Osteochondrosis in the thoracic region is less common than osteochondrosis in the waist and neck region.The degenerative process can be troublesome with certain symptoms and treatment difficulties.In addition to severe chest pain, abdominal organs may be affected, as may the lower limbs.
Main symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis
Spinal injuries are caused by deformation of the ligamentous apparatus that connects the vertebrae.In addition, the development of the disease may begin with pathological processes of the articular surface, changes in the intervertebral disc (herniation, hernia) or its growth (so-called "spikes" or osteophytes).During development, one or all symptoms may be observed simultaneously, leading to the development of an underlying disease.
The thoracic region contains a total of 12 vertebrae in which degenerative processes occur.There are also intermediate variants of osteochondrosis - thoracolumbar osteochondrosis and cervicothoracic osteochondrosis.A characteristic feature is that the pathological process of the vertebrae includes adjacent parts and increases the characteristic symptoms of these parts.
Fun fact: The thoracic area is fairly static due to its anatomical features, namely the connection of the spine to the ribs.This is necessary to prevent injury.This natural protection significantly reduces the occurrence of osteochondrosis pain, thereby significantly reducing early diagnosis.
Symptoms of damage include:
- Pain - Despite its late onset (even with a clear degenerative process), this symptom plays a leading role in identifying the pathology.It usually occurs in the heart area or between the shoulder blades, causing pain and stretching that is worsened by lifting weights.
- Paresthesia - The patient experiences numbness and loss of sensitivity in the skin of the back and abdomen.
- Difficulty breathing - Simple movements such as breathing in, raising your arms, or bending over can cause discomfort and pain.Thus, breathing problems occur, first a shortening of inhalation and then shortening of expiration is observed.
When nerve roots become compressed, symptoms of compression occur, affecting internal organs.Chilling, weakness, and even periodic leg collapse may be observed.Infringement of the plant vasculature results in dry skin, brittle nails, and impaired thermoregulation (sweating) in the affected areas and extremities.
Pain characteristics of thoracic osteochondrosis
There are many organs in the chest, so spinal pain is often confused with heart and stomach pain.Sometimes they are so obvious that they can mimic symptoms of heart disease, angina, gastritis, ulcers, and cholecystitis.
All of this makes diagnosis very complicated as patients seek help for another condition because they do not feel any discomfort in their back.
There are two types of pain that occur in the form of reflex syndromes (directly related to tissue degeneration and receptor stimulation):
- Dorsago - Severe, severe pain.Patients often describe the sensation as being like being stabbed with a knife.It can radiate to the arm or shoulder, and the patient seems to be "bound" in pain (often they describe the feeling as being "shot in the back").Dorsago occurs in the context of sudden movement or lifting of heavy objects.On palpation, tense muscle cords will be noted.
- Back Pain - Pain that gradually worsens with dull pain and tenderness.Often accompanied by stretching and bending.
Osteochondrosis of the chest: symptoms and treatment
It is important to distinguish symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis from concomitant diseases.Diagnosis should include a full spectrum of studies, including not only spinal examination but also exclusion of other pathologies.
Typically an MRI, spine X-ray, examination by a chiropractor, neurologist, general blood tests, urine test (to help rule out inflammation and infection) are performed.
Cardiac, renal, fiberoptic gastroduodenoscopy (FGDS) ultrasonography (optional) may be used when identifying complaints of pain in organ projection areas.
Treatments include 3 types.
- drug.
- Physical therapy.
- surgical.
Treatment is carried out in a complex, which helps to eliminate as much as possible the signs of the disease and the exacerbation of symptoms.
Important: Osteochondrosis cannot be completely cured because the degenerative process is irreversible.
- NSAIDs are used as pharmacologic support.Additionally, they use tablets, gels, and ointments.
- Pain syndromes can be relieved by injecting anesthetics, topical application of irritating ointments, and use of applicators.
- As maintenance treatment, injections of B vitamins (especially B12), muscle relaxants to relieve tension, and diuretics to relieve nerve root swelling may be given.
- During the recovery period, chondroprotective medications and physical therapy are required.
Treatment packages also include:
- Special techniques for massaging and relieving muscle tension.
- Reflexology, acupuncture.
- Using electric current and ultrasound.
When pain-free, swimming is recommended as an excellent way to build spine and back tone.Special exercises of the sports therapy complex will help strengthen the muscles and relax a tense back.
At home, you can use herbal decoctions for medicated baths and hot compresses.
surgical intervention
Surgery is performed when serious complications occur due to compression of nerve endings, blood vessels, or spinal cord.The consequences can lead to disruption of the gastrointestinal tract, extremities, and intractable pain.
Intervention is performed by removing "interfering" parts that have a compressive effect - spinal growths, parts of intervertebral discs, joints, and in rare and complex cases the entire vertebral body.Such operations require rigid fixation with orthotics or the installation of a prosthetic limb.
prevention
- Increased physical activity, swimming and walking are especially beneficial.
- Sit correctly.
- Always use a special mattress when sleeping.
- Avoid sudden lifting and awkward movements.
- Use folk remedies to keep your joints healthy (drink fortified decoctions, tinctures).
- Proper nutrition.
- Eliminate bad habits.
We briefly examine the main symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis.Prompt treatment will help avoid serious complications.But the best thing is prevention.