Osteochondrosis is called damage to the bones and cartilage of various parts of the spine. In this article, we will consider the features of this defect, in a situation where it occurs in the thoracic region, its main symptoms and treatment.
Thoracic osteochondrosis of the spinal column is called the progression of damage to the degenerative-dystrophic nature of the tissue structures of the vertebrae, because of which they, as well as intervertebral discs and cartilage tissue, are gradually destroyed. There are also other osteochondrosis, for example, cervical or lumbar. Compared with them, the manifestations of thoracic pathology are more rare, since the spine in this part has less mobility and is additionally fastened due to the ribs. However, in some cases, the disease even ends with disability, this happens as a result of the formation of intervertebral hernias. The only effective treatment in this case will be surgery. Most often, the disease affects people over the age of 35-40 years.
Due to the peculiarities of placement, osteochondrosis of the thoracic region has less pronounced symptoms and is less likely to occur due to external influences. The main risk of developing pathology is a sedentary lifestyle, which greatly weakens the muscular skeleton of the back. The main causes of the disease are:
- Back overload, which can occur both due to lifting heavy objects and wearing heels, and due to special physiological conditions, such as pregnancy, or congenital foot defects - flat feet;
- immobility, sedentary work, insufficient physical activity;
- Scoliosisand other types of curvature of the spine in the thoracic region;
- back injury;
- The presence of incorrect posture;
- Factors of heredity;
- Strong stress.
Thoracic osteochondrosis ends with a strong thinning of the intervertebral discs, the formation of intervertebral hernias, the formation of outgrowths from the connective tissue, and the wear of the cartilaginous structures that form the vertebral joints.
The consequences of the pathology often carry additional symptoms, when, for example, compression of the spinal canals or blood arteries occurs. As well as various other manifestations that require additional complex treatment.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
With the chest manifestation of the disease, the onset of symptoms often occurs when the spinal column is loaded, and also due tosudden movements– when turning or tilting the body.
Most often, there is a feeling of aching dull pain, which is localized between the shoulder blades, it is accompanied by a feeling that the sternum is squeezed. In the presence of a displacement of the lower ribs, they speak of a posterior costal syndrome, in which pain manifests itself in the lower chest and scapular area. In addition, painful sensations often occur if you try to feel the spine where pathology is present.
Such painful manifestations are usually attributed to one of two types:
- Severe, penetrating and sharp pain in the interscapular zone, as well as in the ribs. It is calledDorsagoand is characterized by an increase in turns and changes in body position. Usually, such pain is characteristic during exacerbations; symptomatic treatment is required for its relief.
- Dorsalgiacalled a gradually appearing pain syndrome that lasts 7-20 days. The nature of the pain in this case is dull and mild, the place of manifestation is in the spine at chest level. An increase in intensity is noted if you take a deep breath or bend over. In addition, shortness of breath may be felt, as well as spasms in the muscles around the affected area. The onset of a symptom is usually provoked during a long stay in one position, for example, after a night's sleep.
Additional pathological conditions that accompany thoracic osteochondrosis will depend on the depth of their manifestation. For example, in a situation where they are strongly squeezednerve endingspassing through the vertebrae, there will be a loss of sensation, which may affect the tendon reflexes. In addition, with osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, pinching of the nerve endings responsible for the liver, heart, kidneys, lungs, and gastrointestinal organs often occurs, as a result of which some loss of the functionality of these organs and systems is likely with the appearance of corresponding symptoms of heaviness, tightness, pain.
Among the additional manifestations of the disease, there are often problems with normal breathing, localized pain sensations:
- In the chest and on the left in the region of the heart;
- Under the ribs on the right or left, which may raise suspicions of cholecystitis and other diseases;
- In the cavity of the throat, esophagus, stomach and intestines.
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis
With osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, symptomatic treatment is prescribed, in other words, it depends on which symptoms are most pronounced. For this purpose, the doctor prescribes the following drugs:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- Analgesics;
- Local anesthetics, which are creams, ointments, patches;
- Relaxing muscles with severe spasms;
- vitamins;
- Antidepressants.
