Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine (TOP) is a dystrophic (destructive) degenerative change in the function and condition of the intervertebral fibrocartilaginous formations (discs).
This disease, despite its high prevalence, is characterized by the difficulty of detection in 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 often, this disease "disguises" 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 GOP osteochondrosis develop?
In the human spine (more precisely, in the spine) there are 33-35 vertebrae, which are connected by elastic discs, consisting of connective tissue and the core.
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, 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 in 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, bulges may appear.
- Osteochondrosis of the second 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 consequence, the appearance of neurological symptoms or hernias.
- Formation of an intervertebral hernia.
- Discs lose cushioning 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, symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region are found, as a rule, in people older than 35 years. Which contributes to 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, the greater the probability of detecting signs of thoracic osteochondrosis in him.
But, in fairness, it should be noted that recently more and more patients aged 19-30 are coming to neurologists with chest pains, which are increasingly diagnosed as symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis. Doctors explain this dynamic with poor fitness, poor nutrition, a curved spine, and flat feet. These violations are typical of people living in an urban environment with "office" work.
Common causes of the development of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- spinal injury;
- genetic predisposition;
- immobility;
- overweight and smoking (metabolic disorders);
- prolonged exposure to the spine from incorrect postures;
- excessive loads;
- incorrect and poor nutrition (lack of fluids and trace elements);
- spinal overload due to various diseases or wearing uncomfortable shoes;
- stressful situations, nervous tension;
- posture violation;
- diseases that lead to metabolic disorders.
Symptoms and signs of chondrosis of the chest
As already noted, the sensations in thoracic osteochondrosis (symptoms) often resemble other diseases, since they are less pronounced compared to other types of this disease.
That is why it is very important not to make a self-diagnosis, but to consult a qualified doctor in case of prolonged, periodic or "unexplained" pain in the thoracic spine.
Symptoms of GOP osteochondrosis:
- pain between the shoulder blades when bending over or raising the arm(s);
- pain between the ribs when walking;
- with thoracic osteochondrosis, it is difficult to breathe with increased pain during a deep breath or exhalation;
- sensation as if the back and chest were squeezed by a hoop.
Chest pain in thoracic osteochondrosis appears:
- after or during a long stay in a position;
- slopes;
- physical activity;
- laps;
- at 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;
- limb numbness;
- 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;
- episodes of shortness of breath;
- constant tension of the neck muscles;
- frequent hiccups.
It is worth noting 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, the body temperature does not rise precisely because of this disease. However, it can increase due to inflammatory processes caused by GOP osteochondrosis.
Characteristics of the pain
With osteochondrosis, pain in the sternum manifests itself as:
- Dorsalgia - mild, persistent, tedious pain in the area of damaged discs, gradually increasing and lasting 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 typical of other ailments, establishing the correct diagnosis sometimes takes a lot of 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 is carried out 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, the posture and the line of acute processes. After identifying the signs of osteochondrosis of the GOP, a more detailed (finger) examination 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 comprehensive examination of the thoracic spine: X-ray, CT and MRI.
How is GOP osteochondrosis treated?
Treatment is almost always carried out through conservative methods aimed at preventing the development of the disease, eliminating pain and 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;
- physical therapy exercises (LFK).
Prevention
Methods for preventing the occurrence of GOP osteochondrosis are very simple:
- prevent hypothermia of the spine;
- avoid excessive loads;
- frequent change of posture during the "office", sedentary work and breaks every hour for 5-10 minutes;
- morning workout.