Osteochondrosis is a long-term disease. Often, when assessing the severity of the pathological process, four stages are distinguished:
- The first stage is a period of initial changes that occur in the fibrous ring of the disc, which is often not noticed by the patient;
- The second stage corresponds to the appearance of instability in the affected spinal segment, a decrease in disc height;
- The third stage is characterized by the appearance of a hernia or osteochondral growth - osteophyte, the fibrous ring at this stage is almost destroyed;
- The fourth stage is characterized by irreversible damage to all structures that provide 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 degenerate. With age, wear and tear on the spine develops. Due to the degenerative process, there is a decrease in the thickness of the intervertebral disc, which acts as a shock absorber. In addition, abnormal structures appear on the edges of adjacent vertebral bones: bone spurs, spondylophytes, which reduce the range of motion.
Degenerative-dystrophic changes begin with the nucleus pulposus, then they spread to the fibrous ring, as well as other structural elements of the vertebrae, causing the appearance of characteristic symptoms.
Due to water loss, the nucleus pulposus stops distributing vertical loads evenly. This has a negative effect on the fibrous ring. Excessive compression (compression) leads to its mechanical damage, the appearance of breaks and cracks. The joints begin to experience excessive pressure, which gradually leads to spinal instability and pain.
Therefore, the main cause of osteochondrosis is natural aging. However, its development is also facilitated by a combination of many unfavorable factors that increase the likelihood of the disease manifesting itself. This includes:
- Smoking;
- Performing surgical interventions on the spine;
- Injury to this part of the spine;
- Curvature of the spine (scoliosis);
- Back muscle weakness;
- Overweight;
- Increased load on the spine.
It is assumed that the involution (aging) of cartilage and vertebral bone tissue is genetically determined, and the development to a disease state with characteristic symptoms and manifestations occurs under the influence of external and internal factors. The process can start earlier if it is preceded by damage (mechanical, inflammation, 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 regions of the spine (cervical, lumbar), radicular syndrome and other neurological complications are less typical for the thoracic region. This is explained by the presence of the sternum skeleton, which limits the displacement and compression of this part of the spine. 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 with high intensity that occurs in the thoracic spine, often associated with difficulty breathing. The cause of this condition lies in severe back muscle spasms. It cannot be ignored, because. . . Myocardial infarction can also 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 so intense with damage to other parts of the spine, but is also associated with movement of the spinal column. In addition, muscle hypertonicity in this area is detected, which can be combined with weakness and numbness in the hands.
Pain can be dull, burning, deep, paroxysmal or constant. It can be felt in the chest, in the area of the heart and other organs. The patient describes it as "spikes in the chest", "compression of the chest with a loop", "a blow with a knife between the shoulder blades". This part is characterized by radiating and circling pain associated with deep groans, coughing, and sudden chest movements.
Without treatment, osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is often complicated by intercostal neuralgia. In this case, the burning pain can be localized in the heart area and may be mistaken by the patient for the manifestation of heart pathology.
Important! If you have pain in the heart area, you should not try to make a differential diagnosis yourself. To exclude heart disease and prevent the development of pathological processes in the spinal column, it is important not to delay seeing a doctor, not to wait for pain and not to self-medicate.
Pain can increase with physical activity, bending over 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 collect anamnesis:
- Know your medical history;
- Does a close relative have spinal disease?
- How long ago did the symptoms start and how intense were they;
- What co-morbidities are present?
A physical examination of the patient is required, including skin examination, assessment of postural disturbances, and palpation (feeling) of muscles located near the spine. Neurological tests can be done to make a diagnosis.
Instrumental diagnostics
Diagnostic imaging allows you to assess the degree of cartilage damage, identify other existing disorders, and exclude diseases with similar symptoms. Recommended methods for instrumental diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine include:
- X-ray (spondylography) - provides information about the bone structure, the presence of osteophytes, the state of the facet joints;
- CT (computed tomography) allows you to examine everything in detail and, if necessary, take measurements, it has an advantage over MRI in diagnosing bone structure pathology;
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) allows you to assess the state of soft tissues, diagnose inflammatory processes, tumors, spinal hernias, identify pathological changes in cartilage, bones, ligaments, blood vessels, and determine spinal canal narrowing. Using MRI, vascular pathology and tissue circulation disorders in the thoracic spine are detected.
Drug restrictions can also be used for diagnostic purposes. Due to the various manifestations of pain, there is often a need to conduct additional research to exclude:
- Angina pectoris;
- Myocardial infarction;
- aortic aneurysm,
- Cholecystitis,
- Gastric ulcer;
- Pneumonia;
- Oncological diseases, etc.
Methods of treatment for thoracic osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a disease that requires complex treatment. In addition to drug treatment to relieve pain, it is important to contact specialists in the field of traumatology and neurology to find out the true cause of the disturbing symptoms.
Treatment tactics depend on the severity of the disease. Usually, 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, bringing the shoulder blades together, and rotating the shoulders are useful.
Massage helps normalize blood supply, lymph drainage, and activate metabolic processes. It is prescribed outside of exacerbation, when the patient does not experience severe pain. Various types of medical massage are used: manual (hand), underwater, vacuum.
Manual therapy methods are also popular. Chiropractors work with blocks and clamps of the musculoskeletal system, removing them using various techniques. Acupressure or acupressure can also be done for acute pain. During that time, the doctor, pressing his finger 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 reduce pain, improve blood circulation, and strengthen the spinal muscles. Among them:
- Ultrasound therapy;
- Electrophoresis of drugs;
- Laser therapy in the spinal area;
- Transcutaneous electrical neuromyostimulation;
- Exposure to magnetic fields;
- Electrical impulse therapy.
To increase the therapeutic effect, a combination of drug and non-drug therapy methods is recommended. Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can take a lot of time, but the results will be visible after the first procedure. The main thing is not to delay a visit to the doctor and start treatment at an early stage of the disease.
If conservative treatment does not help, surgery may be necessary. Often, decompression and stabilization operations are performed. They allow you to stop compression of the spinal cord, nerve roots by hernia, osteophytes or hypertrophied ligaments and correct the affected segment.
After surgical treatment, you need to wear a special corset for some time. After leaving 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 several conditions are met. First of all, the diagnosis must be established by a specialist after a complete examination. Treatment methods should also be discussed with the doctor to ensure that there are no contraindications in the presence of concomitant pathology.
The most important and fundamental thing is to maintain a healthy lifestyle, control body weight and add enough physical activity. The best way to deal with back pain is to exercise. They will help strengthen the back muscles, improve blood circulation, cope with stress more easily and thus prevent the development of diseases.
If the condition worsens or there is severe and sharp pain, it is better to lie down and keep the spine at rest. Thermal treatments and massages help to overcome unpleasant sensations. In any case, home treatment does not replace consultation with a specialist and the implementation of his recommendations. Uncontrolled self-medication can lead to deterioration of the condition and the 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 also need to consult with physiotherapists and exercise therapists.
If you experience chest pain, 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 doctor at your regional clinic will help you overcome the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. For the most part, almost any 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 treatment method. Experienced specialists in various profiles help patients restore their health in a comfortable state: neurologists, orthopedists, physiotherapists, massage therapists, therapists.
If necessary, in modern reality it is possible to get advice from other specialists in the shortest possible time and without queuing. Consultants are ready to help if any questions arise. Fill out the feedback form on the Internet, and they will definitely call you back.