With osteochondrosis, the bone 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 to the ribs, is more durable.
As a result, it is less susceptible to external influences. However, with sedentary work, weak spinal muscles, concomitant injuries, the risk of developing osteochondrosis in the thoracic spine is high.
Risk factors are:
- high loads on the back - weightlifting, pregnancy, high heels, flat feet;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- rachiocampsis;
- Back injury;
- wrong posture;
- hereditary predisposition;
- nervous tension.
The development of thoracic osteochondrosis leads to thinning of the discs between the vertebrae, the appearance of intervertebral hernia, abrasion of the cartilaginous membrane of the joints of the spine, pathological growth of bone tissue, outgrowths - osteophytes are formed in her.
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, bending over.
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, then there is posterior rib syndrome, when 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.
The compression of the nerve fibers causes symptoms such as altered sensitivity in the endings of the pinched nerves, changes in the tendon reflexes (knee and heel).
There may be a malfunction in the functioning of the internal organs, since the nerve roots located in the vertebrae 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, shortness of breath, as well as localized pain in the area:
- mammary glands;
- 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: a sharp, piercing, pronounced pain between the shoulder blades and ribs, which is 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 from 1 to 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, inclined breath. It is accompanied by muscle spasms above and below the painful area, a feeling of shortness of breath.
Back pain 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 of the thoracic region?
Exacerbation of osteochondrosis can lead to physical overload (sports, hard work), hypothermia, severe stress or fatigue, heavy lifting. Acute pain may be accompanied by:
- headache, reminiscent of the intensity of migraine attacks;
- nausea;
- dizziness;
- severe weakness;
- loss of mobility;
- difficulty breathing.
Dorsago pains that occur during an exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are difficult to eliminate on their own. You should not choose painkillers without visiting a specialist, since self-medication can lead to serious complications.
The first action in case of acute pain is to call an ambulance or contact a neurologist. With an exacerbation of a person, they are hospitalized, and in a hospital they eliminate the pain syndrome and control the further condition. To relieve pain, analgesics and local anesthetics (injections, tablets, ointments) are used.
General measures of therapy.and the rules for the aggravation period are as follows:
- compliance with bed rest and minimal activity;
- take only the drugs prescribed by the doctor;
- physiotherapy and light self-massage;
- physiotherapy;
- balance diet.
If the back is caused by an intervertebral hernia, medication, corset, physiotherapy is indicated, and for larger sizes, surgery is the only treatment. It is carried out after a thorough diagnosis and the exclusion of other pathologies with similar symptoms.
Tactics of treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region.
In chest injuries, as in the case of osteochondrosis of the cervicothoracic spine, treatment is symptomatic. Of the drugs are prescribed:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- Analgesics, which can also be from the NSAID group;
- Local analgesics in the form of gels, creams, ointments and patches;
- muscle relaxants for spasm of the back muscles;
- Vitamin-mineral complexes that help restore ligaments and bone tissue;
- Antidepressants.
An important component of treatment is chondroprotectors, preparations based on glucosamine or chondroitin, which contribute to the restoration of cartilage tissue and are taken for a long time - in courses of six months or more.
The most effective means, which include both compounds.
Additionalmethods of treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- physiotherapy - exposure to shock waves, laser, magnetic, ultraviolet, 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 compiled individually by the attending physician. Gymnastics can be both preventive and therapeutic, designed to strengthen the muscles of the spine and shoulders, restore the natural curves of the spine and help in the formation of posture.
You can start doing it only after overcoming the pain syndrome. Basically, all the exercises have movements that are reminiscent of those that a person performs in everyday life, so that the muscles are gradually strengthened during the exercise without overexertion.
Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis
The nature of the profession often creates conditions for the development of osteochondrosis. It is important for people who do heavy physical work or who spend the entire working day sitting down to control 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 foods without preservatives and dyes, vegetables, fruits, cereals and other cereals, 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 should sleep on your back, on a hard and dense mattress. The discomfort that occurs initially 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.