The human spine is its support in the literal sense. Its design allows it to withstand heavy loads. Sternal osteochondrosis occurs when different types of negative effects are exerted on the body.
Osteochondrosis is a disease in which the intervertebral disc loses its elasticity, elasticity and strength, that is, malnutrition and degenerative changes occur. The basis is a violation of the metabolic process in the intervertebral disc tissue. In addition, the structure of the vertebra itself has also changed.
The eligibility to use the term "spine osteochondrosis" is now controversial, and all back pain is cancelled to this problem.
There is no "osteochondrosis" in the 10th revision of the International Classification of Diseases, but this term still exists among doctors.
Degenerative dystrophic changes in the thoracic spine do not occur frequently, and they can mimic the symptoms of physical diseases.
If there is pain on the left side of the chest, even if it gets worse with inhalation and exercise, an electrocardiogram must be performed to rule out acute coronary syndrome.
What disease
Sternal osteochondrosis is the rarest form of unnatural changes in the spine. The fact is that the thoracic region of the spine is supported and strengthened by ribs compared to the lumbar and cervical regions.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is less common than other forms of this disease because the thoracic spine is reinforced with ribs.
Symptoms are usually similar to heart disease and pleural disease.
The diagnosis is based on X-ray, CT, and MRI. Choose treatment to relieve symptoms and prevent further deterioration of spinal cartilage.
Even a large load will cause minimal damage to the vertebrae in this area. However, the main danger for the vertebrae in this area is prolonged sedentary state.
This osteochondrosis can cause changes in the vertebra itself and nearby organs. The onset of this disease is generally mild, without severe pain. At the same time, it is difficult to identify osteochondrosis in the thoracic spine area due to its peculiarity in imitating other diseases.
In many cases, this pathology may be related to:
- Angina pectoris;
- diseaseGastrointestinal tract(Gastritis, ulcer, colitis);
- diseaseHeart;
- inflammationappendix;
- kidneycolic.
After a comprehensive examination, it will soon be discovered that the symptoms of other diseases have not been confirmed, and one of the degrees of osteochondrosis has obvious signs.
Prevalence of the disease
The risk group includes workers in any type of activity. In most cases, thoracic osteochondrosis (GO) occurs in people over 55 years of age, but in young people, you can also see the first signs of disease progression. In the sample surveyed by doctors, men accounted for 38% and women accounted for 62%.
71% of respondents are in the initial stage of HO. Osteochondrosis is the most common cause of disability in the working population. There are 33 to 165 cases per 100 workers each year. Those ones. In many cases, within a year, a person relapses multiple times and requires sick leave each time.
Bachelor of Science
The development of thoracic osteochondrosis has gone through several stages:
- Tissue dehydrationDisk,Because they have lost their flexibility and flexibility. At this stage, the disks are gradually flattened and deformed, and they can still bear the load, but people have already felt an unpleasant feeling.
- Cracking dehydrationFibrousDisc ring. When the position of the body changes, you will feel obvious pain.
- gapThe outer shell of the intervertebral disc, the nucleus pulposus, forms a hernia and contacts the nerve roots extending from the spine. In this case, severe pain will occur.
- convergenceAdjacent vertebrae, their displacement, flattening and growth.
Osteochondrosis is divided into several degrees:
- disease1 degreeHe was diagnosed with a ruptured intervertebral disc. At this time, there was severe pain in the sternum, comparable to an electric shock, and the muscles were extremely tense.
- Level 2It is characterized by a herniated intervertebral disc, part of which begins to compress the nerve roots, but the nucleus pulposus is still intact and cannot come out. Osteochondrosis of this degree progresses in the constant alternation of deterioration and remission.
- exist3 degreesThe pain is permanent because the nerve endings are constantly stimulated. At this stage, limbs are numb, severe headache, arrhythmia, insomnia, and nervous tension due to poor physical condition.
- exist4 degreesIrreversible transformations are observed in the vertebrae. After they meet and modify, the spine loses its mobility in this place.
