Osteochondrosis is a long-term disease. Most often, when assessing the severity of pathological processes, four stages are distinguished:
- The first stage is the period of initial changes that occur in the fibrous ring of the disc, which often goes unnoticed by the patient;
- The second stage corresponds to the appearance of instability in the affected segment of the spine, a decrease in the height of the disc;
- The third stage is characterized by the appearance of hernias or osteochondral growths - osteophytes; the fibrous ring at this stage is almost destroyed;
- The fourth stage is characterized by irreversible damage to all structures that provide intervertebral articulation, disc fibrosis and loss of mobility in the affected segment.
Causes of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
It has been shown that around the age of 20 our vertebrae begin to slowly deteriorate. As we age, wear and tear on the spine progresses. Due to degenerative processes, there is a decrease in the thickness of the intervertebral disc, which acts as a shock absorber. In addition, abnormal structures appear at the bone ends of adjacent vertebrae: bone spurs, spondylophytes, which reduce the range of motion.
Degenerative-dystrophic changes begin with the nucleus pulposus, then spread to the fibrous ring, as well as to other structural elements of the vertebra, causing the appearance of characteristic symptoms.
Due to the loss of water, the nucleus pulposus ceases to evenly distribute the vertical load. This adversely affects the annulus fibrosus. Excessive compression (compression) leads to its mechanical damage, the appearance of ruptures and cracks. The joints begin to experience excessive stress, which gradually leads to spinal instability and pain.
Thus, the main cause of osteochondrosis is natural aging. However, its development is also facilitated by a combination of many unfavorable factors that increase the likelihood of the disease. This includes:
- Smoking;
- Surgical interventions are performed on the spine;
- Injuries in this part of the spine;
- Curvature of the spine (scoliosis);
- Back muscle weakness;
- Excess body weight;
- Increased load on the spine.
It is assumed that the involution (aging) of the cartilage and bone tissue of the vertebrae is genetically determined, and the progression to a disease state with characteristic symptoms and manifestations occurs under the influence of external and internal factors. The processes can start earlier if they are preceded by damage (mechanical, inflammatory, etc. ).
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the chest region
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine will depend on the stage of the pathological process and existing structural disorders. Unlike other areas of the spine (cervical, lumbar), radicular syndrome and other neurological complications are less typical of the thoracic region. This is explained by the presence of a bone frame of the chest, which limits the displacement and compression of this part of the spine. Most often, pain in the chest region (dorsalgia or thoracic lumbago) is associated with immobilization of the intervertebral joints.
Reference! Thoracic lumbago, or dorsago, in neurology refers to acute pain of high intensity that occurs in the thoracic spine, often accompanied by difficulty in breathing. The cause of the condition lies in a severe back muscle spasm. It cannot be ignored, because. . . Similarly, myocardial infarction can begin, and frequent lumbago can be associated with serious pathologies in the body.
The pain can last from a few hours to a few days. As a rule, it is not as intense as with damage to other parts of the spine, but it is also accompanied by movement of the spine. In addition, muscle hypertonicity is detected in this area, which can be combined with weakness and numbness in the hands.
The pain can be dull, burning, deep, paroxysmal or constant. It can be felt in the chest, in the area of the heart and other organs. Patients describe it as "a pole in the chest", "compression of the chest with a hoop", "a stab between the shoulder blades". This section is characterized by radiating pain and associated with deep sighs, coughing and sudden movements of the chest.
Without treatment, osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is often complicated by intercostal neuralgia. In this case, the burning pain may be localized in the region of the heart and may be confused by the patient for manifestations of cardiac pathology.
Important! If you have pain in the heart area, you should not try to make a differential diagnosis yourself. In order to exclude heart diseases and prevent the progression of pathological processes in the spine, it is important not to delay the visit to the doctor, not to wait for the pain and not to self-medicate.
Pain can increase with physical activity, bending and psycho-emotional stress. When the extreme vertebrae of this area are affected, the pain can radiate to the lower back, sacrum and even the buttocks.
Diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
The diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is a multi-stage process. First of all, the doctor will collect the history:
- Discover your medical history;
- Has anyone had a close relative with spinal disease?
- How long ago did the symptoms start and what is their intensity;
- What comorbidities exist?
A physical examination of the patient is required, including examination of the skin, assessment of postural disorders, and palpation (feeling) of the muscles located near the spine. Neurological tests may be performed to make a diagnosis.
