Osteochondrosis is one of the most common pathologies of the spine. It is believed that it develops mainly in the neck or lower back. After all, it is in these places that the spine is very mobile and experiences great stress. But the sedentary lifestyle of most people and prolonged sitting at a table leads to the fact that osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine begins to occur more and more often. Although in many cases this pathology is not immediately diagnosed. After all, the peculiarity of thoracic osteochondrosis is that its symptoms are not specific and resemble many other pathologies.
common characteristics
This degenerative-dystrophic disease affects the intervertebral discs of the thoracic spine. This is due to a violation of metabolic processes, which leads to thinning and drying of cartilage tissue. As a result, under the influence of physical effort, the disk begins to collapse and loses its depreciation function. The spine, ligaments and joints in the spine are gradually affected. Nerve fibers and blood vessels can be affected.
This process develops slowly, so the pathology is difficult to diagnose. Moreover, not everyone immediately goes to the doctor, because they do not know what the dangers of thoracic osteochondrosis. But without treatment, the disease can lead to serious complications. Since this part of the spine is responsible for blood supply and preservation of internal organs, with advanced forms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, a variety of pathologies can develop. Intestinal peristalsis, heart function, liver, and digestive tract are disturbed. Pancreatitis, cholecystitis, biliary dyskinesia may appear. But most often complications appear in the spine. In addition to herniated intervertebral discs and intercostal neuralgia, spinal cord compression, spondylosis, sciatica, and postural disorders can develop.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is equally common in men and women. Its appearance does not depend on age, although it was previously believed that degenerative-dystrophic diseases were only characteristic of the elderly. But modern youth are increasingly suffering from osteochondrosis due to improper diet and inactive lifestyle.
It is believed that the most common osteochondrosis is cervical. Often, pathology also occurs in the lumbar region. This is due to the special structure of the skeleton. In the thoracic region, the spine is less mobile, as it connects to the ribs and sternum.
The intervertebral discs are thinner here, and the vertebrae are located closer to each other. But this part is less susceptible to injury and other external influences, as part of the load is taken up by the ribs and chest.
Osteochondrosis appears usually in stages 7-11 of the vertebrae. In this case, the intervertebral disc is particularly affected. Often, 1-2 segments of the spine are affected. But sometimes polysegmental osteochondrosis develops, in which several discs are destroyed at the same time. Rarely, pathology in this section occurs independently, usually combined with lesions of the cervical or lumbar spine. In this case, the symptoms are more pronounced, so it is easier to diagnose the disease.
The peculiarity of thoracic osteochondrosis is that it rarely manifests itself with back pain after exercise, as occurs when it is localized in the cervical or lumbar spine. Pathology in the early stages is confused with heart or lung disease. After all, the pain is often localized in the chest, shortness of breath, nausea, chills appear. But the manifestations of thoracic osteochondrosis are not very bright, therefore, patients do not always go to the doctor at an early stage. Because of this, pathology develops.
Disease progression
The danger of thoracic osteochondrosis is that it "disguises" it as another disease. The pathology develops slowly, rarely any patient sees a doctor at an early stage. Osteochondrosis begins with thinning of the intervertebral disc. The core is flat, the shell is cracked and dry, and the vertebrae become tight. There is usually no major discomfort at this stage, just a slight muscle tension. If the disease can be detected, then it can be completely cured by restoring the condition of the disc.
But usually the development of osteochondrosis continues. In the surrounding soft tissues, the inflammatory process can begin, the joint capsule suffers. Spinal mobility is reduced, vertebrae may be displaced. If the increase in physical activity continues, due to friction of the vertebrae with each other, micro cracks appear on them. At this time, there is a feeling of tightness in the chest, pain with any movement in the upper body.
In the third stage of osteochondrosis, the intervertebral disc becomes very thin, protrusions and hernias appear. Spinal mobility is almost completely limited. Osteophytes begin to form on the vertebrae. This stage is characterized by a pronounced radicular syndrome, as nerve fibers are affected. In this case, the work of internal organs is seriously disrupted. In most cases, this is when the patient goes to the doctor and begins treatment. If this is not done, complications can lead to the inability, and when the spinal cord is compressed, to complete immobility.
