Osteochondrosis affects the bone and cartilage tissue of the vertebrae of the cervical, lumbar or thoracic spine. The pathology often leads to disability, and in advanced cases, for example, with the development of an intervertebral hernia, requires surgical intervention. In this material, we describe in detail osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, its symptoms and treatment.
Thoracic osteochondrosis - what is it?
Thoracic osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic change of the vertebrae of the thoracic spine with destruction of joints, intervertebral discs and cartilage. Compared to the cervical and lumbar regions, the thoracic region is not as mobile and is more durable due to its connection with the ribs.
As a result, it is less sensitive to external influences. However, in the case of sedentary work, weak spinal muscles, and simultaneous injuries, the risk of developing osteochondrosis in the thoracic spine is high.
Risk factors include:
- high load on the back - weight lifting, pregnancy, wearing high-heeled shoes, flat feet;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- rachiocampsis;
- back injury;
- incorrect posture;
- hereditary predisposition;
- nervous tension.
The development of thoracic osteochondrosis leads to the thinning of the discs between the vertebrae, the appearance of intervertebral hernia, wear and tear of the cartilaginous membrane of the spinal joints, the pathological growth of bone tissue, outgrowths - osteophytes are formed on it.
As a result of such changes, compression of blood vessels and nerve fibers and damage to the spinal cord (myeloischemia, myelopathy) may occur. Another serious complication of the disease is intervertebral hernia.
Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis, photo
With osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, the symptoms often appear and intensify under stress, with sudden movements, for example, when turning or tilting the trunk.
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 it is a case of posterior rib syndrome, when a sharp pain is felt in the shoulder blade and the lower part of the chest.
When probing the spine in the area of the affected vertebrae, local pain is felt - at the site of exposure.
The compression of the nerve fibers causes symptoms such as a decrease in the sensitivity of pinched nerve endings, changes in tendon reflexes (knee and heel).
Internal organs may malfunction, 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, and localized pain in the area:
- mammary glands;
- chest and heart;
- hypochondrium - left or right;
- stomach and intestines;
- esophagus and pharynx.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic vertebrae is manifested by two types of pain:
- Dorsago - pronounced, stabbing, sharp pain between the shoulder blades and in the ribs, aggravated by turning the body or changing its position. This symptom appears when the disease worsens.
- Dorsalgia - appears gradually and lasts 1-3 weeks. The pain is dull, inexpressive and localized in the spinal column, at the level of the chest region, its intensity increases with deep breathing and tilting. It is accompanied by muscle spasms above and below the painful area and a feeling of lack of air.
Dorsalgia is often worse at night and when the body is in one position for a long time.
What should be done during exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the chest region?
Aggravation of osteochondrosis can be caused by physical overload (sports, hard work), hypothermia, severe stress or fatigue, lifting heavy objects. Acute pain may be accompanied by:
- headache that resembles the intensity of migraine attacks;
- nausea;
- dizziness;
- severe weakness;
- loss of mobility;
- labored breathing.
It is difficult to eliminate the back pain that occurs during the exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. You should not choose painkillers without visiting a specialist, as self-medication can cause serious complications.
In case of acute pain, the first step is to call an ambulance or seek the help of a neurologist. As a person worsens, they are hospitalized, and in a hospital they remove the pain syndrome and control the further condition. Analgesics and local anesthetics (injections, tablets, ointments) are used to relieve pain.
General measures of therapyand the rules for the aggravation period are as follows:
- adherence to bed rest and minimal activity;
- take only medicines prescribed by a doctor;
- physical therapy and light self-massage;
- physiotherapy;
- balanced diet.
If the dorsago is caused by an intervertebral hernia, the only treatment is medication, wearing a corset, physical therapy, and in case of large sizes, surgery. This is done after thorough diagnosis and exclusion of other pathologies with similar symptoms.
Tactics of treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
In the case of thoracic lesions, such as osteochondrosis of the cervical thoracic spine, the treatment is symptomatic. Among the prescribed medicines:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- Painkillers, which may also come from the NSAID group;
- Topical pain relievers in the form of gels, creams, ointments and patches;
- Muscle relaxants for back muscle spasms;
- Vitamin and mineral complexes that help restore ligaments and bone tissue;
- Antidepressants.
Important components of the treatment are chondroprotectors - preparations based on glucosamine or chondroitin - which contribute to the restoration of cartilage tissue and are taken for a long time, in courses of six months or longer.
The most effective tool that contains both compounds.
FurtherTreatment methods for thoracic osteochondrosis:
- physiotherapy - shock wave, laser, magnetic, ultraviolet exposure, electrophoresis;
- physiotherapy;
- the massage has a warming effect, increases the intensity of metabolism in the paravertebral and joint tissues, reduces increased muscle tone;
- acupuncture - acupuncture;
- acupressure - tactile effect on biologically active points;
- healthy food.
With osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, therapeutic exercises are performed 2-3 times a day. The training program is compiled individually by the attending physician. Gymnastics can be both preventive and therapeutic, its purpose is to strengthen the spine and shoulder muscles, to restore the natural curves of the spinal column, and to promote the development of posture.
You can start only after overcoming the pain syndrome. All exercises basically have movements that a person performs in everyday life, so the muscles gradually get stronger during training without overloading.
Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis
The nature of the profession often creates conditions for the development of osteochondrosis. For those who do heavy physical work or sit all day, it is important to monitor their posture and regularly do exercises to strengthen the back muscles.
It is useful to warm up several times during the working day, as well as self-massage.
In order 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 foods without preservatives and dyes, vegetables, fruits, cereals and other cereals, lean meat and lean fish, dairy products, enough water. It is necessary to maintain a normal body weight, do not forget about moderate physical activity and do not abuse coffee and alcoholic beverages.
The position of the body during sleep is important - sleep on your back on a dense, hard mattress. The initial discomfort disappears as soon as the vertebrae return to their correct position.
Compliance with all preventive recommendations will allow the back to live healthy, beautiful and pain-free.