Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is less common than that of the back and neck.Degenerative processes, accompanied by certain symptoms and difficulties in treatment, cause many problems.In addition to severe chest pain, the abdominal organs may suffer and the lower limbs may be affected.
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
The cause of spine damage is the deformation of the ligaments connecting the vertebrae.Also, the development of the disease can begin with pathological processes of the articular surfaces, changes in the discs (protrusion, rupture) or their growth (the so-called "spikes" or osteophytes).During development, one or all symptoms can be observed at once, which leads to the emergence of the main disease.
In total, the thoracic region includes 12 vertebrae where degenerative processes occur.There are also intermediate variants of osteochondrosis - thoracolumbar and neck-thoracic.A peculiarity is the inclusion of neighboring sections in the pathological processes of the vertebrae and the addition of symptoms specific to these sections.
Interesting fact: due to its anatomical feature, the connection of the spine with the ribs, the chest area is quite immobile.This is necessary to prevent injury.This natural protection significantly reduces the occurrence of pain in osteochondrosis, which significantly reduces early diagnosis.
Symptoms of damage include:
- Pain - despite its delayed appearance (even with significant degenerative processes), this symptom plays a leading role in identifying the pathology.It usually occurs in the heart area or between the shoulder blades, is painful and stretches, and worsens when lifting weights.
- Paresthesia - patients lose the feeling of numbness and sensitivity of the skin in the lower back and abdomen.
- Difficulty breathing - simple movements such as breathing, lifting arms, bending over cause discomfort and pain.Because of this, breathing problems begin, first observed with a shortening of inhalation and then exhalation.
When the nerve roots are compressed, compression symptoms occur, affecting the internal organs.Coldness, weakness of the legs and even periodic failure of the legs can be observed.Violation of the vegetative-vascular system leads to drying of the skin, fragility of nails in the affected area and extremities, and violation of thermoregulation (sweating).
Characteristics of pain in thoracic osteochondrosis
There are quite a lot of organs in the chest, so spinal pain can often be confused with heart and stomach pain.Sometimes they are so obvious that they can mimic the symptoms of heart attack, angina, gastritis, ulcers and cholecystitis.
All this significantly complicates the diagnosis, because patients seek help for another disease, because they do not feel any discomfort in the back.
There are 2 types of pain that occur in the form of reflex syndromes (directly related to tissue degeneration and irritation of receptors):
- Dorsago - sharp, sharp pain.Patients often describe it as a stabbing sensation.It can spread to the arm or shoulder, the patient seems to be "chained" by pain (they usually say about such sensations - "a shot from behind").Dorsago occurs against the background of sudden movements or lifting heavy loads.On palpation, a tense muscle cord is revealed.
- Dorsalgia - characterized by a gradual increase in pain symptoms with dull and pressing pain.It is usually accompanied by stretching and bending.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region: symptoms and treatment
It is important to distinguish the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine from accompanying diseases.The diagnosis should include not only the examination of the spine, but also all studies, including the exclusion of other pathologies.
MRI, X-ray of the spine, examination by a vertebrologist, neurologist, general blood tests, urine tests (help to rule out inflammation and infection) are usually prescribed.
Ultrasound of the heart, kidneys, fibrogastroduodenoscopy (FGDS) is used optional (optional) when determining complaints about pain in the areas of projection of organs.
Treatment consists of 3 types.
- Medicine.
- Physiotherapy.
- Surgical.
Therapy is carried out in a complex that helps to eliminate the symptoms of the disease and the exacerbation of symptoms as much as possible.
Important: osteochondrosis cannot be completely cured, because the degenerative processes are irreversible.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used as drug support.In addition, they use both in the form of tablets, as well as gels and ointments.
- The pain syndrome is eliminated by anesthetic injections, local irritant ointments and the use of an applicator.
- As maintenance therapy, injections of B vitamins (especially B12), muscle relaxants to relieve tension, and diuretics for nerve root swelling are used.
- Chondroprotective drugs and physiotherapy are prescribed for the recovery period.
The treatment package also includes:
- Massage and special techniques to relieve muscle tension.
- Reflexo, acupuncture.
- The use of currents and ultrasound.
In the absence of pain, swimming is recommended as an excellent way to strengthen the tone of the spine and back.Special exercises from the exercise therapy complex will help to strengthen the muscles and also help to relax the strained back.
At home, you can take therapeutic baths with herbal decoctions and warming compresses.
Surgical intervention
When serious complications are observed as a result of compression of nerve endings, blood vessels or spinal cord, surgical intervention is requested.Such results can cause disruption of the gastrointestinal tract, limbs and excruciating pain.
The intervention is performed by removing the "interfering" part, which has a compressive effect - a vertebral growth, a part of a disc, a joint, and rarely the entire vertebral body.Such manipulations require rigid fixation with an orthosis or the installation of a prosthesis.
Prevention
- Increasing physical activity, swimming and walking are especially good.
- Correct posture while sitting.
- Be sure to use a special mattress for sleeping.
- Avoid sudden heavy lifting and awkward movements.
- Health care combined with folk remedies (drinking strengthening decoctions, tinctures).
- Proper nutrition.
- Eliminating bad habits.
We briefly examined the main symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis.Timely treatment will help prevent serious complications.But prevention is best.