Pain, restriction of movement are all characteristic manifestations of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. But the insidiousness of this pathology also lies in the fact that the internal organs are affected both at the level of the chest and below, so that no one, except the doctor, can understand what is happening. Osteochondrosis appears as a result of degenerative-dystrophic processes in which discs, joints, ligaments and vertebral roots are affected.
Symptoms of the disease can appear at a very early stage. But the disease of the spine can be influenced, the main thing is to know the causes and laws according to which it develops. Doctors are more or less clear about the reasons, but the mechanism of development somehow remains in the "shadow".
Causes and development of the disease
Any 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 begins to bulge outward.
The disc is nourished, like any other cartilage, in a special way: when pressed, it releases fluid from itself, and when the pressure is released, like a sponge, it absorbs all the nutrients. This mechanism does not work during prolonged static postures or during exercises, when constant pressure is applied to 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, throughout the spine.
At the first stage there is no pain and the attack does not manifest itself in any way, but the process has already begun, the inner part is already moving freely.
At the second stage, a pain attack is already fully felt, root symptoms join, a person actively uses ointments, but the cause is not resolved. The disc gradually protrudes and begins to compress the spinal cord. At the third stage, an attack of pain, which is manifested mainly by osteochondrosis of the chest region, becomes brighter and more intense, ointments do not help. The disc gradually bulges out, its protrusion occurs.
The last stage leads to the appearance of signs of damage on the exterior of the disk components. The clinical picture is characterized by compression of the roots, blood vessels and the spinal cord itself. As a result, a pain attack of considerable intensity develops.
The body does its best to reduce pain, as a result, characteristic growths, osteophytes, appear on the spine. The roots of the spinal cord are compressed as a result of the narrowing of the intervertebral foramina. The pressure leads to the fact that the rest of the internal organs are affected. Their treatment does not bring any results, which sometimes confuses the doctor.
Disease symptoms
Very often the cause of the defeat of 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 dull in nature, then it becomes aching and burning. It is located in the middle, between the shoulder blades, some compression at the level of the worried chest.
If you try to feel the region of the spinous and transverse processes of the spine, the pain will increase considerably.
The diagnosis is simplified by the tension of the paravertebral muscles. Signs intensify if you ask the patient to take a deep breath, make turns with the body.
Some patients note pain in the shoulder blade or lower thoracic spine. This is called posterior rib syndrome and occurs as a result of displacement of the lower ribs. The pain may go away suddenly, but may intensify during bends.
The signs are manifested by belt pains along the intercostal spaces, this is where the nerve passes. Sensitivity is impaired in the area where the damaged nerve branches. Concerned with paresthesias, deep and superficial sensitivities are reduced. Signs are accompanied by a violation of the function of the abdominal press, knee and heel reflexes are reduced.
Damage to internal organs
Along 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. Breathing difficulties, pain and interruptions in the work of the heart, resembling angina pectoris, can disturb. The mammary glands can hurt, or everything is localized in the region of the right or left hypochondrium, resembling an attack of cholecystitis or pancreatitis.
Sore throat or esophagus. Symptoms are located in the region of the left hypochondrium or abdomen, resembling symptoms of gastritis or intestinal inflammation (colitis, enteritis). Violations can arise from the kidneys and the reproductive system.
Diagnostic
Establishing a correct diagnosis based on symptoms alone can be difficult. This is why the diagnosis goes through the realization of an X-ray. It is on her that the characteristic changes are visible, which manifest osteochondrosis of the chest region in the form of a decrease in the height of the discs, sclerosis of the end plates and the formation of osteophytes.
In addition, a CT scan is performed if the X-ray does not give a result. The study is supplemented by MRI, it shows soft tissues, thus the diagnosis of herniated disc is established.
Differential diagnosis requires special attention, it is carried out not only on the basis of complaints and clinical manifestations. Thus, the pain in the region of the heart is not affected by the drugs used for angina pectoris. Pain in the epigastric region is unaffected by food intake and there is no seasonal manifestation of symptoms. Everything appears in the evening and disappears completely after a night's sleep.
Treatment
The treatment consists of taking all kinds of drugs, these are pills and injections. They start with drugs that relieve the inflammatory process, traditionally nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used for this. By eliminating pain and inflammation, they help relax the muscles. Only a doctor should prescribe them, otherwise the risk of complications is high and there are contraindications for their use. Tablets are taken, according to the recommendation, often after meals, but the doctor can also prescribe injections. Locally, this group of drugs is applied in the form of an ointment, which is applied about three times during the day.
Painkillers can supplement the group of drugs described above, with severe pain, injections are prescribed by the doctor, if everything is not so bad, tablets are also suitable. With pain of considerable intensity, blocking with the drug can be carried out directly in the focus of pain, it allows you to quickly suppress the attack. Special anesthetic ointments can also supplement the treatment.
Chondroprotectors allow you to restore the structure of cartilage, but you need to take drugs in this group for a long time. The doctor prescribes, at his discretion, injections or pills that are taken during the course. Recently, preparations of this group are presented in the form of an ointment, which is applied externally.
Supplement full-fledged treatment with drugs from the antispasmodic group. The action is aimed at relaxing the muscles that are pinched arteries and nerves. The pressure decreases, the patient's condition is eased.
Ointments are actively used, they act locally, helping to relieve a pain attack. Ointments are applied to the painful area, where they warm the skin. Also, ointments have been shown to be used along the nerves, so they can relieve a pain attack more effectively. Supplement, in addition to ointment, treatment is capable of mustard dressings
Hormonal drugs are also used, mainly injections. They are prescribed as a last resort, when it is necessary to relieve an attack of severe pain. Paraverbal blockade of the affected area of the nerve or root is often used, drugs are used on the basis of hormones.
As an addition to all vitamin preparations, injections are made into the muscle. Medicines can be represented by bioactive supplements, the tablets of which improve cartilage nutrition and relieve pressure.
Physiotherapy
All kinds of techniques are actively used to help calm even a strong attack. Along with the procedures, you can use drugs that act as a kind of blockade. 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 absorption of calcium.
- vibration therapy. Exposure to high frequency sound improves blood circulation, relieves pressure and pain.
- Magnetotherapy. Exposure to a magnetic field improves the vital processes of cells, accelerates regeneration. Darsonval acts in the same way.
- Electrophoresis. The impact of the current, which contributes to the fact that the drugs penetrate deeper into the tissues.
- Diodinamik. The impact of variable frequency current effectively reduces pain.
- Swim. Allows muscles to relax. It is recommended to swim only in a warm water pool.
- Balneotherapy. Use for the treatment of mineral water and sludge. Minerals contribute to the healing process, the pressure on the roots is reduced.
- Acupuncture. It foresees the impact of fine needles on the active points of the body.
- Manual therapy or massage. You can also use ointments that help relax muscles and free blood vessels and nerves.
Methods are selected strictly individually by a doctor. The main thing is not to trigger the disease.