During osteochondrosis, the bone and cartilage tissue of the cervical, lumbar or thoracic spine is damaged. Pathology often causes disability and in advanced cases, for example, with the formation of an intervertebral hernia, requires surgical intervention. We describe in detail about osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, its symptoms and treatment in this material.
Thoracic osteochondrosis - what is it?
Thoracic osteochondrosis is degenerative-dystrophic changes in the vertebrae of the thoracic spine with the destruction of joints, intervertebral discs and cartilage. Compared to the cervical and lumbar regions, the thoracic region is not mobile and is more stable due to its connection with the ribs.
As a result, it is less sensitive to external influences. However, the risk of developing osteochondrosis in the thoracic region of the spine is high during sedentary work, weak muscles of the spine, concomitant injuries.
Risk factors are:
- High loads on the back - weight lifting, pregnancy, wearing heels, flat feet;
- lifeless lifestyle;
- rachiocampsis;
- back injury
- incorrect posture;
- hereditary predisposition;
- nervous tension.
The development of thoracic osteochondrosis leads to the thinning of discs between the vertebrae, the appearance of intervertebral hernia, the abrasion of the cartilaginous membrane of the vertebral joints, the pathological growth of bone tissue, the formation of osteophytes.
As a result of such changes, compression of blood vessels and nerve fibers, damage to the spinal cord (myeloisemia, myelopathy) may occur. Another serious complication of the disease is intervertebral hernia.
Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis, photo
In the case of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, symptoms often appear and intensify under the influence of loads, with sudden movements, for example, when turning the torso, bending.
It can be a dull or aching pain that occurs between the shoulder blades, accompanied by a feeling of tightness in the chest. If the lower ribs are displaced, then there is a syndrome of the posterior ribs, when a sharp pain is felt in the scapula and in the lower part of the chest.
When examining the spine in the area of the damaged spine, local pain is felt - at the site of exposure.
Compression of nerve fibers causes symptoms such as decreased sensitivity of nerve endings, changes in tendon reflexes (knee and heel).
Internal organ dysfunction may occur, as the nerve roots located in the vertebrae of the thoracic region are responsible for the functioning of the liver, heart, kidneys, lungs, pancreas, and intestines.
Other possible manifestations of osteochondrosis are sexual dysfunction, difficulty breathing, as well as localized pain in the area:
- mammary glands;
- chest and heart;
- hypochondrium - left or right;
- stomach and intestines;
- esophagus and pharynx.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is manifested by two types of pain:
- Dorsago - pronounced, piercing, sharp pain between the shoulder blades and ribs, which is aggravated by an attempt to turn the body or change position. These symptoms appear during the exacerbation of the disease.
- Dorsalgia - appears gradually and lasts 1-3 weeks. The pain is dull, expressed and localized in the spinal column in the chest area, its intensity increases with deep inhalation, bending over. It is accompanied by muscle spasm above and below the painful area, a feeling of lack of air.
Dorsalgia often worsens at night and when the body is in one position for a long time.
What should be done during an exacerbation of osteochondrosis in the chest?
Exacerbation of osteochondrosis can be caused by physical activity (sports, hard work), hypothermia, severe stress or fatigue, lifting heavy objects. Acute pain may be accompanied by:
- headache, reminiscent of the intensity of migraine attacks;
- Nausea
- dizziness;
- severe weakness;
- loss of mobility;
- Difficulty breathing.
Dorsago pains that occur during an exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are difficult to eliminate on their own. You should not choose painkillers without visiting a specialist, because self-medication can cause serious complications.
The first action in acute pain is to call an ambulance or contact a neurologist. With exacerbation of the person, they are hospitalized and the pain syndrome is explained in the hospital and the subsequent condition is monitored. Analgesics and local anesthetics (injections, tablets, ointments) are used to relieve pain.
General measures of therapyAnd the rules for the escalation period are as follows:
- Adherence to bed rest and minimal activity;
- taking only medicines prescribed by a doctor;
- physical therapy and light self-massage;
- physiotherapy;
- balanced diet.
If Dorsago is caused by an intervertebral hernia, drugs, wearing a corset, physical therapy are indicated, and in large cases, surgery is the only treatment. It is carried out after thorough diagnosis and exclusion of other pathologies with similar symptoms.
Tactics of treatment of osteochondrosis of the chest region
With chest injuries, as well as in the case of cervical spine osteochondrosis, treatment is symptomatic. Medicines are prescribed:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- Analgesics, which can also be from the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory group;
- local pain relievers in the form of gels, creams, ointments and patches;
- muscle relaxants for back muscle spasms;
- Complexes of vitamins and minerals that help restore ligaments and bone tissue;
- Antidepressants.
An important component of treatment is chondroprotectors - drugs based on glucosamine or chondroitin - they help restore cartilage tissue and are taken for a long time, in courses of six months or more.
The most effective remedy that includes both of these compounds.
additionalMethods of treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- Physiotherapy - shock wave, laser, magnetic, ultraviolet exposure, electrophoresis;
- physiotherapy;
- Massage has a warming effect, increases the intensity of metabolism in paravertebral and articular tissues, reduces muscle tone;
- acupuncture - acupuncture;
- Acupressure - tactile impact on biologically active points;
- healthy food.
In case of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, therapeutic exercises are performed 2-3 times a day. The exercise program is determined by the attending physician individually. Exercise can be both preventive and therapeutic, designed to strengthen the back and shoulder muscles, restore the natural curves of the spine, and help with posture.
You can start doing this only after overcoming the pain syndrome. All the exercises basically have movements that are reminiscent of what a person does in their daily life, so the muscles are gradually strengthened during the exercise without overloading them.
Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis
The nature of the profession often creates conditions for the development of osteochondrosis. For people who are engaged in heavy physical work or who spend the whole working day in a sitting position, it is important to control their posture and regularly perform exercises to strengthen the back muscles.
It is useful to warm up several times during the working day, as well as self-massage.
To prevent osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, excess salt, sugar, spices, sweet carbonated drinks, spicy and fried foods should be excluded from the diet.
Preference is given to natural food without preservatives and dyes, vegetables, fruits, cereals and other grains, lean meat and lean fish, dairy products, enough water. It is necessary to maintain a normal weight, do not forget about moderate physical activity and do not use coffee and alcoholic beverages.
The position of the body during sleep is important - you should sleep on your back on a firm mattress. The discomfort that occurs at first disappears as soon as the vertebrae return to the correct position.
Following all preventive recommendations will allow the back to remain healthy, beautiful and live without pain.