Osteochondrosis - refers to diseases based on degenerative-dystrophic processes that affect 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 peculiarity 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 border the sternum at their front ends. Strong and durable frame - the 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 the intervertebral discs from premature destruction.
Intervertebral discs are cartilaginous layers between the vertebrae, consisting of the central part - the gelatinous nucleus pulposus and the fibrous ring capsule.
Intervertebral discs provide stability of the spine to vertical loads, act as shock absorbers when walking, running, jumping, and together with other joints of the vertebrae provide mobility and flexibility of the spine.
Development of thoracic osteochondrosis
In osteochondrosis, the blood supply deteriorates, the transport of water, glucose and amino acids to the nucleus pulposus, which are needed for the synthesis of water-binding carbohydrates, is disturbed. The core dries, the gel-like structure turns into a fibrous one, as a result, it loses its ability to spring and absorb shocks. The load falls on the annulus fibrosus and vertebrae that 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 annulus fibrosus ruptures, an intervertebral hernia is formed.
Causes of disease
In people older than 40-45 years, thoracic osteochondrosis develops due to the natural aging of the body. This is manifested by slowing down the process of regeneration of cartilage and bone tissue, reducing the production of collagen, which is why the elasticity and strength of the ligamentous apparatus of the spine is maintained.
At a younger age, there is a rapid progression of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region 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 cartilage weakness.
- Traumatic injury of the thoracic spine.
Sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, obesity, lack of vitamins and microelements in the body can cause premature destruction of discs.
Degrees of pathology
The more the discs and vertebrae are deformed, the more pronounced the clinical manifestations become.
Stages of intervertebral disc destruction in thoracic osteochondrosis:
I stage. The disc begins to gradually collapse due to the inability of the nucleus pulposus to retain the moisture needed for tissue regeneration. The fibrous ring is covered with cracks. The patient experiences periodic discomfort in the chest after physical exertion.
II phase. The destruction of the disc continues, the fibers of the fibrous ring are delaminated, the nucleus pulposus moves into the formed deep fissure on the surface of the disc. The height of the disc decreases, the mobility of the vertebrae increases. The muscles of the back in the area of the damaged segment reflexively tighten, trying to limit the mobility of the thoracic region. The pain is moderate.
III phase. If the integrity of the fibrous ring is violated, the nucleus pulposus enters the spinal canal with the formation of an intervertebral hernia. The spinal cord structures are compressed: nerve fibers, blood vessels. Vertebral bodies are also deformed, growths of bone tissue in the form of osteophytes are observed. The pain becomes constant, the range of motion in the thoracic spine 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 affected 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 varied and depends on the degree of disc damage and the location of the hernia.
If compression of the spinal cord occurs, radicular syndrome, myelopathy and other irreversible consequences develop that lead the patient to disability.
If the problematic disc is covered with fibrous tissue, and the adjacent vertebrae are fused, this can bring the disease into a phase of stable remission, but with the loss of part of the functions of the spinal column, which becomes immobile in the area of the affected segment.
IV stage. This is the final 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 severe: severe pain not only in the neck, but also in the arms, in the chest, between the shoulder blades, signs of cerebrovascular infarction, 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 consultations and diagnostics by a doctor
- Chiropractor
- Vertebrologist
- Osteopath
- A neurologist
During the consultation with the doctor, a detailed diagnosis of the entire spine and each segment is performed. Doctors determine which segments and nerve roots are affected and cause pain symptoms. Based on the results of the consultation, detailed recommendations for treatment 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.
Chest pain is not clearly localized, it can occur in the arms, ribs, collarbone, scapula, abdomen. By the nature of the pain in osteochondrosis, they resemble attacks of angina pectoris, 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 significant and long-term spinal root compression, severe neurological pathology develops with motor and sensory disorders. Specifically, the localization of the disorder depends on which thoracic vertebra is affected by the nerve root.
The zone of pain and changes in sensitivity in the form of numbness extends from the neck, shoulder blades, ribs, sternum to the abdomen.
Principles of disease diagnosis
Diagnosis of osteochondrosis includes the following steps:
- Collection of anamnesis.
- Clinical examination with assessment of neurological status.
- functional tests.
- Instrumental methods: X-ray, magnetic resonance and computer tomography.
An important phase of the examination is the differential diagnosis. Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are often "disguised" in 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 particularly severe cases, when the spinal canal is significantly narrowed due to a hernia, and the spinal cord is subjected to strong compression.
In modern clinics for the treatment of osteochondrosis, non-surgical author's methods are used, which enable not only the removal of pain in the acute period, but also the stabilization of the spine, preventing the development of complications. Treatment tactics are selected for each patient, depending on the severity of the pathology.
Thoracic osteochondrosis: symptoms and treatment of the spine in a modern clinic
Goals of drug therapy for osteochondrosis:
- Pain block syndrome.
- Reduce inflammation.
- Normalization of metabolic processes.
- Improve blood supply.
- Relieve muscle spasm.
Drugs 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 improve the therapeutic effect.
Therapy includes:
- Soft manual techniques that work on a physiological level and allow you to successfully eliminate pinched nerve roots in the spine.
- Multicomponent electrophoresis is a medical procedure by which the medicinal substance enters the lesion directly.
- Laser therapy. Under the influence of laser radiation, the drug applied to the skin in the area of the affected segment of the spine penetrates 10-15 cm deep and has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect at the cellular level.
Paravertebral blockade is a method of introducing anesthetic into the area of damaged nerve roots, which helps to quickly remove 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 is in the analgesic effect and in the promotion of tissue regeneration.
Physiotherapy exercises, strengthening the muscles of the back, contribute to the formation of a natural strong corset that will maintain the spine in the correct anatomical position.
Long-term experience in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine in a professional clinic shows that the symptoms that make the patient's life difficult, with a proper and comprehensive approach to therapy, disappear, which prevents further progression of the pathological process.