With osteochondrosis, the bone and cartilage tissue of the vertebrae of the cervical, lumbar or thoracic spine is affected. Pathology often causes disability, and in advanced cases, for example, with the formation of an intervertebral hernia, surgical intervention is required. In this material, we will describe in detail about osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, its symptoms and treatment.
Thoracic osteochondrosis - what is it?
Thoracic osteochondrosis - degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spinal column of the spine with the destruction of joints, intervertebral discs and cartilage. Compared to the cervical and lumbar regions, the thoracic region is less mobile and more stable due to its connection with the ribs.
As a result, it is less sensitive to external influences. However, with sedentary work, weak spinal muscles, accompanying injuries, the risk of developing osteochondrosis in the thoracic spine is high.
Risk factors include:
- high loads on the back - weight lifting, pregnancy, wearing high-heeled shoes, flat feet;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- rachiocampis;
- back injury;
- incorrect posture;
- hereditary tendency;
- nervous tension.
The development of thoracic osteochondrosis leads to thinning of the discs between the vertebrae, the appearance of intervertebral hernia, erosion of the cartilage membrane of the joints of the spine, pathological growth of bone tissue, growths - formed on 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 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.
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, sharp pain is felt in the scapula and lower chest, then there is posterior costal syndrome.
During examination of the spine in the area of the affected vertebra, local pain is felt - at the site of exposure.
Compression of nerve fibers causes symptoms such as loss of sensitivity at the ends of compressed nerves, changes in tendon reflexes (knee and heel).
There may be a malfunction of the internal organs, because 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 in the thoracic vertebrae is manifested by two types of pain:
- Dorsago - sharp, piercing, 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 the exacerbation of the disease.
- Dorsalgia - appears gradually and lasts 1-3 weeks. The pain is dull, non-expressive and localized at the level of the thoracic region in the spine, increases in intensity with deep breathing and bending. It is accompanied by muscle spasm above and below the painful area, 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 to do during exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region?
Exacerbation of osteochondrosis can be caused by physical exertion (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;
- shortness of breath.
It is difficult to self-remove Dorsago pains that occur during exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. You should not choose painkillers without consulting a specialist, because self-medication can cause serious complications.
In case of acute pain, the first action is to call an ambulance or contact a neurologist. With an exacerbation, a person is admitted to the hospital, and in the hospital they eliminate the pain syndrome and monitor the subsequent condition. Analgesics and local anesthetics (injections, tablets, ointments) are used to relieve pain.
General therapy measuresand the rules of the aggravating period are as follows:
- compliance with bed rest and minimal activity;
- take only medicines prescribed by a doctor;
- physical therapy and light self-massage;
- physiotherapy;
- balanced diet.
If dorsago is caused by an intervertebral hernia, drugs are indicated, wearing a corset, physiotherapy, and in large cases surgery is the only treatment. It is carried out after a comprehensive diagnosis and exclusion of other pathologies with similar symptoms.
Treatment tactics of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
With lesions of the chest, as in osteochondrosis of the cervicothoracic spine, treatment is symptomatic. The following drugs are prescribed:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- Analgesics, which may also be from the NSAID group;
- Topical pain relievers in the form of gels, creams, ointments and patches;
- Muscle relaxants for spasm of back muscles;
- vitamin and mineral complexes that help restore ligaments and bone tissue;
- Antidepressants.
An important component of treatment is chondroprotectors - preparations based on glucosamine or chondroitin - which help to restore cartilage tissue and are taken for a long time, in courses of six months or more.
The most effective means that contain both of these compounds.
AdditionalMethods of treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- physiotherapy - shock wave, laser, magnet, ultraviolet exposure, electrophoresis;
- physiotherapy;
- massage has a warming effect, increases the intensity of metabolism in paravertebral and articular tissues, reduces increased muscle tone;
- acupuncture - acupuncture;
- acupressure - effect of touch 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 designed individually by the attending physician. Gymnastics can be both preventive and curative, 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 this only after you have eliminated the pain syndrome. All the exercises have movements that are basically reminiscent of the movements that a person does in everyday life, so the muscles are gradually strengthened during the exercise without excessive strain.
Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis
The nature of the profession often creates conditions for the development of osteochondrosis. For people who are engaged in heavy physical labor or who spend the whole working day in a sitting position, it is important to monitor their posture and regularly do exercises to strengthen the back muscles.
During the working day, it is useful to warm up several times, 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, and enough water. It is necessary to maintain a normal 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 - you should sleep on your back on a hard mattress. The discomfort that occurs at the beginning disappears as soon as the vertebra returns to the correct position.
Compliance with all preventive recommendations will allow the back to remain healthy, beautiful and live without pain.