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 the adjacent ligaments, muscles and joints is disrupted.
Thoracic osteochondrosis rarely occurs in isolation; the patient often exhibits changes in the cervical spine, and the localization of pain and discomfort contributes to the fact that the disease can be mistaken for a long time for a disorder in the functioning of the heart, lungs and stomach.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is not often diagnosed.This is due to the structural features of the thoracic region: the discs 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 their influence the structure of the bone tissue of the vertebra changes, the cartilaginous surfaces are destroyed, and the functioning of the musculo-ligamentous apparatus changes.All these processes are inevitable, and by 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 movements necessary for the spine leads to a decrease in blood supply to this area and, as a consequence of this, the rapid development of pathological changes.
- Muscle spasms.Long-term muscle spasm occurs when the torso of the body is in a constant forced position, with scoliosis.
- Excessive and improper exercise.
- Congenital anomalies of the spine.
- Large body weight.
- Injuries.
Provoking factors for 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:
- Pain in the chest.
- Severe stiffness when turning or bending.
- Impaired functioning 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 accompany cardiovascular problems and intercostal neuralgia, so these diseases are often confused with each other without appropriate diagnosis.
Discomfort and pain periodically appear in the stomach area; with such manifestations, a person can undergo treatment for imaginary digestive problems for a long time and to no avail.
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 a sensation of a foreign object in the throat, discomfort in the esophagus and pharynx.With pronounced changes, difficulties in swallowing 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 and season; this is a distinctive sign of true gastrointestinal diseases from osteochondrosis.Of course, a diagnosis cannot be made based on symptoms and assumptions alone; only appropriate diagnostics can confirm it.
Course of the disease
Thoracic osteochondrosis develops quite slowly.The preclinical stage of the disease is manifested by periodically occurring discomfort in the part of the spine corresponding to the disease; during this period, the elasticity and density of the cartilage decreases.
- Continuing pathological changes lead to the development of an acute stage, at which all the 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 enters the chronic stage.Exacerbations during this period depend on the influence of provoking factors and on 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
Continuing degenerative changes in the vertebrae, muscle tension, weakening of the ligamentous apparatus lead to the occurrence 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.
Diagnostics
Establishing an accurate diagnosis begins with examination and examination of the patient.During the examination, the range of movements in the chest is examined, and the indicators of tendon reflexes are determined.The nature of the pain suggests another disease, so an ECG and 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 spinal column.
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.
- 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 the conduct of massage courses and the 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 indications for surgery are:
- Spinal stenosis.
- Instability of the spinal column, causing significant displacement of the vertebrae.
- Spinal hernia.
Several 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 articulation 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 a serious reason to change your usual life.The absence of bad habits, proper nutrition, constant physical activity and body weight control significantly reduce degenerative processes.Long-term remissions of the disease also depend on preventive medication and the constant implementation of a set of exercises developed by a doctor.