The last stage of osteochondrosis is characterized by complete destruction of the disc and loss of its function. The vertebral bone tissue begins to collapse, so the mobility of the spine is completely affected. All vegetative and radicular symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are clearly expressed.
The development of thoracic osteochondrosis is undulating. This is usually a chronic process that runs slowly, with little discomfort. There may be an increase in fatigue, weakness. And when exposed to external factors, deterioration occurs with sharp pain. In these cases, the patient is often hospitalized, as the attack may be accompanied by a feeling of shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest or abdominal pain.
cause
The main cause of thoracic osteochondrosis, as in other forms, is a violation of mineral metabolism. As a result of degenerative-dystrophic processes, protrusion or herniation of the disc appears, they become thinner and stop performing their functions, the vertebrae gradually collapse, osteophytes grow. This is most often caused by an unbalanced diet, which leads to a lack of essential nutrients, or age -related changes in the composition of cartilage tissue. Disc degeneration can also cause poor circulation in the spine, bad habits, or hereditary tendencies.
But mineral deficiency does not always lead to osteochondrosis. This requires provoking factors that affect the spine itself.
Therefore, the following reasons for this pathology are also distinguished:
- frequent static loads on the spine;
- prolonged sitting in an uncomfortable position on a table;
- weight lifting;
- obesiti;
- injury to the spine or surrounding tissues;
- engaging in power sports;
- rachiocampsis;
- muscle corset weakness;
- skeletal congenital malformations;
- severe hypothermia;
- nerve overstrain.
It turns out that people who spend a long time in an uncomfortable position at a table or driving a car, as well as those who do hard physical work, are most prone to the development of pathology. Indeed, both increased load and complete absence are equally dangerous for the intervertebral disc.
In addition, osteochondrosis often develops in young people with osteochondropathy. This pathology usually develops in the lower thoracic region in adolescents. It is characterized by necrosis of vertebral span tissue, spinal deformity and the appearance of neurological symptoms. With the development of pathology, it is complicated by osteochondrosis.
Pathological manifestations
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are pain, radicular syndrome and dysfunction of internal organs. Pain in this pathology can be sharp, paroxysmal or painful, persistent, increasing with movement. Sometimes patients are hospitalized with suspected acute pancreatitis, cholecystitis, or urolithiasis. After all, pain is not always localized in the affected vertebral area. Therefore, thoracic osteochondrosis is often mistaken for a pathology of other organs.
In addition, degenerative processes in the spine in this disease are almost always accompanied by vascular disorders or intercostal neuralgia. This is due to the special structure of the spine in this part - the small distance between the vertebrae and a large number of nerves and blood vessels.
Thoracic osteochondrosis can be suspected by limiting upper body mobility, increasing the arch. Intercostal neuralgia is common. Acute pain can last for hours or longer. It can be triggered by lifting weights, maintaining a static posture for a long time, hypothermia.
If the vessels are affected, there is a violation of blood supply and nutrition of the skin. Because of this, there is an increase in nail fragility, dryness and flaking skin. Coldness of the skin and coldness of the limbs are often observed.
Characteristics of pain
Pain in osteochondrosis of the thoracic region can vary in intensity and localization. Pain usually occurs in the chest or between the shoulder blades. They get worse by lifting the arms, turning or bending the body, coughing or sneezing. The pain can be sharp, pressing, aching.
Typically, such sensations are divided into two groups: dorsago and dorsalgia. Dorsago is an attack of acute pain between the shoulder blades. It is also called "chest lumbago". The pain is so severe that it prevents the person from moving. Dorsal attacks usually occur after a long stay in a stationary position on the first movement. It is accompanied by muscle spasms, so respiratory function is impaired. The sensation extends to the scapula, between the ribs to the chest. Chest pain with osteochondrosis resembles an attack of angina pectoris, but unlike that, it is not removed by Nitroglycerin. In addition, pain increases when pressing on the vertebrae.
Dorsalgia is a chronic, mild pain. It usually begins gradually, with mild discomfort in the thoracic spine. In this case, the pain can increase when bending, twisting, lifting the arms, and even while walking. This severely limits patient mobility. In addition, an increase in pain can be observed with deep breathing, after a long stay in a sitting position, or at night. Dorsalgia can last from 2 weeks to a month. Chest tightness and shortness of breath may resemble pneumonia, but the patient does not have a cough or fever.