To stop the progress of the disease, various physiotherapy procedures are used, as well as dietary adjustments and vitamin intake. Some doctors supplement treatment with drugs calledchondroprotectors. They are credited with the properties of restoring destroyed cartilage and bones. However, the effectiveness of such funds has no serious evidence, at the same time, their course lasts from 6 months and can be quite expensive. Based on this, the intake of these drugs must be agreed with the doctor, but it is better to get advice from several specialists.
As an additional treatment aimed at preventing pathology in the future, physiotherapy is used to promote the treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region. Most often used:
- Shock wave, laser and magnetic therapy, as well as ultraviolet and electrophoresis.
- Complexes of physiotherapy exercises. Osteochondrosis is very effectively treated with the help of gymnastic exercises. Usually, the whole set of exercises is repeated several times a day, which helps to strengthen the muscles of the back and thoracic region, and restore the mobility of the vertebrae. With the help of gymnastics, both treatment and prevention of the disease are carried out, a specific complex is selected by the attending physician. It is worth remembering that you can start the exercises only after the pain symptoms have stopped, and if any pain occurs during the procedure, its intensity should be reduced.
- Massages that help stretch the spine, intensify the material metabolism in the vertebrae and their surrounding elements.
- Special diets to compensate for the lack of substances necessary for the restoration of cartilage tissue structures.
What to do with an exacerbation?
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is a chronic disease, so it is characterized by periods when it worsens. This usually happens after serious physical exertion in the gym or at work, severe stress, accumulated fatigue. At this point, additional symptoms are likely:
- Headache bordering on migraine;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- dizziness;
- severe weakness;
- Difficulty breathing;
- Movement restrictions.
Severe pain in the spine, related to dorsago, with an exacerbation, can hardly be stopped on its own. In addition, the independent choice of a strong painkiller is fraught with serious side effects, additional complications and treatment. Therefore, it is important to seek medical help during such a period, if it is not possible to visit a neurologist yourself, then you need to call an ambulance. Pain symptoms are well removed in a hospital, by intramuscular injection of analgesics and the simultaneous use of local anesthesia.
If osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is in the acute stage, then the following treatment rules should be observed:
- It is necessary to stay in bed, unloading the spinal column as much as possible;
- Medications for admission should be taken only those prescribed by a doctor;
- You can go to physiotherapy only with the permission of the doctor;
- The diet should be adjusted.
In the presence of a herniated disc, additional drug therapy is prescribed, as well as wearing a corset. If the hernia is large, then the only effective method of therapy will be to perform an operation, which is prescribed individually based on the results of the diagnosis.
Prevention
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine often appears in people of certain professions, therefore, all those who, on the one hand, are engaged in heavy work associated with lifting weights, on the other hand, are very inactive during the work process, should be attentive to their posture, periodically strengthen their back musclesand give useful motor activity to the vertebrae. Thus, the prevention of osteochondrosis involves performing a physical workout several times a day. Do not be superfluous and independent massage.
In addition, it is important to changedietto exclude products whose components lead to degenerative processes and increased wear of cartilage and bones. The diet should minimize the amount of salty, sweet, spices, spicy, fried. Food should be chosen natural, in which there are no preservatives and dyes. The priority is vegetables, fruits, cereals, lean meat and fish, dairy products. To speed up salt metabolism, adults should drink at least two liters of fluid per day. It is better to refuse alcohol and coffee. In addition, it is important to prevent the appearance of excess body weight, which increases the load on the vertebrae.
Another factor that helps prevent osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is healthy sleep. By "healthy" in this case, we mean the position in which the body is. To minimize discomfort during sleep, it is better to use an individually selectedpillow and orthopedic mattress.
The implementation of these measures will help to avoid the onset of symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis and avoid long-term treatment.