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 process, not only the vertebral bone tissue suffers, but also the function of adjacent ligaments, muscles and joints is disrupted.

Thoracic osteochondrosis rarely occurs separately;patients often exhibit changes in the cervical spine, and the localization of pain and discomfort contributes to the fact that the disease can be mistaken for a long time for disturbances in the functioning of the heart, lungs and stomach.

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is not often diagnosed.This is due to the structural characteristics of the thoracic region: the disc inside is smaller and thinner, and the mobility of the thoracic region is much lower than the rest of the spine.Part of the load is distributed to the ribs and sternum.

Reason

The main reason for the development of osteochondrosis in any region of the spine is a violation of metabolic processes, under its influence the structure of the bone tissue of the vertebrae changes, the cartilage surface is destroyed, and the function of the musculo-ligamentous apparatus changes.All these processes are inevitable, and towards the end of life, any person experiences their manifestation to one degree or another.

Among the most likely causes of osteochondrosis in the thoracic region are:

• Hypodynamia - the lack of movement necessary for the spine leads to a decrease in blood supply to this area and, as a result, the rapid development of pathological changes.
• Muscle spasms.Long-term muscle spasm occurs when the trunk is in a constant forced position, with scoliosis.
• Excessive and improper exercise.
• Congenital anomalies of the spine.
• Heavy weight.
• injury.

Provocative factors for the development of osteochondrosis also include genetic predisposition, hypothermia, immune system dysfunction, and inflammatory diseases.

symptoms

Most patients complain about the following symptoms of the disease:

• Pain in the chest.
• Severe stiffness when turning or bending.
• Internal organ function is affected.

Pain in osteochondrosis varies in nature and intensity.They are often paroxysmal, aggravated by coughing, 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.

Discomfort and pain appear periodically in the abdominal area;with such manifestations, a person can undergo treatment for imaginary digestive problems for a long time and without success.

The clinical signs of the disease also depend on where the most significant dystrophic changes occur.

1. If the upper thoracic vertebrae are affected, the patient may complain of the sensation of a foreign object in the throat, discomfort in the esophagus and pharynx.With significant changes, difficulty swallowing is observed.
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 lower segment vertebrae cause pain in the intestines.

Pain in the digestive organs is not associated with food intake and season;this is a distinctive sign of true gastrointestinal disease rather than osteochondrosis.Of course, diagnosis cannot be made based on symptoms and assumptions alone;only appropriate diagnostics can confirm it.

Course of disease

Thoracic osteochondrosis develops relatively slowly.The preclinical stage of the disease is indicated by discomfort that occurs periodically in the part of the spine that corresponds to the disease;during this period, the elasticity and density of cartilage decreases.

• Constant pathological changes lead to the development of the acute stage, in which all the symptoms of the disease appear.In some patients, symptoms may not be significant, but this does not mean that serious degenerative changes do not occur.
• After the acute period is eliminated with the help of drugs and physiotherapy, the disease enters the chronic stage.Severity during this period depends on the influence of provoking factors and on the measures taken by the patient to prevent the development of attacks.Outside of the exacerbation phase, patients note increased fatigue, weakness, and periodic discomfort in the chest area.

Complications

Continuous degenerative changes in the vertebrae, muscle tension, weakness of ligaments lead to the occurrence of:

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

With a prolonged acute period and frequent exacerbations 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 motion in the chest is checked, and tendon reflex indicators are determined.The nature of the pain indicates other diseases, so ECG and ultrasound of internal organs are needed.The diagnosis is made after:

• X-ray.
• MRI or CT.
• Blood tests show signs of inflammation.

Further treatment depends on the changes identified in the spinal column.

Treatment

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

• Drug treatment consists of the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, chondroprotectors, and vitamins.
• Physiotherapy helps improve blood circulation and partially relieves pain.
• An important stage is conducting massage courses and the continuous use of therapeutic exercises.

Indications for surgical treatment

In some cases, very effective therapy has no significant effect, so the patient may be offered surgery.Absolute indications for surgery are:

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

Several types of operations for osteochondrosis have been developed.The decision to implement it is made based on the clinical picture of complications.A discectomy can be used to create a permanent articulation of the vertebrae;there is a technique where a special prosthesis is installed instead of a disc.Hernias can be treated not only through surgery, but also with laser treatment.

Prevention

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