Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is less common than that of the lumbar and cervical region.Degenerative processes, accompanied by certain symptoms and difficulties in treatment, cause a lot of 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 connecting the vertebrae.In addition, the development of the disease can begin with pathological processes of the joint 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 distinctive feature 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 immobile.This is necessary to protect against injury.This natural protection significantly reduces the occurrence of pain related to osteochondrosis, which significantly reduces early diagnosis.
Symptoms of damage include:
- Pain – despite its late appearance (even in cases of significant degenerative processes), this symptom plays a leading role in identifying the pathology.It usually occurs in the heart area or between the shoulder blades, is painful and stretches and intensifies when lifting weights.
- Paresthesia - patients experience a feeling of numbness and loss of sensitivity in the skin of the back and abdomen.
- Difficulty breathing – simple movements like inhaling, raising your arms, bending over cause discomfort and pain.As a result, respiratory problems begin, which are observed first with a shortening of inspiration and then of expiration.
When nerve roots are compressed, symptoms of compression appear, affecting internal organs.Feeling cold, leg weakness, and even periodic leg failure may be observed.Violation of the vegetative-vascular system leads to increased skin dryness, brittle nails in the affected area and on the extremities and impaired thermoregulation (sweating).
Features of pain in thoracic osteochondrosis
There are a large number 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 mimic the symptoms of a heart attack, angina, gastritis, ulcer or cholecystitis.
All this significantly complicates the diagnosis, since patients seek help for another disease, since they do not feel any discomfort in the back area.
There are 2 types of pain which manifest in the form of reflex syndromes (directly linked to tissue degeneration and irritation of receptors):
- Dorsago - sharp, 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 "chained" by pain (we usually speak of such sensations - "a bullet in the back").Dorsago occurs in the context of sudden movements or heavy lifting.On palpation, a tense muscle cord is detected.
- Back pain – characterizes a progressive increase in painful symptoms, with a dull, 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 the full range of studies, including not only the 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, urine tests (help to exclude inflammation and infection) are prescribed.
Ultrasound of the heart, kidneys, fibrogastroduodenoscopy (FGDS) is used as an option (optional) to identify complaints about pain in the projection zones of the organs.
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 degenerative processes are irreversible.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used as medical support.In addition, they use both tablets and gels and ointments.
- Pain syndrome is relieved by injections of anesthetics, local irritant ointments and the use of an applicator.
- As maintenance treatment, injections of B vitamins (especially B12), muscle relaxants to relieve tension and diuretics for swelling of nerve roots are used.
- For the recovery period, chondroprotective drugs and physiotherapy are prescribed.
The treatment package also includes:
- Massage and special techniques to relieve muscle tension.
- Reflex, 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 relax a tense back.
At home, you can carry out medicinal baths with herbal decoctions and warming compresses.
Surgery
Surgery is resorted to when serious complications are observed due to compression of nerve endings, blood vessels or spinal cord.Such consequences can lead to disruption of the gastrointestinal tract, limbs and insurmountable pain.
The intervention is carried out by removing the “interfering” part that has a compressive effect - growths of the spine, part of the disc, joint and, in rare complex cases, the entire vertebral body.Such manipulations require rigid fixation with an orthosis or the installation of a prosthesis.
Prevention
- Increasing physical activity, swimming and walking are particularly beneficial.
- Correct posture when sitting.
- Be sure to use a special mattress for sleeping.
- Avoid lifting heavy objects and making awkward movements.
- Maintaining joint health with folk remedies (drinking fortifying decoctions, tinctures).
- Good nutrition.
- Elimination of bad habits.
We briefly considered the main symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis.Prompt treatment will help avoid serious complications.But the best thing is prevention.