Thoracic osteochondrosis is a pathology of the spine, in which the position of the vertebrae becomes unnatural, the disc degenerates, causing its height to decrease. Bone tumors in the chest area are not as common as in the neck or lower back. It is related to anatomy. In the central part, the spine is stable and durable, in addition, it is less stressed, less mobile, less prone to injury to the discs.
The risk group for this disease includes the elderly and those with a sedentary lifestyle. However, the pathology is increasingly diagnosed in adolescents, and between the ages of 30 and 35 the number of cases increases sharply.
Classification of thoracic osteonecrosis
Diseases are classified on the basis of the syndrome principle. The affected areas of the spine negatively affect nerve formation.
By determining the location, such forms of osteonecrosis of the thoracic spine are distinguished:
- compression syndrome (tension-related growth, deformity, or compression of nerve roots; areas of the spinal cord or blood vessels may be affected; spinal, vascular, and vascular syndromes may result as a result)or lenses);
- reflex syndrome (the effect occurs reflexively, straining the internal muscles; dystrophy and vascular disorders occur);
- myoadaptive syndrome (muscle damage in the thoracic segment due to constant overload).
Etiology of thoracic osteonecrosis
The causes of thoracic osteonecrosis are the result of little physical activity, back trauma, overexertion, metabolic disorders, overweight, poor immunity, frequent colds, infections, smokingsmoking, stress. In women, among other things, the development of the disease can be triggered by wearing high heels and carrying a child.
In addition, the causes of osteonecrosis of the breast are:
- poorly distributed load on the intervertebral discs;
- degenerative changes in the tissues of the intervertebral disc;
- lack of minimal physical activity;
- scoliosis;
- Permanent abnormal position of the spine in the sitting position.
Pathogenesis of the disease
Mild discomfort, muscle tension, and "tolerable" pain when inhaling and bending over are early signs of osteonecrosis of the chest. A person often goes to the doctor when the pain becomes acute and does not allow him to live a normal life. Therapy for thoracic osteonecrosis is long-term, requiring constant attention. If left untreated, dystrophic changes lead to limited mobility and even disability.
Clinical manifestations of osteonecrosis
Symptoms of osteonecrosis of the breast have different manifestations, depending on the location of the process. Moreover, the disease skillfully "adjusts" to other problems.
The most typical symptoms of osteonecrosis of the chest:
- pain in the interspinous region;
- chest discomfort;
- headache and heart attack;
- pain when bending over;
- movement restrictions;
- tingling sensations in the neck, abdomen, chest, and arms;
- dizziness, tinnitus, flies in front of the eyes;
- Pain increases when inhaling.
Decreased sensitivity, impaired motor function, and muscle atrophy are added to the symptoms of thoracic osteonecrosis as the disease progresses.
Features of the process of breast bone necrosis during pregnancy
The development of pain during pregnancy is associated with weight gain. At the same time, shifting the center of gravity changes posture. Less physical activity combined with a sedentary lifestyle causes a breakdown of the disc's elasticity. The increased pressure on the thoracic area leads to pain. During pregnancy, osteonecrosis of the thoracic region is treated mainly without the use of special drugs, because they can harm the health of the fetus. Therefore, special Kuznetsov applications, massages and exercises are used.
Features of the disease in children
Thoracic osteosarcoma may manifest itself from 8 to 17 years. The unprepared spine undergoes pathological changes under heavy load. After an accurate diagnosis, treatment is started. As a rule, during this period, a timely started course of treatment will lead to excellent results. It is necessary to strengthen the muscles, improve the condition of the cartilage and conduct physical therapy.
Complications of the disease
Most patients with thoracic osteonecrosis attempt to delay treatment, resulting in significant complications.
Consequences of thoracic osteonecrosis:
- Formation of herniated disc
- Spinal cord injury
- Presence of hypertension
- Risk of stroke and heart attack
Diagnose
Diagnosis of thoracic osteonecrosis, including differential, includes:
- digital radiography;
- ECG;
- Ultrasound of the heart, kidneys and abdominal organs;
- CT.
The doctor will determine the exact image on the X-ray, where he will see the growth of the vertebral body and the displacement of the discs. Thoracic osteosarcoma, which is characterized by similar symptoms to other diseases, requires differential diagnosis from spinal cord injury, tumors and tumors on the spine, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, coxarthrosisand some other diseases.
Treatment of osteonecrosis of the thoracic spine
Treatment of thoracic osteonecrosis includes the use of complex therapy, the aim of which is to prevent and prevent further destruction of the discs or restore their structure, improve the biomechanics of the spine and eliminateEliminate disorders of the central nervous system.
The first thing when starting treatment is to reduce pain and inflammation through drug therapy.
Patients are recommended drugs of the following groups:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- glucocorticosteroids;
- diuretic;
- chondroprotectors.
Once the pain subsided, they moved on to the next stage of thoracic osteonecrosis treatment. A course of therapeutic massage, acupuncture, physiotherapeutic exercises is prescribed. In addition, physical therapy is also highly effective. If indicated, manual therapy may be recommended.
Healing control
Nursing care is supervised by a family doctor or specialist who has observed the patient throughout the course of the illness. The absence of recurrences during the year indicates normalization of the function of the musculoskeletal system.
Preventive
Prevention of osteonecrosis of the chest requires the following rules:
- postural control;
- workplace hygiene (control the position of the hands, the presence of a chair with a flat high back);
- rest every 2 hours for specific exercises;
- sleeping on hard surfaces;
- absence of infrequent physical activity (including when carrying heavy loads);
- carry a backpack instead of one shoulder;
- Regular exercise therapy classes.
Tips & Tricks
Thoracic osteonecrosis requires long-term rehabilitation. Moderate physical activity is recommended to strengthen the back muscles and reduce stress on the spine. In addition, physical therapy gradually eliminates the pain.
In addition, with exercise and sports therapy, the following tasks are performed:
- decompression of the nerve endings of the spine;
- develop a pattern of correct posture;
- give elasticity to the spine;
- improve blood circulation;
- normalizes the metabolism of the intervertebral disc.
This article is for informational purposes only. Remember: self-medication can be harmful to your health.