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

Thoracic osteochondrosis rarely occurs in isolation;patients often experience changes in the cervical spine, and the localization of pain and discomfort contributes to the fact that the disease can be mistaken for a disorder in the work 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 in any area of the spine is a violation of metabolic processes, under their influence the structure of the bone tissue of the vertebrae changes, cartilage surfaces are destroyed, and the work of the muscle-ligament apparatus changes.All these processes are inevitable, and until the end of life every person suffers from their manifestation in one degree or another.

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

• Hypodynamia - the lack of movements necessary for the spine leads to a decrease in blood supply to this area and, as a consequence, the rapid development of pathological changes.
• Muscle cramps.Long-term muscle spasm occurs when the trunk of the body is in a constant forced position, with scoliosis.
• Excessive and improper exercise.
• Congenital anomalies of the spinal column.
• High body weight.
• Injuries.

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

Symptoms

Most patients complain of the following signs of the disease:

• Chest pain.
• Severe stiffness when turning or bending.
• Disturbance of the functioning of internal organs.

Pain in osteochondrosis varies in nature and intensity.They are often paroxysmal, aggravated by coughing and sneezing and radiate to the scapula.

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

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

Clinical signs 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 body in the throat, discomfort in the esophagus and pharynx.Along with pronounced changes, difficulties in swallowing are 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 vertebrae of the lower segment cause pain in the intestines.

Pain in the digestive organs is not related to food intake and seasons;this is a recognizable sign of true gastrointestinal diseases from osteochondrosis.Of course, the diagnosis cannot be made only on the basis of symptoms and assumptions;only appropriate diagnostics can confirm this.

The course of the disease

Thoracic osteochondrosis develops rather slowly.The pre-clinical stage of the disease is manifested periodically by discomfort in the part of the spine corresponding to the disease;in that period, the elasticity and density of the cartilage decreases.

• Continuous pathological changes lead to the development of the acute phase, in which 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 is eliminated with the help of drugs and physiotherapy, the disease passes into the chronic phase.Exacerbations in this period depend on the influence of provoking factors and measures taken by the patient to prevent the development of attacks.Outside the exacerbation phase, patients notice increased fatigue, weakness and periodic discomfort in the chest area.

Complications

Continuous degenerative changes on the vertebrae, muscle tension, weakening of the ligamentous apparatus lead to the appearance of:

1. Hernia of intervertebral discs.
2. Radiculitis.
3. Spondylosis.
4. Scoliosis.

With a prolonged acute period and frequent exacerbations of the disease, working capacity is often lost and the person becomes disabled.

Diagnostics

Making an accurate diagnosis begins with an examination and examination of the patient.During the examination, the range of motion in the chest is examined and indicators of tendon reflexes are determined.The nature of the pain indicates another disease, so an EKG and ultrasound of the internal organs are necessary.The diagnosis is made after:

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

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

Treatment

The treatment regimen for osteochondrosis is somewhat different in the acute phase and during the chronic course of the disease.Treatment should be comprehensive, with medication and reflex action on the spine.

• Drug treatment consists of the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, chondroprotectors and vitamins.
• Physiotherapy helps improve blood circulation and partially relieve pain.
• An important stage is conducting massage courses and 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.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 types of surgery for osteochondrosis have been developed.The decision to perform them is made based on the clinical picture of the complications.A discectomy can be used to create a fixed vertebral articulation;there are techniques in which a special prosthesis is implanted instead of a disc.Hernia can be treated not only surgically, but also with 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 control of body weight significantly reduce degenerative processes.Long-term remissions of the disease also depend on preventive drugs and the constant implementation of a set of exercises developed by the doctor.