Thoracic osteochondrosis (TOP) is a dystrophic (destructive) degenerative change in the function and condition of the fibrocartilage formation (intervertebral discs) in the vertebrae.
The disease, despite its high incidence, is characterized by being difficult to detect in the initial stages of development, since its symptoms resemble those of gastrointestinal disorders (gastric syndrome in peptic ulcer, gastritis, colitis), angina, and sometimesAnd myocardial infarction.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can be difficult to diagnose.
Less commonly, the disease is "masqueraded" as renal colic with cholecystitis or appendicitis. That's why you need to know the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis so you can get a proper diagnosis and start treatment on time.
How does osteochondrosis GOP develop?
In the human spine (more precisely, in columns) there are 33 to 35 vertebrae connected by elastic discs, composed of connective tissue and nuclei.
So, as the disease progresses (approximately 12 vertebrae), the connective tissue around the discs deforms first, so they become less elastic.
As a result, the disc loses its inherent strength and elasticity, leading to one of two things over time:
- Ruptured intervertebral disks, leading to intervertebral hernias;
- Spinal deformity + damage to a single vertebra in the spine.
The second condition is the result of bone growth, deformation, and thinning along the edges of the spine.
There are 4 degrees of deformation in thoracic osteochondrosis:
- The elasticity and height of the intervertebral discs are reduced and protrusions may appear.
- Second-degree osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is characterized by further reduced disc elasticity and height, and GOP instability. As a result, neurological symptoms or hernias develop.
- An intervertebral hernia forms.
- The disc loses its shock-absorbing properties. The adjacent vertebrae are almost completely immobilized.
cause of disease
The main reason for the development of this disease is considered to be aging, since, according to statistics, the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are usually found in people over the age of 35. What causes the deterioration of metabolism, the "accumulation" of injuries and general wear and tear of the spine.
In other words, the older the patient, the higher the likelihood of detecting signs of thoracic osteochondrosis.
But in fairness, it should be noted that recently more and more patients aged 19-30 are turning to neurologists for chest pain, which is increasingly being diagnosed as a symptom of thoracic osteochondrosis. Doctors explain this dynamic in terms of poor fitness, malnutrition, curvature of the spine, and flat feet. These violations are typical for people living in urban environments where they work in "offices".
Common causes of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- Spinal cord injury;
- genetic predisposition;
- Do not move;
- overweight and smoking (metabolic disorders);
- Prolonged exposure of the spine to incorrect posture;
- overload;
- incorrect, malnutrition (lack of fluids and trace elements);
- Overloading of the spine due to various diseases or wearing uncomfortable shoes;
- Stress, nervousness;
- violation of posture;
- Diseases that cause metabolic disorders.
Symptoms and signs of thoracic rickets
As mentioned earlier, the sensations (symptoms) of thoracic osteochondrosis are often similar to those of other disorders because they are less pronounced compared to other types of disorders.
This is why it is very important not to self-diagnose, but to consult a qualified physician in cases of chronic, recurrent, or "unexplained" pain in the thoracic spine.
Symptoms of Osteochondrosis GOP:
- Pain between the shoulder blades when bending or raising the arms;
- pain between your ribs when you walk;
- For osteochondrosis of the chest, difficulty breathing and pain that gets worse when you take a deep breath or exhale;
- It feels like the back and chest are being squeezed by the hoop.
Chest pain in thoracic osteochondrosis:
- After or during a prolonged stay in a position;
- SLOPES;
- physical activities;
- turn;
- at night.
Other (specific) symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis, which can be masked by other diseases, especially in women:
- tinnitus and noise;
- frequent headaches;
- Hoarseness and hoarseness of voice;
- drop in blood pressure;
- numbness of limbs;
- A burning sensation in the chest, similar to heart pain during a heart attack, angina, or breast lesions;
- In old age, often lose consciousness;
- bouts of shortness of breath;
- Persistent tension in the neck muscles;
- Frequent hiccups.
Notably, the osteochondrosis symptoms of GOP are more pronounced in women because they have smaller vertebrae and thinner connective tissue.
It is important to clarify that, contrary to popular belief, body temperature in thoracic osteochondrosis is not elevated with this disease. However, it may increase due to the inflammatory process caused by osteochondrosis of GOP.
Pain Features
In osteochondrosis, sternal pain manifests as:
- back pain - mild, annoying, dull pain in the damaged area of the intervertebral disc, which gradually increases and lasts for up to 2-3 weeks;
- Dorsago is intense, sharp, acute pain during an attack of osteochondrosis of the chest, also known as "chest and back pain".
diagnosis
Because thoracic osteochondrosis is not as common as other types of this disease, and its symptoms are typical of other diseases, establishing the correct diagnosis can sometimes take a long time (trial and error). Only after the most obvious options have been ruled out does the doctor turn his attention to the symptoms of osteochondrosis.
Therefore, experts recommend contacting a medical institution specialized in problems of the musculoskeletal system in case of characteristic pain sensations.
The diagnostic process itself takes place in two phases:
- Establishment of the initial diagnosis: Examination and questioning of the patient. Usually, this is done by a neurologist. Using a special technique, he examines the spine in various postures, rest and states of motion, noting the structure of the body, posture and the lines of sharp processes. After identifying the signs of GOP osteochondrosis, a more detailed examination (fingers) of the damaged area is done to determine the location and extent of the disease.
- Also, after the initial diagnosis, the patient is sent for basic and more thorough examinations of the thoracic spine: X-ray, CT and MRI.
How is osteochondrosis GOP treated?
Treatment is almost always administered through a conservative approach aimed at preventing disease progression, eliminating pain, and restoring spinal function.
If this doesn't work, surgery should be done.
Conservative treatment includes:
- physiotherapy;
- special diet;
- therapeutic blockade;
- massage;
- medical treatement;
- Manual technology;
- spinal traction;
- Reflexology;
- Physiotherapy Exercises (LFK).
prevention
The way to prevent the occurrence of osteochondrosis GOP is simple:
- Prevents spinal hypothermia;
- Avoid overloading;
- Frequent changes in position during "offices", sedentary work and hourly breaks of 5-10 minutes;
- Exercise in the morning.