Osteochondrosis is a long-term disease. Most often, when assessing the severity of pathological processes, four stages are distinguished:
- The first phase is the period of initial changes that occur in the fibrous ring of the disc, which the patient often does not notice;
- The second phase corresponds to the appearance of instability in the affected segment of the spine, a decrease in disc height;
- The third phase 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 ensure intervertebral articulation, disc fibrosis and loss of mobility in the affected segment.
Causes of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
It has been shown that from around the age of 20, our vertebrae begin to slowly deteriorate. With 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 on the bone edges of adjacent vertebrae: bone spurs, spondylophytes, which reduce the range of motion.
Degenerative-dystrophic changes start from 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 stops evenly distributing the vertical load. This has a negative effect on 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.
So, the main cause of osteochondrosis is natural aging. However, its development is also facilitated by the combination of many unfavorable factors that increase the probability that the disease will manifest itself. This includes:
- Smoking;
- Performed surgical interventions on the spine;
- Injuries of 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 diseased state with characteristic symptoms and manifestations occurs under the influence of external and internal factors. Processes can start earlier if they are preceded by damage (mechanical, inflammatory, etc. ).
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic 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 for the thoracic part. This is explained by the presence of the bony frame of the chest, which limits the movement and compression of this part of the spine. Most often, pain in the thoracic 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 associated with difficulty breathing. The cause of the condition lies in a strong spasm of the back muscles. It cannot be ignored, because. . . Similarly, a 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 in the case of damage to other parts of the spine, but it is also associated with the movement of the spinal column. In addition, hypertonus of the muscles in this area is revealed, 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 region of the heart and other organs. Patients describe it as a "stake in the chest, " a "hoop pressure on the chest, " a "knife strike between the shoulder blades. " This section is characterized by radiating and girdling pain 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 area of the heart and the patient may mistake it for manifestations of cardiac pathology.
Important! If you feel pain in the heart area, do not try to make a differential diagnosis yourself. In order to rule out heart diseases and prevent the progression of pathological processes in the spinal column, it is important not to delay a visit to the doctor, not to wait for pain and not to self-medicate.
Pain can be aggravated by 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
Diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is a multi-stage process. First of all, the doctor will take a medical history:
- Find out your medical history;
- Did any of your close relatives have spinal diseases?
- How long ago did the symptoms start and what is their intensity;
- What co-morbidities are there?
A physical examination of the patient is required, including a skin examination, assessment of postural disorders, and palpation (feeling) of the muscles located near the spine. Neurological tests can be done to make a diagnosis.
Instrumental diagnostics
Image diagnostics allows assessment of the degree of cartilage damage, identification of other existing disorders and exclusion of diseases with similar symptoms. Recommended methods for instrumental diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine include:
- X-ray (spondylography) - provides information on bone structure, presence of osteophytes, state of facet joints;
- CT (computed tomography) allows you to examine everything in detail and, if necessary, perform measurements, it has advantages over MRI in the diagnosis of pathology of bone structures;
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) enables assessment of the state of soft tissues, diagnosis of inflammatory processes, tumors, spinal hernia, identification of pathological changes in cartilage, bones, ligaments, blood vessels and determination of narrowing of the spinal canal. With the help of MRI, vascular pathologies and tissue circulation disorders in the thoracic spine are detected.
Drug blockade can also be used for diagnostic purposes. Because of the different manifestations of pain, there is often a need for additional research to rule out:
- angina pectoris;
- Myocardial infarction;
- aortic aneurysms,
- cholecystitis,
- stomach 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 treatment with drugs to relieve pain, it is important to contact specialists in the field of traumatology and neurology in order to determine 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 muscle corset and correct posture, provide muscle relaxation and improve blood circulation in this segment of the spine. For osteochondrosis of this area, breathing exercises, convergence of the shoulder blades and shoulder rotation are useful.
Massage helps normalize blood flow, lymphatic drainage and activates metabolic processes. It is prescribed outside of exacerbation, when the patient does not suffer from severe pain. Different types of medical massage are used: manual (manual), underwater, vacuum.
Manual therapy methods are also popular. Chiropractors work with the 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, by 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 to reduce pain, improve blood circulation and strengthen the muscles of the spine. Among them:
- Ultrasound therapy;
- Electrophoresis of drugs;
- Laser therapy in the area of the spine;
- Transcutaneous electrical neuromyostimulation;
- Exposure to magnetic fields;
- Electric impulse therapy.
In order to improve the therapeutic effect, a combination of medicinal and non-medicinal methods of therapy is recommended. Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine may take a long time, but the results will be visible already 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. Decompression and stabilization operations are most often performed. They allow you to stop compression of the spinal cord, nerve roots by hernias, osteophytes or hypertrophied ligaments and repair the affected segment.
After the surgical treatment, you will have to wear a special corset for some time. Upon 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 complete examination. Treatment methods should also be discussed with the doctor to make sure 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. It will help strengthen the back muscles, improve circulation, cope with stress more easily and thus prevent the progression of the disease.
If the condition worsens or there is severe, sharp pain, it is better to lie down and ensure that the spine is still. Thermal treatments and massage help to resolve unpleasant sensations. In any case, home treatment does not replace consultation with a specialist and the implementation of his recommendations. Uncontrolled self-treatment can lead to worsening of the condition and development of complications.
Which doctor should I contact?
Neurologists and orthopedists treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. They carry out diagnostics, make a diagnosis and choose the appropriate treatment. Patients may need to consult with a physical therapist and exercise physician.
If you have pain in the thoracic 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
The doctors of your regional clinic will help you cope with the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. Basically, 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 regain their health in comfortable conditions: neurologists, orthopedists, physiotherapists, massage therapists, therapists.
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