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Thoracic osteochondrosis

Back pain due to thoracic osteochondrosis

The term thoracic osteochondrosis 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 is damaged, but also the function of adjacent ligaments, muscles and joints is disrupted.

Thoracic osteochondrosis rarely occurs alone; patients often present with changes in the cervical spine, and the localized nature of the pain and discomfort results in the disease being mistaken for cardiac, pulmonary, and gastric dysfunction over a long period of time.

Thoracic osteochondrosis is not commonly diagnosed.This is due to the structural characteristics of the thoracic spine: the discs in the thoracic spine are smaller and thinner, and the thoracic spine has much less mobility than the rest of the spine.Part of the load is distributed to the ribs and sternum.

reason

The main reason for the occurrence of osteochondrosis in any area of the spine is the disruption of metabolic processes, under the influence of which the structure of the bone tissue of the vertebrae changes, the cartilage surface is destroyed, and the function of the muscle-ligamentous apparatus changes.All these processes are inevitable and everyone will suffer from them to a greater or lesser extent by the end of life.

Lack of physical activity is a cause of osteochondrosis of the chest

The most likely causes of thoracic osteochondrosis include:

  • Hypodynamics - the lack of necessary movement of the spine leads to a reduction in blood supply to the area, leading to the rapid development of pathological changes.
  • Muscle spasms.When the trunk of the body is kept in a forced position, long-term muscle spasms can occur, along with scoliosis.
  • Excessive and inappropriate exercise.
  • Congenital anomalies of the spine.
  • Heavy.
  • Injuried.

Predisposing factors for the development of osteochondrosis also include genetic predisposition, hypothermia, immune system dysfunction, and inflammatory diseases.

symptom

Most patients complain of the following disease symptoms:

  • Chest pain.
  • Severe stiffness when turning or bending.
  • Internal organ function is impaired.

The nature and intensity of pain caused by osteochondrosis varies.They are usually paroxysmal, worsened by coughing or sneezing, and radiate to the shoulder blades.

The same pain can also accompany cardiovascular problems and intercostal neuralgia, so these conditions are often confused with each other without proper diagnosis.

Periodic discomfort and pain in the stomach; with this presentation, a person may undergo long-term treatment for imaginary digestive problems, without results.

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

  1. If the upper thoracic spine is affected, patients may complain of a foreign body sensation in the throat and esophageal and pharyngeal discomfort.Along with marked changes, dysphagia was observed.
  2. Damage to the vertebrae located in the mid-chest can cause symptoms similar to cholecystitis, pancreatitis, and gastritis.
  3. Degenerative changes in the lower vertebrae can cause intestinal pain.

Pain in the digestive organs is independent of food intake and season; it is a clear symptom of a real gastrointestinal disease caused by osteochondrosis.Of course, a diagnosis cannot be made based solely on symptoms and assumptions.Only a proper diagnosis can confirm this.

Course of disease

Osteochondrosis of the chest develops rather slowly.The preclinical stage of the disease is characterized by periodic discomfort in the part of the spine corresponding to the disease; during this period, the elasticity and density of the cartilage decrease.

  • Continued pathological changes lead to the development of the acute phase, when all symptoms of the disease appear.In some patients, symptoms may not be apparent, but this does not mean that serious degenerative changes are not occurring.
  • After the acute phase is eliminated with the help of drugs and physical therapy, the disease enters the chronic phase.Exacerbations during this period depend on the influence of predisposing factors and the steps the patient takes to prevent attacks.Outside of the exacerbation phase, patients may notice an increase in fatigue, weakness, and periodic discomfort in the chest area.

complication

Continued degenerative changes in the vertebrae, muscle tension, and weakened ligament structures can lead to the following conditions:

  1. Herniated disc.
  2. Radiculitis.
  3. Spondylosis.
  4. Scoliosis.

As the acute phase prolongs and the disease frequently worsens, patients are often incapacitated and disabled.

diagnosis

Establishing an accurate diagnosis begins with examining and examining the patient.During the examination, the range of motion of the chest is checked and tendon reflex indicators are determined.The nature of the pain suggests the presence of another disorder, so an electrocardiogram and visceral ultrasound are performed.The diagnosis is made after:

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

Further treatment depends on the spinal changes found.

treat

Treatment options for osteochondrosis differ in the acute and chronic stages of the disease.Treatment should be comprehensive, using medications and reflex action on the spine.

  • Medical treatment includes the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, chondroprotectants, and vitamins.
  • Physical therapy can help improve circulation and provide some pain relief.
  • An important stage is the undertaking of massage sessions and the constant use of therapeutic exercises.

Indications for surgical treatment

In some cases, highly effective treatments do not produce significant results, so the patient may be offered surgery.Absolute indications for surgery are:

  1. Spinal stenosis.
  2. The spine is unstable, causing the vertebrae to shift significantly.
  3. Spinal hernia.

Several types of osteochondrosis surgery have been developed.The decision to proceed with surgery is based on the clinical picture of complications.Discectomy surgery can be used to create fixed joints in the vertebrae; there are techniques to install special prostheses instead of discs.Hernias can be treated not only with surgery, but also with laser.

prevention

A diagnosis of osteochondrosis is an important reason to make changes to your daily life.Absence of bad habits, proper nutrition, consistent physical activity and weight control can significantly reduce the degenerative process.Long-term remission of the disease also depends on preventive medication and continued performance of a series of exercises developed by your doctor.