The term osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine refers to the identification of dystrophic and degenerative changes in the vertebrae.
As a result of pathological processes, not only the bone tissue of the vertebra suffers, but also the activity of adjacent ligaments, muscles and joints is disturbed.
Thoracic osteochondrosis rarely occurs alone;the patient often shows changes in the cervical spine, and the localization of pain and discomfort helps that the disease can be mistaken for a disorder in the work of the heart, lungs, and stomach for a long time.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is often not diagnosed.This is due to the structural characteristics of the thoracic region: the discs inside it are smaller and very thin, and the mobility of the thoracic region is much lower than that of other parts of the spine.Part of the load is distributed to the ribs and sternum.
Reasons
The main reason for the development of osteochondrosis in any area of the spine is the violation of metabolic processes, under their influence the structure of the bone tissue of the spine changes, cartilaginous surfaces are destroyed, and the activity of the musculo-ligament apparatus changes.All these processes are inevitable, and until the end of life, every person suffers from their manifestation to one degree or another.
Among the most likely causes of osteochondrosis in the thoracic region:
- Hypodynamia - the lack of movements necessary for the spine leads to a decrease in blood supply to this region and, as a result, the rapid development of pathological changes.
- Muscle spasms.Long-term muscle spasm occurs when the trunk of the body is in a constant forced position with scoliosis.
- Excessive and improper exercise.
- Congenital anomalies of the spine.
- Large body weight.
- Injuries.
Predisposing factors for the development of osteochondrosis include genetic predisposition, hypothermia, dysfunction of the immune system and inflammatory diseases.
Symptoms
Most patients complain of the following symptoms of the disease:
- Pain in the chest.
- Severe stiffness when turning or bending.
- Disturbance of internal organs.
Pain in osteochondrosis varies in nature and intensity.They are often paroxysmal, worsen when coughing, sneezing, and radiate to the shoulder blade.
The same pain can be accompanied by cardiovascular problems and intercostal neuralgia, so these diseases are often confused with each other without proper diagnosis.
Discomfort and pain appear periodically in the stomach area;with such manifestations, a person can receive treatment for imaginary digestive problems for a long time, and there is no benefit.
Clinical signs of the disease also depend on where the most obvious dystrophic changes occur.
- If the upper thoracic vertebrae are affected, the patient may complain of a feeling of a foreign body in the throat, discomfort in the esophagus and pharynx.With obvious changes, difficulties in swallowing are observed.
- Damage to the vertebrae located in the middle of the thoracic region causes symptoms such as cholecystitis, pancreatitis and gastritis.
- Degenerative changes in the vertebrae of the lower segment cause pain in the intestines.
Pain in the digestive organs is not related to food intake and season;this is a different sign of true gastrointestinal diseases than osteochondrosis.Of course, one cannot make a diagnosis based on symptoms and assumptions alone;only appropriate diagnostics can confirm it.
The course of the disease
Thoracic osteochondrosis develops quite slowly.The preclinical stage of the disease is manifested by periodic discomfort in the part of the spine corresponding to the disease;During this period, the elasticity and density of the cartilage decreases.
- Continued pathological changes lead to the development of an acute stage in which all the symptoms of the disease appear.In some patients, symptoms may be insignificant, but this does not mean that serious degenerative changes do not occur.
- After the acute period is eliminated with the help of drugs and physiotherapy, the disease passes into the chronic stage.Exacerbations in this period depend on the influence of provoking factors and the measures taken by the patient to prevent the development of an attack.Outside the exacerbation phase, patients note increased fatigue, weakness and periodic discomfort in the chest area.
Complications
Ongoing degenerative changes in the spine, muscle tension, weakening of the ligament apparatus lead to the following:
- Herniated intervertebral discs.
- Radiculitis.
- Spondylosis.
- Scoliosis.
With a prolonged acute period and frequent exacerbations of the disease, the ability to work is often lost and a person becomes disabled.
Diagnostics
Making an accurate diagnosis begins with an examination and examination of the patient.During the examination, the range of motion of the chest is checked, the indicators of tendon reflexes are determined.The nature of the pain suggests another disease, so an ECG and an ultrasound of the internal organs are necessary.The diagnosis is made after:
- x-rays.
- MRI or CT.
- Blood tests show signs of inflammation.
Further treatment depends on the identified changes in the spine.
Treatment
The treatment regimen for osteochondrosis is slightly different in the acute stage and chronic course of the disease.Treatment should be comprehensive, using drugs and reflex effects on the spine.
- Drug treatment consists of the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, chondroprotectors and vitamins.
- Physiotherapy helps improve blood circulation and partially relieve pain.
- An important stage is conducting massage courses and constant use of therapeutic exercises.
Indications for surgical treatment
In some cases, highly effective therapy does not have a noticeable effect, so the patient may be offered surgery.The absolute instructions for the operation are:
- Spinal stenosis.
- Instability of the spine leads to significant displacement of the vertebrae.
- Spinal hernia.
Several types of surgery have been developed for osteochondrosis.The decision to perform them is made based on the clinical picture of complications.A discectomy can be used to create a stable articulation of the vertebra;there are methods in which a special prosthesis is placed instead of the disk.Hernia can be treated not only by surgery, but also by laser.
Prevention
The diagnosis of osteochondrosis is a serious reason to change your usual life.Absence of bad habits, proper nutrition, regular physical activity and body weight control significantly reduce degenerative processes.Long-term remissions of the disease also depend on preventive drugs and the constant implementation of a series of exercises prepared by the doctor.