Osteochondrosis is a chronic disease of cartilage tissue in which degenerative-dystrophic processes predominate.The disease can affect any joint in the body, but most cases occur in the intervertebral discs.Depending on the location, osteochondrosis of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine is distinguished.The maximum incidence is observed between the ages of 30 and 40, but recently this disease is becoming younger and occurs even in adolescents.Osteochondrosis-like symptoms occur in 50-90% of the population.In the article you will find the key symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis and methods of treating this disease.
Specific details of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is less common than other types.The anatomy of the thoracic spine includes more discs than the lower back and neck combined.However, these discs are inferior in size and thickness.Due to the redistribution of the load on the ribs and sternum, this part of the spine is less mobile.
While in intervertebral osteochondrosis of the lumbar region a more characteristic symptom is pain after excessive and inadequate physical activity, in the thoracic region pain is practically not typical.Very often, symptoms of complications of various diseases of the cardiovascular or respiratory system are observed.
Reasons for development
The most common cause of osteochondrosis is a sedentary lifestyle.Nowadays, people increasingly have to work in front of the computer in the most uncomfortable positions for their backs.In addition, the lack of physical activity affects the state of the muscles on which the state of the intervertebral discs depends.Not only physical inactivity, but also excessive physical activity can lead to osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine;The following risk factors are also identified:
- inheritance;
- various forms of spinal curvature, such as scoliosis, postural disorders;
- sedentary lifestyle, sedentary work;
- excessive physical activity or sudden cessation of active sports;
- spinal injuries;
- bad habits, chronic stress, insomnia;
- overweight, obesity;
- flat feet, prolonged wearing of uncomfortable shoes;
- dystrophic changes associated with the normal aging process of the body.
Recently, there has been a trend towards rejuvenation of the disease.The symptoms of osteochondrosis are diagnosed starting in adolescence.There is a hypothesis that this is due to the large amount of time spent in front of the computer.
Symptoms
The clinical picture of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is quite clear, but it can be hidden under other diseases or their complications: attacks can often resemble myocardial infarction, cholecystitis, pancreatitis or renal colic.Among the most common are:
- the appearance of acute pain after a long stay in a position, often uncomfortable.These pains also appear in response to sudden movements or lifting heavy weights;
- There may not be pain, but rather a feeling of tightness in the chest or back.Difficulty breathing, pain when taking a deep breath in or out;
- Due to the damage caused by osteochondrosis to the nerve roots emerging from the spinal canal, numbness or a tingling sensation may be observed in certain areas of the body;
- there is also a dull pain in or between the shoulder blades, as well as in the shoulder girdle and sternoclavicular joint;
- Coldness of the lower extremities due to blood supply complications.
Some general and non-specific symptoms may occur:
- frequent attacks of intercostal neuralgia;
- of the gastrointestinal tract: nausea, heartburn, bloating, flatulence, constipation or diarrhea.Abdominal pain may occur due to damage to the lower segment of the thoracic spine;
- peeling skin, thin and brittle nails and hair;
- disorders of the reproductive system.
Often, symptoms manifest themselves in the form of vertebral syndromes: dorsago and dorsalgia.These are the main markers of the disease, which often indicate osteochondrosis of this section with 100% probability.
Dorsago
It is characterized by sudden, sharp pain in the thoracic spine.Patients associate it with “dagger” pain, because in most cases it is sharp and unbearable.Most often, the cause of this type of pain is a prolonged sitting position or a prolonged uncomfortable posture.When trying to stand up or adopt a more comfortable position, a person experiences sharp pain or “lumbago”, which can also cause restrictions in movement for some time.
Back pain
This type of pain has a gradual onset with a cumulative effect and can develop over 2-3 weeks.With backgia, persistent pain or discomfort is seen in the location of a specific damaged area of the spine.When changing body position or breathing deeply, the pain increases sharply.There is a tendency for the pain to intensify at night or after physical activity.In the morning, patients usually notice a weakening or even complete disappearance of pain.A short walk also helps.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of any pathology begins with a complete examination of the person and the analysis of his complaints about his condition.For example, in advanced stages, a curvature of the spine usually appears, noticeable from the outside.On the contrary, if posture is disturbed, it should be carefully examined for the presence of osteochondrosis.It is recommended to carefully analyze the patient's hereditary requirements for the development of this pathology.It is necessary to refer the patient for general blood and urine tests.
One of the most necessary stages is radiography of the thoracic spine in several projections, with the help of which it is necessary to analyze osteophytes, their presence and size;evaluate the height of the discs and the presence of changes in them;Size and position of the hernias.
Another x-ray method is discography, which uses a contrast agent.This allows you to evaluate the condition of the nucleus pulposus.Computed tomography can also be used, but due to the high exposure of patients to radiation, it is used in exceptional cases.
Electrocardiography is a mandatory examination method.The symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are extremely similar to the symptoms of myocardial infarction and angina pectoris.
