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 the functioning of adjacent ligaments, muscles and joints is also disrupted.
Thoracic osteochondrosis rarely occurs in isolation;the patient often shows changes in the cervical spine, and the localization of pain and discomfort contributes to the fact that the disease can be mistaken for a disorder in the functioning 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 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 on 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, cartilaginous surfaces are destroyed and the functioning of the musculo-ligamentous apparatus changes.All these processes are inevitable, and at the end of life every person suffers from their manifestation in one way or another.
Among the most likely causes of osteochondrosis in the thoracic region are:
- Hypodynaemia - 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.Long-term muscle spasm occurs when the torso of the body is in a constant forced position, with scoliosis.
- Excessive and improper physical 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 during rotation or bending.
- Impairment of the functioning of internal organs.
Pain in osteochondrosis varies in nature and intensity.They are often paroxysmal, worsen when coughing, sneezing, and radiate to the scapula.
The same pain can accompany cardiovascular problems and intercostal neuralgia, so these diseases are often confused with each other without an adequate 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.
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, difficulty in swallowing is observed.
- Damage to the vertebrae located in the center of the thoracic region causes symptoms similar to cholecystitis, pancreatitis and gastritis.
- Degenerative changes in the lower segment vertebrae cause pain in the intestine.
Pain in the digestive organs is not associated with food intake and season;this is a hallmark of true gastrointestinal diseases from osteochondrosis.Of course, a diagnosis cannot be made based on symptoms and assumptions alone;only appropriate diagnostics can confirm this.
Course of the disease
Thoracic osteochondrosis develops quite slowly.The preclinical stage of the disease is periodically manifested by discomfort in the part of the spine corresponding to the disease;during this period the elasticity and density of the cartilage decrease.
- Continuous pathological changes lead to the development of an acute stage, in which all the symptoms of the disease appear.In some patients the 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 phase.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 note increased fatigue, weakness and periodic discomfort in the chest area.
Complications
Continuous degenerative changes of the vertebrae, muscle tension, weakening of the ligament system 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 of 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 the internal organs are needed.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 differs slightly in the acute phase and during the chronic course of the disease.Treatment should be comprehensive, using drugs and reflex effects on the spine.
- Pharmacological 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 has no noticeable effect, so the patient may be offered surgery.The absolute indications for surgery are:
- Spinal stenosis.
- Instability of the spine, causing significant displacement of the vertebrae.
- Spinal hernia.
Different types of operations for osteochondrosis have been developed.The decision to perform them is made based on the clinical picture of the 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 the 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, correct nutrition, constant physical activity and body weight control significantly reduce degenerative processes.Long-term remission of the disease also depends on preventive therapy and the constant implementation of a set of exercises developed by a doctor.