With osteochondrosis, the bones and cartilage tissue 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 in detail about osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, its symptoms and treatment in this material.
Thoracic osteochondrosis - what is it?
Thoracic osteochondrosis is degenerative-dystrophic changes in the vertebrae of the thoracic spine with destruction of joints, intervertebral discs and cartilage. Compared to the cervical and lumbar regions, the thoracic region is not as mobile and, due to its connection with the ribs, is more durable.
As a result, it is less susceptible to external influences. But with sedentary work, weak back muscles, simultaneous injuries, the risk of developing osteochondrosis in the thoracic spine is high.
The risk factors are:
- high loads on the back - weight lifting, pregnancy, wearing high heels, flat feet;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- rachiocampsis;
- back injury;
- incorrect posture;
- hereditary disposition;
- nervous tension.
The development of thoracic osteochondrosis leads to thinning of the discs between the vertebrae, the appearance of an intervertebral hernia, wear of the cartilage membrane in the joints of the spine, pathological growth of bone tissue, outgrowths - osteophytes are formed 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 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 torso, tilting.
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, there is a posterior costal syndrome, when a sharp pain is felt in the scapula 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 decreased sensitivity at the ends of pinched nerves, changes in tendon reflexes (knee and heel).
There may be a malfunction in the functioning of internal organs, as the nerve roots located in the vertebrae in 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 and pain localized 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, aggravated by trying to turn or change the position of the body. This symptomatology occurs during exacerbations of the disease.
- Dorsalgia - appears gradually and lasts 1-3 weeks. The pain is dull, unexpressed and localized in the spine at the level of the thoracic region, its intensity increases with a deep breath, tilt. She is accompanied by muscle spasms 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 an exacerbation of osteochondrosis in the thoracic region?
Exacerbation of osteochondrosis can provoke physical overload (sports, hard work), hypothermia, severe stress or fatigue, lifting heavy objects. Acute pain may be accompanied by:
- headache that resembles the intensity of a migraine attack;
- nausea;
- dizziness;
- severe weakness;
- loss of mobility;
- labored breathing.
Dorsago pain that occurs during an exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is difficult to eliminate alone. You should not choose painkillers without visiting a specialist, as self-medication can provoke serious complications.
The first action in case of acute pain is to call an ambulance or contact a neurologist. With an aggravation of a person, they are admitted and in a hospital they remove the pain syndrome and control the further condition. Analgesics and local anesthetics (injections, tablets, ointments) are used to relieve pain.
General goals of therapyand the rules for the aggravation period are as follows:
- adherence to bed rest and minimal activity;
- take only the medicines prescribed by the doctor;
- physiotherapy and light self-massage;
- physical therapy;
- balanced diet.
If dorsago is caused by an intervertebral hernia, medicine is indicated, wearing the corset, physiotherapy, and for large sizes surgery is the only treatment. It is carried out after a thorough diagnosis and exclusion of other pathologies with similar symptoms.
Tactics for the treatment of osteochondrosis in the thoracic region
With lesions of the thorax, as in the case of osteochondrosis of the cervicothoracic spine, the treatment is symptomatic. Of medicines are prescribed:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- Analgesics, which can also be from the NSAID group;
- Local pain relievers in the form of gels, creams, ointments and plasters;
- Muscle relaxants for back muscle spasms;
- 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 - 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 remedy that includes both of these compounds.
Additionalmethods of treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- physiotherapy - shock wave, laser, magnetic, ultraviolet exposure, electrophoresis;
- physical therapy;
- massage has a warming effect, increases the intensity of metabolism in paravertebral and articular 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 training program is put together by the attending physician individually. Gymnastics can be both preventive and therapeutic, designed to strengthen the back and shoulder muscles, restore the natural curves of the spine and help with the formation of posture.
You can start doing it only after overcoming the pain syndrome. All exercises basically have movements that are similar to those a person performs in everyday life, so that the muscles are gradually strengthened during training without overloading.
Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis
The nature of the profession often creates conditions for the development of osteochondrosis. It is important for people involved in heavy physical work or who spend the whole working day in a sitting position to monitor their posture and regularly perform exercises to strengthen the back muscles.
It is useful to do a warm-up several times 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 food without preservatives and dyes, vegetables, fruits, cereals and other cereal products, 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 must sleep on your back, on a firm 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.