Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is less common than that of the lumbar and cervical regions.Degenerative processes, which are accompanied by certain symptoms and difficulties in treatment, cause many problems.In addition to intense chest pain, the abdominal organs may suffer and the lower limbs may be affected.
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis of the chest
The cause of damage to the spine lies in the deformation of the ligament apparatus connecting the vertebrae.Also, the development of the disease can begin with pathological processes on the joint surfaces, changes in the discs (protrusion, hernia) or their growth (so-called "spikes" or osteophytes).During the development, one or all signs can be observed at once, which leads to the formation of the main disease.
In total, the thoracic region includes 12 vertebrae in which degenerative processes occur.There are also intermediate variants of osteochondrosis - thoracolumbar and cervical-thoracic.A feature is the inclusion of adjacent areas in the pathological processes of the vertebrae and the addition of symptoms characteristic of these areas.
Interesting fact: due to its anatomical feature, the connection of the spine with the ribs, the thoracic region 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, it is painful and stretching, and is aggravated by lifting weights.
- Paresthesia - patients experience a feeling of numbness and loss of sensitivity of the skin on the back and abdomen.
- Difficulty breathing - simple movements such as inhaling, raising the arms, bending over cause discomfort and pain.Because of this, breathing problems begin, which are observed first when inhalation is shortened and then when exhalation.
Compression symptoms affecting the internal organs appear when the nerve roots are pressed.Coldness, weakness of the legs and even intermittent failure of the legs may be observed.Violation of the vegetative-vascular system leads to increased dryness of the skin, brittleness of the nails in the affected area and of the limbs, impaired thermoregulation (sweating).
Characteristics of pain in thoracic osteochondrosis
There are many organs in the chest, so pain in the spine can often be confused with pain in the heart and stomach.Sometimes they are so obvious that they can mimic the symptoms of a heart attack, angina, gastritis, ulcer and cholecystitis.
All this greatly complicates the diagnosis, since patients seek help for another disease, since they do not feel discomfort in the back.
There are 2 types of pain that appear in the form of reflex syndromes (directly related to tissue degeneration and receptor irritation):
- Dorsago - sharp, sharp pain.Patients often describe it as feeling like they've been stabbed.It can radiate to the arm or shoulder, the patient seems "chained" by pain (they usually say about such sensations - "a shot through the back").Dorsago occurs against the background of sudden movements or lifting weights.Palpation reveals a tense muscle cord.
- Dorsalgia - characterized by a gradual increase in pain symptoms, with dull and pressing pain.It usually accompanies stretching and bending.
Osteochondrosis of the chest: symptoms and treatment
It is important to distinguish the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the chest from concomitant diseases.The diagnosis should include the whole range of research, including not only the examination of the spine, but also 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 optionally (optionally) when complaints about pain in the areas of organ projection are identified.
Treatment includes 3 types.
- medicines.
- Physiotherapy.
- Surgically.
Therapy is carried out in a complex that helps to eliminate as much as possible the signs of the disease and the exacerbation of symptoms.
Important: osteochondrosis cannot be completely cured, as the degenerative processes are irreversible.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used as medical support.In addition, they use both tablet form and gels and ointments.
- The pain syndrome is relieved by anesthetic injections, local irritating ointments and the use of an applicator.
- As supportive therapy, injections of B vitamins (especially B12), muscle relaxants to relieve tension, and diuretics for swelling of the nerve roots are used.
- For the recovery period, chondroprotective drugs and physiotherapy are prescribed.
The treatment package also includes:
- Massage and special techniques to relieve muscle tension.
- Reflexology, acupuncture.
- Using currents and ultrasound.
When there is no pain, swimming is recommended as an excellent means of strengthening the tone of the spine and back.Special exercises from the training therapy complex will help strengthen the muscles and also relax the strained back.
At home, you can make healing baths with herbal decoctions and warming compresses.
Surgical intervention
Surgery is used when serious complications are observed due to compression of nerve endings, blood vessels or the spinal cord.Such consequences can lead to disruption of the gastrointestinal tract, limbs and unbearable pain.
The intervention is performed by removing the "obstructing" part that has a compressive effect - vertebral processes, part of a disc, a joint, and in rare, complicated cases, the entire body of the vertebra.Such manipulations require rigid fixation with an orthosis or installation of a prosthesis.
Prevention
- Increasing physical activity, swimming and walking are especially helpful.
- Correct sitting posture.
- Do not forget to use a special mattress for sleeping.
- Avoid sudden heavy lifting and awkward movements.
- Maintaining joint health with folk remedies (drinking strengthening potions, tinctures).
- The right nutrition.
- Eliminate bad habits.
We briefly considered the main symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis.Timely treatment will help to avoid serious complications.But the best thing is prevention.