Osteochondrosis - refers to diseases based on degenerative-dystrophic processes that affect the intervertebral discs, as well as other structural elements of the spinal column: 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, which consists of 12 vertebrae, is connected to the ribs, which connect to the chest at their front ends. Rigid and durable frame - chest protects vital organs (heart, lungs) from damage.
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 the intervertebral discs from premature destruction.
Intervertebral discs are cartilaginous layers between the vertebrae, consisting of a central part - a gel-like core and a fibrous annulus-capsule.
Intervertebral discs provide stability of the spine on vertical loads, act as shock absorbers during walking, running, jumping and, together with other joints of the spine, provide mobility and flexibility of the spine.
Development of thoracic osteochondrosis
During osteochondrosis, the blood supply deteriorates, the transport of water, glucose and amino acids to the nucleus pulposus, which are necessary for the synthesis of water-binding carbohydrates, is disrupted. As the core dries, the gel-like structure becomes fibrous, as a result of which it loses its ability to spring and absorb shock. The load falls on the fibrous ring and the vertebrae that are damaged. Microcracks appear on the fibrous ring, its fibers are stretched and can no longer hold the nucleus pulposus, which begins to push out towards the spinal canal - disc protrusion. An intervertebral hernia occurs when the fibrous ring breaks.
Causes of the disease
Osteochondrosis of the chest develops in people over 40-45 years old due to the natural aging of the body. This is manifested by slowing down the processes of regeneration of cartilage and bone tissue, reducing the production of collagen, due to which the elasticity and strength of the ligamentous apparatus of the spine is preserved.
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 effects of static and dynamic loads.
- Hereditary tendency to cartilage weakness.
- Traumatic injury of the thoracic spine.
A sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, obesity, deficiency of vitamins and trace elements in the body can lead to premature destruction of discs.
Degrees of pathology
The more deformed the discs and vertebrae are, the more pronounced the clinical manifestations.
Stages of destruction of intervertebral discs during thoracic osteochondrosis:
I standThe disc gradually begins to collapse because the nucleus pulposus cannot retain the moisture necessary to repair its tissues. The fiber ring is covered with cracks. The patient experiences 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 a deep crack formed on the surface of the disc. The height of the disc decreases, the mobility of the spine increases. In the area of the injured segment, the back muscles tense up reflexively, trying to limit the mobility of the chest region. The pain is moderate.
III stage. If the integrity of the fibrous ring is disturbed, the nucleus pulposus enters the spinal canal, forming an intervertebral hernia. Spinal cord structures are compressed: nerve fibers, blood vessels. Vertebral bodies are also deformed, formations of bone tissue in the form of osteophytes are observed. The pain becomes constant, the range of motion in the chest decreases.
IV stage. In the final stage of thoracic osteochondrosis, signs of the degenerative process are observed on the ligaments, muscles and other tissues surrounding the damaged segment of the spine. The cartilage of the intervertebral discs is replaced by scar tissue. Osteoarthritis develops in other vertebral joints. The clinical picture is diverse and depends on the degree of disc damage and the location of the hernia.
If the spinal cord is compressed, radicular syndrome, myelopathy and other irreversible consequences develop, leading to disability of the patient.
If the problematic disc is covered with fibrous tissue and the adjacent vertebrae are fused, this can lead to the disease in a stable remission phase, but with the loss of part of the functions of the spinal column, which occurs in the immobile area. affected segment.
IV stage. This is the last stage of the disease. The cartilage of the intervertebral discs is replaced by connective tissue, the adjacent segments of the spine are involved in the pathological process. 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 a cerebrovascular accident, sensitivity disorders. This is a life-threatening condition that can lead to a stroke.
The success of the treatment depends 90% on the experience and qualifications of the doctor.
Free doctor's consultation and diagnosis
- Chiropractor
- Vertebrologist
- Osteopath
- Neurologist
During the consultation with the doctor, a thorough diagnosis of the entire spine and each segment is carried out. Doctors determine exactly which segments and nerve roots are involved and cause 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 mistaken for the clinical picture of other diseases. This is due to the fact that when the spinal roots are compressed, the functions of the organs they innervate are disturbed. The work of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, pancreas, heart is disturbed.
Pain in the chest area is not clearly localized, it can be given to the arms, ribs, collarbone, shoulder blade, abdomen. In the nature of pain during osteochondrosis, they resemble attacks of angina pectoris, acute pancreatitis or cholecystitis.
Often, pain between the shoulder blades is accompanied by a feeling of lack of air, which many consider a heart attack.
With significant and prolonged compression of the spinal roots, severe neurological pathology develops with motor and sensory disorders. Specifically, the localization of the disorders depends on which thoracic vertebra the nerve root is affected.
The area of pain and sensitivity changes in the form of numbness, extending from the neck, shoulder blades, ribs, chest to abdomen.
Principles of disease diagnosis
Diagnosis of osteochondrosis includes the following steps:
- Collection of anamnesis.
- Clinical examination with assessment of neurological condition.
- functional tests.
- Instrumental methods: X-ray, magnetic resonance and computer tomography.
Differential diagnosis is an important stage of examination. Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are often "disguised" in diseases of the heart, stomach, and lungs, so additional research methods are prescribed for correct diagnosis.
treatment
Most patients with signs of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine require conservative treatment. Surgical treatment is performed only in particularly severe cases, when the spinal canal is significantly narrowed due to the hernia and the spinal cord is subjected to severe compression.
In modern clinics for the treatment of osteochondrosis, non-surgical author's methods are used, which allow not only to eliminate pain in the acute period, but also to stabilize the condition of the spine, preventing the development of complications. Treatment tactics are chosen for each patient, depending on the severity of the pathology.
Thoracic osteochondrosis: spine symptoms and treatment in modern clinic
Objectives of drug therapy of osteochondrosis:
- Blockage pain syndrome.
- Reduce inflammation.
- Normalization of metabolic processes.
- Improvement of blood supply.
- Relieving muscle spasm.
Medicines used: anesthetics, anti-inflammatory drugs, steroid hormones, muscle relaxants, B vitamins.
Modern medical centers have improved the classic methods of manual therapy, adding electrophoresis and photodynamic laser therapy to enhance the therapeutic effect.
Therapy includes:
- A soft manual technique that acts on a physiological level and allows you to successfully eliminate the stretched nerve roots of the spine.
- Multicomponent electrophoresis is a medical procedure in which a medicinal substance is directly injected into the lesion.
- laser therapy. Under the influence of laser radiation, the medicine applied to the skin in the area of the damaged segment of the spine reaches a depth of 10-15 cm and has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect at the cellular level.
Paravertebral blockade is a method of injecting anesthetic into 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 vibration of a certain frequency causes an effect similar to electric massage. The therapeutic effect of the procedure lies in the pain-relieving effect and strengthening of tissue regeneration.
Physiotherapy exercises, strengthening the back muscles, help to form a natural strong 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 with a correct and comprehensive approach to therapy, the symptoms that complicate the patient's life disappear, which prevents further progression of the pathological process.