Osteochondrosis is a dystrophic-degenerative disease of the cartilaginous tissue of the intervertebral joints, leading to their destruction.The localization of osteochondrosis in the vertebrae of the thoracic spine is called thoracic osteochondrosis.Compared to osteochondrosis of another localization - cervical or lumbar - thoracic osteochondrosis is diagnosed less frequently, due to the anatomical features of the structure of the chest.It is a relatively static structure in which the mobility of the spine itself is relatively low.Therefore, even with an active pathological process in the intervertebral discs, the risk of injury is minimal.In the recent past, when diagnostic capabilities were limited, thoracic osteochondrosis was considered the prerogative exclusively of elderly patients.Today it is detected not only at a young age, but even in childhood.
Why does thoracic osteochondrosis develop?
Among the causes of thoracic osteochondrosis, the following should be highlighted:
- pathologies of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs - both hereditary and acquired due to various factors;
- disorders of blood supply to the spine;
- excessive or irrational physical stress on the spine (during sports or due to intense physical work);
- disorders of mineral metabolism in the body, deficiency of certain microelements;
- sedentary lifestyle, sedentary professional activity;
- weakness of the back muscles, leading to poor posture and irrational distribution of the load on the spine;
- injuries.
In addition, a number of factors can provoke an exacerbation of the disease during its chronic course:
- trauma;
- stress, excessive nervous tension;
- hypothermia of the body - general and local hypothermia of the back muscles;
- physical fatigue.
Why is thoracic osteochondrosis dangerous?
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a disease accompanied by significant pathological changes in the vertebrae and intervertebral joints.Consequently, the first consequence of such a disease is the destruction of the structures that form the spine.This can result in scoliosis, pathologies of the respiratory system (pneumonia, pneumosclerosis), circulatory disorders of internal organs, diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract (pancreatitis, cholecystitis).The negative consequences of thoracic osteochondrosis can also extend to the urogenital system.Persistent pain syndrome, characteristic of osteochondrosis, reduces the quality of life and can “disguise” itself as other diseases, leading to incorrect diagnosis and treatment.
How does thoracic osteochondrosis manifest?
With thoracic osteochondrosis, the symptoms are quite characteristic:
- pain - occurs when a person stays in one position for a long time, as well as during movements, lifting heavy loads and physical activities.Characterized by dull, constant pain in the shoulder blades, as well as pain when trying to raise your arms;
- intercostal neuralgia;
- feeling of tightness in the chest, as a result of which deep breathing becomes difficult;
- decreased sensitivity certain areas of the skin;
- paresthesia - feeling of “creeping goosebumps” on the skin, burning, tingling;
- decrease in temperature certain areas of the skin;
- decrease in temperature the skin of the feet, itchy feeling, burning sensation in them;
- digestive disorders.
There are two main types of pain syndrome accompanying osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine: dorsalgiyu (prolonged pain in the area of the affected intervertebral cartilage) and dorsago (severe paroxysmal pain, accompanied by muscle spasms and difficulty breathing).
The characteristic feature of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is the so-called gastro syndrome - epigastric pain not related to meals, time of day or year.
Degrees of thoracic osteochondrosis
In clinical practice, there are 4 degrees of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, depending on the degree of cartilage damage and the involvement of surrounding structures in the pathological process.
Thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine 1st degree: the discs between the vertebrae lose their elasticity, become a little thinner, and local protrusions - protrusions - may appear in the fibrous rings of the discs.
Thoracic osteochondrosis 2nd degree: The thinning of the intervertebral discs progresses and the thoracic spine loses its stability.At this stage, the pain begins to bother you, often accompanied by neurological symptoms: paresthesias, numbness of the skin.Cracks may appear in the annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc.
Thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine, 3rd degree corresponds to the formation of an intervertebral hernia.
Thoracic osteochondrosis 4 degrees characterized by the complete loss of its shock absorption properties between the spinal discs.The convergence of the vertebrae becomes critical and the bone tissue begins to deteriorate.Vessels and nerves are pinched in the spinal canals, leading to persistent neurological symptoms, intense pain syndrome and circulatory disorders.
Diagnosis of thoracic osteochondrosis
The diagnosis of "thoracic osteochondrosis" is made on the basis of an examination of the patient, his examination and examination: radiography and magnetic resonance imaging.X-ray examination helps to establish the localization of spinal lesions, and magnetic resonance imaging helps to clarify the diagnosis and exclude the presence of benign and malignant neoplasms.
A number of symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are nonspecific - the same signs can indicate other diseases.This explains fairly frequent diagnostic errors when a patient, for example, is treated for a long time for pancreatitis due to pain whose real cause is thoracic osteochondrosis.Therefore, a comprehensive diagnosis and the involvement of relevant specialists - gastroenterologists, pulmonologists - for additional examination of the patient are very important.
Thoracic osteochondrosis: treatment
Since the restoration of destroyed cartilage tissue is impossible, effective treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis is possible only in the early stages of the disease, when the cartilage has not yet lost its structure.Therefore, it is especially important to consult a doctor in a timely manner - at the appearance of the very first manifestations of pathology, back pain, minor pain, numbness or burning of the skin.
In the early stages of the disease, treatment consists of taking non-narcotic analgesics to relieve pain and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which reduce the intensity of the inflammatory process in the tissues, and also eliminate pain.However, the main emphasis in the treatment of the initial stage of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is placed on the use of hondroprotektorov.This is the name of a group of drugs intended to restore normal metabolism of cartilage tissue, thereby leading to improvement in the trophism of cartilage tissue and slowing down its destruction.
As the pathological process progresses, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs intended to relieve inflammation usually become insufficient, forcing the doctor to supplement treatment with gluco-corticosteroid drugs.Additionally, diuretics can be added to the list of medications to eliminate swelling in the roots of pinched spinal nerves and thereby relieve the corresponding neurological symptoms and pain.The inclusion of antispasmodic drugs in therapy allows you to eliminate muscle spasms that accompany osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.
With the development of an intervertebral hernia and the destruction of the bone tissue of the vertebrae, conservative treatment loses its effectiveness;the only reasonable alternative is surgical treatment of osteochondrosis.
Physiotherapy for thoracic osteochondrosis
Outside of periods of exacerbation, physiotherapy brings good results.Effective methods for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region include:
- laser therapy;
- magnetic therapy;
- traction – both dry and wet;
- vacuum therapy;
- acupuncture;
- pharmacopunktura.
In addition, popular and effective physiotherapeutic methods for thoracic osteochondrosis include massage and manual therapy.Patients with thoracic osteochondrosis should take preventive massage courses at least twice a year.At the same time, manipulations should be as gentle as possible, carried out exclusively outside periods of exacerbation, so as not to provoke an exacerbation of the pathological process.
Therapeutic exercise for thoracic osteochondrosis
Physical therapy (physical therapy) is an important component of the complex treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine. The purpose of the exercises is to restore mobility of the intervertebral joints, eliminate muscle spasms and eliminate stiffness in the spine.Exercise therapy helps to strengthen the muscle corset, as well as increase the physical mobility of the patient as a whole, which is an important factor in stimulating blood circulation and restoring pulmonary ventilation.
Before performing a set of special exercises, you should perform a light general warm-up aimed at warming up the muscles or take a hot shower.A good warm-up before exercise helps prevent injuries.All movements must be fluid;Sharp bends and turns, which can aggravate spinal injuries, should be avoided.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a chronic disease that significantly reduces the patient's quality of life and is dangerous due to its complications.Timely consultation with a doctor and competent comprehensive treatment, started at the first signs of the disease, will help stop the pathological process and eliminate unpleasant symptoms.