According to the degree and stage of the disease, symptoms and other factors, choose the appropriate treatment.
reason
There are many reasons for osteochondrosis, but the most common are:
- Overmuchweightbody. The spine cannot sustain excessive weight.
- IncorrectNutrition.Since the intake of calcium-containing food is very small, the food ingested at the same time will cause calcium to leak out of the body, thereby destroying bone tissue. The vertebrae wear down gradually. In addition, if the diet lacks sufficient amounts of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, the intervertebral disc will be damaged and lack these important micronutrients.
- smokes.The use of tobacco disrupts the metabolic process in the body, which has a significant impact on the state of the intervertebral disc.
- violationposture.Systemic invasion of the normal position of the spine can cause scoliosis, which in turn leads to osteochondrosis.
- Sedentarylifestyle. Sedentary immobility and lack of any physical activity can cause the muscles of the body to lose tension. They relax and cannot fully support the spine, causing it to bend.
- Increase physical strengthload.In most cases, they happen to professional athletes, however, there are also such cases under daily conditions. If a strong effect is exerted on the spine, it is possible to change the position of the vertebrae, forming protrusions and hernias.
- Genetictendency. Very often, similar pathological disorders of vertebrae and intervertebral discs are found in close relatives.
- ageVariety. For many years, the body no longer synthesizes glycosaminoglycans and other important compounds that give the intervertebral disc elasticity. Bone tissue becomes porous and fragile, which means that the vertebrae are easily deformed.
- traumaBack. Even if the spine is slightly injured, it will not leave no marks and cause deformation of the vertebrae.
In addition, hormonal imbalance, hypothermia and infectious diseases in the body may all become the driving force for the development of osteochondrosis.
symptom
Because the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are similar to many other diseases, it is difficult to distinguish its signs. However, the doctor agrees to consider the obvious symptoms of osteochondrosis:
- Pain betweenrib cage;
- Upper painLimbs,Accompanied by tingling and numbness;
- Deep painbreathe;
- Pain when tryingraisehand;
- Can't go through the main body of the bodytiltIn one direction or the other;
- twitchIn the muscles
- paleSkin caused by abnormal nerve endings;
- feelBack painbehind.
When you turn your body at night, the onset of pain will increase and your body temperature will decrease.
Because the pain can radiate to the upper part of the breastbone, it is often confused with heart pain.
| The vertebrae don't. | Which parts of the body are related to | What causes |
|---|---|---|
| D1 | Trachea, esophagus | Cough, asthma, arrhythmia |
| D2 | Palm, wrist, hand | Pain in the chest, palms, and arms |
| D3 | Chest, pleura, lung, bronchi | Pneumonia, pleurisy, asthma, bronchitis |
| D4 | Bile duct and bladder | Jaundice, gallstones |
| D5 | Temple | Jaundice, poor blood coagulation |
| D6 | liver | Ulcer, gastritis, digestive problems, liver dysfunction |
| D7 | 12 Duodenum, pancreas | Stool, digestive diseases, ulcers and diabetes |
| D8 | Diaphragm, spleen | Weakened immune system, allergies |
| D9 | Adrenal glands | Weakness, fatigue, kidney problems |
| D10 | kidney | Infertility, digestive problems, female reproductive organ diseases |
| D11 | ureter | Kidney disease, urinary system problems |
| D12 | Fallopian tube, inguinal ring, colon and small intestine | Infertility, genital diseases, bowel and digestive problems |
For thoracic osteochondrosis, two common syndromes can be observed-back pain and back pain.
Dorsago is a syndrome with severe, severe, and sudden sternal pain. The usual inhales, exhales, and attempts to turn the body in one direction or another are accompanied by painful sensations. This syndrome usually occurs in people who have to maintain a posture for a long time and lean forward.
