With osteochondrosis, the bone and cartilage 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 osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, its symptoms and treatment in detail in this material.
Thoracic osteochondrosis - what is it?
Thoracic osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic change 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 so mobile, and due to its connection with the ribs, it is more durable.
As a result, it is less susceptible to external influences. However, with sedentary work, weak spinal muscles, concomitant injuries, the risk of developing osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is high.
The risk factors are:
- high loads on the back - weightlifting, pregnancy, wearing 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 intervertebral hernia, abrasion of the cartilaginous membrane of the joints of the spine, pathological growth of bone tissue, growths - osteophytesform on it.
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 chest osteochondrosis, photo
With osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, symptoms often appear and intensify under the influence of loads, with sudden movements, for example, when rotating the torso, tilting.
It may be a dull or aching pain that occurs between the shoulder blades, along with a feeling of tightness in the chest. If the lower ribs are displaced, then there is a posterior rib syndrome, when sharp pain is felt in the shoulder blade and lower chest.
When probing 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 to pinched nerve endings, 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 thoracic region are responsible for the functioning of the liver, heart, kidneys, lungs, pancreas and intestines.
Other possible manifestations of osteochondrosis are sexual dysfunction, breathing difficulties, 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 vertebrae is manifested by two types of pain:
- Dorsago - a pronounced, piercing, sharp pain between the shoulder blades and in the ribs, worse when trying to turn or change the position of the body. This symptomatology occurs during exacerbations of the disease.
- Back pain - appears gradually and lasts 1-3 weeks. The pain is dull, inexpressible and localized in the spine in the chest region, its intensity increases with deep breathing, tilting. It is accompanied by muscle spasms above and below the painful area, a feeling of lack of air.
Back pain is often worse at night and when the body is in the same position for a long time.
What to do during an exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the chest region?
Exacerbation of osteochondrosis can cause physical overload (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;
- 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 consulting a specialist, since self-medication can cause 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 he eliminates the pain syndrome and controls the subsequent condition. To relieve pain, analgesics and local anesthetics (injections, tablets, ointments) are used.
General therapy measuresand the rules of the aggravation period are as follows:
- compliance with bed rest and minimal activity;
- take only medications prescribed by the doctor;
- physiotherapy and light self-massage;
- physiotherapy;
- Balanced diet.
If the dorsago is caused by an intervertebral hernia, medication is indicated, wearing a corset, physiotherapy, and for large sizes, surgery is the only treatment. It is carried out after a thorough diagnosis and the exclusion of other pathologies with similar symptoms.
Tactics of treatment of osteochondrosis of the chest region
With lesions of the chest, as in the case of osteochondrosis of the cervico-thoracic spine, treatment is symptomatic. Among the drugs are prescribed:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- Analgesics, which may also belong to the group of NSAIDs;
- Local analgesics 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.
An important element 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 includes these two 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 the paravertebral and articular 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 developed individually by the attending physician. 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 in the formation of posture.
You can start doing this only after overcoming the pain syndrome. All exercises basically have movements reminiscent of those that a person performs in everyday life, so that the muscles gradually strengthen during exercise without overexertion.
Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis
The nature of the profession often creates favorable conditions for the development of osteochondrosis. It is important for people who perform heavy physical labor or spend all day working in a seated position to monitor their posture and regularly perform exercises to strengthen the back muscles.
It is useful to do several warm-ups 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 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 weight, not to forget about moderate physical activity and not to abuse coffee and alcoholic beverages.
The position of the body during sleep is important - you need to sleep on your back, on a hard, dense mattress. The discomfort that initially arises 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.