In osteochondrosis, the bone and cartilaginous tissue of the vertebrae of the cervical, lumbar or thoracic spine is affected. The pathology often leads to disability, and in advanced cases, for example, with the formation of an intervertebral hernia, it requires surgical intervention. In this material, we will describe in detail osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, its symptoms and treatment.
Thoracic osteochondrosis - what is it?
Osteochondrosis of the chest 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 parts, the thoracic part 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, accompanying injuries, the risk of developing osteochondrosis in the thoracic spine is high.
Risk factors are:
- heavy loads on the back - lifting weights, pregnancy, wearing high heels, flat feet;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- rachiocampsis;
- back injury;
- improper 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 cartilage membrane of the spine joints, pathological growth of bone tissue, growths - osteophytes are formed on it.
As a consequence 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 intervertebral hernia.
Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis, photo
With osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, symptoms often appear and intensify under the influence of load, with sudden movements, for example, when turning the trunk, leaning.
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, then there is a syndrome of the posterior rib, when a sharp pain is felt in the scapula and the lower part of the chest.
When probing the spine in the area of the affected vertebrae, local pain is felt - at the point of exposure.
Compression of nerve fibers causes symptoms such as impaired sensitivity at the ends of pinched nerves, changes in tendon reflexes (knee and heel).
There may be a malfunction in the work of internal organs, because the nerve roots located in the vertebrae of the thoracic region are responsible for the work of the liver, heart, kidneys, lungs, pancreas and intestines.
Other possible manifestations of osteochondrosis are sexual dysfunction, difficulty breathing, as well as pain localized in that area:
- mammary glands;
- chest and heart;
- hypochondrium - left or right;
- stomach and intestines;
- esophagus and pharynx.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic vertebrae manifests itself in two types of pain:
- Dorsago - pronounced, piercing, sharp pain between the shoulder blades and in the ribs, which is aggravated by an attempt to turn or change the position of the body. This symptomatology appears during the worsening of the disease.
- Dorsalgia - appears gradually and lasts 1-3 weeks. The pain is dull, unexpressed and localized in the spinal column at the level of the thoracic part, the intensity increases with a deep breath, tilting. It is accompanied by a muscle spasm above and below the painful area, a feeling of lack of air.
Dorsalgia often worsens 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 overload (sports, hard work), hypothermia, severe stress or fatigue, lifting heavy objects. Acute pain may be accompanied by:
- headache, which resembles the intensity of a migraine attack;
- nausea;
- dizziness;
- severe weakness;
- loss of mobility;
- difficulty breathing.
Dorsago pain that occurs during the 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 cause serious complications.
The first action in case of acute pain is to call an ambulance or consult a neurologist. In case of exacerbation, the person is hospitalized and in the hospital the pain syndrome is eliminated and the further condition is controlled. Analgesics and local anesthetics (injections, tablets, ointments) are used for pain relief.
General measures of therapyand the rules for the deterioration period are as follows:
- observing bed rest and minimal activity;
- taking only those medicines prescribed by the doctor;
- physical therapy and light self-massage;
- physiotherapy;
- a balanced diet.
If the dorsago is caused by an intervertebral hernia, taking medication, wearing a corset, physiotherapy is indicated, and for large sizes, the only treatment is surgery. It is carried out after thorough diagnosis and exclusion of other pathologies with similar symptoms.
Treatment tactics for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
In the case of lesions of the chest, as well as in the case of osteochondrosis of the cervicothoracic spine, the treatment is symptomatic. Of the medicines, the following are prescribed:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- Analgesics, which can also be from the NSAID group;
- Topical pain relievers in the form of gels, creams, ointments and plasters;
- 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 - contribute to the renewal of cartilage tissue and are taken for a long time, in courses of six months or more.
The most effective means that includes both of these compounds.
AdditionallyMethods 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 paravertebral and joint tissues, reduces increased 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 drawn up by the doctor 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 in the formation of posture.
You can start doing this only after you overcome the pain syndrome. All exercises basically have movements that resemble those that a person performs in everyday life, so muscles gradually strengthen during exercise without overexertion.
Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis
The nature of the profession often creates conditions for the development of osteochondrosis. For people who engage in heavy physical work or who spend the entire working day in a sitting position, it is important to monitor their posture and regularly perform exercises to strengthen the back muscles.
It is useful to warm up and self-massage several times during the working day.
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 grains, lean meat and lean fish, dairy products, 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 thick, hard mattress. The discomfort that occurs at the beginning 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.