The human spine is one of the most important components of the musculoskeletal system, and a violation of its normal functioning always causes negative consequences for the entire organism. Thoracic osteochondrosis refers to degenerative-inflammatory diseases of the spinal discs in the thoracic region. The disease most often affects people over the age of 55, but it can also occur in any adult. In men, the disease is recorded by half of that in women.
In general, although the department is the largest, consisting of 12 vertebrae in the middle of the spine, it is less prone to pathologies. This is due to less mobility and good protection of the muscular corset. This characteristic of the structure is a positive factor, but in the diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region it is difficult to identify and can be confused with other diseases for a long time, especially when there is temperature.
There are criteria for the 10th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), according to which osteochondrosis belongs to the class of dorsopathies (M40-54). There is a separate class of ICD-10 for osteochondrosis of the spine - M42 according to ICD-10 and is equated with deforming dorsopathies. The diagnosis is done according to the M42 code. 0 ICD-10 for youth and M42. 1 ICD-10 for osteochondrosis in adults. The M42 code. 9 ICD-10 may occur with an unspecified pathology.
The reasons
Thoracic osteochondrosis is less common than injuries to other parts of the spine. Many people do not seek medical help for a long time, thinking they have other pathologies. According to statistics, this leads to the detection of the disease most often in an advanced way.
The disease occurs due to impaired nutrition and blood supply to the intervertebral discs. The formation of osteochondrosis can lead to disruption of the normal structure of the vertebrae. The elasticity and depreciation properties of the spine are lost, and all this leads to the destruction of discs, ligaments and other structural components. As a result of such disorders, nerve roots are compressed and unpleasant symptoms occur.
It is almost impossible to find out the exact causes of the pathology. There is a risk group among people and predisposing factors that lead to the disease. As for the people themselves, this age is over 55 years, the female sex and the presence of spinal pathologies increase the risk of illness. Deviations like scoliosis, kyphosis, over time, violate the normal posture and arrangement of the spine. Consequently, metabolic processes in the spine are disturbed and chondrosis is formed.
There are factors directly dependent on the person that lead to the pathology. Let's highlight the main ones:
- excess body weight;
- abuse of bad habits: alcohol, tobacco, fatty foods;
- sedentary lifestyle.
People who spend a lot of time sitting are prone to the disease. This applies to office workers, seamstresses, operators, drivers. A person who has suffered a back or spine injury should also be careful in the future. There is a group of people with hereditary or acquired diseases who are prone to diseases of the musculoskeletal system. The main conditions are diabetes mellitus, muscle weakness, disruption of the normal functioning of the glands.
Types and clinical picture
The signs of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine depend on the degree of pathology and neglect of the process. In total, four degrees of the disease are distinguished.
In the first degree, there is a violation of the elasticity of the intervertebral discs and a decrease in their height. The pain symptoms are not as acute and pass quickly at rest. Basically, the pain is felt in the middle of the back and chest. Often, the disease passes into a passive state, and clinical manifestations appear only during exacerbation, quickly stopping and treatable. Signs of intoxication are rarely present, sometimes the temperature may rise and weakness may occur. The temperature quickly normalizes when the acute period passes.
The second degree is more dangerous and can cause severe neurological symptoms. With this degree, the height of the spinal discs constantly decreases, elasticity is broken. The fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc can be damaged and a crack forms. This phase is fraught with the threat of the appearance of an intervertebral hernia.
The chest and back pain becomes stronger and eventually spreads to the adjacent area. During deep breathing or sudden movement, an acute attack of pain occurs. When nerve endings are damaged, symptoms spread along the ribs. During the period of exacerbation, there is an increase in temperature, general weakness. With this degree of illness comes a feeling of numbness and "goose bumps" creeping into the injury site. If nerve fibers are damaged, normal innervation in the upper or lower extremities is disrupted.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region of the third degree is characterized by the beginning of the formation of an intervertebral hernia. There is intense pain that occurs under certain circumstances. Often the pain can intensify at night when you are in the cold for a long time in one position. Pain in the chest, back, along the ribs. When exposed to the spinal cord, the following symptoms may occur:
- violation of the innervation of the legs and arms;
- increased pain at night;
- pain in the esophagus, right hypochondrium, stomach;
- increase in body temperature;
- problems with the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
In the last, fourth degree, the bone tissue of the spine is destroyed. There is a violation of the mobility of the vertebrae, depreciation properties are reduced. Thoracic osteochondrosis in this grade is dangerous for spinal cord damage and impaired human performance. With an exacerbation, the body temperature rises, there is intense pain in the chest, in the middle of the back.
Among the general clinical picture, two main symptoms are distinguished - they are back and back pain. Dorsago is characterized by sharp pain in the chest. A person has a shooting sensation in the chest after a long stay in one position. During an attack, breathing becomes difficult and the pain intensifies with lateral movements of the trunk. This condition raises the temperature.
With back pain, there is mild pain in the area of the damaged vertebrae. Pain symptoms increase and last for up to three weeks. The pain becomes stronger after a deep breath or exhalation and with movement. Symptoms worsen at night and are relieved by walking. The 10th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) assigns a separate code M54. 6 for back pain with chest pain.
diagnosis and treatment
Thoracic osteochondrosis with the correct approach is not difficult to identify. The main thing is to carry out a differential diagnosis with cardiovascular pathologies and exclude other diseases. The presence of specific pain, fever and neurological disorders increase the doctor's doubts.
The main diagnostic method is radiography. It is necessary to take a photo not only of the damaged department, but also to capture adjacent ones to exclude complications. If it is impossible to fully examine the spine and if tissue and vascular damage is suspected, CT and MRI are prescribed.
Thoracic osteochondrosis in most cases is treated with conservative methods.
The main thing in the treatment is the complexity and the individual approach.
Depending on the degree of pathology, a treatment regimen at home or in a hospital is possible. In any case, it is necessary to apply certain principles - this is a gentle load regimen, limiting weightlifting and playing sports, avoiding overwork and strictly complying with the doctor's recommendations.
Thoracic osteochondrosis in the acute period of the disease, when there is pain, temperature, requires bed rest. NSAIDs, analgesics are prescribed when pain syndrome and temperature are present. Perhaps a combination of ointments, physical therapy and massage. This combination will allow you to quickly overcome the disease and recover.
The basis of the treatment of osteochondrosis is a local effect. Manual therapy will allow you to put the vertebrae in place, massage, physical therapy (electrophoresis, ultrasound, magnetotherapy) and reflexotherapy can restore nutrition. It is important that both men and women engage in therapeutic exercises and follow the treatment regimen.
With complications, traction or even surgery may be prescribed. Otherwise, symptomatic therapy is used.