Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is less common than osteochondrosis of the lumbar and cervical regions.Many problems are caused by degenerative processes, which are associated with certain symptoms and treatment difficulties.In addition to severe chest pain, the abdominal organs can also suffer, and the lower limbs can also be injured.
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis of the chest region
The cause of damage to the spine lies in the deformation of the ligaments connecting the vertebrae.In addition, the development of the disease can begin with pathological processes of the joint surfaces, changes in the discs (protrusion, herniation) or their growth (so-called "spines" or osteophytes).During development, one or all of the symptoms can be observed at the same time, which leads to the development of the underlying disease.
In total, the thoracic region contains 12 vertebrae in which degenerative processes occur.There are also intermediate versions of osteochondrosis - thoracolumbar and cervical-thoracic.A special feature is the inclusion of adjacent sections in the pathological processes of the vertebrae and the addition of symptoms characteristic of these sections.
Interesting fact: due to its anatomical features, the connection of the spine with the ribs, the chest region is 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 delayed appearance (even in the case of significant degenerative processes), this symptom plays a leading role in the identification of pathology.It usually appears in the area of the heart or between the shoulder blades, it hurts, it stretches, and it gets worse when lifting weights.
- Paresthesia - patients feel numbness and loss of skin sensitivity on the back and abdomen.
- Difficulty breathing - simple movements such as inhaling, raising the arms, bending cause discomfort and pain.Because of this, breathing problems begin, which can be observed first by the shortening of the inhalation and then the exhalation.
When the nerve roots are compressed, compression symptoms occur that affect the internal organs.Coldness, weakness of the legs, and even periodic insufficiency of the legs can be observed.Violation of the vegetative-vascular system leads to increased skin dryness, brittle nails in the affected area and limbs, as well as impaired thermoregulation (sweating).
Features of pain in thoracic osteochondrosis
There are quite a lot of organs in the chest, so spinal pain can often be confused with heart and stomach pain.Sometimes they are so obvious that they can mimic the symptoms of a heart attack, angina, gastritis, ulcers and cholecystitis.
All this significantly complicates the diagnosis, since patients seek help for another disease, since they do not feel discomfort on the back.
Two types of pain occur in the form of reflex syndromes (directly related to tissue degeneration and receptor irritation):
- Dorsago - acute, sharp pain.Patients often describe it as being stabbed with a knife.It can radiate to the arm or shoulder, it seems that the patient is "handcuffed" by pain (usually such sensations are said to be "a shot through the back").Dorsago occurs against the background of sudden movements or heavy lifting.A tense muscle cord can be detected by palpation.
- Dorsalgia - characterized by a gradual increase in pain symptoms, with dull and oppressive pain.It usually involves 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.The diagnosis should include a full range of tests, including not only the examination of the spine, but also the exclusion of other pathologies.
MRI, spinal X-ray, vertebrologist, neurologist examination, general blood test, urine test (they help to rule out inflammation and infection) are usually prescribed.
Ultrasound of the heart, kidneys, fibrogastroduodenoscopy (FGDS) optionally (optional), when identifying complaints related to pain in the projection areas of the organs.
The treatment consists of 3 types.
- Medicine.
- Physiotherapy.
- Surgical.
The therapy is carried out in a complex, which helps to eliminate the signs of the disease and the aggravation of the symptoms as much as possible.
Important: osteochondrosis cannot be completely cured, as the degenerative processes are irreversible.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used as medicine.Moreover, both tablets and gels and ointments are used.
- The pain syndrome can be alleviated with anesthetic injections, local irritant ointments and the use of an applicator.
- As maintenance therapy, vitamin B (especially B12) injections, muscle relaxants to relieve tension, and diuretics are used against swelling of the nerve roots.
- For the recovery period, chondroprotective drugs and physiotherapy are prescribed.
The treatment package also includes:
- Massage and special techniques to release muscle tension.
- Reflex, acupuncture.
- Use of currents and ultrasound.
If there is no pain, swimming is an excellent way to tone the spine and back.The special exercises of the exercise therapy complex help to strengthen the muscles and relax the tense back.
At home, you can take a spa bath with herbal decoctions and warming compresses.
Surgical intervention
Surgical intervention is used when serious complications are detected 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 performed by removing the "disturbing" part, which has a compressive effect - the growth of the spine, part of the disc, the joint, and in rare complex cases, the entire vertebral body.Such manipulations require rigid fixation with an orthosis or the installation of a prosthesis.
Prevention
- It is especially good to increase physical activity, swimming and walking.
- Correct posture while sitting.
- Be sure to use a special mattress for sleeping.
- Avoid sudden heavy lifting and awkward movements.
- Maintaining joint health with folk remedies (drinking strengthening concoctions, tinctures).
- Proper nutrition.
- Eliminating bad habits.
We briefly examined the main symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis.Timely treatment helps to avoid serious complications.But the best thing is prevention.