Thoracic osteochondrosis (TOP) is a dystrophic (destructive) degenerative change in the functioning and condition of the intervertebral fibrocartilaginous formations (discs).
This disease, despite its wide distribution, is characterized by difficulty in detection in the initial stage of development, since its symptoms are similar to gastrointestinal diseases (peptic ulcer, gastritis, gastrologic syndrome in colitis), angina pectoris and sometimes myocardial infarction.
Osteochondrosis of the chest is very difficult to diagnose.
Less often, this disease is "masked" as renal colic with cholecystitis or appendicitis. That is why you need to know the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the chest in order to diagnose it correctly and start treatment in time.
How does osteochondrosis GOP develop?
In the human spine (more precisely in the column) there are from 33 to 35 vertebrae, which are connected by elastic discs consisting of connective tissue and a nucleus.
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 chest:
- Reduced elasticity and height of the discs, protrusions may appear.
- Osteochondrosis of the 2nd degree of the chest 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 hernia.
- Formation of intervertebral hernia.
- Discs lose shock-absorbing 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, the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region occur, as a rule, in people over 35 years old. What 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 is, the greater the probability that signs of thoracic osteochondrosis will be detected in him.
But in truth, 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 training, improper nutrition, curvature of the spine and flat feet. These disorders are characteristic of people living in an urban environment with "office" work.
Common reasons for the development of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- spinal cord injury;
- genetic predisposition;
- immobility;
- overweight and smoking (metabolic disorders);
- prolonged exposure of the spine to incorrect postures;
- excessive loads;
- improper, poor nutrition (lack of fluids and trace elements);
- overloading of the spine due to various diseases or wearing uncomfortable shoes;
- stressful situations, nervous tension;
- posture disorder;
- diseases that lead to metabolic disorders.
Symptoms and signs of chondrosis of the chest
As already noted, sensations in thoracic osteochondrosis (symptoms) very 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 engage in self-diagnosis, but to consult a qualified doctor in case of prolonged, periodic or "unexplained" pain in the chest.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis GOP:
- pain between the shoulder blades when bending down or raising the arm(s) up;
- pain between ribs when walking;
- with thoracic osteochondrosis, it is difficult to breathe with increased pain during deep inhalation or exhalation;
- sensation as if the back and chest were pressed by a hoop.
Chest pain in thoracic osteochondrosis occurs:
- after or during a long stay in one position;
- slopes;
- physical activity;
- turns;
- overnight.
Additional (special) symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis, which can be masked as other diseases, especially in women:
- ringing and tinnitus;
- frequent headache;
- looseness and looseness;
- drops in blood pressure;
- numbness of the limbs;
- a burning sensation in the chest, similar to a feeling of heart pain during a heart attack, angina pectoris or pathology of the mammary glands;
- in old age, frequent loss of consciousness;
- 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 chest, 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
With osteochondrosis, pain in the sternum manifests itself as:
- Dorsalgia - mild, intrusive, annoying pain in the area of the damaged discs, which 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 "back pain in the chest".
Diagnosis
Since osteochondrosis of the chest is less common than other types of this disease, and its symptoms are typical of other diseases, 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.
That is why experts recommend contacting medical institutions specializing in problems with the musculoskeletal system in case of characteristic pain sensations.
The diagnostic process itself takes place in 2 stages:
- Establishing 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 the acute processes. After identifying signs of osteochondrosis of the GOP, a more detailed examination (finger) of the damaged area is carried out to determine the location and extent of the disease.
- In addition, after the initial diagnosis, the patient is sent for a basic and more in-depth examination of the chest: 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, eliminating pain, restoring the functions of the spine.
If this does not help, then surgery must be done.
Conservative treatment includes:
- physical therapy;
- special diet;
- therapeutic blockade;
- massage;
- drug therapy;
- manual technique;
- spinal traction;
- reflexology;
- physiotherapy exercises (LFK).
Prevention
The methods to prevent the occurrence of osteochondrosis GOP are very simple:
- prevention of hypothermia of the spine;
- avoid excessive loads;
- frequent change of posture during "office", sedentary work and breaks every hour for 5-10 minutes;
- morning exercise.