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 vertebrae suffers, but also the functioning of adjacent ligaments, muscles and joints is disturbed.
Thoracic osteochondrosis rarely occurs in isolation;The patient often has changes in the cervical spine, and the localization of pain and discomfort contributes to the fact that the disease can be confused for a long time with a disorder in the functioning of the heart, lungs and stomach.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is usually not diagnosed.This is due to the structural features of the thoracic region: the discs contained in it are smaller and much thinner, and the mobility of the thoracic region is much lower than in 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 a violation of metabolic processes, under its influence the structure of the bone tissue of the vertebrae changes, cartilaginous surfaces are destroyed, and the functioning of the musculoligamentous apparatus changes.All these processes are inevitable, and at the end of life, any person suffers from their manifestation to one degree or another.
Among the most likely causes of osteochondrosis in the thoracic region are:
- Hypodynamia - the lack of necessary movements of the spine leads to a decrease in blood supply to this area and, as a consequence, to the rapid development of pathological changes.
- Muscle spasms.Prolonged muscle spasm occurs when the torso of the body is in a constant forced position, with scoliosis.
- Excessive and inappropriate exercise.
- Congenital anomalies of the spine.
- Large body weight.
- Injuries.
Factors provoking the development of osteochondrosis also include genetic predisposition, hypothermia, dysfunction of the immune system and inflammatory diseases.
Symptoms
Most patients complain of the following signs of the disease:
- Chest pain.
- Severe stiffness when twisting or bending.
- Alteration in the functioning of internal organs.
Pain in osteochondrosis varies in nature and intensity.They are usually paroxysmal, worsen when coughing, sneezing, and radiate to the shoulder blade.
The same pain can accompany cardiovascular problems and intercostal neuralgia, so these diseases are often confused without a proper diagnosis.
Discomfort and pain in the stomach area periodically appear;With such manifestations, a person can undergo treatment for imaginary digestive problems for a long time and without success.
The clinical signs of the disease also depend on where the most pronounced dystrophic changes occur.
- If the upper thoracic vertebrae are affected, the patient may complain of the sensation of a foreign object in the throat, discomfort in the esophagus and pharynx.With pronounced changes, swallowing difficulties are observed.
- Damage to the vertebrae located in the middle of the thoracic region causes symptoms similar to 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 associated with food intake or the season of the year;This is a distinctive sign of true gastrointestinal osteochondrosis diseases.Of course, a diagnosis cannot be made based on symptoms and assumptions alone;only proper diagnostics can confirm it.
Course of the disease
Thoracic osteochondrosis develops rather slowly.The preclinical stage of the disease is manifested by discomfort that periodically occurs in the part of the spine corresponding to the disease;During this period, the elasticity and density of cartilage decreases.
- Continuous pathological changes lead to the development of an acute stage, in which all symptoms of the disease appear.In some patients, symptoms may be insignificant, but this does not mean that serious degenerative changes are not occurring.
- After the acute period is eliminated with the help of medications and physiotherapy, the disease passes into the chronic stage.Exacerbations during 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 notice increased fatigue, weakness and periodic discomfort in the chest area.
Complications
Continuous degenerative changes in the vertebrae, muscle tension and weakening of the ligamentous apparatus cause the appearance of:
- 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 the person becomes disabled.
Diagnosis
Establishing an accurate diagnosis begins with the examination and examination of the patient.During the examination, the range of movements in the chest is examined and indicators of tendon reflexes are determined.The nature of the pain suggests another disease, so an ECG and ultrasound of internal organs are necessary.The diagnosis is made after:
- X-ray.
- MRI or CT scan.
- Blood tests show signs of inflammation.
Further treatment depends on the identified changes in the spine.
Treatment
The treatment regimen for osteochondrosis differs somewhat in the acute stage and during the chronic course of the disease.Treatment should be comprehensive, using medications and reflex effects on the spine.
- Pharmacological treatment consists of the use of anti-inflammatories, analgesics, chondroprotectors and vitamins.
- Physiotherapy helps improve blood circulation and partially relieve pain.
- An important stage is the completion of massage courses and the constant use of therapeutic exercises.
Indications for surgical treatment.
In some cases, a highly effective therapy has no noticeable effect, so the patient may be offered surgery.The absolute indications for surgery are:
- Spinal stenosis.
- Instability of the spinal column, causing significant displacement of the vertebrae.
- Spinal hernia.
Various types of operations for osteochondrosis have been developed.The decision to perform them is made based on the clinical picture of complications.Discectomy can be used to create a fixed joint of the vertebrae;There are techniques in which a special prosthesis is installed instead of a disc.A hernia can be treated not only surgically, but also with laser treatment.
Prevention
A diagnosis of osteochondrosis is an important reason to change your usual life.The absence of bad habits, adequate nutrition, constant physical activity and control of body weight significantly reduce degenerative processes.Long-term remissions of the disease also depend on preventive medication and constant performance of a series of exercises developed by a doctor.