Sternal osteochondrosis is rare in clinical practice. In the past, it was mainly diagnosed in the elderly, but now it is often found in patients under 35. Women are more likely to get sick than men. This degenerative malnutrition disease is difficult to diagnose because severe symptoms only appear in the later stages.
In addition, the symptoms of this disease can easily be confused with signs of impaired lung and heart function. This disease cannot be left untreated because it can cause spinal curvature, the development of persistent pain syndrome, and other complications that may negatively affect the quality of human life.
What is sternal osteochondrosis?
In the International Classification of Diseases, the ICD-10 code for this pathological condition is M42. Sternal osteochondrosis is much less than cervical or bone. This is no coincidence. Due to the presence of rigid ribs in this part of the body, this part of the spine is physically less mobile.
There are more vertebrae in the chest area than the cervical and lumbar vertebrae, but in this part of the spine, the intervertebral discs are thinner. These anatomical features will reduce the mobility of this part of the spine, so it is less prone to injury.
However, when exposed to a variety of adverse factors, it may develop rickets. Initially, there are signs that a disc is damaged, but in the future, other factors may be involved in the pathological process. As the disease progresses, bone elements and the ligaments and muscles that support the spine are damaged.
The degenerative malnutrition process in the breast area grows more slowly. Usually, the fibrous annulus of the damaged disc is destroyed for many years, so that protrusions and hernias appear.
Severe clinical manifestations occur after a sharp drop in the height of the intervertebral disc and a stuck root. This not only causes back pain, that is, short-term pain episodes in the chest area, but also leads to violations of internal organs and nerves. It is much more difficult to treat nerve roots that extend in this area.
Reasons for development
In most cases, spinal problems will not appear suddenly. In this regard, diseases such as osteochondrosis are no exception. This pathology affects the intervertebral disc and is the result of a long-term degenerative malnutrition process. In most cases, it is impossible to determine exactly what caused the disease to develop. The factors that may cause thoracic osteochondrosis include:
- Congenital or acquired spinal deformity;
- Overweight; Spinal overload during pregnancy;
- Infectious diseases;
- Hypothermia;
- Metabolism disorder;
- Hormonal destruction;
- Chronic stress;
- bad habits;
- Connective tissue diseases;
- Abnormal changes in hyperplasia;
- Postural disorders;
- Unhealthy diet;
- Injured.
Weight reduction will have a negative impact on the condition of the spine. Sedentary people are more likely to develop sternal osteochondrosis. In addition, age-related changes and slowed metabolism observed in patients over 55 years of age have also contributed to the appearance of these diseases.
Genetic susceptibility may be a factor in the development of pathology. The gene that creates the conditions for the appearance of mammary osteochondrosis has not been determined, but it is easier to be diagnosed in people with a family history of the disease.
Symptoms and signs
The clinical nature of this pathological condition depends on the neglected stage of the process, the degree of disc disease and the age of the patient. In the early stages of development, there are no specific signs, but general symptoms can occur regularly. Usually, in the initial stages of development, the disease only manifests itself after cold weather or physical overwork. The initial manifestations of the development of thoracic osteochondrosis include:
- fatigue;
- Back pain and pressure;
- Muscle cramps;
- Limbs.
As the disease progresses, the patient's condition worsens. Painful chest pain occurs. They especially often occur in the context of staying in a pose or sudden movement for a long time. In addition, severe pain syndrome can occur when lifting weights. Rotating the torso will increase the pain. The appearance of dull pain in the ch bone area of the shoulder also indicates the presence of osteochondrosis.
Usually, osteochondrosis in the chest area is accompanied by the appearance of abnormal curvature. In severe cases, patients may have humps. In addition, this disease can cause pain during deep breathing and exhalation.
When the nerve root is clamped, the skin of the upper limbs and upper body usually feels numb. Due to violation of innervation and blood circulation, the skin will feel like a goose skin bump. The feet and hands are always cold. Limb sensitivity may exist. In advanced cases, the disease may cause symptoms of damage to other organs due to violations of their nerves. In the final stage of the process, it may be:
- Intercostal neuralgia;
- Fecal diseases;
- Bloating;
- Heartburn and nausea;
- Itchy and burning feet;
- Violation of the reproductive system;
- An asthma attack.
With the development of pathology, a person's ability to work decreases. Minimize physical activity. In the future, this disease can create preconditions for the development of serious complications. The risk of pathological fractures increases. Curving the spine can cause pressure on the organs in the chest.
