The most common cause of pain in the upper and middle back is cervicothoracic osteochondrosis. And while this slow-growing pathology is not fatal, it significantly worsens a person's quality of life and in some cases can lead to disability. And only the maximum possible elimination of the factors that cause unequal pressure in the moving segments of the spine can slow down the irreversible processes of biological aging and thus alleviate the situation.
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:
- weight (center of gravity displacement and axial load redistribution)
- to work for a long time in a forced situation
- vibration
- hypodynamics
- autoimmune diseases
- overload of the spine associated with pathologies of the musculoskeletal system (deformities, straight legs)
- 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
Exacerbation of osteochondrosis in men and women can be caused by stress, prolonged nervous tension, 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 reference pain. Due to the disruption of blood supply to the brain, patients complain of cephalgia, dizziness, "flying" in front of the eyes, pain in the shoulder or all the upper extremities, intercostal and interscapular region. There is discomfort, tingling in the neck, chest, abdomen, periodic painful pulsation in the ear or temple, pain during coughing and sneezing.
After a long stay in a forced position, a feeling of tightness appears. Cervicothoracic osteochondrosis often occurs with typical cardiac symptoms, which greatly complicates the diagnosis. Additional symptoms include numbness of certain parts of the skin, digestive disorders, increased pain with deep breathing, and shortness of breath in the supine position.
Stages of osteochondrosis
There are 4 stages of development of the pathological process:
I - swelling and movement of pulpous substance inside the disc, irritation of peripheral nerve endings. Cervical and thoracic lumbago occurs against the background of physical activity
II - cracking of the fibrous ring, violation of fixation between the vertebral bodies, instability of vertebral segments. It is accompanied by constant muscle tension, functional blockages, limited mobility
III - rupture of the disc membrane and protrusion of the pulp nucleus (hernia). Neurological syndromes of root compression manifest themselves in the innervation zone with reflex prolapse, weakness, atrophy, impaired sensitivity. II - cracking of the fibrous ring, violation of fixation between vertebral bodies, instability of vertebral segments. It is accompanied by constant muscle tension, functional blockages, limited mobility
IV - degenerative damage to all components of the intervertebral symphysis. Osteoarthritis of the facet joints develops due to mineralization and compression of the disc, 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 active and passive movement disorders)
- determination of neurological condition
- Straight two-projection radiography of the spine
- CT
- MRI
In a professional clinic, when various dorsopathies are diagnosed, magnetic resonance imaging is performed in conjunction with a hand test. The combined use of these methods provides complete information about the localization of areas of discogenic disorders, cell structure and metabolic activity, the condition of all soft tissue components.
Which doctor to consult
Patients with vertebrogenic diseases are managed by a neurologist. In addition, you may need the help of a chiropractor, a spinal surgeon.
How to treat cervicothoracic osteochondrosis
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine includes:
- medicine for pain, swelling and inflammation
- hand therapy
- massage and self-massage;
- physiotherapeutic procedures (UVI, electrophoresis, laser, magnetotherapy, DDT)
- reflexology
- physiotherapy exercises
- corseting, ribboning
- postisometric rest
If osteochondrosis is complicated by an intervertebral hernia, surgery is recommended.
Effects
Neglect of one's own health and neglect of medical advice can lead to the active progression of the pathological process and the development of various reflex and compression syndromes:
- chronic cervicocranialgia and thoracic pain (headaches from the cervical-occipital region, pain in the chest)
- to limit the bending of the head in the opposite direction to the lesion
- vegetative disorders of the upper extremities
- sensory problems in the 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 perform exercises aimed at strengthening the muscle frame on a regular basis. It is very important to control posture during prolonged monotonous work, change body position more often, avoid large-amplitude movements, protect yourself from hypothermia and drafts.