With osteochondrosis, the bones and cartilaginous tissues of the vertebrae of the cervical, lumbar or thoracic spine are affected. Pathology often leads to disability and in advanced cases, for example, with the formation of an intervertebral hernia, 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 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 as mobile and because of its connection to the ribs is more stable.
As a result, it is less sensitive to external influences. However, with sedentary work, weak spine muscles, associated injuries, the risk of developing osteochondrosis in the thoracic spine is high.
The risk factors are:
- high loads on the back - lifting weights, pregnancy, wearing high heels, flat feet;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- rachiocampsis;
- back injury;
- wrong posture;
- hereditary predisposition;
- nervous tension.
The development of thoracic osteochondrosis leads to the thinning of the discs between the vertebrae, the appearance of an intervertebral hernia, the erosion of the cartilaginous membrane of the joints of the spine, the pathological growth of bone tissue, growths are formed on them - osteophytes.
As a result of such changes, compression of blood vessels and nerve fibers, damage to the spinal cord (myeloischemia, myelopathy) may 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 torso, tilting.
It can be a dull or aching pain that appears between the shoulder blades, accompanied by a feeling of tightness in the chest. If the lower ribs are displaced, then there is a posterior rib syndrome, when a sharp pain is felt in the shoulder and lower part of the chest.
When examining the spine in the area of the affected vertebrae, local pain is felt - at the site of exposure.
Compression of nerve fibers causes symptoms such as impaired sensitivity at the ends of compressed nerves, changes in tendon reflexes (knee and heel).
There may be a malfunction in the functioning of the internal organs, since the nerve roots located in the vertebrae of the chest 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 pronounced, piercing, sharp pain between the shoulder blades and in the ribs, aggravated by attempts to turn or change the position of the body. This symptomatology appears during exacerbations of the disease.
- Dorsalgia - appears gradually and lasts 1-3 weeks. The pain is dull, unexpressed and localized in the spine at the level of the chest region, its intensity increases with a deep breath, tilt. It is accompanied by muscle spasms above and below the painful area, the feeling of lack of air.
Back pain often worsens at night and when the body is in one position for a long time.
What should you do during an exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the chest region?
Aggravation of osteochondrosis can provoke physical overload (sports, hard work), hypothermia, severe stress or fatigue, lifting heavy objects. Acute pain can be accompanied by:
- headache, reminiscent of the intensity of migraine attacks;
- nausea;
- dizziness;
- severe weakness;
- loss of mobility;
- labored breathing.
Back pain that occurs during an exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is difficult to eliminate on your own. You should not choose painkillers without visiting a specialist, as self-medication can provoke serious complications.
The first action in case of acute pain is to call an ambulance or contact a neurologist. With an aggravation of a person, they are admitted to the hospital, and in the hospital they remove the pain syndrome and check the further condition. Analgesics and local anesthetics (injections, tablets, ointments) are used to relieve pain.
General measures of therapyand the rules for the grace period are as follows:
- compliance with bed rest and minimal activity;
- taking only those drugs prescribed by the doctor;
- physical therapy and light self-massage;
- physiotherapy;
- Balanced diet.
If dorsago is caused by an intervertebral hernia, medication, wearing a corset, physiotherapy is indicated, and for large sizes, surgery is the only treatment. It is performed after a complete diagnosis and the exclusion of other pathologies with similar symptoms.
Tactics of treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
With chest lesions, 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 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 are chondroprotectors - preparations based on glucosamine or chondroitin - they 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 both of these compounds.
extraMethods of treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- physiotherapy - shock waves, laser, magnetic, ultraviolet exposure, electrophoresis;
- physiotherapy;
- massage has a warming effect, increases the intensity of metabolism in the paravertebral and articular tissues, reduces the increase in muscle tone;
- acupuncture - acupuncture;
- acupressure - tangible 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 drawn up by the attending physician individually. Gymnastics can be both preventive and therapeutic, designed to strengthen the muscles of the spine and shoulders, restore the natural curves of the spine and help form posture.
You can start doing it only after you have overcome the pain syndrome. All exercises basically have movements that are reminiscent of what a person performs in everyday life, so the muscles are gradually strengthened during training without overloading.
Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis
The nature of the profession often creates conditions for the development of osteochondrosis. It is important that people who are engaged in heavy physical work or who spend the whole working day in a sitting position, monitor their posture and regularly perform exercises to strengthen the back muscles.
It is useful to do a 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 cereals, lean meat and lean fish, dairy products, enough water. It is necessary to maintain normal weight, do not forget moderate physical activity and do not abuse coffee and alcoholic beverages.
The position of the body during sleep is important - you should sleep on your back, on a firm, dense mattress. The discomfort that appears at first disappears as soon as the vertebrae return to the correct position.
Compliance with all preventive recommendations will allow the back to remain healthy, beautiful and live without pain.