Osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine characterized by the development of degenerative-dystrophic changes in bone and cartilage tissue in one or more parts. The development of thoracic osteochondrosis is much less common than similar manifestations of the cervical and lumbar spine. This is due to the peculiarities of the anatomical structure of the middle part of the human back, where the mobility of the vertebrae is somewhat limited. This significantly reduces the likelihood of injury. A few decades ago, this type of osteochondrosis was more common in older people. Today, the disease affects both younger men and women. Children are no exception.
Description
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a disease of the skeletal system characterized by damage to the intervertebral discs and vertebrae and their degenerative changes. In the first stage of the disease, the manifestations are mild, which hinders early diagnosis. However, the disease progresses over time.
Gradually, the tape apparatus also takes part in the process. Somewhat less often, complications develop, which are manifested in the atrophy of muscle tissue and are accompanied by a decrease in the sensitivity of the internal organs and functional disorders.
In advanced cases, in the case of thoracic osteochondrosis, cartilage and bones break down. At the same time, premature aging of the locomotor system is detected.
In the background of this disease, diseases such as:
- prostatitis;
- pneumosclerosis;
- atrophy of the organs of the reproductive system, which often leads to infertility;
- arteriosclerosis;
- cancerous tumors.
According to medical statistics, thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine occurs equally in men and women.
Symptoms of the disease
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine has many features, among which are the following:
- chest pain that occurs when the body is often and for a long time in one position;
- pain syndrome with increased physical effort, for example, when lifting weights;
- the occurrence of difficulty in inhalation and exhalation, accompanied by a feeling of tightness in the middle of the back;
- constant aching pain in shoulder blades;
- numbness in certain parts of the body;
- intermittent long-lasting cold feeling, accompanied by chills;
- a decrease in body temperature in the legs;
- itching and burning in the lower limbs.
In the case of impaired functions of the vascular system of the thoracic spine, patients have a number of characteristic symptoms:
- peeling of the skin;
- thin and brittle nails;
- abdominal pain, bloating;
- stool disorders, in which bouts of diarrhea may be replaced by constipation;
- nausea, heartburn;
- symptoms of intercostal neuralgia;
- decreased sexual activity.
In case of thoracic osteochondrosis, there are two types of pain syndrome:
- Dorsalgia (dorsalgia).
- Dorsago (codfish).
The first is characterized by long-lasting pain in the area of damage to the vertebrae and intervertebral discs. The second is intense paroxysmal pain of an acute nature, accompanied by a feeling of muscle stiffness and difficulty breathing.
One of the complications accompanying osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is gastritis, or rather its exacerbation, which is characterized by pain in the epigastric region.
Causes of osteochondrosis
The development of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is due to pathological changes occurring in the intervertebral discs. The causes of this disease can be:
- hereditary predisposition;
- hernia, disc deformities;
- formation of osteophytes;
- cartilage destruction;
- insufficient blood supply of the spinal canal, which developed as a result of compression of the leading vessels and arteries;
- degeneration of bones, cartilage and muscle tissue caused by improperly distributed load on the spine;
- metabolic disorders caused by a lack of calcium in the body.
Pathological changes are caused by the following factors:
- lifting heavy objects;
- sedentary work;
- long stay in one position;
- uneven load on the spine;
- spinal cord injury;
- scoliosis.
Thoracic osteochondrosis is often diagnosed in professionals involved in strength sports.
Diagnostics
Thoracic osteochondrosis requires mandatory diagnosis and differentiation from other diseases with similar symptoms. During a comprehensive examination, the following are excluded:
- angina;
- myocardial infarction;
- pneumonia;
- pathology with gastric symptoms.
In this way, a misdiagnosis can be avoided. The patient's condition is assessed based on the anamnesis, taking into account all the symptoms of the disease and the patient's complaints.
To confirm the diagnosis, clarify the location of the affected areas, and identify benign tumors and cancerous tumors, progressive instrumental methods are used:
- radiography;
- CT;
- MRI.
Blood and urine tests are prescribed to determine the extent of the inflammatory process in osteochondrosis.
Treatment
The treatment regimen for thoracic osteochondrosis is developed individually. Chondrosis refers to those diseases that can cause disruption of the internal organs, so it must be treated.
In this case, an integrated approach is needed. Medical therapy is mandatory.
Conservative treatment
Patients are prescribed pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs. With the help of these drugs, the mobility of the vertebrae in the chest region is ensured by relieving pain and reducing inflammation. Acute manifestations are quickly stopped by injection.
