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 adjacent ligaments, muscles and joints is disturbed.

Thoracic osteochondrosis rarely occurs in isolation;The patient often presents changes in the cervical spine, and the location of the pain and discomfort contributes to the disease being confused for a long time with a disorder in the functioning of the heart, lungs and stomach.

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is not always 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 less than in other parts of the spine.Part of the load is distributed across the ribs and sternum.

Reasons

The main reason for the development of osteochondrosis in any area of the spine is a violation of metabolic processes, under its 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 at the end of life, any person suffers from their manifestation in one way or another.

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

• Hypodynamia - the lack of necessary movements in the spine leads to a decrease in blood supply to this area and, as a consequence, to the rapid development of pathological changes.
• Muscle spasms.Prolonged muscle spasm occurs when the body's trunk is in a constant forced position, with scoliosis.
• Excessive and inappropriate exercise.
• Congenital anomalies of the spine.
• Large body weight.
• Injuries.

Provoking 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 signs of the disease:

• Chest pain.
• Severe 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, which is why these diseases are often confused with each other without proper diagnosis.

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

The clinical signs of the disease also depend on 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, swallowing difficulties are observed.
2. Damage to the vertebrae located in the middle of the thoracic region causes symptoms similar to cholecystitis, pancreatitis and gastritis.
3. Degenerative changes in the lower segment vertebrae cause pain in the intestines.

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

Course of the disease

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

• Continuous pathological changes lead to the development of an acute stage, in which all the symptoms of the disease appear.In some patients, symptoms may be insignificant, but this does not mean that serious degenerative changes are not occurring.
• After eliminating the acute period with the help of medications and physiotherapy, the disease enters the chronic phase.Exacerbations during this period depend on the influence of provoking factors and the measures taken by the patient to prevent the development of the crisis.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 occurrence 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.

Diagnosis

Establishing an accurate diagnosis begins with examining and examining the patient.During the examination, the range of movements of the chest is examined and the indicators of tendon reflexes are determined.The nature of the pain suggests another disease, therefore an ECG and ultrasound of the internal organs are necessary.The diagnosis is made after:

• X-rays.
• Magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography.
• 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 must be comprehensive, with the use of medications and reflex effects on the spine.

• Drug treatment consists of the use of anti-inflammatories, analgesics, chondroprotectors and vitamins.
• Physiotherapy helps to improve blood circulation and partially alleviate pain.
• An important step is taking massage courses and constantly using therapeutic exercises.

Indications for surgical treatment

In some cases, highly effective therapy does not have a noticeable effect, so the patient may be offered surgery.The 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 operations for osteochondrosis have been developed.The decision to perform them is made based on the clinical picture of complications.Discectomy can be used to create a fixed joint of the vertebrae;There are techniques in which a special prosthesis is installed instead of a disc.A hernia can be treated not only surgically, but also with laser treatment.

Prevention

The diagnosis of osteochondrosis is a serious reason to change your usual life.The absence of bad habits, adequate nutrition, constant physical activity and control of body weight significantly reduce degenerative processes.Prolonged remissions of the disease also depend on preventive medication and the constant application of a set of exercises developed by the doctor.