Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is less common than osteochondrosis of the lumbar and cervical regions.Degenerative processes, which are accompanied by certain symptoms and difficulties in treatment, cause a lot of trouble.In addition to intense chest pain, the abdominal organs can suffer and the lower extremities are 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 pathological processes of the joint surfaces, changes in the discs (protrusion, hernia) or their growth (so-called "spikes" or osteophytes).During development, one or all signs can be observed at once, which leads to the creation 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 special feature is the inclusion of adjacent 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 part is quite immobile.This is necessary to protect against injury.This natural protection significantly reduces the occurrence of pain in osteochondrosis, which significantly reduces early diagnosis.
Symptoms of damage include:
- Pain - despite its delayed appearance (even with significant degenerative processes), this symptom plays a leading role in the identification of pathology.It usually occurs in the heart area or between the shoulder blades, it hurts and stretches, and it gets worse during weight lifting.
- Paresthesia – patients feel numbness and loss of sensitivity of the skin on the back and abdomen.
- Difficulty breathing - simple movements such as inhaling, raising arms, bending cause discomfort and pain.Because of this, problems with breathing begin, which are first noticed by shortening the inhalation and then the exhalation.
When the nerve roots are compressed, symptoms of compression occur that affect the internal organs.Coldness, weakness of the legs and even periodic failure of the legs may be noticed.Disruption of the vegetative-vascular system leads to increased dry skin, brittleness of 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 pain in the spine can often be confused with pain in the heart and stomach.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 another disease, because they do not feel discomfort in the back.
There are 2 types of pain that occur in the form of reflex syndromes (directly related to tissue degeneration and receptor irritation):
- Dorsago - acute, sharp pain.Patients often describe it as feeling like they've been stabbed.It can radiate to the arm or shoulder, it seems that the patient is "tied up" with pain (it is usually said about such feelings - "a shot through the back").Dorsago occurs against the background of sudden movements or heavy lifting.When palpated, a tense muscle cord is revealed.
- Dorsalgia - is characterized by gradual intensification of pain symptoms, with dull and pressing pain.It usually follows 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 accompanying diseases.The diagnosis should include a whole series of studies, including not only the examination of the spine, but also the exclusion of other pathologies.
Magnetic resonance imaging, X-ray of the spine, examination by a vertebrologist, neurologist, general blood and urine tests are usually prescribed (they help rule out inflammation and infection).
Ultrasound of the heart, kidneys, fibrogastroduodenoscopy (FGDS) is used optionally (optionally), when complaints regarding pain in the areas of organ projection are identified.
The treatment includes 3 types.
- Medicines.
- Physiotherapy.
- Surgical.
The therapy is carried out in a complex, which helps to eliminate the signs of the disease and the worsening of symptoms as much as possible.
Important: osteochondrosis cannot be completely cured, because the degenerative processes are irreversible.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used as medical support.Moreover, they also use the form of tablets and gels and ointments.
- The pain syndrome is alleviated by anesthetic injections, local irritating ointments and the use of applicators.
- As a maintenance therapy, injections of B vitamins (especially B12), muscle relaxants to relieve tension, and diuretics are used for swelling of the nerve roots.
- For the recovery period, chondroprotective drugs and physiotherapy are prescribed.
The treatment package also includes:
- Massage and special techniques to relieve muscle tension.
- Reflexology, acupuncture.
- Use of electricity and ultrasound.
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 exercise therapy complex will help strengthen muscles and relax tense backs.
At home, you can take medicinal baths with herbal decoctions and heating compresses.
Surgical intervention
Surgery is used when serious complications are observed due to compression of nerve endings, blood vessels or spinal cord.Such consequences can lead to disturbances in the work of the gastrointestinal tract, limbs and severe pain.
The intervention is performed by removing the "obstructive" part that acts compressively - the growths of the spine, part of the disc, the joint, and in rare complex cases, the entire body of the vertebra.Such manipulations require rigid fixation with an orthosis or installation of a prosthesis.
Prevention
- Increased physical activity, swimming and walking are especially good.
- Correct posture while sitting.
- Be sure to use a special mattress for sleeping.
- Avoid sudden heavy lifting and awkward movements.
- Maintaining joint health with folk remedies (drinking strengthening decoctions, tinctures).
- Proper nutrition.
- Eliminating bad habits.
We briefly examined the main symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis.Timely treatment will help to avoid serious complications.But the best thing is prevention.