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 the pathological processes, not only the bone tissue of the vertebrae suffers, but also the functioning of the neighboring ligaments, muscles and joints is disturbed.

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 mistaken for a malfunction of the heart, lungs and stomach for a long time.

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is not often diagnosed.This is due to the structural characteristics 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 on the ribs and sternum.

Reasons

The main reason for the development of osteochondrosis is the violation of metabolic processes in any area of the spine, as a result of which the structure of the bone tissue of the vertebra changes, the cartilaginous surfaces are destroyed, and the functioning of the muscle-ligament apparatus changes.All these processes are inevitable, and by the end of life any person will suffer from their manifestation to some extent.

The most likely causes of osteochondrosis of 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 result, to the rapid development of pathological changes.
• Muscle cramps.Long-lasting muscle spasm occurs when the trunk of the trunk is in a constant forced position, with scoliosis.
• Excessive and improper exercise.
• Congenital disorders of the spine.
• High body mass.
• Injuries.

Factors provoking the development of osteochondrosis include genetic predisposition, hypothermia, dysfunction of the immune system and inflammatory diseases.

Symptoms

Most patients complain of the following symptoms of the disease:

• Pain in the chest.
• Severe stiffness when turning or bending.
• Damage to the functioning of internal organs.

The nature and intensity of pain in osteochondrosis is different.They are often paroxysmal, aggravated by coughing and sneezing, and radiate to the scapula.

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

Sometimes discomfort and pain appear in the stomach area;with such manifestations, a person can benefit from the treatment of imaginary digestive problems for a long time and without results.

The clinical symptoms 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 feeling of a foreign object in the throat, discomfort in the esophagus and pharynx.Difficulties in swallowing can be observed in case of pronounced changes.
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 vertebrae of the lower segment cause pain in the intestines.

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

The course of the disease

Thoracic osteochondrosis develops rather slowly.The preclinical stage of the disease manifests itself in periodic discomfort 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 stage, when 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 has been eliminated with the help of drugs and physiotherapy, the disease enters the chronic stage.Exacerbations during this period depend on the effect of provoking factors and the measures taken by the patient to prevent the onset of an attack.In addition to the exacerbation phase, patients notice increased fatigue, weakness, and periodic discomfort in the chest area.

Complications

Continuous degenerative changes of the vertebrae, muscle tension, weakening of the ligamentous apparatus lead to the occurrence of the following:

1. Herniated intervertebral discs.
2. Radiculitis.
3. Spondylosis.
4. Scoliosis.

Due to the prolonged acute period and the frequent exacerbation of the disease, the ability to work is often lost and the person becomes disabled.

Diagnostics

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

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

Further treatment depends on the changes detected in the spine.

Treatment

The treatment regimen for osteochondrosis is somewhat different in the acute stage and chronic course of the disease.Treatment should be comprehensive, using drugs and reflex effects on the spine.

• Drug treatment consists of the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers, chondroprotectors and vitamins.
• Physiotherapy improves blood circulation and partially relieves pain.
• An important stage is the conduct of massage courses and the constant use of therapeutic exercises.

Indications for surgical treatment

In some cases, highly effective therapy has no noticeable effect, so the patient may be offered surgery.The absolute indications for surgery are:

1. Spinal stenosis.
2. Instability of the spinal column, which causes significant displacement of the vertebrae.
3. Spinal hernia.

Several operations have been developed for the treatment of osteochondrosis.The decision to perform them is made based on the clinical picture of the complications.With the help of discectomy, a fixed articulation of the vertebrae can be created;There are techniques in which a special prosthesis is installed instead of the plate.The hernia can be treated not only by surgery, but also by laser treatment.

Prevention

The diagnosis of osteochondrosis is a serious reason to change your usual life.Absence of bad habits, proper nutrition, constant physical activity and weight control significantly reduce degenerative processes.The long-term remission of the disease also depends on preventive drug treatment and the continuous implementation of the exercises developed by the doctor.