Osteochondrosis is a dystrophic-degenerative disease of the cartilage tissue of the intervertebral joints, which leads to their destruction.Localization of osteochondrosis in the vertebrae of the thoracic spine is called thoracic osteochondrosis.Compared to osteochondrosis of other localization - cervical or lumbar -, thoracic osteochondrosis can be diagnosed less often, which is due to the anatomical features of the chest structure.It is a relatively static structure, in which the mobility of the spine itself is relatively low - accordingly, even in the case of an active pathological process of the intervertebral discs, the probability of injury is minimal.In the recent past, when diagnostic capabilities were limited, thoracic osteochondrosis was exclusively the privilege 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 the blood supply of the spinal column;
- excessive or irrational physical stress on the spine (during sports or due to heavy physical work);
- disorders of mineral metabolism in the body, lack of certain microelements;
- sedentary lifestyle, sedentary professional activity;
- weakness of the back muscles, which results in incorrect posture and irrational distribution of the load on the spine;
- injuries.
In addition, there are many factors that can cause the disease to worsen 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.Accordingly, the first consequence of such a disease is the destruction of the structures that make up the spine.This can result in scoliosis, respiratory pathologies (pneumonia, pneumosclerosis), circulatory disorders of internal organs, upper gastrointestinal diseases (pancreatitis, cholecystitis).The negative consequences of thoracic osteochondrosis can also extend to the urogenital system.The persistent pain syndrome characteristic of osteochondrosis impairs the quality of life and can "mask" as other diseases, causing incorrect diagnosis and treatment.
How is thoracic osteochondrosis manifested?
Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are quite typical:
- pain - occurs when a person is in one position for a long time, as well as during movement, heavy lifting and physical activity.It is characterized by dull, constant pain in the area of the shoulder blades, as well as pain when trying to raise the arm;
- intercostal neuralgia;
- tightness in the chest, as a result of which deep breathing becomes difficult;
- reduced sensitivity certain areas of the skin;
- paresthesia - feeling of "creeping goosebumps" on the skin, burning sensation, tingling;
- temperature drop certain areas of the skin;
- temperature drop shoe leather, itching sensation burning sensation in them;
- digestive disorders.
There are two main types of pain syndrome accompanying osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine: dorsalgiyu (long-term pain in the area of the affected intervertebral cartilage) and dorsago (intense paroxysmal pain with muscle spasms and difficulty breathing).
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is characterized by the so-called stomach syndrome - epigastric pain unrelated to food, time of day or year.
Degrees of thoracic osteochondrosis
In clinical practice, osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine has 4 degrees, 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 somewhat thinner, local protrusions - protrusions - may appear in the fibrous rings of the discs.
degree thoracic osteochondrosis: The thinning of the intervertebral discs progresses, and the thoracic spine loses its stability.At this stage, the pain starts to bother you, often accompanied by neurological symptoms: paresthesia, skin numbness.Cracks may appear on the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc.
Thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine, 3rd degree corresponds to the development of an intervertebral hernia.
Thoracic osteochondrosis 4 degrees characterized by the complete loss of shock-absorbing properties between the discs.Vertebral convergence becomes critical and bone tissue begins to deteriorate.Blood vessels and nerves become 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 based on the assessment, examination and examination of the patient: radiography and magnetic resonance imaging.X-ray examination helps to determine the localization of spinal injuries, and magnetic resonance imaging helps to clarify the diagnosis and rule out the presence of benign and malignant tumors.
Many symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are non-specific - the same signs may indicate other diseases.This explains the frequent errors in diagnosis when, for example, a patient is treated for a long time with painful pancreatitis, the real cause of which is thoracic osteochondrosis.Therefore, comprehensive diagnostics and the involvement of related specialists - gastroenterologist, pulmonologist - for further examination of the patient are very important.
Thoracic osteochondrosis: treatment
Due to the fact that it is impossible to restore the destroyed cartilage tissue, effective treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis is possible only in the initial stages of the disease, while the cartilage has not yet lost its structure.Therefore, it is especially important to consult your doctor in time - when the first manifestations of pathology, back discomfort, minor pain, numbness or burning of the skin appear.
In the first stage of the disease, treatment involves taking non-narcotic pain relievers to relieve pain and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which reduce the intensity of the inflammatory process in the tissues and eliminate pain.However, in the treatment of the initial stage of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, the main focus is on the use of chondroprotectors.This is the name of a group of drugs aimed at restoring the normal metabolism of cartilage tissue, which results in the improvement of cartilage tissue trophism and the slowing down of its destruction.
As the pathological process progresses, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve inflammation are usually not enough, which forces the doctor to supplement the therapy with glucocorticosteroid drugs.In addition, diuretics can be added to the list of drugs that eliminate the swelling of pinched spinal nerve roots, thereby relieving the corresponding neurological symptoms and pain.The inclusion of antispasmodic drugs in the therapy makes it possible to eliminate muscle spasms accompanying osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.
With the formation of 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 of thoracic osteochondrosis
Apart from the period of exacerbation, physiotherapy gives good results.Effective methods for osteochondrosis of the chest region are:
- laser therapy;
- magnet therapy;
- adhesion - both dry and wet;
- vacuum therapy;
- acupuncture;
- pharmacopuncture.
In addition, popular and effective physiotherapy methods for thoracic osteochondrosis include massage and manual therapy.Patients with thoracic osteochondrosis should undergo preventive massage at least twice a year.At the same time, all manipulations should be as gentle as possible, except during the period of exacerbation, so as not to provoke an aggravation of the pathological process.
Therapeutic exercise in thoracic osteochondrosis
Physiotherapy (physiotherapy) is an important element of the complex treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine. The purpose of the exercises is to restore the mobility of the intervertebral joints, eliminate muscle spasms, and eliminate stiffness of the spine.Exercise therapy makes it possible to strengthen the ligaments and increase the physical mobility of the patient as a whole, which is an important factor in stimulating blood circulation and restoring lung ventilation.
Before performing specific exercises, perform a light general warm-up aimed at warming up the muscles, or take a warm shower.A good warm-up before training helps to avoid injuries.All movements should be smooth;avoid sharp bends and turns, which can aggravate spinal injuries.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a chronic disease that significantly impairs the patient's quality of life and is dangerous due to its complications.Timely consultation with a doctor and competent comprehensive treatment, starting from the first signs of the disease, will help stop the pathological process and eliminate unpleasant symptoms.