When the course of the disease is unfavorable, the disease will progress with the invasion of the myocardium and the decrease in lung capacity. Most commonly, this serious complication is accompanied by extensive osteochondrosis, in which several intervertebral discs are simultaneously infected.
Degree of sternal osteochondrosis
The existing classification subdivides the development of this pathological condition into 4 degrees. Each of them is characterized by changes in the discs, vertebrae, and other structures that form this part of the spine.
Level 1
In the first-level pathology, there is no obvious clinical manifestation, but a comprehensive diagnosis can reveal specific changes in the structure of the intervertebral disc. The fibrous ring that absorbs less water and nutrients gradually loses its elasticity. Microcracks often form in the tissue, and the nucleus pulposus is squeezed out of it. Displacement of the disc may enter the spinal canal. Form protrusions. There is no sign of annulus rupture.
Second Degree
As the disease progressed to the second level, the first clinical manifestations were observed. Patients regularly experience pain and other neurological symptoms. When a specific diagnosis is made, signs of decreased elasticity of the tissue forming the annulus can be detected. The cartilage becomes thinner, leading to an increased risk of hernia. The height of the intervertebral disc is reduced, which is due to the abnormal mobility of the structure of the spine.
Three Degrees
In the third stage, the structural changes of the intervertebral disc become so obvious that the first signs of the development of kyphosis or scoliosis appear. Usually at this stage of the process, the damaged annulus ruptures. This phenomenon is accompanied by the exit of the nucleus pulposus beyond the disc. The formation of a hernia, depending on the direction of the protrusion, can compress the nerve root or spinal cord. Severe pain and neurological disease occur. The increased mobility of the spine creates conditions for injuries and fractures.
Fourth Degree
With the transition of pathology to the fourth level, the structure of the intervertebral discs is so disturbed that they no longer perform the depreciation function. The annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus lose their elasticity. These factors began to ossify. Due to the violation of the amortization function of the optical disc, the vertebrae are heavily burdened.
At the edges of the vertebrae adjacent to the damaged disc, osteophytes, or bones, begin to grow rapidly. The surrounding ligaments are involved in the pathological process. They lose their elasticity and no longer properly support the spine. In addition, at this stage of the development of the pathological process, the work of the muscle equipment is destroyed.
Diagnosis
When signs of the development of this disease appear, patients need to consult a neurologist and plastic surgeon. First, the doctor conducts an external examination and collects memories. The laboratory tests that are often prescribed for the diagnosis of this disease include blood and urine tests. X-rays are taken to obtain information about defects in the spinal structure. This research shows:
- Reduce the height of the disc;
- The jagged edge of the element;
- Hernia;
- Vertebral body changes;
- Formation of osteophytes, etc.
In order to clarify the defects in the disc structure, a record catalog was allocated. This study allows you to identify the uneven contours of the nucleus pulposus, assess the degree of destruction of the intervertebral disc and the decrease in tissue density. CT and MRI are usually performed to achieve better visualization. Considering that the clinical manifestations of sternal osteochondrosis are similar to the symptoms of coronary heart disease, an electrocardiogram is usually prescribed to distinguish these conditions.
Processing options
This pathological condition requires complex treatment. First, choose drugs that help eliminate symptoms and improve the nutrition of the intervertebral disc. Medication should be supplemented by physical therapy and exercise therapy. As a supplement, you can use some folk remedies. In addition, it is recommended that you follow specific eating habits.
Medicines
If severe pain syndrome occurs, it is recommended that the patient stay in bed. This will reduce the intensity of the pain. In order to eliminate discomfort, painkillers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often prescribed. If the pain syndrome manifests itself too strongly, it may require obstruction. Generally, prescribing glucocorticoids can eliminate the pain of this disease.
stipulates that cartilage protective agents can improve the nutrition and water saturation of the intervertebral disc. In some cases, antispasmodics and muscle relaxants are prescribed during short courses. These drugs help relieve muscle cramps. If necessary, diuretics can be used to eliminate soft tissue edema. To improve the condition of compressed nerve endings, patients need vitamin B.
Physiotherapy and massage
Physiotherapy and massage are the most important parts of osteochondrosis treatment, but they can only be used after symptomatic drugs. The correct choice of exercise can help improve lung ventilation and strengthen the muscles that support the spine.
First, all the necessary exercises must be learned under the guidance of an exercise therapy coach. In the future, patients can exercise at home. It is recommended that people with this condition take classes in the swimming pool.
