Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

Degenerative disc disease of the thoracic spine (osteochondrosis) is a relatively rare condition compared to other vertebrae. This is because the rib cage destroys the thoracic vertebrae, reducing movement and injury from constant bending and extension as it does the rest of the spine. If osteochondrosis develops in the thoracic spine, then most often its development is associated with trauma.

Degeneration, destruction, and inflammation in the area of the disc can cause a number of symptoms, depending on the severity of the problem. Disc pathology can cause symptoms such as decreased spinal movement, back pain that may radiate to the intercostal space, numbness, tingling, muscle spasm, or certain combinations of these symptoms. The most common manifestations of osteochondrosis in the chest region occur at the T8-T12 level. Typically, the manifestations of osteochondrosis in the chest region are: protrusion, disc extrusion, herniated disc with sequestration, spondylolisthesis.

Treatment of thoracic spine osteochondrosis is most often conservative, but in the presence of complications such as spinal cord compression, surgical treatment is possible.

Osteochondrosis (degenerative disc disease) is not really a disease, but the term is used to describe progressive changes in the discs associated with progressive wear and the development of symptoms associated with disc degeneration. Disc degeneration is a normal involutional process, but in some situations, the degeneration process can accelerate, for example, as a result of trauma, overuse, and muscular imbalance, such as scoliosis. Disc degeneration is not in itself a problem, but the conditions associated with it can lead to the development of advanced symptoms.

Stages of disk degeneration

The progress of disk degradation can be divided into the following stages:

Dysfunction

• There may be tears in the area of the anus fibrosis, with joint irritation at the appropriate level of the spine.
• Loss of joint mobility, local spinal pain, muscle spasm, and restriction of trunk movement, especially extension.

Instability

• Loss of fluid by the disc with dehydration and reduction of disc height. Weakness of the facial joints and capsules may develop, leading to instability.
• The patient experiences pain of a shooting nature, straightening of the spine, and a sharp reduction in the range of motion of the trunk.

Re-stabilization

• The human body responds to instability in the form of additional bone formations in the form of osteophytes, which to some extent contribute to the stabilization of the spine. But excessive bone formation can lead to spinal stenosis.
• Back pain usually decreases but remains less intense. Some people may develop stenosis-like symptoms.

ᲛReasons

• Involutionary changes in the body are the most common cause of disc degeneration. As the body ages, the discs gradually lose their fluid portion and become dehydrated. The discs begin to narrow and lose height, which impedes their ability to absorb shock and stress.
• The outer ring fiber structures of the disc may begin to crack and crack, weakening the walls of the disc.
• People who smoke, are obese, and engage in strenuous activities are more likely to experience disc degeneration.
• Damage or blow to the spine or disc can cause a degeneration process.
• A herniated disc can begin to develop disc degeneration.
• Unlike muscles, discs have a minimal blood supply, so they have no reparative capabilities.

Symptoms

The symptoms associated with osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine depend on the location and structures involved in the process. Disc degeneration in the thoracic spine can affect the back, under the scapula, or along the ribs

• Many patients with degenerative disc disease of the thoracic spine may have no symptoms.
• Chronic chest pain without radiation to the ribs.
• Sensory changes such as numbness, tingling or paresthesia in cases where nerve compression occurs.
• Muscle spasm and posture changes in the back of the chest.
• Loss of range of motion, with reduced ability to move the trunk, especially when turning sideways or bending.
• Prolonged sitting can cause back pain and arm pain.
• Raise the difficulty and raise the top of the weapon.
• In later stages, spinal stenosis may develop, leading to weakness of the lower extremities and loss of coordination of movements. In these cases surgery will be required.

Diagnosis

In addition to a thorough examination, your doctor may order the following tests to confirm the diagnosis:

• X-ray,Helps determine if joints are degenerating, fractures, bone dysfunction, arthritis, tumors or infection.
• MRITo detect soft tissue morphological changes, including visualization of discs, spinal cord, and nerve roots.
• Computed tomographyScanning capable of intersecting images of spinal structures.
• EMG,This diagnostic method is used to determine nerve damage and the level of damage.
• MyelogramTypically, this method of research is necessary to detect morphological changes in the degree of impact on the roots and spinal cord and to plan surgical intervention.

