Pain, restriction of movements are all characteristic manifestations of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. But the insidiousness of this pathology also lies in the fact that the internal organs are affected both at chest level and below, so no one except the doctor can understand what is happening. Osteochondrosis appears as a result of degenerative-dystrophic processes in which discs, joints, ligaments and spinal roots are affected.
Symptoms of the disease may appear at a very early stage. But the disease of the spine can be influenced, the main thing is to know the causes and laws according to which it develops. Doctors are more or less clear about the reasons, but the mechanism of development remains in some way in the "shadow".
Causes and development of the disease
Any part of the spine is constantly under load, both static and dynamic. Constant pressure leads to the fact that the integrity of the intervertebral disc is violated. It is damaged, the internal component begins to bulge outward.
The disc is nourished, like any other cartilage, in a special way: when pressed, it releases fluid from itself, and when the pressure is released, like a sponge, it absorbs all the nutrients. This mechanism does not work during prolonged static postures or during exercise, when constant pressure is applied to the disk. Daily morning exercises have a positive effect on nutrition.
Stages of degeneration
To better understand the symptoms, you need to understand what stages the intervertebral disc goes through and what happens to it. As, however, in the entire spine.
At the first stage, there is no pain, and the attack does not manifest itself in any way, but the process has already been started, the inner part is already moving freely.
At the second stage, an attack of pain already makes itself felt in full, radicular symptoms join, a person actively uses ointments, but the cause is not solved. The disk gradually protrudes and begins to squeeze the spinal cord. In the third stage, an attack of pain, which mainly manifests osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, becomes brighter and more intense, ointments do not help. The disk gradually bulges out, its protrusion occurs.
The last stage leads to the appearance of signs of damage outside the disk components. The clinical picture is characterized by compression of the roots, blood vessels and the spinal cord itself. As a result, an attack of pain of considerable intensity develops.
The body tries its best to reduce pain, as a result, characteristic growths, osteophytes, appear on the spine. The roots of the spinal cord are compressed as a result of narrowing of the intervertebral foramens. The pressure leads to the fact that the rest of the internal organs are affected. Their treatment does not bring any results, which sometimes confuses the doctor.
Symptoms of the disease
Very often, the cause of the defeat of this particular section of the spine lies in a sedentary lifestyle, by clarifying this circumstance, the diagnosis is greatly facilitated. Usually, pressure is exerted if a person sits at a computer or in a chair for a long time. The pain is mostly dull in nature, then it becomes aching and burning. It is localized in the middle, between the shoulder blades, some compression in the chest area worries.
If you try to feel the region of the spinous and transverse processes of the spine, the pain will increase significantly.
Diagnosis is simplified by the tension of the paravertebral muscles. Signs intensify if you ask the patient to take a deep breath, make turns with the body.
Some patients note pain in the scapula or lower thoracic spine. This is called the posterior costal syndrome and occurs as a result of the displacement of the lower ribs. Soreness may suddenly disappear, but can intensify during turns.
Signs are manifested by girdle pain along the intercostal spaces, this is where the nerve passes. Sensitivity is impaired in the area where the damaged nerve branches. Concerned about paresthesia, deep and superficial sensitivity are reduced. Signs are accompanied by a violation of the function of the abdominal press, reflexes of the knee and heel are reduced.
Damage to internal organs
In parallel with pain, there is a violation of the function of internal organs. In the region of the thoracic spinal cord there are centers responsible for the work of the heart, pulmonary system, liver, intestines and kidneys, pancreas. Difficulty breathing, pain and interruptions in the work of the heart, resembling angina pectoris, can disturb. The mammary glands can hurt, or everything is localized in the region of the right or left hypochondrium, resembling an attack of cholecystitis or pancreatitis.
Sore throat or esophagus. Symptoms are located in the region of the left hypochondrium or abdomen, resembling the symptoms of gastritis or intestinal inflammation (colitis, enteritis). Violations can be from the kidneys and the reproductive system.