Instrumental diagnostics
Diagnostic imaging allows you to assess the degree of cartilage damage, identify other existing disorders and exclude diseases with similar symptoms. Recommended methods for the instrumental diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine include:
- X-rays (spondylography) - gives information about the structure of the bone, the presence of osteophytes, the condition of the fasta joints;
- CT (computed tomography) allows you to examine everything in detail and, if necessary, take measurements; it has advantages over MRI in diagnosing the pathology of bone structures;
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) allows you to assess the condition of soft tissues, diagnose inflammatory processes, tumors, spinal hernias, identify pathological changes in cartilage, bones, ligaments, blood vessels and determine narrowing of the spinal canal. Using MRI, vascular pathologies and tissue circulation disorders in the thoracic spine are detected.
Drug blockades can also be used for diagnostic purposes. Due to the variety of pain manifestations, there is often a need to conduct additional research to rule out:
- Angina pectoris;
- Myocardial infarction;
- Aortic aneurysms,
- cholecystitis,
- Gastric ulcer;
- Pneumonia;
- Oncological diseases etc.
Methods of treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a disease that requires complex treatment. In addition to drug treatment to relieve pain, it is important to contact specialists in the field of traumatology and neurology to find out the exact causes of disturbing symptoms.
Treatment tactics will depend on the severity of the disease. Typically, the first treatment option is conservative therapy, such as physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, heat therapy, and nerve block injections.
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region allows you to strengthen the muscles of the back and interscapular region, form a muscular corset and correct posture, provide muscle relaxation and improve blood circulation in this segment of the spine. For osteochondrosis of this area, breathing exercises, shoulder blade fusion and shoulder rotation are useful.
Massage helps normalize blood supply, lymphatic drainage and activates metabolic processes. It is described outside of an irritation, when the patient does not suffer from severe pain. Different types of medical massage are used: manual (by hand), under water, vacuum.
Manual therapy methods are also popular. Chiropractors work with blocks and clamps of the musculoskeletal system, removing them using various techniques. Acupressure or acupressure can also be performed for acute pain. During it, the doctor, pressing his fingers on certain points with different intensity, has a therapeutic effect on the whole body.
Physiotherapy techniques are quite effective in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. They help reduce pain, improve blood circulation and strengthen the muscles of the spine. Among them:
- Ultrasound therapy;
- Electrophoresis of medications;
- Laser therapy in the area of the spine;
- Transcutaneous electrical neuromyostimulation;
- Exposure to magnetic fields;
- Electrical impulse therapy.
To increase the therapeutic effect, a combination of drug and non-drug therapy methods is recommended. Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine may take a long time, but the results will be visible after the first procedures. The main thing is not to delay the visit to the doctor and start treatment in the early stages of the disease.
If conservative treatment does not help, surgery may be required. More often, decompression and stabilization operations are performed. They allow you to stop compression of the spinal cord, nerve roots from hernias, osteophytes or hypertrophied ligaments and fix the affected segment.
After the surgical treatment, you will need to wear a special corset for some time. After discharge from the hospital, a course of medical rehabilitation is prescribed.
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis at home
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine at home can be effective if a number of conditions are met. First of all, the diagnosis must be made by a specialist after a thorough examination. Treatment methods should also be discussed with a doctor to ensure that there are no contraindications in the presence of accompanying pathologies.
The most important and basic thing is to maintain a healthy lifestyle, control body weight and add enough physical activity. The best way to deal with back pain is exercise. They will help strengthen the back muscles, improve blood circulation, cope with stress more easily and thus prevent the progression of the disease.
If the condition worsens or there are strong and sharp pains, it is better to lie down and make sure that the spine remains still. Thermal treatments and massage help to cope with unpleasant sensations. In any case, home treatment does not replace consultation with a specialist and the implementation of his recommendations. Uncontrolled self-medication can lead to worsening of the condition and the development of complications.
Which doctor should I contact?
Neurologists and orthopedists treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. They carry out the diagnosis, make a diagnosis and choose the appropriate treatment. Patients may also need to consult a physiotherapist and an exercise therapy doctor.
If you have pain in the chest region, you can also consult a therapist. He will analyze the clinical manifestations, prescribe the necessary examinations and refer you to a specialist.
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis
Doctors at your regional clinic will help you cope with the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. For the most part, almost every clinic has the necessary modern diagnostic equipment, which allows you to get the most accurate information about the condition of the spine and choose the most effective method of treatment. Experienced specialists of various profiles help patients restore their health in comfortable conditions: neurologists, orthopedists, physiotherapists, massage therapists, therapists.
If necessary, in modern realities it is possible to get advice from other specialized specialists in the shortest possible time and without queues. Consultants are ready to help if any questions arise. Fill out the online feedback form and they will definitely call you back.