Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine (TOP) is a dystrophic (destructive) degenerative change in the function and condition of intervertebral fibrocartilaginous formations (discs).
Despite its high prevalence, this disease is difficult to detect in the initial stages of development, since its symptoms are similar to gastrointestinal diseases (peptic ulcer, gastritis, gastritis in colitis), angina pectoris, and sometimes myocardial infarction.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is very difficult to diagnose.
Less often, this disease is "disguised" as renal colic with inflammation of the gallbladder or appendicitis. That is why you need to know the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine in order to correctly diagnose and start treatment in time.
How does osteochondrosis GOP develop?
In the human spine (more precisely, the column) there are 33-35 vertebrae, which are connected by elastic discs, which are composed of connective tissue and nucleus.
So, with the development of the disease (this is about 12 vertebrae), primarily the connective tissues around the intervertebral discs are deformed, due to which their flexibility decreases.
As a result, the discs lose their inherent strength and elasticity, leading to one of two scenarios over time:
- rupture of the discs, as a result of which intervertebral hernias appear;
- spinal deformity + damage to some vertebrae in the spinal column.
The second scenario is the consequence of bone growths along the edges of the spine, their deformation and thinning.
In osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, there are 4 degrees of deformation:
- The flexibility and height of the discs is reduced, protrusions may appear.
- Second-degree 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 hernia.
- Formation of intervertebral hernia.
- The plates lose their shock-absorbing properties. The vertebrae almost completely lose their mobility as they approach.
Causes of the disease
The main reason for the development of the disease is aging, since according to statistics, the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the chest region usually occur 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 is, the more likely it is that signs of thoracic osteochondrosis will be detected.
But to be fair, it should be noted that recently more and more patients aged 19-30 are turning to neurologists with chest pains, which are increasingly being 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 of people working in an "office" environment in an urban environment.
Common causes of the development of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- spinal cord injury;
- genetic predisposition;
- immobility;
- overweight and smoking (metabolic disorders);
- prolonged exposure due to incorrect posture of the spine;
- excessive loads;
- improper, poor nutrition (lack of fluid and trace elements);
- overloading of the spine due to various diseases or wearing uncomfortable shoes;
- stressful situations, nervous strain;
- violation of posture;
- diseases leading to metabolic disorders.
Symptoms and signs of thoracic chondrosis
As already mentioned, the sensations (symptoms) of thoracic osteochondrosis are very often similar to other diseases, as they are less pronounced compared to other types of the disease.
That is why it is very important not to engage in self-diagnosis in the case of prolonged, intermittent or "unexplained" pain in the thoracic spine, but to consult a qualified doctor.
GOP symptoms of osteochondrosis:
- pain between the shoulder blades when you bend down or raise your arm(s);
- pain between the ribs when walking;
- in case of thoracic osteochondrosis, it is difficult to breathe with increased pain during deep breathing or exhalation;
- feeling as if the back and chest were squeezed by a hoop.
Chest pain in thoracic osteochondrosis:
- after or during a long stay in one position;
- slopes;
- physical activity;
- revolutions;
- at night time.
Additional (special) symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis, which can be disguised as other diseases, especially in women:
- ringing and noise in the ears;
- frequent headaches;
- hoarseness and hoarseness;
- drop in blood pressure;
- numbness of the limbs;
- a burning sensation in the chest, which is similar to heart pain in a heart attack, angina pectoris or pathology of the mammary glands;
- frequent loss of consciousness in old age;
- attacks 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
In case of osteochondrosis, pain in the sternum is manifested as follows:
- Dorsalgia - mild, annoying, dull pain in the area of damaged discs, which gradually increases and lasts for 2-3 weeks;
- Dorsago is a strong, sharp, acute pain during an attack of thoracic osteochondrosis, which is also called "thoracic back pain".
Diagnosis
Since osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is less common than other types of the disease, and its symptoms are typical of other diseases, it sometimes takes a long time (trial and error) to establish the correct diagnosis. And only after ruling out the most obvious possibilities, doctors turn their attention to the symptoms of osteochondrosis.
Therefore, experts recommend that you contact healthcare institutions specializing in problems related to the locomotor system in the event of characteristic pain sensations.
The diagnostic process itself consists of 2 stages:
- Establishing the primary diagnosis: examination and questioning of the patient. This is usually done by a neurologist. Using a special technique, he examines the spine in different body positions, in states of rest and movement, paying attention to the structure of the body, posture, and the line of sharp processes. After identifying the signs of osteochondrosis of the GOP, a more detailed examination of the damaged area (finger) is carried out to determine the location and extent of the disease.
- Further, after the initial diagnosis, the patient is sent for a more thorough and detailed examination of the thoracic spine: X-ray, CT and MRI.
How is osteochondrosis GOP treated?
The treatment is almost always carried out with conservative methods, the aim of which is to prevent the development of the disease, eliminate pain, and restore the functions of the spine.
If that doesn't work, surgery is needed.
Conservative treatment includes:
- physiotherapy;
- special diet;
- therapeutic blockade;
- massage;
- drug therapy;
- manual technique;
- spinal traction;
- reflexology;
- physiotherapy exercises (LFK).
Prevention
Methods to prevent the occurrence of GOP osteochondrosis are very simple:
- prevents hypothermia of the spine;
- avoid excessive strain;
- frequent posture changes in the "office", sedentary work and hourly breaks of 5-10 minutes;
- morning workout.