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 many problems.In addition to severe chest pain, 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 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 “thorns” or osteophytes).During development, one or all of the signs may be observed at the same time, which leads 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 cervico-thoracic.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 characteristic, the connection between the spine and the ribs, the thoracic region remains quite immobile.This is necessary to protect against injury.This natural protection significantly reduces the occurrence of pain in osteochondrosis, which significantly reduces early diagnosis.
Symptoms of damage include:
- Pain – despite its late appearance (even with significant degenerative processes), this symptom plays a preponderant role in identifying the pathology.It usually occurs in the heart region or between the shoulder blades, hurts and stretches and intensifies during weight lifting.
- Paresthesia - patients feel a sensation of numbness and loss of sensitivity in the skin of the back and abdomen.
- Difficulty breathing – simple movements such as breathing in, raising your arms, bending over cause discomfort and pain.Because of this, breathing problems begin, which are observed first with a shortening of inspiration and then of expiration.
When nerve roots are compressed, compression symptoms occur, affecting internal organs.Coldness, weakness in 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).
Features of pain in thoracic osteochondrosis
There are many organs in the chest, so back pain can often be confused with heart and stomach pain.Sometimes they are so obvious that they can mimic the symptoms of heart attack, angina, gastritis, ulcers and cholecystitis.
All this makes diagnosis very difficult, as patients seek help for another disease, as they do not feel any discomfort in their back.
There are 2 types of pain that occur in the form of reflex syndromes (directly related to tissue degeneration and receptor irritation):
- Dorsago - sharp, stabbing 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 “handcuffed” with pain (these sensations are usually spoken of as “a shot in the back”).Dorsago occurs against the background of sudden movements or heavy lifting.When palpated, a tense muscle cord is detected.
- 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.Diagnosis should include the entire range of studies, including not only examination of the spine, but also the exclusion of other pathologies.
An MRI, an x-ray of the spine, an examination by a vertebrologist, a neurologist, general blood tests and urine tests are usually prescribed (helps to exclude inflammation and infection).
Ultrasound of the heart, kidneys, fibrogastroduodenoscopy (FGDS) is used optionally (optional), when identifying complaints of pain in the areas of organ projection.
Treatment includes 3 types.
- Medicine.
- Physiotherapy.
- Surgical.
Therapy is carried out in a complex manner, which helps to eliminate signs of the disease and exacerbation of symptoms as much as possible.
Important: osteochondrosis cannot be completely cured, as the degenerative processes are irreversible.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used as medicinal support.Additionally, they use 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 medications 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 in the exercise therapy complex help to strengthen muscles and also relax a tense back.
At home, you can perform medicinal baths with herbal decoctions and warming compresses.
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 carried out by removing the “interfering” part that has a compression effect - protuberances of the spine, part of the disc, joint and, in rare and complex cases, the entire vertebral body.Such manipulations require rigid fixation with an orthosis or installation of a prosthesis.
Prevention
- Increasing physical activity, swimming and walking are especially good.
- Correct posture when sitting.
- Be sure to use a special mattress to sleep on.
- Avoid sudden heavy lifting and awkward movements.
- Maintain joint health with folk remedies (drinking strengthening decoctions, tinctures).
- Proper nutrition.
- Elimination of bad habits.
We briefly examined the main symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis.Timely treatment will help avoid serious complications.But the best thing is prevention.