Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is less common than that of the lumbar and cervical regions.Degenerative processes, which are associated with 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 limbs may be affected.
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
The cause of spine damage lies in the deformation of the ligamentous apparatus that connects 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 (the so-called "spikes" or osteophytes).During development, one or all of the signs can be observed immediately, 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 feature is the involvement 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 chest region is quite immobile.This is necessary to protect against damage.This natural protection significantly reduces the occurrence of pain in osteochondrosis, which significantly reduces early diagnosis.
Symptoms of damage include:
- Pain - regardless of its delayed appearance (even with significant degenerative processes), this symptom plays a major role in identifying the pathology.It usually appears in the area of the heart or between the shoulders, hurts and stretches and intensifies when lifting weights.
- Paresthesia - patients feel a feeling of numbness and loss of skin sensitivity on the back and abdomen.
- Difficulty breathing – simple movements such as inhaling, raising arms, bending 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 appear, 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 the growth of dry skin, brittle nails in the affected area and extremities and impairment of thermoregulation (sweating).
Characteristics of pain in thoracic osteochondrosis
There are quite a few 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, ulcer and cholecystitis.
All this significantly complicates the diagnosis, as patients seek help for another disease, since they do not feel any discomfort in the back.
There are 2 types of pain that appear in the form of reflex syndromes (directly related to tissue degeneration and receptor irritation):
- Dorsago - acute, sharp pain.Patients often describe it as a stabbing sensation.It can radiate to the arm or shoulder, the patient seems to be "handcuffed" by 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 taut muscle cord is revealed.
- Dorsalgia - characterized by a gradual increase in pain symptoms, with dull and pressing 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 associated diseases.The diagnosis should include the whole range of studies, including not only the examination of the spine, but also the exclusion of other pathologies.
An MRI, x-ray of the spine, examination by a vertebrologist, neurologist, general blood tests, urine analysis (help to rule out inflammation and infection) are usually prescribed.
Ultrasound of the heart, kidneys, fibrogastroduodenoscopy (FGDS) is used optionally (optionally), when complaints about pain in the areas of organ projection are identified.
Treatment includes 3 types.
- Medicine.
- Physiotherapy.
- Surgical.
Therapy is carried out in a complex, which helps to eliminate as much as possible the signs of the disease and the worsening of symptoms.
Important: osteochondrosis cannot be completely cured, as the degenerative processes are irreversible.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used as medical support.Moreover, they use both tablet form and gel and ointment.
- The pain syndrome is relieved by anesthetic injections, local irritant ointments and the use of an applicator.
- 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:
- Massage and special techniques for relieving 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 the muscles and also relax the tense back.
At home, you can make medicinal baths with herbal decoctions and heating pads.
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 disruption of the gastrointestinal tract, limbs and intractable pain.
The intervention is performed by removing the "intervening" part, which has a compression effect - growth of the spine, a part of the disc, the joint and in rare complex cases the entire vertebral body.Such manipulations require rigid fixation with an orthosis or installation of a prosthesis.
Preventing
- Increasing physical activity, swimming and walking are especially good.
- Correct posture while sitting.
- Make sure you use a special mattress to sleep on.
- Avoid sudden heavy lifting and strenuous movements.
- Maintaining joint health with folk remedies (drinking strengthening decoctions, tinctures).
- The right food.
- Elimination of bad habits.
We briefly reviewed the main symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis.Timely treatment will help to avoid serious complications.But the best thing is prevention.