Thoracic osteochondrosis of the spinal column is called the progression of damage of the degenerative-dystrophic nature of the tissue structures of the vertebrae, due to which they, as well as intervertebral discs and cartilage tissue, are gradually destroyed. There are other osteochondrosis, for example, cervical or lumbar. Compared to them, the manifestations of thoracic pathology are less frequent, because the spine in this part is less mobile and is additionally attached due to the ribs. However, in some cases, the disease ends even 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 older than 35-40 years.
Due to the peculiarity of its placement, osteochondrosis of the thoracic region has less pronounced symptoms and is a rare occurrence 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 appear both due to lifting heavy objects and wearing heels, as well as due to special physiological conditions, for example, pregnancy, or congenital defects of the feet - flat feet;
- real estate, sedentary work, insufficient physical activity;
- Scoliosisand other types of curvature of the spine in the thoracic part;
- back injury;
- Presence of improper posture;
- Heredity factors;
- High stress.
Thoracic osteochondrosis ends with a strong thinning of the intervertebral discs, the formation of intervertebral hernias, the formation of growths from the connective tissue and the wear and tear of the cartilaginous structures that form the joints of the vertebrae.
The consequences of the pathology often carry additional symptoms, when, for example, spinal canals or blood arteries are compressed. As well as various other manifestations that require additional complex treatment.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
In the thoracic manifestation of the disease, the appearance of symptoms often occurs when the spinal column is loaded, and also because ofsudden movements– when turning or tilting the body.
Most often, there is a feeling of painful dull pain, which is localized between the shoulder blades, accompanied by a feeling that the sternum is squeezed. In the presence of displacement of the lower ribs, they speak of a posterior-costal syndrome, in which the pain manifests itself in the lower part of the chest and the scapular area. In addition, painful sensations often occur if you try to feel the spine where the pathology is present.
Such painful manifestations are usually attributed to one of two types:
- Strong, piercing and sharp pain in the interscapular area, as well as in the ribs. It's calledDorsagoand is characterized by an increase in turns and a change in body position. Usually, such pain is characteristic during exacerbations, symptomatic treatment is required to relieve it.
- Dorsalgiait is called a pain syndrome that appears gradually and 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 the level of the chest. An increase in intensity is noticed if you take a deep breath or bend down. In addition, shortness of breath may be felt, as well as muscle spasms around the affected area. The appearance of symptoms is usually triggered during a long stay in one position, for example, after a night's sleep.
Additional pathological conditions accompanying 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 tendon reflexes. In addition, with osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, nerve endings responsible for the liver, heart, kidneys, lungs and gastrointestinal organs are often pinched, which is why the loss of functionality of these organs and systems is likely. the appearance of corresponding symptoms of heaviness, tightness, pain.
Additional manifestations of the disease often include problems with normal breathing, localized pain sensations:
- In the chest and to the left in the region of the heart;
- Under the ribs on the right or left side, which may cause suspicion of cholecystitis and other diseases;
- In the cavity of the throat, esophagus, stomach and intestines.
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis
In case of 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, namely creams, ointments, plasters;
- Muscle relaxation with severe spasms;
- vitamins;
- Antidepressants.
To stop the progression of the disease, various physiotherapy procedures, adjustment of diet and vitamin intake are used. Some doctors supplement the treatment with drugs calledchondroprotectors. They are attributed the properties of restoring destroyed cartilage and bones. However, the effectiveness of such means 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 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 strengthen the muscles of the back and thoracic part, and restore the mobility of the vertebrae. With the help of gymnastics, treatment and prevention of diseases are carried out, and a specific complex is chosen by the doctor. It is worth remembering that you can start the exercises only after the symptoms of pain have stopped, and if pain appears during the procedure, its intensity should be reduced.
- Massages that help stretch the spine, intensify the metabolism of materials in the vertebrae and their surrounding elements.
- Special diets to make up for the lack of substances needed to restore cartilage tissue structures.
What to do with deterioration?
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is a chronic disease, so it is characterized by periods of deterioration. This usually happens after serious physical exertion in the gym or at work, severe stress, accumulated fatigue. Additional symptoms are possible at this time:
- Headache bordering on migraine;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- dizziness;
- severe weakness;
- Difficulty breathing;
- Movement restrictions.
Severe pain in the spine, related to the dorsago, with exacerbation, can hardly be stopped on its own. In addition, choosing a strong painkiller on your own is fraught with serious side effects, additional complications and treatment. Therefore, it is important to seek medical help in such a period, if it is not possible to visit a neurologist yourself, then you must call an ambulance. Painful symptoms are well removed in the hospital, by intramuscular injection of analgesics and simultaneous use of local anesthesia.
If osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is in an acute phase, the following treatment rules should be followed:
- It is necessary to stay in bed, as much as possible to relieve the spinal column;
- Medicines for admission should be taken only as prescribed by the doctor;
- You can only go to physiotherapy with a doctor's permission;
- 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 surgery, which is prescribed individually based on the results of the diagnosis.
Prevention
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine often occurs in people of certain professions, therefore all those who, on the one hand, are engaged in heavy work related to lifting weights, on the other hand, are very inactive during the work process, should be careful. to their posture, they occasionally strengthen the back muscles and provide useful motor activity to the vertebrae. Therefore, the prevention of osteochondrosis involves performing physical training several times a day. Don't be a redundant and independent massage.
Besides, it is important to changedietexclude products whose components lead to degenerative processes and increased wear of cartilage and bones. In the diet, the amount of salty, sweet, spicy, hot and fried foods should be reduced. Food should be chosen naturally, without 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 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 located. To reduce discomfort during sleep, it is better to use an individually selected onepillow and orthopedic mattress.
Carrying out these measures will help to avoid the appearance of symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis and avoid long-term treatment.