Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is less common than the lumbar and cervical regions.The degenerative process, which is accompanied by certain symptoms and difficulties in treatment, causes many problems.In addition to severe chest pain, the abdominal organs may suffer and the lower legs 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 ligament apparatus that connects the vertebrae.Also, the development of the disease can begin with the pathological process of the articular surface, changes in the disc (protrusion, hernia) or their growth (the so-called "spikes" or osteophytes).During development, one or all signs can be observed at once, which leads to the formation of the underlying disease.
In total, the thoracic region includes 12 vertebrae, where degenerative processes occur.There are also intermediate variants of osteochondrosis - thoracolumbar and cervical-thoracic.A peculiarity is the inclusion of neighboring parts in the pathological process of the vertebrae and the addition of characteristic features of this part.
Interesting fact: due to its anatomical features, the connection of the spine with the ribs, the thoracic region is relatively immobile.This is necessary to protect against injury.This natural protection significantly reduces the incidence of pain in osteochondrosis, which significantly reduces early diagnosis.
Symptoms of damage include:
- Pain - although its appearance is delayed (even with a significant degenerative process), this symptom plays a major role in identifying the pathology.It usually occurs in the heart area or between the shoulder blades, hurts and stretches, and worsens when lifting weights.
- Paresthesia - the patient feels numbness and loss of skin sensitivity in the back and abdomen.
- Difficulty breathing - simple movements such as breathing, raising arms, bending cause discomfort and pain.Due to this, breathing problems begin, which are observed first with a shortening of inhalation and then exhalation.
When the nerve roots are compressed, compression symptoms occur, affecting internal organs.Coldness, weakness of the legs, and even periodic failure of the legs can be observed.Violation of the vegetative-vascular system leads to increased dry skin, brittle nails in the affected area and on the feet, and thermoregulation disorders (sweating).
Characteristics of pain in thoracic osteochondrosis
There are many organs in the chest, so spine 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, because patients seek help for other diseases, because they do not feel any discomfort in the back.
There are 2 types of pain that occur in the form of reflex syndrome (directly related to tissue degeneration and receptor irritation):
- Dorsago - acute, sharp pain.Patients often describe it as feeling like being stabbed with a knife.It can radiate to the arm or shoulder, the patient seems to be "shackled" from pain (usually they say about such a sensation - "a shot through the back").Dorsago occurs against the background of sudden movements or heavy lifting.When palpated, tense muscle cords are detected.
- Dorsalgia – characterized by a gradual increase in pain symptoms, with dull and pressing pain.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 a whole range of studies, including not only the examination of the spine, but also the exclusion of other pathologies.
Usually MRI, x-ray of the spine, examination by a vertebrologist, neurologist, general blood test, urine test (helps to exclude inflammation and infection) are prescribed.
Ultrasound of the heart, kidneys, fibrogastroduodenoscopy (FGDS) is used selectively (optionally), when identifying complaints about pain in the area of organ projections.
Treatment includes 3 types.
- Medicines.
- Physiotherapy.
- Surgery.
Therapy is carried out in a complex, which helps to eliminate as many signs of the disease and exacerbation of symptoms as possible.
Important: osteochondrosis cannot be completely cured, because the degenerative process cannot be reversed.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used as medical support.Moreover, they use both tablet and gel forms and ointments.
- The pain syndrome is relieved by anesthetic injections, local irritant ointments, and the use of applicators.
- As maintenance therapy, injections of B vitamins (especially B12), muscle relaxants to relieve tension, and diuretics for nerve root swelling are used.
- For the recovery period, chondroprotective drugs and physiotherapy are prescribed.
The treatment package also includes:
- Special massages and techniques to relieve muscle tension.
- Reflexology, acupuncture.
- Use of current and ultrasound.
When there is no pain, swimming is recommended as the best way to strengthen the tone of the spine and back.Special exercises from the exercise therapy complex will help strengthen the muscles and also relax the tense back.
At home, you can do medicinal baths with herbal decoctions and heating compresses.
Surgical intervention
Surgery is performed when serious complications are observed due to compression of nerve endings, blood vessels or spinal cord.Such consequences can cause disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, limbs and uncontrollable pain.
The intervention is carried out by removing the "disturbing" part, which has a compressive effect - growth of the spine, parts of the disc, joints, and in rare complex cases the entire vertebral body.Such manipulation requires rigid fixation with orthosis or the installation of a prosthesis.
Prevention
- Increasing physical activity, swimming and walking are very good.
- Correct posture while sitting.
- Make sure you use a special mattress to sleep on.
- Avoid sudden heavy lifting and awkward movements.
- Maintain joint health with folk remedies (drink strengthening decoctions, tinctures).
- Proper nutrition.
- Elimination of bad habits.
We briefly review the main symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis.Timely treatment will help avoid serious complications.But the best is prevention.