Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

The term osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine refers to the identification of dystrophic and degenerative changes in the vertebrae.

As a result of pathological processes, not only the bone tissue of the vertebrae suffers, but the functioning of adjacent ligaments, muscles and joints is also disrupted.

Thoracic osteochondrosis rarely occurs in isolation;the patient often has changes in the cervical spine, and the localization of pain and discomfort contributes to the fact that the disease can be confused for a long time with a disorder in the functioning of the heart, lungs and stomach.

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is not often diagnosed.This is due to the structural features of the thoracic region: the discs in it are smaller and much thinner, and the mobility of the thoracic region is much lower than that of other parts of the spine.Part of the load is distributed to the ribs and sternum.

Reasons

The main reason for the development of osteochondrosis in any area of the spine is a violation of metabolic processes, under their influence the structure of the bone tissue of the vertebra changes, the cartilaginous surfaces are destroyed and the functioning of the musculo-ligamentous apparatus changes.All these processes are inevitable, and at the end of life every person suffers from their manifestation to one degree or another.

Among the most likely causes of osteochondrosis in the thoracic region are:

• Hypodynamia - lack of necessary movements in the spine leads to a decrease in blood supply to this area and, as a result, the rapid development of pathological changes.
• Muscle spasms.Long-term muscle spasms occur when the body's torso is in a constant forced position, with scoliosis.
• Excessive and inappropriate exercise.
• Congenital anomalies of the spine.
• Large body weight.
• Injuries.

Factors provoking the development of osteochondrosis also include genetic predisposition, hypothermia, dysfunction of the immune system and inflammatory diseases.

Symptoms

Most patients complain of the following signs of the disease:

• Pain in the chest.
• Strong stiffness when turning or bending.
• Impaired functioning of internal organs.

The pain associated with osteochondrosis varies in nature and intensity.They are often paroxysmal, worsen during coughing, sneezing and radiate to the scapula.

The same pain can accompany cardiovascular problems and intercostal neuralgia, which is why these diseases are often confused without proper diagnosis.

Discomfort and pain appear periodically in the stomach;with such manifestations, a person can undergo treatment for imaginary digestive problems for a long time and to no avail.

Clinical signs of the disease also depend on where the most pronounced dystrophic changes occur.

1. If the upper thoracic vertebrae are affected, the patient may complain of a feeling of a foreign body in the throat, discomfort in the esophagus and pharynx.With pronounced changes, difficulty swallowing is observed.
2. Damage to the vertebrae located in the middle of the thoracic region causes symptoms similar to cholecystitis, pancreatitis and gastritis.
3. Degenerative changes in the lower segment vertebrae cause pain in the intestines.

Pain in the digestive organs is not associated with food intake or the season;this is a hallmark of true gastrointestinal diseases due to osteochondrosis.Of course, a diagnosis cannot be made based on symptoms and assumptions alone;only a proper diagnosis can confirm it.

Evolution of the disease

Thoracic osteochondrosis develops quite slowly.The preclinical stage of the disease is manifested by discomfort appearing periodically in the part of the spine corresponding to the disease;during this period, the elasticity and density of the cartilage decreases.

• Persistent pathological changes lead to the development of an acute stage, during which all symptoms of the disease appear.In some patients, symptoms may be insignificant, but this does not mean that there are not serious degenerative changes.
• After the acute period is eliminated with the help of medications and physiotherapy, the disease enters the chronic phase.Exacerbations during this period depend on the influence of provoking factors and the measures taken by the patient to prevent the development of an attack.Outside of the exacerbation phase, patients notice increased fatigue, weakness and periodic discomfort in the chest area.

Complications

Continuous degenerative changes in the vertebrae, muscle tension, weakening of the ligamentous apparatus lead to the appearance of:

1. Intervertebral disc herniation.
2. Radiculitis.
3. Spondylosis.
4. Scoliosis.

With a prolonged acute period and frequent exacerbations of the disease, the ability to work is often lost and the person becomes disabled.

Diagnosis

Establishing an accurate diagnosis begins with examination and examination of the patient.During the examination, the range of movements of the chest is examined and indicators of tendon reflexes are determined.The nature of the pain suggests another disease, so an ECG and ultrasound of internal organs are necessary.The diagnosis is made after:

• X-rays.
• MRI or CT.
• Blood tests show signs of inflammation.

Further treatment depends on the changes identified in the spine.

Treatment

The treatment regimen for osteochondrosis differs somewhat in the acute stage and during the chronic course of the disease.Treatment should be comprehensive, using medications and reflex effects on the spine.

• Drug treatment consists of the use of anti-inflammatories, analgesics, chondroprotectors and vitamins.
• Physiotherapy helps improve blood circulation and partially relieve pain.
• An important step is conducting massage courses and the constant use of therapeutic exercises.

Indications for surgical treatment

In some cases, a very effective treatment does not have a noticeable effect, which is why the patient may be offered surgery.The absolute indications for surgery are:

1. Spinal stenosis.
2. Instability of the spine, causing significant movement of the vertebrae.
3. Spinal hernia.

Several types of operations for osteochondrosis have been developed.The decision to perform them is made based on the clinical picture of the complications.Discectomy can be used to create a fixed joint of the vertebrae;there are techniques in which a special prosthesis is installed instead of a disc.A hernia can be treated not only surgically, but also with laser treatment.

Prevention

A diagnosis of osteochondrosis is a serious reason to change your usual life.The absence of bad habits, proper nutrition, constant physical activity and control of body weight significantly reduce degenerative processes.Long-term remissions of the disease also depend on preventive medication and the constant implementation of a set of exercises developed by a doctor.