The most common cause of upper and middle back pain is cervicothoracic osteochondrosis. And although this slowly progressive pathology is not fatal, it significantly worsens a person's quality of life and, in some cases, can lead to disability. And only the greatest possible elimination of the factors that lead to an uneven load on the moving segments of the spine can slow down the irreversible processes of biological aging and, as a result, relieve suffering.
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 (shift of center of gravity and redistribution of axial load)
- prolonged work in a forced position
- vibration
- hypodynamia
- autoimmune diseases
- Overloading of the spine in connection with diseases of the musculoskeletal system (deformities, flat feet)
- infectious and inflammatory processes in nearby structures
- metabolic disorders
- hereditary abnormalities in the development of connective tissue
- traumatic injuries
- excessive static or dynamic loads
- hormonal imbalance
Exacerbation of osteochondrosis in both men and women can be provoked by stress, prolonged nerve strain, malnutrition and hypothermia.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine
Degenerative processes in the affected intervertebral discs are accompanied by local pain syndromes and radiating pain. Due to a violation of the blood supply to the brain, patients complain of headaches, dizziness, "flies" before the eyes, pain in the shoulder or the entire upper limb, in the intercostal and interscapular areas. There is discomfort, tingling in the neck, chest, abdomen, periodic painful pulsations in the ear or temple, pain when coughing and sneezing.
After a long stay in a forced position, a feeling of squeezing appears. Cervicothoracic osteochondrosis with typical cardiac symptoms often occurs, which greatly complicates the diagnosis. Among the additional signs, one should highlight the numbness of certain areas of the skin, disorders of the digestive tract, increasing pain with deep breaths, shortness of breath when lying on the back.
Stages of osteochondrosis
The pathological process has 4 stages of development:
I - swelling and movement of the pulpal substance in the intervertebral disc, irritation of the peripheral nerve endings. Cervical and chest lumbago occurs 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 blockages, restricted movement
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, impaired sensitivity in the II zone of innervation - cracking of the fibrous ring, impaired fixation between the vertebral bodies, instability of the vertebral segments. Accompanied by constant muscle tension, functional blockages, restricted movement
IV - degenerative lesion of all components of the intervertebral symphysis. The mineralization and compression of the intervertebral disc causes arthrosis of the facet joints and mobility in the affected area is significantly restricted.
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 (examination of disorders of active and passive movements)
- Determination of the 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 tests. The combined use of these methods provides complete information about the localization of areas of discogenic disorders, the structure and metabolic activity of cells, as well as the state of all soft tissue components.
Which doctor to contact
A neurologist treats patients with vertebral diseases. In addition, you may need the help of a chiropractor or spine surgeon.
How to treat cervicothoracic osteochondrosis
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine includes:
- Medicines for pain, swelling and inflammation
- manual therapy
- massage and self-massage;
- physiotherapeutic procedures (UVI, electrophoresis, laser, magnetic field therapy, DDT)
- reflexology
- Physiotherapy exercises
- Corseting, taping
- Post isometric relaxation
If osteochondrosis is complicated by an intervertebral hernia, then surgical operation is recommended to the patient.
effects
An indifferent attitude to one's own 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 (headache originating in the cervical-occipital region, pain in the chest region)
- Limiting the tilt of the head in the direction opposite to the lesion
- Vegetative disorders of the upper extremities
- Sensory disturbances in hands and fingers
- Dysfunctions 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 to strengthen the muscular frame. With long-lasting monotonous work, it is very important to monitor posture, change body position more often, avoid large-amplitude movements, and protect yourself from hypothermia and drafts.