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 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 the destruction of the joints, intervertebral discs and cartilage. Compared to the cervical and lumbar regions, the thoracic region is not as mobile and, thanks 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, concomitant injuries, the risk of developing osteochondrosis in the thoracic spine is high.
The risk factors are:
- high loads on the back: weight lifting, pregnancy, wearing high heels, flat feet;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- rachiocampsis;
- back injury;
- incorrect posture;
- hereditary predisposition;
- 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 - on it itself they form osteophytes.
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 turning the torso, tilts.
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 rib syndrome, when severe pain is felt in the shoulder blade and lower chest.
When probing the spine in the area of the affected vertebrae, local pain is felt - at the site of exposure.
Compression of nerve fibers causes symptoms such as reduced sensitivity in pinched nerve ends, changes in tendon reflexes (knee and heel).
There may be a malfunction in the functioning of 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, difficulty in breathing and 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 pronounced, piercing and 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.
- Back pain - appears gradually and lasts 1-3 weeks. The pain is dull, unexpressed and localized in the spine at the level of the thoracic region, its intensity increases with a deep breath, tilt. It is accompanied by a muscle spasm above and below the painful area, a 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 provoke physical overload (sports, hard work), hypothermia, severe stress or fatigue, lifting heavy objects. Acute pain can be accompanied by:
- headache, reminiscent of the intensity of migraine attacks;
- nausea;
- dizziness;
- severe weakness;
- loss of mobility;
- wheezing.
Dorsago pains that occur during an exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are difficult to get rid of on their own. You should not choose painkillers without visiting a specialist, as self-medication can provoke 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 the hospital they remove the pain syndrome and control the further condition. To relieve pain, local analgesics and anesthetics (injections, tablets, ointments) are used.
General measures of therapyand the rules for the aggravation period are as follows:
- compliance with bed rest and minimal activity;
- taking only those medicines prescribed by the doctor;
- physiotherapy and light self-massage;
- Physiotherapy;
- balanced diet.
If the back is caused by an intervertebral hernia, medications, wearing a brace, physiotherapy are indicated, and for large sizes, surgery is the only treatment. It is performed after an accurate diagnosis and exclusion of other pathologies with similar symptoms.
Tactics of treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
With chest injuries, as in the case of osteochondrosis of the cervicothoracic spine, treatment is symptomatic. Medicines are prescribed:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories;
- Analgesics, which can also come from the NSAID group;
- Local pain relievers in the form of gels, creams, ointments and patches;
- Muscle relaxants for spasm of the back muscles;
- Vitamin and mineral complexes that help restore ligaments and bone tissue;
- Antidepressants.
An important component of the treatment are chondroprotectors - preparations based on glucosamine or chondroitin - 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 of these compounds.
Additionalmethods of treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- physiotherapy - shock waves, lasers, magnetic, ultraviolet exposure, electrophoresis;
- Physiotherapy;
- massage has a warming effect, increases the intensity of metabolism in the paravertebral and joint 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 by the attending physician individually. Gymnastics can be both preventive and therapeutic, designed to strengthen the muscles of the spine and shoulder, restore the natural curves of the spine, and aid in the formation of posture.
You can start doing this only after getting over the pain syndrome. All exercises basically have movements that resemble those that a person performs in everyday life, so the muscles gradually strengthen during the exercise without overloading.
Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis
The nature of the profession often creates the conditions for the development of osteochondrosis. It is important for people who are engaged in heavy physical work or who spend the entire working day in a sitting position to monitor their posture and regularly perform exercises to strengthen their 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, it is necessary to exclude from the diet excess salt, sugar, spices, sweet carbonated drinks, spicy and fried foods.
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 normal weight, do not forget about moderate physical activity and not to 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 initially occurs disappears as soon as the vertebrae return to their correct position.
Compliance with all preventive recommendations will allow the back to remain healthy, beautiful and live without pain.