The most common cause of pain in the upper and middle sections of the back is cervicothoracic osteochondrosis. And although this slowly progressing pathology is not fatal, it significantly worsens the quality of life of a person, and in some cases can cause disability. And only the maximum possible elimination of the factors leading to uneven pressure on the spinal motion segments can slow down the irreversible processes of biological aging and thereby alleviate the condition.
Causes of degenerative lesions of the spine
Osteochondrosis of the cervicothoracic region is a multifactorial pathology of the intervertebral discs connecting 7 cervical and 12 thoracic vertebrae. The most common causes of degenerative changes are:
- gravity (displacement of the center of gravity and redistribution of axial load)
- prolonged work in a forced position
- vibration
- hypodynamia
- autoimmune diseases
- spinal overload associated with pathologies of the musculoskeletal system (deformities, flat feet)
- infectious and inflammatory processes in nearby structures
- metabolic disorders
- hereditary anomalies in the development of connective tissue
- traumatic injuries
- excessive static or dynamic loads
- hormonal imbalance
To provoke an exacerbation of osteochondrosis in men and women can be stress, prolonged nervous strain, malnutrition, hypothermia.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine
Degenerative processes in the affected intervertebral discs are accompanied by local pain syndromes and referred pain. Due to a violation of the blood supply to the brain, patients complain of cephalgia, dizziness, "flies" before the eyes, pain in the shoulder or the entire upper limb, in the intercostal and interscapular region. There is discomfort, tingling in the neck, chest, abdomen, periodic painful pulsation in the ear or temple, pain when coughing and sneezing.
After a long stay in a forced position, a feeling of squeezing appears. Often, cervicothoracic osteochondrosis occurs with typical cardiac symptoms, which greatly complicates the diagnosis. Among the additional signs, one should highlight the numbness of certain areas of the skin, disruption of the digestive tract, increasing pain with deep breaths, shortness of breath in the supine position.
Stages of osteochondrosis
The pathological process has 4 stages of development:
I - swelling and movement of the pulpous substance inside the disc, irritation of peripheral nerve endings. Cervical and chest lumbago occur against the background of physical activity
II - cracking of the fibrous ring, violation of fixation between the vertebral bodies, instability of the vertebral segments. Accompanied by constant muscle tension, functional blockades, limitation of mobility
III - rupture of the disc membrane and protrusion of the nucleus pulposus (hernia). Neurological syndromes of root compression are manifested by reflex prolapse, weakness, atrophy, sensitivity disorder in the innervation zone. II - cracking of the fibrous ring, impaired fixation between the vertebral bodies, instability of the vertebral segments. Accompanied by constant muscle tension, functional blockades, limitation of mobility
IV - degenerative lesion of all components of the intervertebral symphysis. Due to the mineralization and compaction of the disc, arthrosis of the facet joints develops and mobility in the affected area is significantly limited.
Diagnostic methods
Diagnosis of vertebrogenic pathology is carried out in a complex, including:
- collection of vital and pathological anamnesis
- physical examination in a static position
- diagnostic tests (study of disorders of active and passive movements)
- determination of neurological status
- Plain two-projection radiograph of the spine
- CT
- MRI
In a professional clinic, when diagnosing various dorsopathies, magnetic resonance imaging is performed in combination with manual testing. The combined use of these methods provides complete information about the localization of areas of discogenic disorders, the structure and metabolic activity of cells, the state of all soft tissue components.
Which doctor to contact
A neurologist manages patients with vertebrogenic disorders. Additionally, you may need the help of a chiropractor, spinal surgeon.
How to treat cervicothoracic osteochondrosis
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine includes:
- medication for pain, swelling and inflammation
- manual therapy
- massage and self-massage;
- physiotherapy procedures (UVI, electrophoresis, laser-, magnetotherapy, DDT)
- reflexology
- physiotherapy exercises
- corseting, taping
- post-isometric relaxation
If osteochondrosis is complicated by an intervertebral hernia, a surgical operation is recommended for the patient.
Effects
An indifferent attitude to one's health and neglect of medical recommendations can lead to the active progression of the pathological process and the development of various reflex and compression syndromes:
- chronic cervicocranialgia and thoracalgia (headaches emanating from the cervical-occipital region, pain in the thoracic region)
- limitation of tilting the head in the direction opposite to the lesion
- vegetative disorders of the upper extremities
- sensation problems in hands and fingers
- dysfunction of internal organs
- partial immobilization of the spine
- disability
Prevention of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis
To minimize the impact of negative factors, it is recommended to regularly perform exercises aimed at strengthening the muscular frame. It is very important during long-term monotonous work to monitor posture, change body position more often, avoid large-amplitude movements, and protect yourself from hypothermia and drafts.