With osteochondrosis, the bones and cartilage tissue 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 a degenerative-dystrophic change in the vertebrae of the thoracic spine with destruction of the joints, intervertebral discs and cartilage. Compared with the cervical and lumbar regions, the thoracic region is less mobile, and because of its connection to 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.
The risk factors are:
- high load on the back - heavy lifting, pregnancy, wearing high heels, flat feet;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- rachiocampsis;
- back injury;
- wrong posture;
- hereditary tendencies;
- nervous tension.
The development of thoracic osteochondrosis leads to thinning of the discs between the vertebrae, the appearance of an intervertebral hernia, abrasion of the cartilage membrane of the joints of the spine, pathological growth of bone tissue, growths - osteophytes are formed on it.
As a result of these changes, compression of blood vessels and nerve fibers, damage to the spinal cord (myeloischemia, myelopathy) can occur. Another serious complication of this disease is an intervertebral hernia.
Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis, photo
With osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, symptoms often appear and increase under the influence of loads, with sudden movements, for example, when turning the torso, tilting.
This can be a dull ache or 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 posterior costal syndrome, when a sharp pain is felt in the scapula and lower chest.
When examining the spine in the affected area of the spine, local pain is felt - at the site of exposure.
Nerve fiber compression causes symptoms such as impaired sensitivity to pinched nerve endings, changes in tendon reflexes (knee and heel).
There may be a malfunction of the internal organs, since the nerve roots located in the spine 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, difficulty breathing, as well as localized pain in the area:
- mammary gland;
- 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 twist or change the position of the body. These symptoms occur during an exacerbation of the disease.
- Dorsalgia - appears gradually and lasts 1-3 weeks. The pain is dull, inexpressible and localized in the spine at the level of the thoracic region, its intensity increases with deep breaths, obliquely. He is accompanied by muscle spasms above and below the painful area, a feeling of lack of air.
Dorsalgia often gets 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, reminiscent of the intensity of a migraine attack;
- nauseous;
- dizzy;
- severe weakness;
- loss of mobility;
- hard to breathe.
Back pain that occurs during an exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is difficult to get rid of on its own. You should not choose painkillers without visiting a specialist, as self-medication can provoke serious complications.
The first course of action in case of acute pain is to call an ambulance or call a neurologist. With an exacerbation of a person, they are hospitalized and in the hospital they get rid of the pain syndrome and further control the condition. To relieve pain, analgesics and local anesthetics (injections, tablets, ointments) are used.
General steps of therapyand the terms of the aggravation 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 the dorsago is caused by an intervertebral hernia, treatment is indicated, wearing a corset, physiotherapy, and in large cases, surgery is the only treatment. It is carried out after a thorough diagnosis and exclusion of other pathologies with similar symptoms.
Tactics of treating osteochondrosis in the thoracic region
With thoracic lesions, as in the case of osteochondrosis of the cervicothoracic spine, the treatment is symptomatic. Of the prescribed drugs:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- Analgesics, which can also be from the NSAID group;
- Local painkillers in the form of gels, creams, ointments and patches;
- Muscle relaxants for back muscle spasms;
- A complex of vitamins and minerals that help restore ligaments and bone tissue;
- Antidepressants.
An important component of treatment is 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 way, which includes these two compounds.
Additionmethods of treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- physiotherapy - shock waves, lasers, magnets, ultraviolet exposure, electrophoresis;
- physiotherapy;
- massage has a warming effect, increases the intensity of metabolism in the paravertebral and articular tissues, reduces the increase in 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 prepared by the attending physician individually. Gymnastics can be both preventive and therapeutic, designed to strengthen the spine and shoulder muscles, restore the natural curve of the spine, and aid in posture formation.
You can start doing it only after overcoming the pain syndrome. All exercises basically have movements that are reminiscent of the movements a person performs in everyday life, so that the muscles gradually strengthen during the exercise without straining too much.
Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis
The nature of the profession often creates conditions for the development of osteochondrosis. It is important for people who do strenuous physical work or who spend the entire working day in a seated position to monitor their posture and regularly perform exercises to strengthen the back muscles.
It is useful to 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 foods without preservatives and colorants, vegetables, fruits, cereals and other cereals, lean meats and lean fish, dairy products, sufficient water. It is important to maintain a normal weight, do not forget about moderate physical activity and do not abuse coffee and alcoholic beverages.
Body position during sleep is important - you should sleep on your back, on a firm firm mattress. The discomfort that occurs initially disappears as soon as the spine returns to the correct position.
Adherence to all preventive recommendations will allow the back to remain healthy, beautiful and live a pain-free life.