Treatment

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine will depend on the severity of the condition.

Treatment of acute pain syndrome:

• Rest: Avoid actions that cause pain (bending, lifting, twisting, twisting, or pushing back).
• Medications to reduce inflammation (anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics).
• In severe cases, ice can relieve spasms, relieve pain.
• Local exposure to heat can help relieve pain and muscle tension.
• Light gymnastics exercises to eliminate the biomechanical disorders associated with osteochondrosis and improve joint mobility, normal spinal configuration, posture and speed of movement.
• It may be necessary to use a brace on the joints and muscles of the thoracic spine to relieve stress.
• Corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation in moderate to severe cases.
• Epidural injections directly into the area of the damaged disc.

In mild cases, the use of local colds and medications may be sufficient to relieve the pain. Exercise therapy (physical therapy) and spinal muscle stretching and strengthening exercises are recommended after pain relief. Return to normal activity should be gradual to prevent recurrence of symptoms.

Basic conservative methods of treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

Medication treatment

The task of using medications in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, especially in acute pain syndrome, is to reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle spasm.

• OTC medications for mild to moderate pain.
• Narcotic analgesics for severe pain that cannot be controlled by other methods of treatment.
• Muscle relaxants to reduce acute muscle spasm.
• Prescription analgesics.
• Injections such as joint injections, blockages, or epidural injections. This may include injecting corticosteroids into specific areas to reduce local inflammation.
• Guided therapies, including soft tissue massage, specialist joint stretching and mobilization, improve chest spine geometry, mobility, and range of motion. The use of mobilization techniques helps to modulate pain.
• Exercise therapy (therapeutic exercises), including stretching and muscle strengthening exercises, to restore range of motion and strengthen the back and abdominal muscles, to maintain stress on the discs and back, to stabilize and reduce. Exercise program, especially weight or weight training, should begin after pain, muscle spasm, and inflammation are reduced. An incorrectly selected exercise program can aggravate the symptoms. Therefore, the selection of exercises should be done with an exercise therapy physician.
• Neuromuscular training to improve posture, to restore stability, teaches the patient the correct biomechanics of movement, to protect damaged discs and the spine.
• Physical therapy, including ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and a cold laser, helps reduce pain and inflammation in the spinal structures.
• Home exercise programs, including muscle strengthening, stretching and stabilization exercises, and lifestyle changes to reduce spinal stress
• Acupuncture. This method of treatment can be used in the presence of sensory disturbances or to restore conduction and reduce pain.

Surgical treatment

Most hernias located in the thoracic spine are successfully treated without surgery. However, conservative treatment of thoracic spine osteochondrosis is ineffective, surgery may be recommended, especially if the patient has the following symptoms:

• Increased radicular pain.
• Increased pain and nerve damage.
• Develop or increase muscle weakness.
• Increased numbness or paresthesia.
• Loss of control of bowel and bladder function.

The most common operation associated with disc degeneration is a discectomy, in which the disc is removed through a wound. However, there are several surgical procedures that can be used for osteochondrosis and disc degeneration. The choice of surgical method depends on the cause of the symptoms. Basic surgical techniques - include foraminotomy, laminotomy, spinal laminectomy, spinal decompression, and spinal fusion.

Forecast

Most problems with osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can be resolved without surgery and people can return to normal work. Due to the anatomical rigidity, osteochondrosis develops less in the thoracic spine than in other parts. The duration of treatment usually does not exceed 4-12 weeks and depends on the severity of the symptoms. Patients should continue an exercise stretching, strengthening, and stabilization program. A good long-term prognosis requires the use of proper movement and body mechanics and an understanding of the importance of maintaining spinal health.