Osteochondrosis is a long-term disease. Most often, when assessing the severity of pathological processes, four stages are distinguished:
- The first stage is the period of the first changes occurring in the annulus fibrosus of the disc, which often go unnoticed by the patient;
- The second stage corresponds to the appearance of instability in the affected segment of the spine, a reduction in the height of the disc;
- The third stage 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 ensuring the intervertebral articulation, disc fibrosis and loss of mobility in the affected segment.
Causes of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
It has been shown that starting 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 bony edges of adjacent vertebrae: bone spurs, spondylophytes, which reduce the range of movement.
Degenerative-dystrophic changes begin with the nucleus pulposus, then spread to the annulus fibrosus, as well as other structural elements of the vertebra, causing the appearance of characteristic symptoms.
Due to water loss, the nucleus pulposus ceases to evenly distribute the vertical load. This negatively affects the annulus fibrosus. Excessive compression (squeezing) leads to mechanical damage, the appearance of breaks and cracks. The joints begin to experience excessive stress, which gradually leads to spinal instability and pain.
Thus, the main cause of osteochondrosis is natural aging. However, its development is also facilitated by a combination of many unfavorable factors that increase the risk of manifestation of the disease. These include:
- Smoking;
- Surgical procedures performed on the spine;
- Injuries to this part of the spine;
- Curvature of the spine (scoliosis);
- Weakness of the back muscles;
- Excess body weight;
- Increased load on the spine.
It is assumed that involution (aging) of cartilage and bone tissue of the vertebrae is genetically determined, and progression to a pathological state with characteristic symptoms and manifestations occurs under the influence of external and internal factors. The 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 of the thoracic region. This is explained by the presence of a bony framework of the thorax, which limits the movement and compression of this part of the spine. Most often, pain in the thoracic region (back pain or thoracic lumbago) is associated with immobilization of the intervertebral joints.
Reference! Thoracic lumbago, or dorsago, in neurology refers to acute, high-intensity pain that occurs in the thoracic spine, often associated with difficulty breathing. The cause of the disease lies in severe spasm of the back muscles. We can't ignore it, because. . . Likewise, myocardial infarction can occur and frequent lumbago can be associated with serious pathologies of the body.
The pain can last from several hours to several 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 movement of the spine. Additionally, muscle hypertonia in this area is detected, which can be combined with weakness and numbness of the hands.
The pain may be dull, burning, deep, paroxysmal or constant. This can be felt in the chest, heart and other organs. Patients describe it as "a stake in the chest", "squeezing the chest with a hoop", "a stab between the shoulder blades". This section is characterized by radiating, throbbing pain associated with deep sighs, coughing, and sudden chest movements.
Without treatment, osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is often complicated by intercostal neuralgia. In this case, burning pain may be localized in the region of the heart and may be confused by the patient with manifestations of cardiac pathology.
Important! If you experience pain in the heart region, you should not try to make a differential diagnosis on your own. To exclude heart disease and prevent the progression of pathological processes in the spine, it is important not to delay consulting a doctor, not to wait for pain and not to self-medicate.
Pain may increase with physical activity, bending, and psycho-emotional stress. When the extreme vertebrae in this area are affected, 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 the history:
- Find out your medical history;
- Have any close relatives suffered from spinal diseases?
- How long ago did the symptoms start and how intense are they?
- What are the concomitant diseases?
A physical examination of the patient is required, including examination of the skin, assessment of postural disturbances, and palpation (feeling) of the muscles near the spine. Neurological tests may be done to make a diagnosis.
Instrumental diagnosis
Imaging diagnosis allows you to assess the degree of cartilage damage, identify other existing disorders and exclude diseases with similar symptoms. The recommended methods for instrumental diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine include:
- Radiography (spondylography) - provides information about the structure of the bone, the presence of osteophytes, the condition of the facet joints;
- Computed tomography (CT scan) allows you to examine everything in detail and, if necessary, take measurements, it has advantages over MRI in diagnosing the pathology of bone structures;
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) allows you to assess the condition of soft tissues, diagnose inflammatory processes, tumors, spinal hernias, identify pathological changes in cartilage, bones, ligaments, blood vessels and determine the narrowing of the spinal canal. Thanks to MRI, vascular pathologies and tissue circulation disorders of the thoracic spine are detected.
Drug blocks can also be used for diagnostic purposes. Due to the variety of pain manifestations, it is often necessary to conduct additional research to exclude:
- Angina pectoris;
- Myocardial infarction;
- Aortic aneurysms,
- Cholecystitis,
- Gastric ulcer;
- Pneumonia;
- Oncological diseases, etc.
Methods for treating 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 exact causes of worrying symptoms.
Treatment tactics will depend on the severity of the disease. Typically, the first treatment option is conservative therapy, such as physiotherapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, heat therapy, and nerve block injections.
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region helps to strengthen the muscles of the back and interscapular region, form a muscle corset and correct posture, provide muscle relaxation and improve circulationblood 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 to normalize blood supply, lymphatic drainage and activates metabolic processes. It is prescribed outside of an exacerbation, when the patient is not suffering from intense pain. Different types of medical massage are used: manual (hand), underwater, vacuum.
Manual therapy methods are also popular. Chiropractors work with blocks and clamps from the musculoskeletal system and remove them using a variety of techniques. Acupressure or acupressure can also be done for acute pain. During this, the doctor, by pressing his fingers on certain points with different intensities, has a therapeutic effect on the entire body.
Physiotherapy techniques are very 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;
- Drug electrophoresis;
- Laser therapy on the spine;
- Transcutaneous electrical neuromyostimulation;
- Exposure to magnetic fields;
- Electrical impulse therapy.
To enhance the therapeutic effect, a combination of drug and non-drug therapy methods is recommended. Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can take a long time, but the results will be visible from the first interventions. 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 resolve the problem, surgery may be necessary. Most often, decompression and stabilization operations are carried out. They make it possible to stop the compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots by hernias, osteophytes or hypertrophied ligaments and to fix the affected segment.
After surgical treatment, you will need to wear a special corset for a while. Upon discharge from the hospital, a medical rehabilitation program 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 established by a specialist after a complete examination. Treatment methods should also be discussed with a doctor to ensure that there are no contraindications in the presence of concomitant pathologies.
The most important and basic thing is to maintain a healthy lifestyle, control your weight and add enough physical activity. The best way to treat back pain is through exercise. They will strengthen the back muscles, improve blood circulation, make it easier to cope with stress and thus prevent the progression of the disease.
If the condition worsens or there is intense, sharp pain, it is best to lie down and ensure that the spine remains at rest. Thermal treatments and massages help to cope with unpleasant sensations. In no case does home treatment replace the consultation of a specialist and the implementation of his recommendations. Uncontrolled self-medication can lead to a worsening of the condition and the development of complications.
Which doctor should I contact?
Neurologists and orthopedists treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. They perform diagnostics, make a diagnosis and select the appropriate treatment. Patients may also need to see a physical therapist and exercise therapy doctor.
If you feel pain in the chest area, you can also consult a therapist. He will analyze the clinical manifestations, prescribe the necessary tests and refer you to a specialist.
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis
Doctors at your regional clinic will help you cope with the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. For the most part, almost all clinics have the necessary modern diagnostic equipment, which allows you to obtain the most accurate information about the condition of the spine and select 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.
If necessary, in modern realities, it is possible to obtain advice from other specialized specialists in the shortest possible time and without queues. Consultants are ready to help you if any questions arise. Fill out the feedback form on the internet and they will definitely call you back.