With osteochondrosis, the bone and cartilage tissue of the vertebrae of the cervical, lumbar, or thoracic spine are affected. The pathology often leads to disability and in advanced cases, for example, with the formation of an intervertebral hernia, it requires surgical intervention. We will describe in detail about osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, its symptoms and treatment in this material.
Thoracic osteochondrosis - what is it?
Thoracic osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic change in 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, due to its connection to the ribs, it is more durable.
As a result, it is less susceptible to outside influences. However, with sedentary work, weak spine muscles, concomitant injuries, the risk of developing osteochondrosis in the thoracic spine is high.
The risk factors are:
- high back loads - weight lifting, pregnancy, high heels, flat feet;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- rachiocampus;
- back injury;
- incorrect posture;
- hereditary predisposition;
- nervous tension.
The development of thoracic osteochondrosis leads to thinning of the discs between the vertebrae, the appearance of an intervertebral hernia, abrasion of the cartilaginous membrane of the joints of the spine, pathological growth of bone tissue, outgrowths - osteophytes are formed on it.
As a result of such changes, compression of blood vessels and nerve fibers, damage to the spinal cord (myeloischemia, myelopathy) can occur. Another serious complication of the disease is an intervertebral hernia.
Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis, photo
With osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, symptoms often appear and intensify under the influence of loads, with sudden movements, for example, when turning the trunk, bending over.
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 dislocated, there is a posterior costal syndrome, when sharp pain is felt in the scapula and lower chest.
When probing the spine in the area of the affected vertebrae, local pain is felt - at the site of exposure.
The compression of nerve fibers causes symptoms such as impaired sensitivity in the endings of pinched nerves, changes in tendon reflexes (knee and heel).
There may be a malfunction of Organs internal organs, 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 in the thoracic vertebrae is manifested by two types of pain:
- Dorsago - a sharp, sharp, sharp pain between the shoulder blades and in the ribs, aggravated by trying to turn or change the position of the body. This symptomatology occurs during exacerbations of the disease.
- Back pain - appears gradually and lasts for 1-3 weeks. The pain is dull, unexpressed and localized in the spine at the level of the thoracic region, its intensity increases with a deep, stooping breath. It is accompanied by muscle spasm above and below the painful area, feeling short of breath.
Back pain usually gets worse at night and when the body is in one position for a long time.
What to do during an exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region?
The exacerbation of osteochondrosis can cause physical overload (sports, hard work), hypothermia, stress or severe 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;
- difficult breathing.
Back pain that occurs during an exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is difficult to eliminate on its own. You should not choose painkillers without visiting a specialist, as self-medication can lead to serious complications.
The first action in case of acute pain is to call an ambulance or contact a neurologist. With an exacerbation of a person, he is hospitalized, and in a hospital removes the pain syndrome and controls the additional condition. For pain relief, analgesics and local anesthetics (injections, tablets, ointments) are used.
General therapy measuresand the rules for the aggravation period are as follows:
- adherence to bed rest and minimal activity;
- take only the drugs prescribed by the doctor;
- physical therapy and light self-massage;
- physiotherapy;
- Balanced diet.
If the back is caused by an intervertebral hernia, medication, use of a corset, physical therapy and, for large sizes, surgery is the only treatment. It is performed after a complete diagnosis and exclusion of other pathologies with similar symptoms.
Treatment tactics for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
With chest injuries, as in the case of osteochondrosis of the cervicothoracic spine, treatment is symptomatic. Of the drugs are prescribed:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- Analgesics, which can also be from the NSAID group;
- Local analgesics in the form of gels, creams, ointments and patches;
- Muscle relaxants for back muscle spasm;
- Vitamin and mineral complexes that help restore ligaments and bone tissue;
- Antidepressants.
An important component 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 more.
The most effective means, which include these two compounds.
AdditionalThoracic osteochondrosis treatment methods:
- physical therapy - shock wave, laser, magnetic, ultraviolet exposure, electrophoresis;
- physiotherapy;
- massage has a warming effect, increases the intensity of metabolism in paravertebral and joint tissues, reduces the increase in muscle tone;
- acupuncture - acupuncture;
- acupressure - tactile impact on biologically active points;
- healthy food.
With osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, therapeutic exercises are performed 2-3 times a day. The exercise program is compiled by the attending physician individually. Gymnastics can be both preventive and therapeutic, designed to strengthen the muscles of the spine and shoulder, restore the spine's natural curves, and help with posture formation.
You can start doing it only after overcoming the pain syndrome. All exercises basically have movements reminiscent of those a person performs in everyday life, so the muscles gradually strengthen during exercise without overexertion.
Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis
The nature of the profession often creates conditions for the development of osteochondrosis. It is important for people who do heavy physical work or who spend their entire workday in a seated position to monitor their posture and perform exercises regularly to strengthen their back muscles.
It is useful to warm up several times during the working day, as well as a 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 foods without preservatives and dyes, vegetables, fruits, cereals and other cereals, lean meats and lean fish, dairy products, plenty of water. It is necessary to maintain normal weight, do not forget about moderate physical activity and do not abuse coffee and alcoholic beverages.
Body position during sleep is important - you should sleep on your back, on a hard, dense mattress. The discomfort that occurs initially disappears once the vertebrae return to the correct position.
Compliance with all preventive recommendations will allow your back to remain healthy, beautiful and alive without pain.