Osteochondrosis of the chest

The term osteochondrosis of the chest refers to the identification of dystrophic and degenerative changes in the vertebrae.

As a result of pathological processes, not only the bone tissue of the vertebrae suffers, but also the functioning of the adjacent ligaments, muscles and joints is impaired.

Thoracic osteochondrosis rarely occurs in isolation;the patient often shows changes in the cervical spine, and the localization of pain and discomfort contributes to the fact that the disease can be confused for a long time with a disorder in the functioning of the heart, lungs and stomach.

Osteochondrosis of the chest is not often diagnosed.This is due to the structural features of the thoracic region: the discs in it are smaller and much thinner, and the mobility of the thoracic region is much lower than in other parts of the spine.Part of the load is distributed to the ribs and sternum.

Reasons

The main reason for the development of osteochondrosis in any area of the spine is a violation of metabolic processes, under their influence the structure of the bone tissue of the vertebrae changes, the cartilage surfaces are destroyed and the functioning of the muscle-ligament apparatus changes.All these processes are inevitable, and until the end of life, every person suffers from their manifestation to one degree or another.

Among the most likely causes of osteochondrosis in the chest area are:

• Hypodynamia - the lack of movements necessary for the spine leads to a decrease in blood supply to this area and, as a result, the rapid development of pathological changes.
• Muscle spasms.Long-term muscle spasm occurs when the torso of the body is in a constant forced position, with scoliosis.
• Excessive and improper exercise.
• Congenital anomalies of the spine.
• High body weight.
• Injuries.

Provocative factors for the development of osteochondrosis also include genetic predisposition, hypothermia, dysfunction of the immune system and inflammatory diseases.

Symptoms

Most patients complain of the following signs of the disease:

• Chest pain.
• Severe stiffness when turning or bending.
• Disrupted functioning of internal organs.

Pain in osteochondrosis is different in nature and intensity.They are often paroxysmal, aggravated by coughing, sneezing, and radiate to the scapula.

The same pain can accompany cardiovascular problems and intercostal neuralgia, so these diseases are often confused with each other without proper diagnosis.

Discomfort and pain in the stomach area periodically appear;with such manifestations, a person can undergo treatment for imaginary digestive problems for a long time and without result.

Clinical signs of the disease also depend on where the most pronounced dystrophic changes occur.

1. If the upper thoracic vertebrae are affected, the patient may complain of a feeling of a foreign object in the throat, discomfort in the esophagus and pharynx.With pronounced changes, difficulties in swallowing are observed.
2. Damage to the vertebrae located in the middle of the thoracic region causes symptoms similar to cholecystitis, pancreatitis and gastritis.
3. Degenerative changes in the vertebrae of the lower segment cause pain in the intestines.

Pain in the digestive organs is not related to food intake and season;this is a distinctive sign of true gastrointestinal diseases from osteochondrosis.Of course, a diagnosis cannot be made based on symptoms and assumptions alone;only proper diagnostics can confirm it.

Course of the disease

Thoracic osteochondrosis develops rather slowly.The preclinical stage of the disease is manifested by periodic discomfort in the part of the spine corresponding to the disease;during this period the elasticity and density of the cartilage decreases.

• Continuing pathological changes lead to the development of an acute stage, in which all the symptoms of the disease are manifested.In some patients, the symptoms may be minor, but this does not mean that serious degenerative changes do not occur.
• After eliminating the acute period with the help of drugs and physiotherapy, the disease passes into a chronic stage.Exacerbations during this period depend on the influence of the provoking factors and on the measures taken by the patient to prevent the development of an attack.Outside the exacerbation phase, patients note increased fatigue, weakness and periodic discomfort in the chest area.

Complications

Continuing degenerative changes in the vertebrae, muscle tension, weakening of the ligament apparatus lead to the appearance of:

1. Herniated intervertebral discs.
2. Radiculitis.
3. spondylosis.
4. Scoliosis.

With a prolonged acute period and frequent exacerbations of the disease, the ability to work is often lost and the person becomes disabled.

Diagnosis

Establishing an accurate diagnosis begins with an examination and examination of the patient.During the examination, the range of movements in the chest is examined, the indicators of tendon reflexes are determined.The nature of the pain suggests another disease, so an ECG and ultrasound of the internal organs is necessary.The diagnosis is made after:

• x-rays.
• MRI or CT.
• Blood tests show signs of inflammation.

Further treatment depends on the established changes in the spine.

Treatment

The treatment scheme for osteochondrosis differs to some extent in the acute stage and during the chronic course of the disease.Treatment should be comprehensive, using drugs and reflex effects on the spine.

• Medical treatment consists of the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, chondroprotectors and vitamins.
• Physiotherapy helps improve blood circulation and partially relieve pain.
• An important stage is the conduct of massage courses and the constant use of therapeutic exercises.

Indications for surgical treatment

In some cases, highly effective therapy has no noticeable effect, so the patient may be offered surgery.The absolute indications for surgery are:

1. Spinal stenosis.
2. Spinal instability causing significant displacement of the vertebrae.
3. Spinal hernia.

Several types of operations have been developed for osteochondrosis.The decision to perform them is made based on the clinical picture of the complications.Discectomy can be used to create fixed vertebral articulation;there are techniques where a special prosthesis is installed instead of a disc.Hernia can be treated not only surgically, but also with a laser.

Prevention

The diagnosis of osteochondrosis is a serious reason to change your usual life.Absence of bad habits, proper nutrition, constant physical activity and control of body weight significantly reduce degenerative processes.Long-term remissions of the disease also depend on preventive drugs and the constant application of a set of exercises developed by a doctor.