Radicular Syndrome
When the vertebrae or spasmodic muscles of the nerve root are compressed, the signs of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region become more pronounced. After all, the spinal nerves located in this place of the spine are responsible for the preservation of the skin, the motor function of the limbs, and the function of the internal organs.
In addition to pain in the back, chest or abdomen, nerve compression is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- paresis or partial paralysis of the limbs;
- violation of skin sensitivity;
- numbness, burning, tingling, a feeling of running "goose bumps";
- violation of tendon reflexes;
- reflex muscle spasms;
- trophic changes in the skin - hair loss, discoloration, dryness and flaking.
The intensity of these symptoms increases with physical exertion, deep inhalation, prolonged sitting, after hypothermia or stress.
Vegetative disorders
In the thoracic spine, there are many nerves and blood vessels that ensure the normal functioning of internal organs. Therefore, with osteochondrosis, various autonomic disorders must be observed. They depend on the localization of the affected vertebrae, as well as on the pathological stage.
With spinal lesions in the upper thoracic region, there is discomfort in the esophagus, a feeling of coma in the pharynx. Difficulty swallowing, voice changes may appear. The middle thoracic vertebrae are responsible for the liver, gallbladder, stomach and pancreas. Therefore, when it is destroyed, the symptoms often look similar to pancreatitis, cholecystitis or gastritis. If the degenerative changes have affected the lower thoracic vertebrae, there may be problems with the intestines and genitals.
Patients often see a doctor with abdominal pain. They usually get worse in the evening or after physical work. Moreover, pain was not associated with the patient’s dietary characteristics. This gastrological syndrome is characteristic of thoracic osteochondrosis. But despite abdominal pain, intestinal disorders, nausea and bloating, problems with the work of the digestive tract were not found. This sensation arises from damage to nerves and blood vessels in the spine.
Diagnostics
Due to the fact that the signs of chest osteochondrosis are not specific, the pathology can be detected only with a comprehensive examination. At the same time, it is very important to distinguish it from other diseases. X-rays or tomography of the spine help to exclude spondylopathy, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis.
But other methods of inspection are also needed. These are urine tests, general and biochemical blood tests, fluorography, ECG, MRI or ultrasound of internal organs. Such examination makes it possible to exclude pathologies such as pancreatitis, gastritis, stomach ulcers, heart attacks, pneumonia, and urolithiasis.
Treatment
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine should be comprehensive. Since the cause of the pathology is a degenerative process, it is impossible to cure it completely. Only in the early stages, while the vertebral structure is not yet disturbed, and the size of the disc is only slightly reduced, can this process be stopped and spinal function restored.
But usually the treatment of chest osteochondrosis aims to slow tissue destruction, relieve pain and neurological symptoms, and restore mobility. The choice of therapeutic method depends on the stage of pathology, the location of the degenerative process, the symptoms shown. It is necessary to start treatment as early as possible, then there is more chance to avoid complications.
It is very important to see a doctor when the back is severely sore and shot pain radiates to the chest or shoulder blades. Such severity can be removed by special methods. Usually these are drugs used in the form of tablets or injections, various ointments or compresses, physiotherapy procedures. It is also necessary to paralyze the spine: the patient is shown sleep rest and restriction of movement for several days.
After the seizures were removed, treatment did not stop. But now the main goal is to stop the degenerative process and restore tissue trophism. Instead of medications for this, chordroprotectors, vitamins, and ways to increase metabolism are used. In addition, massage courses and physiotherapy procedures, as well as physiotherapy training, must be prescribed. In addition, the implementation of special training should be continuous. To avoid complications, it is necessary to monitor the diet so that it provides the body with all the necessary vitamins and minerals. Lifestyle is also very important: choosing the right mattress and pillows for sleeping, chairs for working, alternating rest and physical activity.
Chest osteochondrosis is a relatively serious pathology that, if left untreated, can lead to dangerous complications. But difficulties in diagnosis lead to the fact that the disease often develops. Therefore, it is very important to lead a proper lifestyle and avoid the factors that trigger disc destruction. This will help prevent the development of osteochondrosis and keep the spine healthy.