Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is less common than that of the lumbar and cervical regions.Degenerative processes, which are accompanied by certain symptoms and treatment difficulties, cause many problems.In addition to severe chest pain, the abdominal organs may suffer and the lower extremities may be affected.
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region.
The cause of damage to the spine lies in the deformation of the ligamentous apparatus that connects the vertebrae.In addition, the development of the disease can begin with pathological processes of the articular surfaces, changes in the discs (protrusion, herniation) or their growth (the so-called "spikes" or osteophytes).During development, one or all signs can be observed at once, leading to the formation of the underlying disease.
In total, the thoracic region includes 12 vertebrae in which degenerative processes occur.There are also intermediate variants of osteochondrosis: thoracolumbar and cervical-thoracic.A peculiarity is the inclusion of neighboring sections in the pathological processes of the vertebrae and the addition of symptoms characteristic of these sections.
Interesting fact: due to its anatomical feature, the connection of the spine with the ribs, the thoracic region is rather immobile.This is necessary to protect against injuries.This natural protection significantly reduces the occurrence of pain in osteochondrosis, which significantly reduces early diagnosis.
Symptoms of damage include:
- Pain: despite its late appearance (even in important degenerative processes), this symptom plays a fundamental role in the identification of the pathology.It usually occurs in the heart area or between the shoulder blades, it hurts and stretches and intensifies when lifting weights.
- Paresthesia: Patients feel a sensation of numbness and loss of sensation in the skin of the back and abdomen.
- Shortness of breath: Simple movements such as inhaling, raising your arms or bending over cause discomfort and pain.Because of this, breathing problems begin, which are first observed with a shorter inhalation and then an exhalation.
When nerve roots are compressed, compression symptoms occur that affect internal organs.Coldness, leg weakness and even periodic leg failure may be observed.Violation of the vegetative-vascular system causes increased dryness of the skin, brittle nails in the affected area and on the extremities, and impaired thermoregulation (sweating).
Characteristics of pain in thoracic osteochondrosis.
There are many organs in the chest, so spinal pain can often be confused with heart and stomach pain.Sometimes they are so obvious that they can mimic the symptoms of a heart attack, angina, gastritis, ulcers and cholecystitis.
All this significantly complicates the diagnosis, as patients seek help for another disease, since they do not feel any discomfort in their back.
There are 2 types of pain that occur in the form of reflex syndromes (directly related to tissue degeneration and irritation of receptors):
- Dorsago: Sharp, sharp pain.Patients often describe it as a sensation of being stabbed with a knife.It can radiate to the arm or shoulder, the patient seems to be "chained" by pain (they usually say about such sensations: "a shot in the back").Dorsago occurs against the background of sudden movements or lifting heavy objects.Upon palpation, a tense muscle cord is detected.
- Back pain: characterizes a gradual increase in pain symptoms, with dull, squeezing pain.It usually accompanies stretching and bending.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region: symptoms and treatment.
It is important to distinguish the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine from concomitant diseases.The diagnosis should include the entire range of studies, including not only examination of the spine, but also the exclusion of other pathologies.
Usually, an MRI, an X-ray of the spine, an examination by a vertebrologist, a neurologist, general blood tests and urine tests are prescribed (they help to exclude inflammation and infection).
Ultrasound of the heart, kidneys and fibrogastroduodenoscopy (FGDS) are used optionally (optional) to identify complaints about pain in the organ projection areas.
The treatment includes 3 types.
- Medicine.
- Physiotherapeutic.
- Surgical.
Therapy is carried out in a complex that helps to eliminate signs of the disease and exacerbation of symptoms as much as possible.
Important: Osteochondrosis cannot be completely cured, since the degenerative processes are irreversible.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used as medicinal support.In addition, they are used both in the form of tablets and in gels and ointments.
- Pain syndrome is relieved by anesthetic injections, local irritant ointments, and the use of an applicator.
- Vitamin B injections (especially B12), muscle relaxants to relieve tension, and diuretics for inflammation of the nerve roots are used as maintenance therapy.
- During the recovery period, chondroprotectors and physiotherapy are prescribed.
The treatment package also includes:
- Massages and special techniques to relieve muscle tension.
- Reflection, acupuncture.
- Use of currents and ultrasounds.
When there is no pain, swimming is recommended as an excellent way to strengthen the tone of the spine and back.Special exercises from the physiotherapy complex will help strengthen the muscles, and also relax a tense back.
At home you can perform medicinal baths with herbal decoctions and hot compresses.
surgical intervention
Surgery is resorted to when serious complications are observed due to compression of nerve endings, blood vessels or spinal cord.Such consequences can cause alterations of the gastrointestinal tract, extremities and intractable pain.
The intervention is carried out by removing the "interfering" part that has a compression effect: growths of the spine, part of the disc, joint and, in rare and complex cases, the entire vertebral body.Such manipulations require rigid fixation with an orthosis or the installation of a prosthesis.
Prevention
- Especially good is increasing physical activity, swimming and walking.
- Correct posture when sitting.
- Be sure to use a special mattress to sleep on.
- Avoid sudden heavy lifting and awkward movements.
- Maintain joint health with folk remedies (drink strengthening decoctions and tinctures).
- Proper nutrition.
- Elimination of bad habits.
We briefly examine the main symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis.Timely treatment will help avoid serious complications.But the best is prevention.