Osteochondrosis is a degenerative disease of the cartilage tissue in the intervertebral joints, leading to its destruction.Osteochondrosis limited to the thoracic vertebrae is called thoracic osteochondrosis.Thoracic osteochondrosis is less frequently diagnosed than osteochondrosis in other locations (cervical or lumbar spine), which is due to the anatomical characteristics of the thoracic structures.It is a relatively static structure in which the mobility of the spine itself is relatively low - therefore, even if an active pathological process occurs in the intervertebral disc, the possibility of injury to it is very small.In the recent past, when diagnostic capabilities were limited, thoracic osteochondrosis was considered the preserve of older patients.Nowadays, it is not only found at a young age but even during childhood.
Why does thoracic osteochondrosis occur?
Among the causes of thoracic osteochondrosis, the following points should be focused on:
- Pathology of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs - inherited and acquired due to various factors;
- Impairment of blood supply to the spine;
- Excessive or unreasonable physical stress on the spine (during exercise or as a result of heavy manual labor);
- Disorders of mineral metabolism in the body and lack of certain trace elements;
- Sedentary lifestyle, sedentary occupational activities;
- Weak back muscles lead to incorrect posture and unreasonable load distribution on the spine;
- Injuried.
In addition, there are many factors that may cause the disease to worsen during the chronic course:
- trauma;
- Stress, nervousness;
- Hypothermia of the body - systemic and localized hypothermia of the back muscles;
- Physical fatigue.
Why is thoracic osteochondrosis dangerous?
Thoracic osteochondrosis is a disease associated with significant pathological changes in the vertebrae and intervertebral joints.Therefore, the first consequence of this disease is the destruction of the structures that form the spine.The result may be scoliosis, pathologies of the respiratory system (pneumonia, pulmonary sclerosis), circulatory disorders of the internal organs, diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract (pancreatitis, cholecystitis).The negative consequences of thoracic osteochondrosis may also extend to the genitourinary system.Persistent pain syndrome is characteristic of osteochondrosis, which reduces quality of life and may "masquerade" as other conditions, leading to incorrect diagnosis and treatment.
What are the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis?
The symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are very characteristic:
- pain- This condition occurs when a person remains in one position for a long time, as well as during sports, heavy lifting and physical activity.Characterized by a persistent dull pain in the shoulder blade area and pain when trying to raise the arm;
- intercostal neuralgia;
- feeling of tightness in chest, making it difficult to take deep breaths;
- reduced sensitivityCertain areas of the skin;
- Paresthesia- "Crawling goosebumps", burning and stinging sensations on the skin;
- temperature decreasecertain areas on the skin;
- temperature decreasefoot skin,itching sensation, burning sensationamong them;
- Digestive system diseases.
There are two main types of pain syndromes accompanying thoracic osteochondrosis: dorsalgiyu (long-term pain in the affected intervertebral cartilage area) and dorsago (severe paroxysmal pain with muscle spasms and dyspnea).
Thoracic osteochondrosis is characterized by the so-calledgastric syndrome- Upper abdominal pain is not related to meals, time of day, or year.
Degree of thoracic osteochondrosis
Clinically, there are 4 degrees of thoracic osteochondrosis, depending on the degree of cartilage damage and the involvement of surrounding structures in the pathological process.
Grade 1 thoracic osteochondrosis:The intervertebral disc between the vertebrae loses its elasticity and becomes somewhat thinner, and local protrusions - protrusions - may appear in the annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc.
Second degree thoracic osteochondrosis:The intervertebral discs gradually become thinner and the thoracic spine loses stability.At this stage, pain begins to bother you, often accompanied by neurological symptoms: paresthesia, numbness of the skin.Cracks may develop in the annulus fibrosus of the disc.
Thoracic osteochondrosis, third degreeCorresponds to the formation of intervertebral hernia.
Thoracic osteochondrosis grade 4It is characterized by the complete loss of shock-absorbing properties between the intervertebral discs.The convergence of the vertebrae becomes critical and the bone tissue begins to deteriorate.Blood vessels and nerves within the spinal canal become compressed, causing persistent neurological symptoms, severe pain syndromes, and circulatory disturbances.
Diagnosis of thoracic osteochondrosis
The diagnosis of "thoracic osteochondrosis" is based on investigation, examination and examination of the patient: radiography and magnetic resonance imaging.X-rays can help determine the location of spinal lesions, and magnetic resonance imaging can help confirm the diagnosis and rule out the presence of benign and malignant tumors.
Many symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are nonspecific—the same symptoms may indicate other conditions.This explains the errors that often occur in diagnosis, for example when a patient has been treated for long-term pancreatitis for pain when the real cause is thoracic osteochondrosis.Therefore, a comprehensive diagnosis and additional examination of the patient with the involvement of relevant specialists (gastroenterologists, pulmonologists) are very important.
Osteochondrosis of the chest: Treatment
Taking into account the impossibility of recovery of destroyed cartilage tissue, thoracic osteochondrosis is only likely to be effectively treated in the initial stages of the disease, when the cartilage has not yet lost its structure.Therefore, it is particularly important to seek prompt medical attention at the first signs of pathology, back discomfort, mild pain, numbness, or skin burning.
In the first stages of the disease, treatment comes down to pain relief with the administration of non-narcotic analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, thereby reducing the intensity of the inflammatory process in the tissues and eliminating pain.However, the treatment of early-stage thoracic osteochondrosis focuses on the use of hondroprotektorov.This is the name of a group of drugs designed to restore the normal metabolism of cartilage tissue, thus improving its nutrition and slowing down its destruction.
As the pathological process progresses, NSAIDs that relieve inflammation often become insufficient, forcing physicians to supplement therapy with glucocorticoid drugs.In addition, diuretics can be added to the list of medications to eliminate swelling at the pinched spinal nerve roots, thereby reducing corresponding neurological symptoms and pain.Adding antispasmodic medications to treatment can eliminate muscle spasms caused by thoracic osteochondrosis.
As the intervertebral hernia progresses and the vertebral bone tissue is destroyed, conservative treatments lose their effectiveness; the only reasonable option is surgery to treat osteochondrosis.
Physical therapy for thoracic osteochondrosis
Outside of periods of exacerbation, physical therapy can provide good results.Effective methods for thoracic osteochondrosis include:
- laser treatment;
- magnet therapy;
- Traction – dry and wet;
- vacuum therapy;
- acupuncture;
- Farm Copentula.
Additionally, popular and effective treatments for thoracic osteochondrosis include massage and manual therapy.People with thoracic osteochondrosis should receive preventive massage sessions at least twice a year.At the same time, any operation should be as gentle as possible and only performed outside of exacerbation periods to avoid exacerbating the pathological process.
Treatment exercises for thoracic osteochondrosis
An important component of comprehensive treatment for osteochondrosis of the spine and thoracic spine is physical therapy (physiotherapy).The purpose of the exercises is to restore the mobility of the intervertebral joints, eliminate muscle spasms, and eliminate spinal stiffness.Exercise therapy can strengthen muscle bundles and increase the patient's overall physical mobility, which is an important factor in stimulating blood circulation and restoring lung ventilation.
Before performing a particular set of exercises, you should perform a light general warm-up designed to warm up the muscles or take a warm bath.Warming up adequately before exercise can help avoid injury.All movements should be smooth; sharp bends and turns should be avoided, which can worsen spinal injuries.
Thoracic osteochondrosis is a chronic disease that significantly reduces the patient's quality of life and is dangerous due to its complications.Prompt consultation with a doctor and effective comprehensive treatment, starting from the first signs of the disease, will help to stop the pathological process and eliminate unpleasant symptoms.