Treatment
To successfully treat spinal osteochondrosis, it is necessary to influence the cause of the disease and not limit yourself only to painkillers or immediately send for surgery.For example, patients with poor mobility will receive completely different treatment methods compared to a patient with a history of spinal injury and its complications.It is also extremely effective to combine therapeutic methods to enhance and consolidate the effect.
medication
In the acute period of the disease, in addition to medications, strict bed rest is recommended.The main groups of drugs for breast osteochondrosis:
- analgesics for the relief of acute pain;
- For some patients, the use of antispasmodics is recommended;
- B complex vitamins;
- chondroprotectors, which require individual selection for each patient, taking into account the features of the development of the disease, as well as the specific features of the development of the body.
Drug therapy is effective only in the early stages of the disease.Also, in the chronic form of osteochondrosis, medications may be prescribed for life or until complete recovery.
exercise therapy
Exercise therapy is therapeutic physical culture.Today there are many useful exercises for the prevention and treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region.These also include breathing exercises.
The basis of exercise treatment for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is the plank.You must start it with a minimum time, increasing it daily to the minimum level.The goal is 1.5 minutes.Also in this position, it is recommended to alternately press your knees to your chest, holding this position for 5 to 10 seconds.It will also be helpful to try hanging from the horizontal bar with the same gradual increase in time.
The exercise therapy method is used outside the acute period of the disease and is one of the most universal methods that can be combined with others.
manual therapy
A manual method of influencing the musculoskeletal system to relieve both chronic and acute pain in the joints and spine.It also helps increase the range of motion of the joints and corrects postural disorders.It is also used to relieve muscle tension.
Manual therapy also helps to improve blood circulation in the intervertebral discs and improve the transport of oxygen from the blood to the tissue and vice versa.In this way, it is possible to eliminate the complications of osteochondrosis associated with damage or compression of blood vessels, as well as lack of oxygen in tissues and organs.
Traditional methods
The advantage of traditional medicine is that its effect has been proven for many years.There are many different ways to treat any illness at home without the risk of side effects.Infusion recipes used for diseases:
- Calendula.Take 100 g of product per 200 ml of normal men's cologne.Add some camphor oil.Leave to infuse in a cool, dark place for two weeks in a tightly closed jar;
- Dandelion.Take dandelion roots, mint leaves, birch buds and coriander fruits, 2 tablespoons each.l.and pour 0.5 cups of boiling water.Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.After this, add 60-70 g of butter and cook for another 20 minutes, then cool.
It is extremely important to rub these decoctions strictly on the affected area of the chest.Rubbing should be done with gentle massaging movements for 5 minutes.Then insulate the friction zone, for example with a sweater.All decoctions are stored in the refrigerator.
Some herbs are not approved for use in the presence of certain diseases, so it is best to consult a specialist.
First aid for exacerbation
First of all, it is necessary to warm up the painful area.But you should only do this with medicinal ointments;Do not use decoctions: there is a possibility of burning your skin.
It is best to do this with a light and warm fabric, for example, a woolen product.Then it is recommended to lie down on a hard surface to correct the uneven position of the body.In a pinch, even the ground will do.In case of exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, a tight bandage is applied to the chest.
During an attack, it is advisable to take a pain reliever, preferably intramuscularly.NSAIDs are used for acute attacks.
If your well-being does not improve within 30-60 minutes, you should call an ambulance and be sure to inform them upon arrival about pain relievers.
Prevention
Prevention is the simplest and least expensive way to maintain health.Each person is exposed to many negative environmental factors every day.If this impact is minimized, the possibility of developing osteochondrosis is reduced to zero.Basic principles for the prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- Lead an active lifestyle.It's easy to overdo it and put even more pressure on your spine.It is better to listen to the needs of the body, start with minimal loads and get used to it little by little.The most optimal thing for this is to run in the morning and swim.
- Be careful of sitting for a long time in the same position.It is better to regularly stretch the joints of the upper shoulder girdle, try to maintain correct posture and relax the shoulders.
- You don't want to skimp on a chair to work sitting down.Make it a special chair that supports the spine well.
- Use orthopedic mattresses and pillows.It is during sleep that the spine is most often deformed, remains in a curved position for a long time, and then disappoints with pain and discomfort throughout the day.These are the initial prerequisites for osteochondrosis.It's better to warn them anyway.
- Avoid carrying heavy objects.Unfortunately, sometimes this is vital.In this case, it is better to ensure an even distribution of weight relative to the body.And try to do everything fluidly, without sudden movements.Otherwise, this can threaten not only osteochondrosis.
- Wear comfortable shoes.In everyday life, heels will only bring health problems.They are best left aside for an evening look.
- Strengthen muscles.Abdominals, lower back, back and spinal muscles.This is the main framework for a healthy back and correct posture.
We must not forget about proper nutrition.The daily menu must meet the needs of each organism and include the maximum amount of vitamins, micro and macroelements.
Conclusions
- Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is a dystrophic-degenerative disease in which deformation and loss of functionality of the vertebral discs occur.
- Thoracic osteochondrosis is less common than other types of this pathology.Recently, the disease is diagnosed not only in older people, but also in adolescents.
- There are many factors in the development of the disease.As a rule, osteochondrosis begins for various reasons.
- Monotherapy is rarely effective.To eliminate the cause and symptoms of the disease, treatment tactics are developed, including taking medications, exercise therapy and other auxiliary procedures.
- Simple prevention can minimize the development of breast osteochondrosis.