![The doctor explains to the patient the mechanism of thoracic osteochondrosis](/images/articles/1831/The%20doctor%20explains%20to%20the%20patient%20the%20mechanism%20of%20thoracic%20osteochondrosis.jpg)
How the spine ages: mechanisms of osteochondrosis development
Stages and complications of spinal osteochondrosis
- The first stage
The intervertebral disc produces less collagen and lowers water concentration. It becomes flatter. Cracks began to appear on its surface. Discomfort and fatigue in the back. X-rays usually don't show any changes initially. - second stage
The surface of the intervertebral disc ruptures, the nucleus pulposus moves away from the center, and the annulus fibrosus loses its elasticity. This causes a herniated disc: it protrudes into the spinal canal in the form of a cone and puts pressure on the paravertebral ligaments. Moderate pain occurs. The surrounding muscles remain tight and limit the range of motion of the chest area. On an X-ray, you can see how the height of the intervertebral space decreases. - The third phase
Through the fissure in the annulus fibrosus, the nucleus pulposus or part of the nucleus pulposus enters the spinal canal. The vertebrae move closer together and osteophytes (bone growths) appear on their bodies. Osteophytes limit mobility and increase the surface area of the vertebrae, allowing load to be distributed more evenly. The roots of the spine are affected, causing back pain that worsens and spreads along the rib cage. X-rays show osteophytes and dramatic narrowing of the intervertebral spaces. - Stage 4
During this stage, severe pain persists in the back. Posture changes, making it difficult for people to perform normal movements. Psycho-emotional areas are affected. X-rays show spinal deformity.
Causes of thoracic osteochondrosis
- sedentary lifestyle
- overweight
- frequent hypothermia
- bad habits
- Lifting weights incorrectly
- Uneven load on one shoulder when carrying heavy objects
- genetic predisposition
- flatfoot
- Pregnant
- breast-feeding
- Spinal deformity, poor posture - scoliosis, kyphosis
- Metabolic disorders in endocrine diseases - diabetes, gout, thyroid pathology
- Autoimmune diseases - systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis
- walking in high heels
- back injury
Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis in women and men
- pain syndrome
Herniations, hernias, and osteophytes can put pressure on the paravertebral ligaments, causing pain. In the early stages of osteochondrosis, it appears only after lifting weights or physical activity and disappears after rest. As the disease progresses, pain may occur even without movement. - muscle tension syndrome
Persistent muscle spasms occur due to pain. Muscles throughout the spine often spasm, so pain occurs not only in the chest, but also in the neck and waist. - radiculopathy syndrome
Protrusions and hernias can compress nerve roots, causing pain and burning in the ribs. The pain usually occurs at night and worsens with movement. - facet joint syndrome
It develops with the articulation of the facet joints between the vertebral arches. With this syndrome, pain occurs in the back and chest area. Pain may last for years and cause limited mobility.
- Acute pain that occurs suddenly after a sudden move or turn. The attacks are short-lived: they usually go away after changing body position, but sometimes last for several days.
- Chronic pain persists for 12 weeks. People cannot stand for long periods of time; standing up after sitting for a long time will hurt.
- pain, burning, chest contraction
- Retrosternal pain, located in the center of the chest, can radiate to the collarbone, neck, ribs, and arms, simulating cardiac pathology
- Constant creaking in the back when moving
- Shortness of breath due to pain when taking deep breaths in and out
- Difficulty moving the spine
- Weak back muscles
- Depression, depression caused by chronic pain
- Feeling of lump in chest
Diagnosis of thoracic osteochondrosis
- radiography. This is a simple study that reveals spinal curvature, vertebral fractures and dislocations, and narrowing of the intervertebral spaces.
- CT scan. This is a more informative method that shows pathology in the vertebrae and discs that are not visible on X-rays. Allows you to assess the extent of spinal damage and monitor the progress of treatment.
- Magnetic resonance imaging. It helps diagnose herniations, disc herniations, and spinal nerve root pathology.
Treatment: What to do about osteochondrosis of the chest
medical treatement The main group of medications prescribed to the patient: - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – relieve pain, reduce inflammation and tissue swelling.
- Muscle Relaxants - Relax muscles and reduce pain.
- Glucocorticoids - slow down the destruction of intervertebral discs and reduce inflammation. These medications are prescribed when NSAIDs and muscle relaxants don't help.
physical therapy Instructors choose exercises to strengthen chest muscles, correct posture, and improve spinal mobility. Different typesphysiotherapy. Apply: - Magnetic therapy - improves tissue metabolism, reduces pain and swelling.
- Laser Treatment - Promotes nutrition and tissue repair, eliminates inflammation.
- Shock wave therapy - destroys calcium salt deposits on the vertebrae and accelerates the regeneration of bone and cartilage tissue.
acupuncture It stimulates blood circulation to the tissues in the area of the affected vertebrae, relaxes the muscles, and reduces pain and swelling. braid Place special tape on the skin in the sore area of your back. The tape regulates muscle tone and distributes the load correctly. Massage, manual therapy As a complementary therapy to relax muscles and improve spinal mobility.
Complications: Risks of Chest Osteochondrosis in Men and Women
Prevent osteochondrosis
- Sleeping on orthopedic mattresses and pillows
- When lifting weights, instead of bending over, squat down so the weight rests on your hips
- Carry a bag or backpack alternately on your left and right shoulders to avoid carrying only one side
- avoid injury
- Quit smoking and excessive drinking
- drink enough water
- Warm up, exercise, swim, and walk when sitting for long periods of time
- Monitor weight
- Prompt treatment of infectious and chronic diseases
- wear comfortable shoes