Back pain-Unlike back pain, it develops unknowingly in about a month. It is characterized by throbbing pain and chest discomfort. Pain worsens in the dark, accompanied by deep breathing and uncomfortable body posture.
| Where is it hurt? | How it manifests |
|---|---|
| Chest | Feel the back and chest contraction, breathing becomes difficult, pain when breathing and bending, and sometimes pain in the heart and left sternum area |
| neck | Hand numbness, hoarseness, difficulty breathing, headache, dizziness, vision and hearing loss |
| Small back | Cold feet syndrome, lower extremity cramps, increased sweating, abnormalities in the genitourinary system, low back pain-dull or acute |
Special and rare symptoms of breast osteochondrosis:
- feelPieceIf the disease affects the upper chest, sore throat and esophagus may appear in the throat;
- symptompancreatitis,Cholecystitis occurs when the middle thoracic area is involved;
- pathologyIntestinesAble to simulate the failure of the lower chest area;
- IntercostalNeuralgia,Caused by infringement of the intercostal nerve roots, the pain in this case is herpes zoster. Neuralgia is easily confused with many visceral diseases;
- lungSyndrome-manifests as symptoms of hypoxia and hyperemia in the lungs.
During the course of the disease, several and almost all symptoms can be observed at the same time, and they vary according to the stage of sternal osteochondrosis.
| factor | Osteochondrosis | Myocardial infarction | Angina pectoris |
|---|---|---|---|
| strength | Less intense, more mild pain | Unbearably strong | Weak |
| period | Long: one day or more | A few hours or days | 1 to 15 minutes |
| Place | The area between the left sternum, back, and shoulder blades | Neck, behind the breastbone | Neck, behind the breastbone |
diagnosis
The main methods for diagnosing thoracic osteochondrosis are:
- X-ray.In the images obtained with its help, there are usually the following signs: the shape of the vertebral body has changed; the presence of bone growth; the height of the intervertebral disc is reduced; the contour of the plate is uneven; the spinal canal is thinned; the degeneration process of the spinal structure.
- computerTomography. In difficult situations, it is necessary to obtain a complete 3D model of the spine.
- Neurophysiologytake an exam. Assess tendon reflexes and muscle nerve conduction (neuroelectromyography).
- LearnbloodTo determine the calcium content.
Diagnosis of thoracic osteochondrosis is difficult, and its main symptoms should be understood in order to seek medical treatment in time.
First aid for acute exacerbations
If it is necessary to get rid of the attack in a short time, experts recommend following some suggestions.
First, it is necessary to heat the area where the pain syndrome is manifested. For this, it is best to use a special ointment. The doctor strongly advises against using herbal decoctions because it may cause severe burns. Wool shawls or scarves are best for warm compresses.
Next, you need to adopt a body posture that does not cause unpleasant feeling performance. It is recommended to lie on a hard surface such as the floor.
When the condition gets worse, a bandage should be worn on the chest.
Taking analgesic drugs will help prevent or reduce the severity of the attack.
If your health does not improve after 60 minutes, you need to call an ambulance. When the doctor arrives, he needs to tell him about the use of painkillers.
treatment
The treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis includes the following series of procedures:
- Anti-inflammatory (medicineNon-steroidal drugs-help suppress inflammation and relieve pain. Add hormone preparations if necessary.
- Muscle relaxants-Relax tense muscles.
- sedativeMedications-reduce anxiety and irritability caused by persistent pain.
- DiureticsMedications to relieve swelling.
- drugTo promote blood circulation.
- Cartilage protective agent.Drugs that accelerate the regeneration of cartilage tissue-insufficient evidence, effects vary from person to person.
- acupuncture.Acupuncturists can relieve the pain of osteochondrosis by affecting specific parts of the body.
- physiotherapy.
- manualtreatment. An experienced chiropractor can improve blood circulation, relieve muscle spasms and prevent the development of osteochondrosis.
- massage.In the absence of a herniated disc, this treatment is allowed.
- Ultrasoundtreatment.
- electromagnetictreatment.
- Mud therapy.
- stretch.Due to this method, the muscles and spine are stretched to 1. 5 mm. In turn, this leads to decompression of nerve endings, while eliminating inflammatory processes, pain disappears, and local blood circulation increases.
