Osteochondrosis in the thoracic region is less common than in the lumbar and cervical regions.The degenerative process comes with a number of symptoms and treatment difficulties that cause a lot of trouble.In addition to severe chest pain, abdominal organs may be painful and the lower limbs may be affected.
Main symptoms of thoracic osteonecrosis
The cause of spinal damage lies in the deformation of the ligamentous apparatus connecting the vertebrae.In addition, the development of the disease can begin with pathological processes of the articular surface, changes in the intervertebral discs (protrusion, herniation) or their growth (so-called spinous spurs or osteophytes).During development, one or all signs may be observed at the same time, leading to the formation of underlying pathology.
In total, the thoracic region includes 12 vertebrae, in which degenerative processes occur.There are also intermediate variants of osteonecrosis - lumbar and cervico-thoracic spine.A special feature is the inclusion of neighboring parts in the pathological process of the vertebrae and the addition of symptoms characteristic of these parts.
Interesting fact: due to the anatomical feature of connecting the spine with the ribs, the chest area is quite immobile.This is necessary to protect against injury.This natural protection significantly reduces the occurrence of pain in osteonecrosis, greatly reducing the need for early diagnosis.
Symptoms of spoilage include:
- Pain – although it appears late (even when there is a significant degenerative process), this symptom plays a leading role in determining the pathology.It often occurs in the heart area or between the shoulder blades, is painful and tense, and increases when lifting weights.
- Paresthesia - the patient feels numbness and loss of skin sensitivity on the back and abdomen.
- Difficulty breathing - simple movements such as inhaling, raising your arms, bending down cause discomfort and pain.Because of this, breathing problems begin, which are first observed by shortening the time of inhalation and then exhalation.
When nerve roots are compressed, compression symptoms will appear, affecting internal organs.You may experience coldness, weakness in your legs, and you may even experience periodic weakness in your legs.Violation of the vegetative vascular system leads to increased dryness of the skin, brittle nails in the affected area and limbs, and impaired thermoregulation (sweating).
Characteristics of pain in thoracic osteoarthritis
There are many organs in the chest, so spinal pain can often be confused with heart pain or stomach pain.Sometimes they are so obvious that they can mimic the symptoms of a heart attack, angina, gastritis, ulcers and cholecystitis.
All this significantly complicates the diagnosis, since patients seek help for another disease, because they do not feel discomfort in the back.
There are 2 types of pain that occur as reflex syndromes (directly related to tissue degeneration and receptor irritation):
- Dorsago - acute, sharp pain.Patients often describe the feeling as if they were being stabbed with a knife.It can radiate to the arm or shoulder, the patient seems to be “chained” by pain (people often talk about such sensations - “a bullet through the back”).Dorsago occurs in the setting of sudden movements or heavy lifting.When palpated, you will detect tight muscle fibers.
- Back pain – characterized by a gradual increase in pain symptoms, with a dull and impressive pain.Often accompanied by stretching and bending.
Thoracic osteonecrosis: symptoms and treatment
It is important to distinguish symptoms of thoracic osteoarthritis from comorbidities.Diagnosis must include the entire scope of investigations, including not only examination of the spine but also exclusion of other pathologies.
Usually, MRI, X-ray of the spine, examination by a spine specialist, neurologist, general blood tests, urine tests (which help rule out inflammation and infection) are prescribed.
Echocardiography, kidney, fibroduodenoscopy (FGDS) are used optionally (optionally), when identifying complaints related to pain in the projection area of the organs.
Treatment includes 3 types.
- Medicine.
- Physical therapy.
- Surgery.
Therapy is carried out in a complex way, helping to eliminate as much as possible the signs of the disease and exacerbation of symptoms.
Important: Osteoarthritis cannot be completely cured because the degenerative process is irreversible.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used as adjuncts.Furthermore, they use both tablet and gel forms and ointments.
- Pain syndrome is relieved by injections of anesthetics, local irritating ointments and the use of applicators.
- As maintenance therapy, people use injections of B vitamins (especially B12), muscle relaxants to reduce stress, and diuretics to reduce nerve root swelling.
- During recovery, chondroprotective drugs and physical therapy are prescribed.
The treatment package also includes:
- Massage and special techniques to relieve muscle tension.
- Reflexology, acupuncture.
- Uses electric current and ultrasound.
Once pain-free, swimming is recommended as a great way to strengthen the spine and back.Special exercises from the therapeutic exercise complex will help strengthen the muscles and also help relax a tense back.
At home, you can make medicinal baths with herbal decoctions and warm compresses.
Surgical intervention
Surgery is used when serious complications are observed due to compression of nerve endings, blood vessels or the spinal cord.Such consequences can lead to disorders of the digestive tract, limbs and unpleasant pain.
The intervention is carried out by removing the “intervening” part, which has a compressive effect - the growth of the spine, part of the intervertebral disc, joints and in rare complex cases the entire vertebral body.Such manipulations require rigid fixation with orthotics or the installation of a prosthesis.
prevent
- Increase physical activity, swimming and walking are especially good.
- Correct posture when sitting.
- Be sure to use a special mattress for sleeping.
- Avoid sudden heavy lifting and awkward movements.
- Maintain joint health with folk remedies (decoctions, health-boosting tinctures).
- Proper nutrition.
- Eliminate bad habits.
We have briefly reviewed the main symptoms of thoracic osteonecrosis.Prompt treatment will help avoid serious complications.But the best thing is prevention.