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 in the chest and below, so 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 spinal roots are affected.
Symptoms of the disease can appear at a very early stage. But the disease of the spine can be affected, the main thing is to know the causes and laws under which it develops. Doctors are more or less clear on the reasons, but the development mechanism remains somewhat "shadowy".
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 swell outwards.
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 nutrients. This mechanism does not work during prolonged static positions or during exercise 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 back.
In 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 felt in full, the root symptoms join, 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 thoracic region, becomes brighter and more intense, ointments do not help. The disc gradually swells, its protrusion occurs.
The last stage leads to the appearance of signs of damage on the outside of the disc components. The clinical picture is characterized by compression of the roots, blood vessels and the spinal cord itself. As a result, a painful 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 due to 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.
Symptoms of the disease
Most 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 the 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, a certain compression in the chest area is worrying.
If you try to feel the region of the spinous and transverse processes of the spine, the pain will increase significantly.
The diagnosis is simplified by the tension of the paravertebral muscles. The signs intensify if you ask the patient to take a deep breath, take turns with the body.
Some patients notice pain in the shoulder blade or lower thoracic spine. This is called posterior rib syndrome and occurs due to displacement of the lower ribs. The pain may go away suddenly, but it can intensify during shifts.
The signs are manifested by pain in the girdle along the intercostal spaces, this is where the nerve passes. Sensitivity is reduced in the area where the damaged nerve branches. Concerned about paresthesia, deep and superficial sensitivity is reduced. The signs are accompanied by a violation of the function of the abdominal press, knee and heel reflexes are reduced.
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 in breathing, pain and interruptions in the work of the heart, similar to angina pectoris, can be disturbing. The mammary glands can hurt or everything is localized in the region of the right or left hypochondrium, similar to an attack of cholecystitis or pancreatitis.
Sore throat or esophagus. Symptoms are found in the region of the left hypochondrium or abdomen, similar to symptoms of gastritis or intestinal inflammation (colitis, enteritis). Violations can originate from the kidneys and the reproductive system.
Diagnosis
Establishing a correct diagnosis based on symptoms alone can be difficult. That is why the diagnosis involves the production of an x-ray. It is on it that the characteristic changes are visible, which manifest osteochondrosis of the thoracic region in the form of a decrease in the height of the discs, sclerosis of the end plates and the formation of osteophytes.
Also, if the x-ray does not give a result, a CT scan is performed. The study is completed by MRI, shows soft tissues, then the diagnosis of herniated disc is established.
Differential diagnosis requires special attention; is carried out not only on the basis of complaints and clinical manifestations. Hence, pain in the heart area 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 of sleep.
Treatment
Treatment involves taking all kinds of drugs, these are pills and injections. They start with drugs that relieve the inflammatory process, for this traditionally non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used. 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 for 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.
Analgesics can supplement the group of drugs described above, with severe pain, injections are prescribed by the doctor, if all is not so bad, tablets are also suitable. With pain of noticeable intensity, blocking with the drug can be performed directly at the focal point of pain, it allows you to quickly remove the attack. Special anesthetic ointments can also complement the treatment.
Chondroprotectors allow you to restore the structure of cartilage, but it is necessary to take drugs in this group for a long time. The doctor prescribes, at his discretion, injections or pills that are taken during the courses. Recently, the preparations of this group are presented in the form of an ointment, which is applied externally.
Complete full-fledged treatment with drugs of the antispasmodic group. The action aims to relax the muscles that are pinched, arteries and nerves. The pressure decreases, the patient's condition is facilitated.
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. In addition, it has been shown that ointments are used along the nerves, so they can more effectively relieve a pain attack. Supplement, in addition to the ointment, the treatment is capable of mustard plasters
Hormone-based drugs are also used, mainly injections. They are prescribed as a last resort, when it is necessary to relieve a severe pain attack. Paraverbal blockade of the affected area of the nerve or root is often used, drugs are used on the basis of hormones.
Complement all vitamin preparations, injections are made into the muscle. Drugs can be represented by bioactive supplements, the tablets of which improve the nutrition of cartilage and relieve pressure.
Physiotherapy
All kinds of techniques are actively used to help calm even a strong attack. With the 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.
- vibrational therapy. Exposure to high frequency sound improves blood flow, relieves pressure and pain.
- Magnetotherapy. Exposure to a magnetic field improves the vital processes of cells, accelerates regeneration. Darsonval acts in a similar way.
- Electrophoresis. The impact of the current, which contributes to the fact that drugs penetrate deeper into the tissues.
- Diodynamic. The impact of the variable frequency current effectively reduces pain.
- I swim. It allows the muscles to relax. It is recommended that you only swim in a pool with warm water.
- Balneotherapy. Use for the treatment of mineral waters and sludge. Minerals contribute to the healing process, the pressure on the roots is reduced.
- Acupuncture. It predicts 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 release blood vessels and nerves.
The methods are selected strictly individually by a doctor. The main thing is not to start the disease.