If standard treatment does not work or a herniated disc develops, surgery is rarely needed.
The diet should include dishes with natural cartilage protection-aspic, jelly, pudding, soup made from lamb and beef.
All doctors say that swimming is essential to keep the spine healthy. This type of activity allows you to distribute the load evenly throughout your body, helps adjust your spine, strengthens your back muscles, and improves your body's health in general. However, it is worth remembering that in the presence of a hernia, this method of recovery is excluded in the event of deterioration.
physiotherapy
If 1st-degree chest osteochondrosis is diagnosed, regular exercise will allow you to cope with the problem without the need for medication. In addition, in order to achieve positive results, it is recommended to perform gymnastics for at least 4 months.
In order to treat this disease, the following exercises are recommended every day:
- Lean forward while bending the lower limbs alternately;
- Raise your hands in turn and bend to both sides;
- Raise the upper limbs and lower limbs at the same time in the prone position;
- Lean forward and stretch your hands towards the foot on the other side.
Repeat each exercise 10 times. Three methods are allowed.
The expert gives another set of exercises:
- Take a standing position. Raise your arms when you inhale and lower your arms when you exhale.
- Sit in a chair with a backrest. Inhale and pull your shoulders back, bringing the shoulder blades as close as possible. Bend your lower back slightly.
- On all fours. Lift your right leg and left arm from the floor, straighten it and take it away. In this position, you need to stay for 15 seconds. After that, take the starting position and do the same thing on the opposite limb.
- Perform the exercise "cats". To do this, you also need to adopt a posture, stand on all fours, bend your lower back and bend upwards.
Each must be done 15-20 times. If you experience pain during any exercise, it is best not to do so.
After the muscular corset becomes stronger, experts will recommend more complex exercises.
It must be remembered that during the worsening period, the load should be minimal, but the class should not be completely abandoned.
Consequences and complications
Complications of thoracic osteochondrosis are not uncommon because the disease is latent and asymptomatic at first, and can be recognized when it progresses significantly. Distinguish the following complications:
- shrinkSpinal canal;
- OvergrowthThe bone tissue of the vertebrae;
- Spondyloarthropathy(Thoracic joint disease, back joint disease);
- inflammationThe nerve roots of the spine;
- Nutrient vesselDystonia.
The nature and severity of complications depend on the timeliness and accuracy of treatment. At the same time, at a younger age, it is more likely to avoid consequences.
Prevention method
Therefore, there is no separate preventive measure for osteochondrosis; it is usually necessary to take care of the spine to prevent any changes in it. Therefore, you should abide by the following rules:
- Not allowedHurtspine. Athletes need to carefully calibrate the load and use sports belts and corsets to support the spine. People who engage in physical activity need to strengthen the back muscles to support the spine.
- Execute complex specialgymnasticsexercise. It is necessary to normalize the blood circulation of the spine to avoid the lack of necessary trace elements in the intervertebral disc. When working for a long time, you need to get up at least once an hour and do a little warm-up.
- At the slightest signs of spinal disease (tingling, numbness, low back pain), you need to applyconsultTo the neurologist.
Be sure to pay attention to spine health, adhere to moderate exercise, avoid bad habits, eat a balanced diet, and drink plenty of water. All of these will help prevent changes in the vertebrae and intervertebral discs, and keep the spine in normal working condition for a long time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which doctor is treating?
At the first symptoms of pathological manifestations, you need to contact a chiropractor or neurologist. To prescribe a complex treatment plan, you also need to consult a traumatologist (if the cause of the disease is bruises, trauma, or fractures), an osteopath (to determine the area of spinal lesions), and a rheumatologist (inflammation is in the connective tissue).
How long does the deterioration last?
The duration of the acute phase can be 3 to 14 days. In the absence of treatment, recurrence can be repeated continuously, gradually causing damage to new areas.
Where do you sleep?
Experts recommend a lateral position in the embryo position. Sleeping on your back is also allowed, but in this case, the internal organs will put pressure on the chest area. Sleeping on your stomach can cause neck soreness.