Osteochondrosis - refers to diseases based on degenerative-dystrophic processes that affect the intervertebral discs, as well as other structural elements of the spine: vertebral bodies, intervertebral joints, ligaments, tendons.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a rare form of pathology. This is due to the peculiarities of the anatomical structure of the upper part of the skeleton. The thoracic spine, consisting of 12 vertebrae, is connected to the ribs, which adjoin the sternum with their anterior ends. Rigid and durable frame - chest protects vital organs (heart, lungs) from injury.
Such a skeletal structure not only limits the mobility of this segment of the spine, but also protects it from the negative effects of physical activity and intervertebral discs from premature destruction.
Intervertebral discs are cartilaginous layers between the vertebrae, which consist of a central part - a pulpy gel-like core and a fibrous annular capsule.
The intervertebral discs provide stability to the spine against vertical loads, acting as shock absorbers when walking, running, jumping, and together with other joints of the vertebrae provide mobility and flexibility to the spine.
The development of thoracic osteochondrosis
With osteochondrosis, the blood supply deteriorates, the transport of water, glucose and amino acids to the nucleus pulposus, which are necessary for it to synthesize water-binding carbohydrates, is disturbed. The core dries out, the gel-like structure turns into fibrous, therefore, its ability to rebound and absorb shock is lost. The load falls on the fibrous ring and the vertebrae, which are injured. Microcracks appear on the fibrous ring, its fibers are stretched and can no longer hold the nucleus pulposus, which begins to protrude towards the spinal canal - disc protrusion. When the fibrous annulus ruptures, an intervertebral hernia forms.
Causes of disease
In people over the age of 40-45, thoracic osteochondrosis develops due to the natural aging of the body. This is manifested by a slowdown in the processes of regeneration of cartilage and bone tissue, a decrease in the production of collagen, due to which the elasticity and strength of the ligamentous apparatus of the spine are maintained.
At a younger age, the rapid progression of osteochondrosis of the chest region occurs against the background of pathologies that negatively affect the condition of the cartilage and bone tissue of the spine.
- Systemic connective tissue diseases: rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma.
- Endocrine pathologies: diabetes, hypothyroidism.
- Congenital and acquired anomalies of posture: kyphosis, scoliosis.
- Long-term exposure to static and dynamic loads.
- Hereditary predisposition to weak cartilage.
- Traumatic lesion of the thoracic spine.
A sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, obesity, a deficiency of vitamins and microelements in the body can cause premature destruction of the discs.
Degrees of pathology
The more the discs and vertebrae are deformed, the more pronounced the clinical manifestations become.
Stages of destruction of intervertebral discs in osteochondrosis of the thorax:
I stage. The disc begins to gradually collapse due to the inability of the nucleus pulposus to retain the moisture necessary to restore its tissues. The fibrous annulus is covered with fissures. The patient feels periodic discomfort in the chest after physical exertion.
II stage. The destruction of the disc continues, the fibers of the fibrous ring are stratified, the nucleus pulposus moves into the deep crack formed on the surface of the disc. The height of the disc decreases, the mobility of the vertebrae increases. The back muscles in the area of the damaged segment tense reflexively, trying to limit the mobility of the chest region. The pain is moderate.
Stage III. If the integrity of the fibrous ring is violated, the pulpy nucleus enters the spinal canal with the formation of an intervertebral hernia. There is a compression of the structures of the spinal cord: nerve fibers, blood vessels. The vertebral bodies are also deformed, growths of bone tissue in the form of osteophytes are observed. The pain becomes constant, the range of motion of the thoracic spine decreases.
stage IV. In the final stage of thoracic osteochondrosis, signs of a degenerative process are observed on the ligaments, muscles and other tissues surrounding the affected segment of the spine. The cartilage of the intervertebral discs is replaced by scar tissue. Osteoarthritis develops in other spinal joints. The clinical picture is varied and depends on the degree of damage to the discs and the location of the hernia.
In case of compression of the spinal cord, radicular syndrome, myelopathy and other irreversible consequences develop, which leads the patient to disability.
