Osteochondrosis is a dystrophic-degenerative disease of the cartilaginous tissue of the intervertebral joints, which leads to their destruction.The localization of osteochondrosis in the vertebrae of the thoracic spine is called thoracic osteochondrosis.Compared to osteochondrosis of another localization, cervical or lumbar, thoracic osteochondrosis is diagnosed less frequently, which is due to the anatomical features of the structure of the chest.It is a relatively static structure in which the mobility of the spine itself is relatively low;Therefore, even with an active pathological process in the intervertebral discs, the probability of injury is minimal.In the recent past, when diagnostic capabilities were limited, thoracic osteochondrosis was considered the prerogative of exclusively elderly patients.Now it is detected not only at an early age, but even in childhood.
Why does thoracic osteochondrosis develop?
Among the causes of thoracic osteochondrosis, it is worth highlighting the following:
- pathologies of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs, both hereditary and acquired due to various factors;
- disorders of blood supply to the spine;
- excessive or unreasonable physical stress on the spine (during sports or due to intense physical work);
- disorders of mineral metabolism in the body, deficiency of certain microelements;
- sedentary lifestyle, sedentary professional activity;
- weakness of the back muscles, resulting in incorrect posture and irrational distribution of load on the spine;
- injuries.
In addition, there are a number of factors that can cause an exacerbation of the disease during its chronic course:
- trauma;
- stress, excessive nervous tension;
- hypothermia of the body: both 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.Consequently, the first consequence of such a disease is the destruction of the structures that make up the spine.The result of this can be scoliosis, pathologies of the respiratory system (pneumonia, pneumosclerosis), circulatory disorders of internal organs, diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract (pancreatitis, cholecystitis).The negative consequences of thoracic osteochondrosis can also extend to the urogenital system.Persistent pain syndrome, characteristic of osteochondrosis, reduces the quality of life and can "disguise" itself as other diseases, leading to incorrect diagnoses and treatment.
How does thoracic osteochondrosis manifest?
With thoracic osteochondrosis, the symptoms are quite characteristic:
- pain - occurs when a person remains in one position for a long time, as well as during movements, lifting heavy objects, and physical activity.It is characterized by a dull, constant pain in the area of the shoulder blades, as well as pain when trying to raise the arms;
- intercostal neuralgia;
- feeling of tightness in the chest, as a result of which it becomes difficult to breathe deeply;
- decreased sensitivity certain areas of the skin;
- paresthesia - sensation of “goosebumps” on the skin, burning, tingling;
- decrease in temperature certain areas of the skin;
- decrease in temperature foot skin, itchy feeling, burning sensation in them;
- digestive disorders.
There are two main types of pain syndrome accompanying osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine: dorsalgiyu (prolonged pain in the area of the affected intervertebral cartilage) and dorsago (severe paroxysmal pain, accompanied by muscle spasms and shortness of breath).
The characteristic of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is the so-called gastro syndrome - epigastric pain not associated with meals, time of day or year.
Degrees of thoracic osteochondrosis.
In clinical practice, there are 4 degrees of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, depending on the degree of cartilage damage and the involvement of surrounding structures in the pathological process.
Thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine of the first degree: The discs between the vertebrae lose their elasticity, become somewhat thinner, and local bulges (bulges) may appear on the fibrous rings of the discs.
Second degree thoracic osteochondrosis: The thinning of the intervertebral discs progresses and the thoracic spine loses stability.At this stage, pain begins to bother, often accompanied by neurological symptoms: paresthesia, numbness of the skin.Cracks may appear in the annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc.
Thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine, third degree. It corresponds to the formation of an intervertebral hernia.
Thoracic osteochondrosis 4 degrees. It is characterized by the complete loss of its shock absorption properties between the vertebral discs.The convergence of the vertebrae becomes critical and the bone tissue begins to deteriorate.Vessels and nerves become compressed in the spinal canals, causing persistent neurological symptoms, severe pain syndrome and circulatory disorders.
Diagnosis of thoracic osteochondrosis.
The diagnosis of "thoracic osteochondrosis" is made on the basis of an examination of the patient, his examination and examination: x-ray and MRI.X-ray examination helps to establish the localization of spinal lesions, and MRI helps to clarify the diagnosis and exclude the presence of benign and malignant neoplasms.
Several symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are non-specific;The same signs can indicate other diseases.This explains quite frequent errors in diagnosis when a patient, for example, is treated for a long time for pancreatitis due to pain, the true cause of which is thoracic osteochondrosis.Therefore, a comprehensive diagnosis and the involvement of related specialists (gastroenterologists, pulmonologists) for further examination of the patient is very important.
Thoracic osteochondrosis: treatment
Considering that the restoration of the destroyed cartilage tissue is impossible, 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 a doctor in a timely manner, when the first manifestations of pathology, back discomfort, mild pain, numbness or burning of the skin appear.
In the early stages of the disease, treatment is reduced to taking non-narcotic analgesics to relieve pain and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which reduce the intensity of the inflammatory process in the tissues and also eliminate pain.However, the main emphasis in the treatment of the initial stage of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is on the use of chondroprotectors.This is the name of a group of drugs aimed at restoring normal metabolism in cartilage tissue, resulting in an improvement in the trophism of cartilage tissue and a slowdown in its destruction.
As the pathological process progresses, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve inflammation, as a rule, become insufficient, forcing the doctor to supplement therapy with glucocorticosteroids.Additionally, diuretics can be added to the list of medications to eliminate swelling in the roots of pinched spinal nerves and thus relieve the corresponding neurological symptoms and pain.The inclusion of antispasmodic drugs in therapy makes it possible to eliminate muscle spasm accompanying osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.
With the development of an 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 for thoracic osteochondrosis.
Outside of exacerbation periods, physiotherapy gives good results.Effective methods for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region include:
- laser therapy;
- magnetic therapy;
- traction, both dry and wet;
- vacuum therapy;
- acupuncture;
- pharmacopunkture.
Additionally, popular and effective physiotherapy methods for thoracic osteochondrosis include massage and manual therapy.Patients with thoracic osteochondrosis should undergo preventive massage courses at least twice a year.At the same time, any manipulations should be as gentle as possible and carried out exclusively outside periods of exacerbation, so as not to provoke an exacerbation of the pathological process.
Therapeutic exercise for thoracic osteochondrosis.
An important component of the complex treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine is physiotherapy (physiotherapy). The goal of the exercises is to restore the mobility of the intervertebral joints, eliminate muscle spasms and eliminate spinal stiffness.Exercise therapy allows you to strengthen the muscle corset, as well as 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 a series of special exercises, it is advisable to do a light general warm-up aimed at warming up the muscles or take a warm shower.A good warm-up before exercise helps avoid injuries.All movements must be smooth;Sharp curves and turns should be avoided, which can aggravate spinal injuries.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a chronic disease that significantly reduces the patient's quality of life and is dangerous due to its complications.Timely consultation with a doctor and competent comprehensive treatment, started from the first signs of the disease, will help stop the pathological process and eliminate unpleasant symptoms.