;
- reflexology;
- physiotherapy exercises (LFK).
Prevention
Methods of preventing the appearance of GOP osteochondrosis are very simple:
- prevent spinal hypothermia;
- avoid excessive loads;
- frequent change of posture during the "office", sedentary work and hourly breaks for 5-10 minutes;
- morning workout.