Osteochondrosis is a chronic pathological process in which the vertebrae and intervertebral discs located between them are subject to degenerative-dystrophic changes. The disease often affects the cervical and lumbar spine. The thoracic spine is less affected, but this poses certain difficulties in terms of pathological differential diagnosis, as it can be confused with heart, lung or any other disease. In this article, we will look at the symptoms and treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis.
Clinical picture in osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
The leading clinical sign of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the thoracic spine is between the shoulder blades, in the chest, along the ribs, etc. is a localized pain syndrome.
Some patients report moderate pain, while others report severe pain. The pain syndrome is aggravated by deep breathing, turning or bending the body, raising the arms, as well as other types of physical activity. Due to the localization of pain, osteochondrosis can be confused with angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, pancreatitis and some other diseases. It is extremely important to make a comprehensive differential diagnosis.
Due to severe pain, the patient is unable to breathe deeply, which leads to shortness of breath. In parallel, sensitive disorders of the upper extremities are often observed in the form of numbness, tingling and, more often, tension in the back muscles. In some cases, the clinical picture is complemented by disorders of the digestive system, such as edema, epigastric pain, heartburn, etc.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
First of all, it is recommended to observe bed rest or at least half a bed during the exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used to relieve pain.
In 2014, scientists from the National Medical University of Kazakhstan published an article, the results of which determined the effectiveness of complex treatment of osteochondrosis with the use of muscle relaxants.
As for muscle relaxants, they are aimed at stopping muscle spasms.
The treatment plan must be supplemented with B vitamins, physiotherapy procedures. Physiotherapeutic methods include electrophoresis, magnetotherapy, phonophoresis, etc.
After stopping the acute process, the patient can be prescribed massage courses, therapeutic exercises.
In some cases, such as an intervertebral hernia that compresses the spinal cord, surgery may be needed.