Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

The term osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine refers to the identification of dystrophic and degenerative changes in the vertebrae.

As a result of pathological processes, not only the bone tissue of the vertebrae suffers, but also the functioning of the adjacent ligaments, muscles and joints is impaired.

Thoracic osteochondrosis rarely occurs in isolation;the patient often shows changes in the cervical spine, and the localization of pain and discomfort contributes to the fact that the disease can be confused for a long time as a disorder in the functioning of the heart, lungs and stomach.

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is not often diagnosed.This is due to the structural features of the thoracic region: the discs in it are smaller and much thinner, and the mobility of the thoracic region is much lower than in other parts of the spine.Part of the load is distributed to the ribs and sternum.

reason

The main reason for the development of osteochondrosis in any area of the spine is a violation of metabolic processes, under their influence the structure of the bone tissue of the vertebra changes, the cartilaginous surfaces are destroyed and the functioning of the musculo-ligamentous apparatus changes.All these processes are inevitable, and until the end of life, every person suffers from their manifestation to one degree or another.

Among the most likely causes of osteochondrosis in the chest region are:

• Hypodynamia - the lack of movements necessary for the spine leads to a decrease in blood supply to this area and, as a consequence, the rapid development of pathological changes.
• Muscle spasms.Long-term muscle spasm occurs when the torso is in a constant forced position, with scoliosis.
• Excessive and improper exercise.
• Congenital anomalies of the spine.
• Heavy body weight.
• Injuries.

Provocative factors for the development of osteochondrosis also include genetic predisposition, hypothermia, dysfunction of the immune system and inflammatory diseases.

Symptoms

Most patients complain of the following symptoms of the disease:

• Chest pain.
• Great stiffness when turning or bending.
• Impaired functioning of internal organs.

Pain in osteochondrosis varies in nature and intensity.They are often paroxysmal, worsen when coughing, sneezing and radiate to the shoulder blade.

The same pain can accompany cardiovascular problems and intercostal neuralgia, so these diseases are often confused with each other without proper diagnosis.

Discomfort and pain appear periodically in the stomach area;with such manifestations, a person can undergo treatment for imaginary digestive problems for a long time and without benefit.

The clinical signs of the disease also depend on the place where the most pronounced dystrophic changes occur.

1. If the upper thoracic vertebrae are affected, the patient may complain of a sensation of a foreign object in the throat, discomfort in the esophagus and pharynx.With pronounced changes, difficulties in swallowing are observed.
2. Damage to the vertebrae located in the middle of the chest region causes symptoms similar to cholecystitis, pancreatitis and gastritis.
3. Degenerative changes in the vertebrae of the lower segment cause pain in the intestine.

Pain in the digestive organs is not associated with food intake and season;this is a distinctive sign of true gastrointestinal diseases from osteochondrosis.Of course, a diagnosis cannot be made on the basis of symptoms and assumptions alone;only proper diagnostics can confirm it.

The course of the disease

Thoracic osteochondrosis develops quite slowly.The preclinical stage of the disease is manifested by periodic disturbances in the part of the spine corresponding to the disease;during this period, the elasticity and density of the cartilage decreases.

• Continuous pathological changes lead to the development of an acute phase, in which all the symptoms of the disease appear.In some patients, the symptoms may be insignificant, but this does not mean that serious degenerative changes do not occur.
• After the acute period is eliminated with the help of medications and physiotherapy, the disease passes into the chronic phase.Exacerbations during this period depend on the influence of provoking factors and on the measures taken by the patient to prevent the development of an attack.Outside the exacerbation phase, patients notice increased fatigue, weakness and periodic discomfort in the chest area.

Complications

Continuous degenerative changes in the vertebrae, muscle tension, weakening of the ligamentous apparatus lead to the appearance of:

1. Intervertebral disc herniation.
2. Radiculitis.
3. Spondylosis.
4. Scoliosis.

With a prolonged acute period and frequent exacerbations of the disease, the ability to work is often lost and the person becomes disabled.

Diagnosing

Establishing an accurate diagnosis begins with the examination and examination of the patient.During the examination, the range of motion in the chest is examined and tendon reflex indicators are determined.The nature of the pain suggests another disease, so an EKG and an ultrasound of the internal organs are necessary.The diagnosis is made after:

• X-rays.
• MRI or CT.
• Blood tests show signs of inflammation.

Further treatment depends on the changes identified in the spine.

Treatment

The treatment regimen for osteochondrosis differs somewhat in the acute phase and during the chronic course of the disease.Treatment should be comprehensive, using medications and reflex effects on the spine.

• Drug treatment consists of the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, chondroprotectors and vitamins.
• Physiotherapy helps improve blood circulation and partially relieve pain.
• An important stage is the development of massage courses and the continuous use of therapeutic exercises.

Indications for surgical treatment

In some cases, very effective therapy does not have a visible effect, so the patient may be offered surgery.Absolute indications for surgery are:

1. Spinal stenosis.
2. Instability of the spine, causing significant displacement of the vertebrae.
3. Spinal hernia.

Several types of surgery for osteochondrosis have been developed.The decision to perform them is made based on the clinical overview of the complications.Discectomy can be used to create a fixed articulation of the vertebrae;there are techniques in which a special prosthesis is placed instead of a disc.A hernia can be treated not only surgically, but also with a laser.

Preventing

The diagnosis of osteochondrosis is a serious reason to change your usual life.Absence of bad habits, proper nutrition, constant physical activity and control of body weight significantly reduce degenerative processes.Long-term remissions of the disease also depend on preventive medication and the continuous implementation of a set of exercises developed by a doctor.