Diagnosis
Establishing a correct diagnosis based on symptoms alone can be difficult. That is why the diagnosis involves the production of an x-ray. It is on it that the characteristic changes are visible, which manifest osteochondrosis of the thoracic region in the form of a decrease in the height of the discs, sclerosis of the end plates and the formation of osteophytes.
Additionally, a CT scan is done if the x-ray does not give a result. The study is complemented by MRI, it shows soft tissues, so the diagnosis of disc herniation is established.
Differential diagnosis requires special attention; it is carried out not only on the basis of complaints and clinical manifestations. So, the pain in the heart area is not affected by the drugs used for angina pectoris. Soreness in the epigastric region is not affected by food intake and there is no seasonal manifestation of symptoms. Everything appears in the evening and completely disappears after a night's sleep.
Treatment
Treatment involves taking all kinds of drugs, these are pills and injections. They start with drugs that relieve the inflammatory process, traditionally non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used for this. Eliminating pain and inflammation, they help to relax the muscles. Only a doctor should prescribe them, otherwise, there is a high risk of complications, and there are contraindications for use. Tablets are taken, according to the recommendation, often after meals, but the doctor may also prescribe injections. Locally, this group of drugs is applied in the form of an ointment, which is applied about three times throughout the day.
Analgesics can supplement the group of drugs described above, with severe pain, injections are prescribed by the doctor, if everything is not so bad, tablets are also suitable. With pain of considerable intensity, blockade with the drug can be performed directly into the focus of pain, it allows you to quickly remove the attack. Special anesthetic ointments can also supplement the treatment.
Chondroprotectors allow you to restore the structure of cartilage, but you need to take drugs in this group for a long time. The doctor prescribes, at his discretion, injections or tablets that are taken in courses. Recently, the preparations of this group are presented in the form of an ointment, which is applied externally.
Antispasmodic drugs complement the full-fledged treatment. The action is aimed at relaxing the muscles that are pinched arteries and nerves. The pressure decreases, the patient's condition is facilitated.
Ointments are actively used, they act locally, helping to relieve an attack of pain. Ointments are applied to the painful area, where they warm up the skin. Also, ointments are shown to be used along the nerves, so they can more effectively relieve an attack of pain. Supplement, in addition to the ointment, the treatment is capable of mustard plasters
Hormonal-based drugs are also used, mainly injections. They are prescribed as a last resort, when it is necessary to relieve an attack of severe pain. Paraverbal blockade of the affected area of the nerve or root is often used, drugs are used on the basis of hormones.
Complement all preparations based on vitamins, injections are made into the muscle. Medications can be represented by bioactive supplements, the tablets of which improve cartilage nutrition and relieve pressure.
Physiotherapy
All sorts of techniques are actively used to help pacify even a strong attack. With the procedures, you can use drugs that act as a kind of blockade. The list of procedures can be represented like this:
- Shock wave therapy. Due to the shock wave, it restores nutrition and blood supply to the spine, eliminates an attack of pain, and allows you to get rid of inflammation.
- Ultraviolet irradiation. Promotes better absorption of calcium.
- vibration therapy. Exposure to high frequency sound improves blood flow, relieves pressure and pain.
- Magnetotherapy. Exposure to a magnetic field improves the vital processes of cells, accelerates regeneration. Darsonval acts similarly.
- Electrophoresis. The impact of current, which contributes to the fact that the drugs penetrate deeper into the tissues.
- Diodinamik. The impact of variable frequency current effectively reduces pain.
- Swimming. Allows muscles to relax. It is recommended to swim only in a pool with warm water.
- Balneotherapy. Use for the treatment of mineral waters and mud. Minerals contribute to the healing process, the pressure on the roots is reduced.
- Acupuncture. It provides for the impact of thin needles on the active points of the body.
- Manual therapy or massage. You can additionally use ointments that help relax muscles and release blood vessels and nerves.
Methods are selected strictly individually by a doctor. The main thing is not to start the disease.