Pain, restriction of movements are all characteristic manifestations of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. But the secret of this pathology also lies in the fact that the internal organs are affected both at the level of the chest and below, so no one but the doctor can understand what is happening. Osteochondrosis occurs as a result of degenerative-dystrophic processes in which the discs, joints, ligaments and spinal roots are affected.
The symptoms of the disease can appear at a very early stage. But spinal disease can be affected, the main thing is to know the causes and the laws according to which it develops. Doctors are more or less clear about the reasons, but the mechanism of development remains in some way in the "shadow".
Causes and development of the disease
Every part of the spine is constantly under load, both static and dynamic. Constant pressure leads to the fact that the integrity of the intervertebral disc is violated. It is damaged, the internal component starts to swell from the outside.
The disc feeds, like any other cartilage, in a special way: when pressed, it releases fluid from itself and when pressure is released, like a sponge, it absorbs all the nutrients. This mechanism does not work during prolonged static postures or during exercise, when constant pressure is exerted on the disc. Daily morning exercises have a positive effect on nutrition.
Stages of degeneration
To better understand the symptoms, you need to understand what stages the intervertebral disc goes through and what happens to it. As, however, across the spine.
In the first stage, there is no pain, and the attack does not manifest in any way, but the process has already begun, the inner part is already moving freely.
In the second stage, a pain attack is already fully felt, the radicular symptoms merge, a person actively uses ointments, but the cause is not resolved. The disc gradually protrudes and begins to squeeze the spinal cord. In the third stage, a pain attack, which mainly manifests osteochondrosis of the chest region, becomes brighter and more intense, ointments do not help. The disc gradually swells, its elongation appears.
The final stage leads to the appearance of signs of damage outside the components of the disk. The clinical picture is characterized by compression of the roots, blood vessels, and spinal cord itself. As a result, a pain attack of considerable intensity develops.
The body tries its best to reduce pain, as a result, characteristic growths, osteophytes, appear in the spine. The spinal cord roots are compressed as a result of narrowing of the intervertebral foramina. The pressure leads to the fact that the rest of the internal organs are affected. Their treatment brings no results, which sometimes confuses the doctor.
Symptoms of the disease
Very often, the cause of damage to this particular section of the spine lies in a sedentary lifestyle, clarifying this circumstance, the diagnosis is greatly facilitated. Usually, pressure is exerted if a person sits at a computer or in a chair for a long time. The pain is mostly of a dull nature, then it becomes painful and burning. Located in the middle, between the shoulder blades, it disturbs a compression in the chest area.
If you try to feel the region of the spinous and transverse processes of the spine, the pain will increase significantly.
Diagnosis is simplified by paravertebral muscle tension. The signs intensify if you ask the patient to take deep breaths, make turns with the body.
Some patients notice pain in the back or lower back of the chest. This is called posterior rib syndrome and occurs as a result of lower rib displacement. The pain may disappear suddenly, but may intensify during turns.
Signs are manifested by generational pain along the intercostal spaces, here the nerve passes. Sensitivity is impaired in the area where the damaged nerve branches. Concerned about paresthesia, deep and superficial sensitivity decreases. Signs are associated with violations of the function of the abdominal press, reduced knee and heel reflexes.
Damage to internal organs
In parallel with pain, there is a violation of the function of internal organs. In the region of the thoracic spinal cord there are centers responsible for the work of the heart, pulmonary system, liver, intestines and kidneys, pancreas. Difficulty breathing, pain, and interruptions in heart function, similar to angina pectoris, can be disturbing. The mammary glands can be damaged, or everything is localized in the region of the right or left hypochondrium, resembling an attack of cholecystitis or pancreatitis.
Sore throat or esophagus. The symptoms are located in the region of the left hypochondrium or abdomen, similar to the symptoms of gastritis or inflammation of the intestines (colitis, enteritis). Violations can be from the kidneys and reproductive system.
diagnostic
Establishing an accurate diagnosis based on symptoms alone can be difficult. This is why the diagnosis involves producing an x-ray. It is on it that characteristic changes are evident, which manifest osteochondrosis of the thoracic region in the form of reduced disc height, end-plate sclerosis, and osteophyte formation.
In addition, a CT scan is done if the radiograph does not show results. The study is completed with MRI, shows soft tissue, so the diagnosis of disc herniation is made.
Differential diagnosis requires special attention, it is carried out not only on the basis of complaints and clinical manifestations. So, pain in the heart area is not affected by the drugs used for angina pectoris. Pain in the epigastric region is not affected by food intake and there are no seasonal manifestations of symptoms. Everything appears in the evening and disappears completely after a good night's sleep.
Treatment
Treatment involves taking all kinds of medications, these are pills and injections. They start with medications that ease the inflammatory process, traditionally using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). By eliminating pain and inflammation, they help relax the muscles. Only a doctor should prescribe them, otherwise, there is a high risk of complications and there are contraindications to use. The tablets are taken, as recommended, often after meals, but your doctor may also prescribe injections. Topically, this group of drugs is applied in the form of an ointment, which is applied about three times a day.
Analgesics can complement the group of drugs described above, with severe pain, injections prescribed by the doctor, if all is not so bad, tablets are also suitable. With pain of considerable intensity, blockade with the drug can be performed directly on the focus of pain, allowing you to quickly remove the attack. Special anesthetic ointments can also complement the treatment.
Chondroprotectors allow you to restore cartilage structure, but you need to take medication in this group for a long time. The doctor prescribes, in his judgment, injections or pills taken in courses. Recently, preparations of this group are presented in the form of ointment, which is applied externally.
Complete complete treatment with antispasmodic group drugs. The action is aimed at relaxing the muscles that are pressing the arteries and nerves. The pressure decreases, the patient's condition is relieved.
Ointments are actively used, they act locally, helping to alleviate a pain attack. Ointments are applied to the painful area, where they warm the skin. Ointments are also shown to be used along the nerves, so that they more effectively alleviate a pain attack. Supplement, in addition to ointment, the treatment is capable of mustard plaster
Hormone-based drugs, mainly injections, are also used. They are described as a last resort when needed to alleviate an attack of severe pain. Often used paravertebral blockade of the affected area of the nerve or root, drugs are used on the basis of hormones.
Complete all vitamin-based preparations, injections are made into muscle. Medications can be represented by bioactive supplements, the tablets of which improve cartilage nutrition and relieve pressure.
Physiotherapy
All sorts of techniques are actively used to help calm a strong attack. With procedures, you can use drugs that act as a kind of blockage. The list of procedures can be represented as follows:
- Shock wave therapy. Due to the shock wave, it restores nutrition and blood supply to the spine, eliminates a pain attack and allows you to get rid of inflammation.
- Ultraviolet radiation. Promotes better calcium absorption.
- vibrating therapy. Exposure to high-frequency sounds improves blood flow, relieves pressure and pain.
- Magnetotherapy. Exposure to a magnetic field improves the vital processes of cells, accelerates regeneration. Darsonval acts similarly.
- Electrophoresis. Impact of current, which contributes to the fact that drugs penetrate deeper into tissues.
- Diodynamic. The influence of alternating frequency current effectively reduces pain.
- Notes. Allows muscles to relax. It is recommended to swim only in a pool with warm water.
- Balneotherapy. Used for the treatment of mineral waters and mud. Minerals contribute to the healing process, the pressure on the roots is reduced.
- Acupuncture. Provides the impact of thin needles on the active points of the body.
- Manual therapy or massage. You can also use ointments that help relax muscles and release blood vessels and nerves.
The methods are chosen strictly individually by a physician. The main thing is not to start the disease.