The term osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine refers to the identification of dystrophic and degenerative changes in the vertebrae.
Not only does the bone tissue of the vertebrae suffer from pathological processes, but the function of the adjacent ligaments, muscles and joints is also disrupted.
Thoracic osteochondrosis rarely occurs in isolation;The patient often presents changes in the cervical spine and the localization of pain and discomfort contributes to the fact that the disease can be confused with a disorder of the heart, lungs and stomach functions for a long time.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is not often diagnosed.This is due to the structural features of the thoracic region: the intervertebral discs there 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 the influence of which the structure of the bone tissue of the vertebrae changes, the cartilage surfaces are destroyed, and the function of the muscular-ligamentous apparatus changes.All these processes are inevitable, and at the end of life every person suffers to some extent from their manifestation.
The most likely causes of osteochondrosis in the chest area include:
- Hypodynamia – the lack of movements necessary for the spine leads to reduced blood supply to this area and, as a result, to the rapid development of pathological changes.
- Muscle cramps.Long-term muscle spasms occur when the trunk of the body is in a constantly forced position and scoliosis occurs.
- Excessive and improper training.
- Congenital anomalies of the spine.
- Large body weight.
- Injuries.
The triggering factors for the development of osteochondrosis are also genetic predisposition, hypothermia, dysfunction of the immune system and inflammatory diseases.
Symptoms
Most patients complain of the following symptoms:
- Chest pain.
- Severe stiffness when turning or bending.
- Dysfunction of internal organs.
Pain in osteochondrosis varies in type and intensity.They are often paroxysmal, worsen when coughing and sneezing, and radiate to the shoulder blade.
The same pain can be associated with cardiovascular problems and intercostal neuralgia, which is why these diseases are often confused with each other without an appropriate diagnosis.
Discomfort and pain occur regularly in the stomach area;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 severe dystrophic changes occur.
- If the upper thoracic vertebrae are affected, the patient may complain of a foreign body sensation in the throat and discomfort in the esophagus and pharynx.If the changes are pronounced, difficulty swallowing is observed.
- Damage to the vertebrae 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 related to food intake and the time of year;This is a characteristic sign of true gastrointestinal diseases due to osteochondrosis.Of course, a diagnosis cannot be made based on symptoms and assumptions alone;Only an appropriate diagnosis can confirm this.
Course of the disease
Thoracic osteochondrosis develops quite slowly.The preclinical stage of the disease is manifested by periodic complaints in the part of the spine corresponding to the disease;During this time, the elasticity and density of the cartilage decreases.
- Persistent 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 do not occur.
- After the acute phase 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 patient's actions to prevent the development of an attack.Outside the exacerbation phase, patients note increased fatigue, weakness, and periodic chest discomfort.
Complications
Persistent degenerative changes in the vertebrae, muscle tension, weakening of the ligaments lead to the appearance of:
- Herniated disc.
- radiculitis.
- Spondylosis.
- Scoliosis.
With a prolonged acute phase 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 examining and examining the patient.During the examination, the range of motion of the chest is examined and the indicators of tendon reflexes are determined.Since the type of pain suggests another disease, an ECG and an ultrasound examination of the internal organs are necessary.The diagnosis is made according to:
- X-rays.
- MRI or CT.
- Blood tests show signs of inflammation.
Further treatment depends on the changes found in the spine.
Treatment
The treatment regimen for osteochondrosis is somewhat different in the acute stage and in the chronic course of the disease.Treatment should be comprehensive and include medication and reflex effects on the spine.
- Drug treatment consists of the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, chondroprotectors and vitamins.
- Physiotherapy helps to improve blood circulation and partially relieve pain.
- An important step is conducting massage courses and constant use of therapeutic exercises.
Indications for surgical treatment
In some cases, highly effective therapy does not produce a noticeable effect, so the patient may be offered surgery.The absolute indications for surgery are:
- Spinal stenosis.
- Instability of the spine, resulting in significant displacement of the vertebrae.
- Spinal hernia.
Various types of operations for osteochondrosis have been developed.The decision to carry it out is made based on the clinical picture of complications.Discectomy can create firm articulation of the vertebrae;There are techniques in which a special prosthesis is inserted instead of an intervertebral 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.Avoiding bad habits, proper nutrition, constant physical activity and controlling body weight significantly reduce degenerative processes.Long-term remissions of the disease also depend on preventive medications and constant implementation of an exercise complex developed by the doctor.