Thoracic osteochondrosis (TOP) is a dystrophic (destructive) degenerative change in the function and condition of the intervertebral fibrocartilage formations (discs).
This disease, despite its high prevalence, is characterized by difficulty in detecting at an early stage of development, since its symptoms are similar to diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (gastric ulcer, gastritis, stomach syndrome in colitis), angina, and sometimes myocardial infarction.
Osteoarthritis of the thoracic spine is difficult to diagnose.
Less commonly, it is "disguised" as renal colic accompanied by cholecystitis or appendicitis. That's why you need to know the symptoms of thoracic spondylosis for accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment.
How does osteochondrosis GOP develop?
In the human spine (more precisely, in the column) there are between 33 and 35 vertebrae connected by elastic discs consisting of connective tissue and nucleus.
So, with the development of the disease (this is about 12 vertebrae), the connective tissues around the discs are first deformed, as a result of which their elasticity decreases.
As a result, the disc loses its inherent strength and elasticity, which over time leads to one of two things:
- disc rupture, as a result of which a disc herniation occurs;
- spinal deformity + damage to each vertebra in the spine.
The second scenario is a consequence of the growth of the bones that grow along the edges of the spine, deforming and thinning them.
There are 4 degrees of deformity in thoracic spondyloarthritis:
- Decreased disc elasticity and height, protrusions may appear.
- Grade 2 osteoarthritis of the thoracic spine is characterized by an additional decrease in the elasticity and height of the discs, instability of the GOP. As a result, the appearance of neurological symptoms or hernia.
- Formation of herniated disc.
- The disc loses its shock-absorbing properties. The vertebrae have almost completely lost their mobility.
Cause of disease
The main reason for the development of this disease is considered aging, because according to statistics, symptoms of osteochondrosis in the chest area are often found in people over 35 years old. What contributes to a decline in metabolism, the "accumulation" of injuries and general wear and tear of the spine.
In other words, the older the patient is, the more likely he is to detect signs of thoracic degeneration.
But to be fair, it should be noted that recently, more and more patients aged 19-30 are looking to their neurologist with chest pain, which is increasingly being diagnosed as a symptom of thoracic osteoarthritis. Doctors explain such dynamics as poor fitness, poor nutrition, curved spine and flat feet. These violations are typical for people living in urban environments with "office" jobs.
Common causes of the development of osteoarthritis of the chest:
- spinal cord injury;
- genetic predisposition;
- motionless;
- overweight and smoking (metabolic disorder);
- prolonged exposure to the spine of incorrect postures;
- Overload;
- improper, poor nutrition (lack of fluids and trace elements);
- overloading the spine due to various diseases or wearing uncomfortable shoes;
- stressful situations, nervous tension;
- violation of posture;
- diseases leading to metabolic disorders.
Symptoms and signs of thoracic cartilage
As already noted, the sensations in osteoarthritis (symptoms) are often very similar to those of other diseases, as they are less pronounced than in these types of diseases.
That is why it is very important not to self-diagnose but to consult a qualified physician in the case of persistent, recurring or "uncaused" pain in the thoracic spine.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis GOP:
- pain between the shoulder blades when bending over or lifting the arm(s);
- pain between the ribs when walking;
- with thoracic spondylosis, shortness of breath with pain that increases with a deep breath or exhalation;
- It feels like your back and chest are being squeezed by a hoop.
Chest pain in thoracic osteoarthritis appears:
- after or for long periods of time in one position;
- slope;
- physical activity;
- in turn;
- At night.
Additional (special) symptoms of OA, which can be masked like other diseases, especially in women:
- tinnitus and noise;
- Frequent headaches;
- hoarseness and hoarseness;
- hypotension;
- numbness of limbs;
- burning sensation in the chest, similar to the feeling of a heart attack during a heart attack, angina or pathology of the mammary glands;
- in old age, frequent loss of consciousness;
- episodes of shortness of breath;
- constant tension of the neck muscles;
- frequent hiccups.
It is worth noting that in women, the osteoarthritis symptoms of GOP are more pronounced, because their vertebrae are smaller and the connective tissue is thinner.
It is important to clarify that, contrary to popular belief, with thoracic spondyloarthritis, body temperature does not rise precisely due to the disease. However, it may be increased by the inflammatory process induced by osteoarthritis of GOP.
Characteristics of pain
With osteoarthritis, pain in the sternum manifests itself as follows:
- Back pain - mild, persistent, dull pain in the area of the damaged disc, which gradually increases and lasts up to 2-3 weeks;
- Dorsago is a sharp, sharp, acute pain during an attack of thoracic osteoarthritis, also known as "thoracic back pain".
Diagnose
Because thoracic spondyloarthritis is less common than other diseases and its symptoms are typical for other diseases, establishing an accurate diagnosis sometimes takes a long time (trial and error). . And only after ruling out the most obvious options do doctors pay attention to the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Therefore, experts recommend contacting medical institutions that specialize in problems with the musculoskeletal system in case of characteristic pain manifestations.
The diagnostic process takes place in 2 stages:
- Establish the initial diagnosis: examine and question the patient. As a rule, this is done by a neurologist. Using a special technique, he examines the spine in various positions, states of rest and movement, paying attention to the structure of the body, posture and contours of sharp processes. After identifying the signs of osteochondrosis of GOP, a more detailed (finger) examination of the affected area is conducted to determine the location and extent of the disease.
- Furthermore, after the initial diagnosis, the patient is sent for a more basic and thorough examination of the thoracic spine: X-ray, CT, and MRI.
How is Osteoarthritis GOP Treated?
Treatment is almost always carried out through conservative methods aimed at stopping the development of the disease, eliminating pain, restoring the functions of the spine.
If not, surgery should be performed.
Conservative treatment includes:
- physical therapy;
- special diets;
- blockade treatment;
- Massage;
- drug treatment;
- craft techniques;
- pull the spine;
- Acupressure;
- physical therapy exercises (LFK).
Prevent
The methods of preventing the occurrence of GOP osteochondrosis are simple:
- prevent hypothermia of the spine;
- avoid excessive load;
- often change positions when doing "office", sedentary and take a break every hour from 5-10 minutes;
- Morning exercise.