If the problematic disc is covered with fibrous tissue and the adjacent vertebrae merge, this can transfer the disease to a phase of stable remission, but with the loss of part of the functions of the spine, which becomes immobile in the area of the affected segment.
stage IV. This is the final stage of the disease. The cartilage of the intervertebral discs is replaced by connective tissue, adjacent segments of the spine are involved in the pathological process. The joints grow together, become immobile (ankylosis). The patient's condition is serious: severe pain not only in the neck, but also in the arms, chest, between the shoulder blades, signs of stroke, disturbances in sensitivity. It is a life-threatening condition that can lead to stroke.
The success of treatment depends 90% on the experience and qualifications of the doctor.
Free consultation and diagnosis from a doctor
- Chiropractor
- Vertebrologist
- Osteopath
- Neurologist
During consultation with a doctor, a thorough diagnosis of the entire spine and each segment is carried out. Doctors identify the nerve segments and roots that are involved and causing pain symptoms. Based on the results of the consultation, detailed treatment recommendations and, if necessary, additional diagnostics are prescribed.
Signs and symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are often confused with the clinical picture of other diseases. This is due to the fact that when the vertebral roots are compressed, the functions of the organs they innervate are disturbed. The work of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, pancreas, heart is upset.
Pain in the chest is not clearly localized, can be transmitted to the arms, ribs, collarbone, shoulder blade, abdomen. By the nature of pain in osteochondrosis, they resemble attacks of angina, acute pancreatitis or cholecystitis.
Often the pain between the shoulder blades is accompanied by a feeling of lack of air, which many consider a heart attack.
With severe and prolonged compression of the vertebral roots, severe neurological pathology develops with motor and sensory disturbances. Specifically, the location of the disorders depends on the thoracic vertebra near which the nerve root suffered.
The area of pain and change in sensitivity in the form of numbness extends from the neck, shoulder blades, ribs, sternum to the abdomen.
Principles of disease diagnosis
The diagnosis of osteochondrosis includes the following steps:
- History taking.
- Clinical examination with evaluation of the neurological state.
- functional tests.
- Instrumental methods: X-rays, magnetic resonance and computed tomography.
An important stage of the examination is the differential diagnosis. Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are often "disguised" as diseases of the heart, stomach, lungs. Therefore, additional research methods are prescribed for a correct diagnosis.
Treatment
Most patients with signs of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine require conservative treatment. Surgical treatment is carried out only in especially severe cases, when the spinal canal is significantly narrowed due to a hernia, and the spinal cord is subjected to severe compression.
In modern clinics for the treatment of osteochondrosis, author's non-surgical methods are used, which allow not only to eliminate pain in the acute period, but also to stabilize the condition of the spine, preventingthe development of complications. For each patient, depending on the severity of the pathology, a treatment tactic is chosen.
Thoracic osteochondrosis: symptoms and treatment of the spine in a modern clinic
The goals of drug therapy for osteochondrosis:
- Blocking the pain syndrome.
- Reduce inflammation.
- Normalize metabolic processes.
- Improve blood supply.
- Relieve muscle spasms.
Medications used: anesthetics, anti-inflammatories, steroid hormones, muscle relaxants, B vitamins.
Modern medical centers have improved the classical methods of manual therapy, adding electrophoresis and photodynamic laser therapy to enhance the therapeutic effect.
Therapy includes:
- Gentle manual techniques that act at the physiological level and successfully eliminate pinched nerve roots from the spine.
- Multicomponent electrophoresis is a medical procedure by which the drug substance penetrates directly into the lesion.
- Laser therapy. Under the action of laser radiation, the drug applied to the skin in the area of the affected segment of the spine penetrates to a depth of 10-15 cm and has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect at the cellular level.
Paravertebral blockade is a method of introducing an anesthetic to the area of damaged nerve roots, which helps to quickly eliminate pain, reduce swelling, inflammation and improve blood supply.
Shock wave therapy, in which acoustic vibrations of a certain frequency cause an effect similar to a strong massage. The therapeutic effect of the procedure lies in the analgesic effect and in the enhancement of tissue regeneration.
Physiotherapy exercises, strengthening the muscles of the back, contribute to the formation of a strong natural corset that will keep the spine in the correct anatomical position.
Many years of experience in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine in a professional clinic show that the symptoms that complicate the patient's life, with an appropriate and comprehensive therapeutic approach, disappear, which prevents further progressionof the pathological process.