Osteochondrosis is an aging process of the spine and surrounding tissues. Experts replace osteochondrosis with a more accurate term - "degenerative-dystrophic changes". As we age, such changes occur in each person's spine to varying degrees.
In the early stage, osteochondrosis is almost not manifested. Back pain means that changes in the spine have already begun and are progressing. In the article we will talk about osteochondrosis of the chest, symptoms and treatment.
Due to its stability, the thoracic region suffers less often than the cervical and lumbar regions. Women are more susceptible to thoracic osteochondrosis. Those who spend a lot of time sitting are at risk. Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine occur in 30% of people after the age of 35 and in 50-90% of the elderly.
In order not to waste time and avoid the consequences of osteochondrosis, it is important to consult a competent doctor at the first symptoms.
How the spine ages: the mechanism of development of osteochondrosis
The vertebral bodies are separated from each other by intervertebral discs. The intervertebral disc consists of a nucleus, which is located in the center, and a fibrous annulus in the periphery. As we age, the discs receive less oxygen and nutrients and the cartilage tissue gradually breaks down. Discs lose firmness and elasticity. This is how osteochondrosis begins, which, with an unhealthy and sedentary lifestyle, progresses and leads to complications. Cracks appear on the surface of the fibrous ring, through which the nucleus pulposus protrudes - a protrusion and hernia develop. The injury process involves the vertebrae, ligaments, intercostal nerves, muscles and fascia. There is pain in the back, a crunch when moving the body, the intervertebral joints lose mobility.
Stages of osteochondrosis of the spine and its complications
- First stage
The intervertebral disc produces less collagen and reduces water concentration. It gets flatter. Cracks begin to form on its surface. Discomfort and fatigue appear in the back. X-rays usually show no changes initially.
- Second stage
The surface of the disc cracks, the nucleus moves away from the center and the annulus fibrosus loses its elasticity. This leads to disc protrusion: it protrudes into the spinal canal in the form of a cone and exerts pressure on the paravertebral ligaments. Moderate pain occurs. The surrounding muscles are constantly tense and limit the range of motion in the chest area. On the x-ray you can see how the height of the intervertebral space has decreased.
- Third stage
Through the fissure of the fibrous ring, the nucleus or part of it exits into the lumen of the spinal canal. Vertebrae move closer to each other and osteophytes - bone growths - appear on their bodies. Osteophytes limit mobility and increase the surface area of the vertebrae so that the load is distributed more evenly. The roots of the spine are affected, due to which the pain in the back intensifies and spreads to the ribs. X-ray shows osteophytes and sharp reduction of the intervertebral space.
- Fourth stage
At this stage, the back hurts badly and constantly. Posture changes and it is difficult for a person to perform normal actions. The psycho-emotional sphere suffers. An x-ray shows a deformed spine.
Causes of thoracic osteochondrosis
The main cause of osteochondrosis is degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine with age. There are many factors and diseases that influence the development of osteochondrosis:
- sedentary way of life
- Overweight
- frequent hypothermia
- bad habits
- improper lifting of weights
- uneven load on one shoulder when carrying heavy objects
- hereditary predisposition
- flat feet
- pregnancy
- breastfeeding
- spinal deformity, bad posture - scoliosis, kyphosis
- metabolic disorders in endocrine diseases - diabetes mellitus, gout, thyroid gland pathology
- autoimmune diseases - systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis
- walking in high heels
- back injuries
Signs of osteochondrosis of the chest in women and men
The clinical picture of osteochondrosis consists of the following syndromes: pain, muscle-tonic, radicular and sometimes facet.
- Pain syndrome
Protrusions, hernias and osteophytes put pressure on the paravertebral ligaments and pain occurs. In the initial stages of osteochondrosis, it appears only after lifting weights or physical activity and disappears with rest. As the disease progresses, pain appears even without physical exertion.
- Muscle-tonic syndrome
A permanent muscle spasm occurs in response to pain. Muscles often spasm throughout the spine, so pain occurs not only in the chest, but also in the neck and lower back.
- Radicular syndrome
Protrusions and hernias can compress the nerve root, causing pain and burning in the ribs. The pain often occurs at night and worsens with physical exertion.
- Facet syndrome
It develops with arthrosis of the small joints between the arches of the vertebrae. In this syndrome, the back hurts in the chest area. The pain can last for years and cause limited mobility.
A characteristic sign of thoracic osteochondrosis is pain between the shoulder blades. It intensifies when a person turns, bends, straightens or rounds their back. Pain can be acute or chronic:
- Sharp pain occurs suddenly, after a sharp movement or rotation. The attack is short-lived: it usually disappears after changing the position of the body, but sometimes it lasts for several days.