Massage helps to eliminate muscle hypertonicity and improve soft tissue nutrition. In order to avoid injury, it must be operated by professionals. In most cases, a classic massage will be performed, which includes continuous rubbing, smoothing and squeezing of the problem area. Acupressure points and segmented massages may be of great benefit. These techniques involve effects on pain points. They help improve blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. In most cases, it is sufficient for the patient to undergo 2-3 surgeries per week.
Acupuncture
This method involves placing the needle on an area of the patient's body. This method allows you to quickly eliminate muscle cramps and pain. Acupuncture procedures should be performed by professionals. If the expert does this, the process will be almost painless. Acupuncture and moxibustion are forbidden for people with tumor or mental illness. It is not recommended to use this method to treat osteochondrosis during severe inflammation.
Manual therapy
Manual therapy helps restore the correct anatomical position of the vertebrae. In addition, this method helps reduce the intensity of pain and muscle spasms. This effect helps restore ligament equipment. Such procedures can slow down the development of this pathological condition. The duration of manual treatment is individually selected for the patient.
Isometric post-relaxation technology
The post-isometric relaxation procedure is a special technique that involves tightening all the muscles around the spine and then relaxing them.
This exercise should be performed under the supervision of an expert who can assess the correctness of the exercise and the degree of muscle tension. This method allows you to quickly eliminate pain and restore normal muscle and ligament function.
Folk remedies
It is impossible to treat osteochondrosis by folk remedies alone, because this method will aggravate the course of the disease. It is best to use various formulas based on herbs and other natural ingredients as an adjunct to traditional therapies. Before you start using this or this folk remedy, you should get the advice of your doctor.
Celery root
Properly cooked celery root is believed to help saturate cartilage tissue with nutrients and water. To prepare this product, you should chop up the roots and pour 1 liter of boiling water. You need to stick to the composition for at least 8 hours. After this period of time, you need to filter the product and take 1 teaspoon. 3 times a day before meals.
Sunflower root
To treat cervical osteochondrosis, sunflower root soup is usually used. To prepare this product, you need about 1 cup of chopped plant ingredients and pour 3 liters of water. The mixture needs to cook for 3-5 minutes. After that, the reagent should be cooled and taken in the form of tea for a few days. To improve the taste of the drink, honey can be added. It is best to store the rest of the medicine in a thermos.
Home salve
A simple self-made ointment can be used to rub against osteochondrosis. To prepare this product, you need to melt about 150 grams of pork fat in a water bath. After that, 2 tablespoons should be entered. l. Natural wax.
The composition must be boiled for at least 20 minutes. After that, 1 tablespoon should be added to the heated mixture. l. Fir oil. The product needs to be cooked for another 20 minutes. Finally, introduce 1 tablespoon into the mixture 2-3 minutes before removing the container from the heat source. l. ammonia. The finished composition must be distributed in a jar. Store the self-made ointment in the refrigerator.
Nutrition of chest osteochondrosis
Patients with sternal osteochondrosis need a balanced diet. Sufficient amounts of protein-rich foods should be added to the diet. It is recommended to regularly eat dishes containing a lot of chondroitin, including fish, jelly meat and other frozen meat. Fermented dairy products, vegetables and fruits must be added to the diet. Dishes should be steamed or baked. Fatty and fried foods should be avoided. It is recommended to consume small amounts but often. This will help avoid overeating.
Intensification: What to do?
During the acute phase of the disease process, it is desirable to minimize the activity. If possible, avoid postures that exacerbate the pain syndrome. First aid measures for deterioration of osteochondrosis include the use of drugs that reduce the severity of edema, inflammation, and pain. Advise the patient to stay in bed. It is recommended to go on a diet during this period. Only after the symptoms are eliminated can exercise therapy and physical therapy be started.
Forecast
Now, this disease can only be cured in the early stages of development. For late diagnosis, treatment aims to eliminate symptoms and improve spinal mobility. In some cases, surgical treatment is required. Through comprehensive treatment methods, people with this disease can lead a mature lifestyle without suffering pain and other neurological diseases.
Prevention
To prevent the development of this pathological condition, it is recommended to avoid sudden heavy lifting. You should always dress for the weather and avoid hypothermia. In addition, in order to prevent osteochondrosis, low power should be resisted and posture should be monitored. As part of preventing this pathology, it is recommended to eat correctly and carefully monitor body weight.