Osteochondrosisis a disease of modern society.
Hypodynamia, malnutrition lead to pathological changes in the spine.
Thoracic osteochondrosis is much less common than cervical and lumbar.
This is due to the lower mobility of this part of the spine.
According to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD 10), the disease has the code M42.
Nature of the pathology
Chest osteochondrosis is a dystrophic change in the cartilage and bone tissue of the spine. The disease affects both sexes between the ages of 25 and 50. The insidiousness of the disease is that the symptoms are "hidden" as signs of other diseases (cardiovascular or gastric), so that osteochondrosis in the chest is diagnosed too late.
Algorithm of disease development:
- Under the influence of adverse factors, the nucleus of the spinal disc becomes thinner and flattened.
- The adjacent vertebrae approach each other, an outbreak of inflammation occurs between them.
- The joint capsules stretch, the mobility of the spine decreases.
- The roots of the spinal nerve are compressed.
- The spinal cord is compressed.
- The bone tissue of the vertebrae grows, bone processes (osteophytes) appear.
There are four stages of the disease depending on the degree of spinal lesions:
| Step 1 | The changes in the vertebrae are not pronounced, there are no bright symptoms. At this stage, the treatment gives a good effect: it is possible to repair the damaged tissue. |
| Stage 2 | This stage is characterized by the appearance of microcracks in the vertebrae, impaired mobility. The vertebrae begin to shift relative to each other. The treatment takes a lot of effort and time. |
| Step 3 | Spinal discs become so thin that bulges and hernias appear. Mobility is reduced to a minimum. At this stage, the nerves are compressed, the work of internal organs is disrupted. Failure to start treatment will result in injury. |
| Step 4 | There is a complete thinning of the discs, dysfunction of the spine, the process of destruction of bone tissue. The neurological symptoms are pronounced. |
Thoracic osteochondrosis has a wavy character, ie the periods of remission and exacerbation alternate.
Causes
To date,the exact causes of the disease have not been established. There are many theories in medicine on this subject, but none of them gives an exact explanation of why the process of spinal cartilage degeneration begins. The main "culprit" is identified upright walking.
Provoking factors are considered:
- Heredity.
- Congenital malformations of the spine.
- Infectious diseases.
- Obesity.
- Hypodynamics.
- Long stay in one position.
- An unbalanced diet that lacks vitamins and minerals.
- Back injuries.
- Age-related changes.
- Great physical activity (during sports or work).
- Flat legs.
- Pregnancy.
- Prolonged stress.
- Smoking.
Consequences
Left untreated, the consequences of osteochondrosis can be catastrophic.Degenerative changes provoke a spinal hernia. Nerve compressionresults in loss of sensation in the limbs. The most serious complication is paralysis of the arms or legs.
In addition,disrupts the work of all internal organs and systems: cardiovascular, urinary, digestive. The patient develops vegetative-vascular dystonia. The fact is that the spinal vessels are compressed, the oxygen supply to the brain is disrupted. The patient experiences constant headaches, panic attacks, sleep disorders. Intercostal neuralgia is also a consequence of osteochondrosis.
Symptoms
The first symptom of the disease isfeeling of tension in the muscles of the back. Then it is joined by dull back pain. Other manifestations may be similar to the symptoms of other diseases, which is why degenerative disc disease of the chest is called "chameleon".
The main symptoms of the disease are:
- "goosebumps";
- chest pain;
- shooting pain between the shoulder blades, especially when turning the body;
- dizziness;
- seizure;
- pressing pain in the heart area;
- swelling of the arms and legs;
- tingling sensation in the hands;
- indigestion;
- decreased sexual function;
- short-term acute pain in the ribs;
- fatigue, decreased productivity;
- general malaise.
Diagnostics
The doctor can make a diagnosis by performing a thorough examination.
It is important to distinguish osteochondrosis from other diseases of the skeletal system, such as:
- rheumatoid arthritis;
- osteomyelitis;
- spondylopathy.