- Chronic pain lasts 12 weeks. A person cannot stand for a long time, it hurts to get up after sitting for a long time.
Other manifestations of osteochondrosis include:
- pain, burning, tightness in the chest
- pain behind the sternum, in the center of the chest, it can radiate to the collarbones, neck, ribs, hands, simulating cardiac pathology
- constant crunching in the back when moving
- shortness of breath due to pain on deep inhalation and exhalation
- difficult movement of the spine
- back muscle weakness
- depression, depression due to chronic pain
- feeling of a lump in the chest
Differential diagnosis is carried out with pathology of the lungs, cardiovascular system, mammary glands, exacerbation of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the chest
At the first episodes of back pain, it is better to consult a neurologist. The doctor will establish the correct diagnosis, rule out similar diseases and understand why osteochondrosis develops.
At the initial appointment, the doctor collects an anamnesis: asks the patient to talk about complaints, medications he takes, hereditary and chronic diseases, injuries, operations and working conditions. In women, the neurologist learns about pregnancy and breastfeeding periods.
During the examination, the doctor pays attention to the patient's appearance: posture, weight-to-height ratio, body proportionality. Checks neurological status: muscle strength, sensation in the limbs, tendon reflexes, range of motion in the spine. The doctor also assesses the pain using special scales.
Instrumental diagnostic methods help establish the diagnosis:
- Radiography. This is a simple examination that reveals curvature of the spine, fractures and dislocations of the vertebrae and narrowing of the intervertebral space.
- CT. This is a more informative method, showing the pathology of the vertebrae and discs, which is not visible on X-rays. It allows you to assess the degree of damage to the spine and monitor how the treatment is progressing.
- Magnetic resonance. It helps to diagnose protrusions, herniated intervertebral discs and spinal nerve root pathology.
To rule out diseases of the heart and internal organs, the doctor may refer the patient to an abdominal ultrasound, gastroscopy or ECG.
Treatment: what to do with osteochondrosis of the chest
You should not self-medicate, prescribe drugs or procedures - this can lead to side effects and dangerous complications. The doctor must treat the patient and monitor the dynamics of his condition.
How long the therapy will last depends on the stage of the process and the main symptoms. For conservative treatment of osteochondrosis, doctors use the following methods:
Drug therapy
Patients are prescribed the main groups of drugs:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - relieve pain, relieve inflammation and tissue swelling.
- Muscle relaxants - relax muscles and reduce pain.
- Glucocorticoids - slow down the destruction of intervertebral discs and reduce inflammation. They are prescribed when NSAIDs and muscle relaxants do not help.
Physiotherapy
The instructor selects exercises to strengthen the muscles of the chest, correct the posture and improve the mobility of the spine.
Different speciesphysiotherapy. Apply:
- Magnetic therapy – improves tissue metabolism, reduces pain and swelling.
- Laser therapy - promotes nutrition and tissue recovery, removes inflammation.
- Shock wave therapy - destroys deposits of calcium salts on the vertebrae, accelerates the regeneration of bone and cartilage tissue.
Acupuncture
It stimulates blood circulation in the tissues in the area of the affected vertebrae, relaxes the muscles, reduces pain and swelling.
Sticking
Application of special adhesive tapes to the skin in the area of the inflamed area of the back. The bands regulate muscle tone and properly distribute the load.
Massage, manual therapy
As an additional therapy to relax the muscles and improve the mobility of the spine.
Doctors do their best to treat the patient conservatively. If available therapies do not help, the patient is referred for consultation with a neurosurgeon.
Complications: the dangers of thoracic osteochondrosis in men and women
If you turn to specialists in a timely manner and lead a healthy lifestyle, changes in the spine can be stopped. If the patient consults a doctor in the last stages, then even adequate therapy does not always guarantee a good prognosis.
Osteochondrosis without treatment can lead to protrusion or herniation of the intervertebral disc, chronic pain in the back or other parts of the body, low mobility of the spine and its deformation.
Prevention of osteochondrosis
In order to prevent the development of osteochondrosis of the chest, neck and other parts, it is important to observe the following rules:
- sleeps on an orthopedic mattress and pillow
- When lifting weights, do not bend, but squat so that the load falls on the hips
- carry a bag or backpack alternately on the left and right shoulder, so as not to strain only one side
- avoid injury
- give up smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
- drink enough water
- warm up while sitting for a long time, exercise, swim, walk
- monitor body weight
- timely treatment of infectious and chronic diseases
- wear comfortable shoes
If you have back pain in the chest or other parts of the spine, do not postpone the examination for later. Make an appointment with a neurologist. The doctor will perform a complete diagnosis and prepare a treatment plan. You will get rid of pain and maintain the health of your spine.