Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is less common than that of the lumbar and cervical region.Degenerative processes, accompanied by some symptoms and difficulties in treatment, cause many problems.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 damage to the spine lies in the deformation of the ligament system 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 "tips" or osteophytes).During development, one or all of the signs leading to the formation of the underlying disease can be observed simultaneously.
In total, the thoracic region includes 12 vertebrae in which degenerative processes occur.There are also intermediate variants of osteochondrosis: thoracolumbar and cervicothoracic.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 immobile.This is necessary to protect yourself from injuries.This natural protection significantly reduces the onset of pain in osteochondrosis, significantly reducing early diagnosis.
Symptoms of damage include:
- Pain – despite its delayed onset (even with significant degenerative processes), this symptom plays a leading role in the identification of the pathology.It usually occurs in the heart area or between the shoulder blades, is painful and stretches and intensifies during weight lifting.
- Paresthesia: Patients experience a sensation of numbness and loss of skin sensation on the back and abdomen.
- Difficulty breathing: simple movements such as breathing in, raising your arms, bending over cause discomfort and pain.For this reason, respiratory problems begin, which are observed first with a reduction in inhalation and then in exhalation.
When the nerve roots are compressed, compression symptoms occur that affect 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 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, as patients seek help for another disease, since they do not feel any discomfort in their back.
There are 2 types of pain that manifest themselves in the form of reflex syndromes (directly related 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 (they usually say about such sensations - "a blow to the back").Dorsago occurs against the background of sudden movements or heavy lifting.A tense muscular cord is detected on palpation.
- Dorsalgia – characterizes a gradual increase in painful 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 concomitant diseases.The 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, an x-ray of the spine, an examination by a vertebrologist, a neurologist, general blood tests, urine tests (help to exclude inflammation and infections) are prescribed.
Ultrasound of the heart, kidneys, fibrogastroduodenoscopy (FGDS) is used optionally (optional), when identifying complaints regarding pain in the projection areas of organs.
The treatment includes 3 types.
- Drug.
- Physiotherapeutic.
- Surgical.
Therapy is carried out in a complex that helps to eliminate the signs of the disease and exacerbation of symptoms as much as possible.
Important: Osteochondrosis cannot be cured completely, since the degenerative processes are irreversible.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used as medicinal support.In addition, they use both tablets and gels and ointments.
- The 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:
- Massages and special techniques to release muscle tension.
- Reflex, acupuncture.
- Use of currents and ultrasound.
When there is no pain, swimming is recommended as a great way to strengthen the tone of the spine and back.Special exercises of the physical therapy complex will help strengthen the muscles and also relax the tense back.
At home you can take medicinal baths with herbal decoctions and warming compresses.
Surgery
Surgery is resorted to when serious complications are observed due to compression of the nerve endings, blood vessels or spinal cord.Such consequences can lead to disruption of the gastrointestinal tract, limbs and intractable pain.
The operation is carried out by removing the “interfering” part that has a compressive effect: growths of the spinal column, 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
- Particularly useful are increasing physical activity, swimming and walking.
- Correct posture while sitting.
- Make sure you use a special mattress for sleeping.
- Avoid sudden lifting of heavy loads and awkward movements.
- Maintain joint health with folk remedies (drink strengthening decoctions, tinctures).
- Correct nutrition.
- Elimination of bad habits.
We have briefly reviewed the main symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis.Timely treatment will help avoid serious complications.But the best thing is prevention.