It is also important to rule out diseases of the internal organs:
- ischemia;
- heart attack;
- gastritis;
- stomach ulcer;
- pancreatitis;
- kidney stones;
- pyelonephritis;
- tumors.
Laboratory and instrumental methods are used for diagnosis:
- Blood test. There is a slight increase in white blood cells and ESR.
- Blood test for electrolytes. In osteochondrosis, serum calcium levels are reduced.
- General urinalysis.
- Biochemistry of the blood.
- X-ray of the spine. Allows you to detect deformity of the discs, displacement of the vertebrae, the presence of hernias.
- NMR. The degree of degenerative changes in the spine is specified with the help of layered images.
- Myelography. This is an X-ray examination of the spine using contrast. Allows you to assess the state of blood flow in the vessels of the spine.
Treatment
The treatment of the disease is performed on an outpatient basis. Conservative methods are used for this.Therapy focuses on:
- pain relief;
- reduction of inflammation;
- removal of compression of nerve endings;
- cartilage tissue repair.
If the patient is in severe pain, it is necessary to provide him with bed rest. In severe pain syndrome, novocaine blockade is performed. At the same time, the droppers are placed with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Methods for the treatment of osteochondrosis
This medicine includes the following medicines:
| Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs | Depending on the severity, the products can be injected, pills or ointments. |
| Painkillers | - |
| Muscle relaxants | Use if there is a spasm of the back muscles. |
| Chondroprotectors | Cartilage tissue repair. |
| Diuretics | Reduce swelling. |
| B vitamins | For general strengthening of the muscles of the back, spine and central nervous system |
In stages 3 and 4 of the disease, the therapy is more serious. Hormonal drugs are prescribed.
Massageincreases the tone of the back muscles, relieves pain.The following types of massage are used:
- classic;
- dotted;
- canned food.
Physiotherapyis prescribed in the stage of remission, carried out under the supervision of a specialist. The exercises are aimed at strengthening the muscular corset, increasing the mobility of the spine and relieving the compression of the nerve roots. The patient's metabolism improves.
Physiotherapyhas a good therapeutic effect, especially in 1-2 stages. It is recommended to conduct several courses a year to prevent exacerbations. They use magnetic therapy, laser exposure, ultrasound, electrophoresis.
Manual therapyis an indispensable method for the treatment of osteochondrosis. The blood circulation is restored, the nutrition of the spinal tissues is improved. The qualification of a specialist is of great importance.
Spinal tractionis a controversial method. Some doctors believe that this, on the contrary, worsens the patient's condition. The essence of adhesion is to increase the intervertebral space with the help of special equipment. In any case, this method should be used with caution.
Acupuncture. The impact on the active points not only relieves the pain, but also balances the patient's psyche.
After a special diet. Adopts reducing the diet with animal fats, increasing the amount of plant foods. Nutrition must be balanced to provide the body with vitamins and minerals.
The effect of the therapy is achieved by combining several treatments. Surgical treatment is extremely rare if there is no effect of conservative treatment.
Prognosis and prevention
The prognosis of the disease depends on the degree of spinal cord injury.It is impossible to completely cure the disease in 2-4 stages. Properly selected therapy can only relieve inflammation and stop the progression of the disease. With proper treatment, a stage of remission is reached, which must be maintained by preventive methods.
Osteochondrosis prevention is:
- maintaining a healthy lifestyle;
- adherence to proper nutrition;
- excluding excessive physical activity;
- avoid being in one position for a long time;
- weight loss;
- timely treatment of infectious diseases.
Conclusion
Osteochondrosis of the chestis a serious disease that "rejuvenates" every year. Due to the slightest mobility of this spine in the initial stage the disease does not manifest itself.
The symptoms are not specific, so there are suspicions of other pathologies of the internal organs. It is important to make a differential diagnosis in order to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe adequate treatment.
The disease is treated using conservative methodsused in combination. Surgery is extremely rare if serious complications occur. In the absence of proper treatment, the patient's internal organs are damaged and the quality of life deteriorates significantly.
Adverse effects can be avoided with the help of properly selected therapy and observance of preventive measures.