With osteochondrosis, the bones and cartilage tissue of the vertebrae of the cervical, lumbar or thoracic spine are affected. The pathology often leads to disability, and in advanced cases, for example, with the formation of an intervertebral hernia, requires surgery. We will describe in detail the 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. 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 loads on the back - lifting weights, pregnancy, wearing high heels, flat feet.
- sedentary life?
- Rachiocampsis;
- back injury;
- wrong attitude.
- hereditary predisposition?
- nervous tension.
The development of thoracic osteochondrosis leads to thinning of the discs between the vertebrae, the appearance of intervertebral hernia, friction of the cartilaginous membrane of the spinal joints, pathological growth of bone tissue, outgrowths - osteophytes are formed.
As a result of such changes, compression of blood vessels and nerve fibers, damage to the spinal cord (myeloischemia, myelopathy) can 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 rotating the trunk, bending.
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 a posterior flank syndrome, when a sharp pain is felt in the shoulder blade and in the lower part of the chest.
When tracing the spine in the area of the affected vertebrae, local pain is felt - at the point of exposure.
The compression of the nerve fibers causes symptoms such as reduced sensitivity of the compressed nerve endings, 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 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 pain located 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, sharp pain between the shoulder blades and ribs, aggravated by trying to turn or change the position of the body. This symptomatology occurs during exacerbations of the disease.
- Dorsalgia - occurs gradually and lasts 1-3 weeks. The pain is dull, inexpressive and localized in the spine at the level of the thoracic region, its intensity increases with a deep breath, tilting. Accompanied by muscle spasm above and below the painful area, feeling of lack of air.
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 be caused by 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 migraine attacks.
- motion sickness;
- dizziness;
- severe weakness;
- loss of mobility;
- labored 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, as self-medication can cause 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 remove the pain syndrome and control the further condition. Analgesics and local anesthetics (injections, tablets, ointments) are used to relieve pain.
General treatment measuresand the rules for the aggravation period are as follows:
- adherence to bed rest and minimal activity.
- taking only those medicines prescribed by the doctor.
- Physiotherapy and light self-massage.
- physiotherapy;
- balanced nutrition.
If the sciatica is caused by an intervertebral hernia, medication is indicated, wearing a corset, physical therapy, and for large sizes, surgery is the only treatment. It is performed after thorough diagnosis and exclusion of other pathologies with similar symptoms.
Routine treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
With thoracic lesions, as in the case of osteochondrosis of the cervical thoracic spine, treatment is symptomatic. Of the medicines prescribed:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs?
- Analgesics, which may also come from the NSAIDs group.
- Topical pain relievers in the form of gels, creams, ointments and patches.
- Muscle relaxants for spasm of back muscles.
- Complexes of vitamins and minerals that help restore ligaments and bone tissue.
- Antidepressants.
An important component of the treatment are chondroprotectants - preparations based on glucosamine or chondroitin - contribute to the restoration of cartilage tissue and are taken for a long time, in cycles of six months or more.
The most effective means, which include both of these compounds.
Additionalmethods of treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- physiotherapy - shock wave, laser, magnetic, ultraviolet exposure, electrophoresis.
- physiotherapy;
- The massage has a warming effect, increases the intensity of metabolism in the paraspinal and joint tissues, reduces increased muscle tone.
- acupuncture - acupuncture?
- acupuncture - tactile effect 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 drawn up by the attending physician individually. Exercise 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 with posture.
You can start doing it only after overcoming the pain syndrome. All exercises have basic movements that are reminiscent of what a person does in everyday life, so 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 are engaged 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 warm up several times during the working day, as well as self-massage.
To prevent osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, excessive 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 cereals, lean meat and lean fish, dairy products, enough water. It is necessary to maintain 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 dense hard mattress. The discomfort that appears at first 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.