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 initial changes that occur in the annulus fibrosus of the disc, which often goes unnoticed by the patient.
- The second stage corresponds to the appearance of instability in the affected part of the spine, a decrease 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 that provide intervertebral articulation, disc fibrosis and loss of mobility in the affected segment.
Causes of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
It has been proven that from around the age of 20 our vertebrae begin to slowly wear out. 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 at 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 annulus fibrosus, as well as to 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 adversely affects the annulus fibrosus. Excessive compression (compression) leads to its mechanical damage, the appearance of tears 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 probability of the disease. These include:
- Smoking;
- Spine surgeries were performed.
- Injuries to this part of the spine.
- Curvature of the spine (scoliosis);
- Weakness of back muscles.
- Excess body weight?
- Increased load on the spine.
It is assumed that the progression (aging) of the cartilage and bone tissue of the vertebrae is genetically determined, and the development into a disease state with characteristic symptoms and manifestations occurs under the influence of external and internal factors. The processes can start earlier if there are previous damages (mechanical, inflammatory, etc. ).
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
The symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine will depend on the stage of the pathological process and the 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 a bony framework of the chest, which limits the displacement and compression of this part of the spine. Most often, pain in the thoracic region (dorsal or thoracic lumbago) is associated with immobilization of the intervertebral joints.
Report! Thoracic lumbar spine, 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 condition lies in a severe spasm of the back muscles. It cannot be ignored, because. . Myocardial infarction can similarly start and frequent back pain can be related to serious pathologies in the body.
The pain can last from several hours to several days. As a rule, it is not as severe as with damage to other parts of the spine, but it is also related to the movement of the spine. In addition, muscle hypertonia is found in this area, which can be combined with weakness and numbness in the hands.
The pain can be dull, burning, deep, paroxysmal or continuous. It can be felt in the chest, heart area and other organs. Patients describe it as a "stake in the chest", "compression of the chest with a hoop", "stabbing between the shoulder blades". This part is characterized by radiating pain associated with deep sighing, coughing and sudden movements of the chest.
Untreated, osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is often complicated by intercostal neuralgia. In this case, the burning pain can be localized in the area of the heart and can be perceived by the patient as manifestations of cardiac pathology.
Great! If you feel pain in the region of the heart, you should not try to make a differential diagnosis on your own. To rule out heart diseases and prevent the progression of pathological processes in the spine, it is important not to delay the visit to a doctor, not to wait for pain and not to self-medicate.
Pain can increase with 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
The diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is a multi-step process. First of all, the doctor will collect the history:
- Know your medical history.
- Did anyone have a close relative who had spinal conditions?
- How long ago did the symptoms start and how severe are they?
- What co-morbidities are there?
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
Diagnostic imaging allows you to assess the degree of cartilage damage, identify other existing disorders and exclude diseases with similar symptoms. Recommended methods for the instrumental diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine include:
- X-ray (spondylography) - provides information about the structure of the bone, the presence of osteophytes, the condition of the facet joints.
- Computed tomography (computed tomography) allows you to examine everything in detail and, if necessary, take measurements; it has advantages over magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosing the pathology of bone structures.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows you to assess the condition of soft tissues, diagnose inflammatory processes, tumors, hernias of the spine, detect pathological changes in cartilage, bones, ligaments, blood vessels and determine the narrowing of the spinal canal. Using magnetic resonance imaging, vascular pathologies and tissue circulation disorders in the thoracic spine are detected.
Drug blocks can also be used for diagnostic purposes. Due to the variety of pain manifestations, there is often a need to conduct additional research to rule out:
- Angina pectoris;
- Myocardial infarction;
- Aortic aneurysms,
- cholecystitis,
- Gastric 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 drug therapy to relieve pain, it is important to contact specialists in the field of traumatology and neurology to find out the exact causes of bothersome symptoms.
The treatment regimen will depend on the severity of the disease. Usually, the first treatment option is conservative treatment, 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 intervertebral region, form a muscle corset and correct posture, provide muscle relaxation and improve blood circulation in this part of the spine. For osteochondrosis of this area, breathing exercises, connection of the shoulder blades and rotation of the shoulders are useful.
Massage helps normalize blood supply, lymphatic drainage and activates metabolic processes. It is prescribed outside of an exacerbation, when the patient does not suffer from 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. Acupuncture or acupuncture may also be performed for acute pain. During it, the doctor, pressing his fingers on certain points with different intensities, has a therapeutic effect on the whole body.
Physical therapy techniques are quite effective in treating osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. They help reduce pain, improve blood circulation and strengthen the muscles of the spine. Between them:
- Ultrasound therapy?
- Electrophoresis of drugs?
- Laser treatment in the spine area.
- Transcutaneous electrical neuromuscular stimulation?
- Exposure to magnetic fields.
- Electrical impulse therapy.
To enhance the therapeutic effect, a combination of pharmaceutical and non-pharmacological treatment methods is recommended. Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can take a long time, but the results will be visible after the first operations. The main thing is not to delay the visit to a doctor and start treatment in the initial stages of the disease.
If conservative treatment does not help, surgery may be required. Most often, decompression and stabilization work is performed. They allow you to stop compression of the spinal cord, nerve roots from hernias, osteophytes or hypertrophic ligaments and correct the affected part.
After surgical treatment, you will 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 certain 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 a 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. They will help strengthen the back muscles, improve blood 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 make sure that the spine remains at rest. Thermal treatments and massage help to deal with the unpleasant sensations. In any case, home treatment does not replace consulting a specialist and implementing 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 conduct diagnostics, make a diagnosis and choose the appropriate treatment. Patients may also need to consult with a physical therapist and exercise physician.
If you have 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
The doctors at your regional clinic will help you deal with the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. For the most part, 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 restore their health in comfortable conditions: neurologists, orthopedists, physiotherapists, massage therapists, therapists.
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