Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is less common than that of the lumbar and cervical region.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 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 connecting the vertebrae.Also, the development of the disease can begin with pathological processes of the articular surfaces, changes in the discs (protrusion, hernia) or their growth (so-called “spikes” or osteophytes).During development, one or all signs may be observed at once, which lead 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 quite motionless.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 identifying pathology.It usually occurs in the heart area or between the shoulder blades, it is aching and stretching, and intensifies during lifting weights.
- Paresthesia - patients feel a feeling of numbness and loss of sensitivity of the skin on the back and abdomen.
- Difficulty breathing - simple movements such as inhaling, raising your arms, bending over cause discomfort and pain.Because of 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 the internal organs.Coldness, weakness of the legs, and even periodic failure of the legs may be observed.Violation of the vegetative-vascular system leads to increased dry skin, brittle nails in the affected area and on the extremities, and impaired thermoregulation (sweating).
Features of pain in thoracic osteochondrosis
There are quite a lot of organs in the chest, so spinal pain can often be confused with heart and stomach pain.Sometimes they are so obvious that they can imitate the symptoms of a heart attack, angina, gastritis, ulcers and cholecystitis.
All this significantly complicates the diagnosis, since patients seek help for another disease, since they do not feel any 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 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 sensations - “a shot through the back”).Dorsago occurs against the background of sudden movements or heavy lifting.When palpated, a tense muscle cord is detected.
- Dorsalgia – characterizes 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.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, x-ray of the spine, examination by a vertebrologist, neurologist, general blood tests, urine tests (help to exclude inflammation and infection) are prescribed.
Ultrasound of the heart, kidneys, fibrogastroduodenoscopy (FGDS) is used optionally (optional), when identifying complaints regarding pain in the areas of projection of organs.
Treatment includes 3 types.
- Medication.
- Physiotherapeutic.
- Surgical.
Therapy is carried out in a complex, which helps to eliminate as much as possible the signs of the disease and exacerbation of symptoms.
Important: osteochondrosis cannot be cured completely, since degenerative processes are irreversible.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used as medicinal support.Moreover, they use both tablet form and gels and ointments.
- Pain syndrome is relieved with anesthetic injections, local irritating ointments, and the use of an applicator.
- As maintenance therapy, injections of B vitamins (especially B12), muscle relaxants to relieve tension, and diuretics for swelling of the nerve roots are used.
- For the recovery period, chondroprotective drugs and physiotherapy are prescribed.
The treatment package also includes:
- Massage and special techniques for relieving muscle tension.
- Reflexo, acupuncture.
- Use of currents 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 also relax a tense back.
At home, you can carry out medicinal baths with herbal decoctions and warming compresses.
Surgical intervention
Surgery is resorted to when serious complications are observed due to compression of nerve endings, blood vessels or the spinal cord.Such consequences can lead to disruption of the gastrointestinal tract, limbs and intractable pain.
The intervention is carried out by removing the “interfering” part, which has a compression effect - spine growths, part of the disc, joint, and in rare complex cases the entire vertebral body.Such manipulations require rigid fixation with an orthosis or installation of a prosthesis.
Prevention
- Increasing 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.
- Elimination of bad habits.
We briefly examined the main symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis.Timely treatment will help avoid serious complications.But the best thing is prevention.