The human spine is one of the most important components of the musculoskeletal system, and disruption of its normal function always negatively affects the entire organism. Thoracic osteochondrosis is a degenerative inflammatory disease of the thoracic intervertebral discs. The disease most commonly affects people over the age of 55, but it can occur in any adult. In men, the incidence of the disease is half that of women.
In general, although the department is the largest and consists of 12 vertebrae in the middle of the spine, it is less prone to lesions. This is due to the lower mobility and good protection of the muscular corset. This feature of the structure is a positive factor, but when diagnosing osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, it is difficult to identify and for a long time can be confused with other diseases, especially in the presence of temperature.
The International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition (ICD-10) has criteria according to which osteochondrosis belongs to the category of back diseases (M40-54). According to ICD-10, there is a separate ICD-10 category for spinal osteochondrosis - M42, which is equivalent to dorsal deformity. Diagnosis is based on M42. 0 ICD-10 codes for adolescents and M42. 1 ICD-10 for adults with osteochondrosis. M42. 9 ICD-10 Code Unspecified pathology may occur.
reason
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is less common than lesions elsewhere in the spine. Many people do not seek medical help for long periods of time, thinking they have other medical conditions. Statistically, this results in the disease being detected most often in its advanced form.
The disease occurs due to impaired nutrition and blood supply to the intervertebral discs. The formation of osteochondrosis results in the destruction of the normal structure of the vertebrae. The spine loses its elasticity and depreciation properties, all of which can lead to the destruction of discs, ligaments and other structural components. Due to these diseases, nerve roots are pinched and unpleasant symptoms appear.
It is almost impossible to find out the exact cause of the pathology. Risk groups and predisposing factors for the disease exist in the population. As for the person itself, this age is over 55 years old, female gender and the presence of spinal lesions increases the risk of getting sick. Deviations such as scoliosis, kyphosis, etc. can violate the posture and normal alignment of the spine over time. As a result, metabolic processes in the spine are disturbed and osteomalacia develops.
Some factors depend directly on the person causing the pathology. Let's highlight the main ones:
- being overweight;
- Abuse of bad habits: alcoholism, smoking, greasy food;
- A sedentary lifestyle.
People who sit for long periods of time are prone to this disease. This applies to office workers, tailors, operators, drivers. People with back or spine injuries should also be careful in the future. There is a group of people with genetic or acquired diseases that are prone to diseases of the musculoskeletal system. The main symptoms are diabetes, muscle weakness, disruption of the normal function of the glands.
Type and clinical presentation
Signs of thoracic osteochondrosis depend on the degree of pathology and neglect of the process. In total, four degrees of disease are distinguished.
In the first degree, the elasticity of the intervertebral discs is destroyed and their height is reduced. The symptoms of pain are not as sharp and pass quickly with rest. Basically, the pain is felt in the middle of the back and in the chest. Often, the disease enters a passive state, with clinical manifestations only appearing during exacerbations, with rapid cessation and treatment. Signs of poisoning are rare, and sometimes the temperature may rise and weakness may occur. When the acute phase passes, the temperature quickly returns to normal.
Class II is more dangerous and can cause severe neurological symptoms. With this degree, the height of the intervertebral discs in the spine continues to decrease and the elasticity is destroyed. The annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc may be damaged and a fissure forms. This stage is fraught with the threat of an intervertebral herniation.
The pain in the chest and back becomes more intense and eventually spreads to adjacent areas. Acute pain attacks occur during deep breathing or sudden movement. When nerve endings are damaged, symptoms can spread along the ribs. During the exacerbation, the temperature rises and the whole body becomes weak. In this degree of disease, numbness and crawling "goose bumps" develop at the site of the lesion. If nerve fibers are damaged, the normal innervation of the upper or lower extremities is disturbed.
Third-degree thoracic vertebral osteochondrosis is characterized by the onset of intervertebral herniation. Severe pain can occur in some cases. Usually, the pain gets worse at night when you're in the cold for a long time. Pain in the chest, back, and 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 rib, stomach;
- increased body temperature;
- Problems with normal function of the gastrointestinal tract.
In the final, fourth degree, the bony tissue of the spine is destroyed. Violation of the mobility of the vertebrae and reduced depreciation performance. This degree of thoracic osteochondrosis is dangerous due to spinal cord injury and impaired functioning of the human body. As the condition worsened, the body temperature rose, and there was severe pain in the middle of the chest and back.
In the general clinical presentation, there are two main symptoms that differ - these are back pain and back pain. Dorsago is characterized by severe pain in the chest. After a person holds a position for a long time, there will be a feeling of being shot in the chest. During an attack, breathing becomes difficult, and the pain increases as the trunk moves to the sides. This condition increases the temperature.
Had back pain, mild pain in the area of damaged vertebrae. Symptoms of soreness increase and persist for up to three weeks. The pain can become more intense with deep breathing or exhalation and after exercise. Symptoms worsen at night and can be relieved by walking. The International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition (ICD-10) assigns a separate code M54. 6 to back pain with chest pain.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Using the correct method to identify thoracic osteochondrosis is not difficult. The main purpose is to make a differential diagnosis with cardiovascular disease and exclude other diseases. The presence of certain pain, fever, and neurological disorders increases doctors' doubts.
The main diagnostic method is radiography. Photograph not only the damaged sector, but also the adjacent sector to rule out complications. If a full examination of the spine is not possible and tissue and blood vessel damage is suspected, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are required.
In most cases, thoracic osteochondrosis is treated conservatively.
The main elements of treatment are complexity and an individualized approach.
Depending on the degree of pathology, home treatment options or hospital are possible. In any case, it is necessary to apply certain principles - this is a gentle loading regimen, limiting weights and movements, preventing overexertion and strictly adhering to the doctor's recommendations.
In the acute phase of thoracic vertebral osteochondrosis, when pain and elevated body temperature occur, bed rest is required. NSAIDs, analgesics are prescribed when pain syndrome and body temperature are present. Maybe a combination of ointments, physiotherapy and massage. This combination will allow you to quickly overcome the disease and get back on your feet.
The basis of the treatment of osteochondrosis is local efficacy. Manual therapy allows you to place your vertebrae in place, and massage, physical therapy (electrophoresis, ultrasound, magnetic therapy) and reflexology restore nutrition. Both men and women must engage in therapeutic exercise and adhere to the treatment regimen.
When complications arise, traction or even surgery may be required. Otherwise, use symptomatic treatment.