At the same time, chondroprotectors, minerals and vitamin complexes are prescribed to improve the condition of bones and cartilage.
The removal of muscle spasms is provided by muscle relaxants.
In order to speed up the effect, therapeutic ointments and creams intended for external use can be used.
Patients undergo paravertebral blocks to reduce pain. Injection solutions contain corticosteroids and antiseptics.
Thoracic osteochondrosis cannot be cured by medication alone. We are talking about measures such as lifestyle correction, proper nutrition, massage, exercise therapy and other methods. Speeding up the healing process is entirely possible if the treatment regimen also includes physiotherapy procedures: magnetic, laser, vacuum therapy, traction method, etc.
In case of ineffectiveness of drug treatment, patients may be prescribed surgery. Sometimes surgery is the only option. The absolute indication for surgery is spinal instability, canal narrowing or spinal hernia.
Organizing proper nutrition
In case of osteochondrosis, a salt-free diet is provided. In addition, spicy, fatty, fried foods, smoked meats, alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee should be excluded; limit the use of sugar, spices and mayonnaise.
Otherwise, the diet should be as balanced as possible and should contain all the vitamins and minerals aimed at improving the functioning of the musculoskeletal system.
The daily menu should include foods with a high calcium and phosphorus content. This list includes cottage cheese, hard cheeses, milk, low-fat seafood and meat. Vegetables, fruits and any greens will be useful.
exercise therapy
The complex of physiotherapy exercises includes special exercises aimed at increasing the mobility of the problem area of the spine, removing unnecessary stress from certain elements of the skeletal system, and eliminating muscle spasms in the neck and chest region.
To perform the exercises, you will need a gymnastic stick and a mat. Clothing should be as comfortable as possible and should not restrict movement.
Before starting the lessons, it is recommended to do a warm-up to warm up the muscles: slowly and alternately, swing the legs and arms, and rotate the trunk, pelvis and head in different directions. If exercise causes pain, it should be slowed down or stopped.
Examples of exercises for thoracic osteochondrosis:
- Starting position: lying on your stomach, hands behind your head. First, you need to spread your elbows as wide as possible, then lift your shoulders and body. Hold this position for three seconds. Do the exercise 5 times in a row.
- Starting situation: similar. Put your hands behind your back, fold your palms into the lock. Bend down, try to raise your arms. Hold for three seconds. Do at least 5 times.
- Position: standing on the floor, feet shoulder width apart. Place your hands on the shoulders: left to left shoulder, right to right. Alternately lift your shoulders, pointing your head in the direction of the movement. Complete 10 times.
- Lie on your stomach, stretch your arms forward. Raise the body. Do 5 times in a row. Then put your hands along the body and lift the body as well.
- Sit on a chair, hold a gym stick in front of you. Take a deep breath while straightening your body. On exhalation, the hands with the projectiles kneel, the torso bends forward. Do it several times.
- Standing on the floor, put your hands with a gymnastic stick on your shoulders. Turn the body 10 times to the right and then to the left.
- Sit on a chair, lean back. Bend strongly using the chest region. Do at least 10 moves.
This exercise can also be done at home. But before that, it is strongly recommended to ask for the permission of a specialist.
Methods of traditional medicine
Folk remedies help to cope with the manifestations of thoracic osteochondrosis faster.Medicines based on natural active ingredients are successfully used as adjuvant therapy. Some effective recipes:
- Rubbing for external use. It is prepared as follows: take equal parts of dandelion root, peppermint leaves, birch buds, and coriander. Cut the ingredients into small pieces and mix. Then 3 tbsp. l. mix (with a slide), pour half a glass of boiling water and put on a slow fire for 5 minutes. Cool, add 75 g of butter and 75 g of sunflower oil. Cook for another 15 minutes. Rub the problem areas, then dress or cover immediately.
- Appliances. For their preparation, we can use fresh horseradish juice, steamed herbs, bitter wormwood or flax seeds.
- Painkiller. Prepared as follows: 2 tbsp. l. chamomile color should be poured with 350 ml of boiling water and put on a slow fire for 5 minutes. Then cool and filter. Take 125 ml three times a day after meals.
- Hop rub. For cooking, take equal parts: powdered hop cones and melted lard. Mix the ingredients together. It is used as a rub to relieve muscle tension.
All these medicines are prepared at home, but you can use them to treat the disease only after consulting a specialist.