With osteochondrosis, the bones and cartilaginous tissue of the cervical vertebrae, 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 explain 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 the destruction of joints, intervertebral discs and cartilage. Compared to the cervical and lumbar regions, the thoracic region is not mobile, and because of its connection with the ribs, it is more durable.
As a result, it is less exposed 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 load 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 the thinning of the disc between the vertebrae, the appearance of intervertebral hernia, abrasion of the cartilage membrane of the spinal joints, pathological growth of bone tissue, growth - osteophytes are formed on it.
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 this disease is intervertebral hernia.
Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis, photo
With osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, symptoms often appear and intensify under the influence of load, with sudden movements, for example, when turning the body, tilting.
It 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 probing the spine in the affected vertebral area, local pain is felt - at the site of exposure.
Compression of nerve fibers causes symptoms such as impaired sensitivity in pinched nerve endings, changes in tendon reflexes (knees and heels).
There may be damage in the function of internal organs, because the nerve roots located in the vertebrae of the thoracic region are responsible for the function 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 indicated by two types of pain:
- Dorsago - sharp, piercing, sharp pain between the shoulder blades and in the ribs, aggravated by trying to turn or change the position of the body. This symptomatology occurs during the exacerbation of the disease.
- Dorsalgia - appears gradually and lasts 1-3 weeks. The pain is dull, unexpressed and localized in the spinal column at the level of the thoracic region, its intensity increases with deep breathing, tilting. He is accompanied by muscle spasms above and below the painful area, a feeling of lack of air.
Dorsalgia is often worse at night and when the body is in one position for a long time.
What to do during exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region?
The severity of osteochondrosis can be triggered by physical load (sports, hard work), hypothermia, stress or severe fatigue, lifting heavy objects. Acute pain may be accompanied by:
- headache, reminiscent of the intensity of a migraine attack;
- nausea;
- dizziness;
- severe weakness;
- loss of mobility;
- hard to breath.
Dorsago pain that occurs during exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is difficult to eliminate on its own. You should not choose painkillers without visiting a specialist, because the drugs themselves can cause serious complications.
The first action in case of acute pain is to call an ambulance or contact a neurologist. With the aggravation of a person, they are admitted to the hospital and in the hospital they remove the pain syndrome and control the further condition. To relieve pain, analgesics and local anesthetics (injections, tablets, ointments) are used.
General measures of therapyand the rules for the aggravation period are as follows:
- compliance with minimal sleep and activity;
- take only medicines prescribed by a doctor;
- physical therapy and light self-massage;
- physiotherapy;
- balanced diet.
If dorsago is caused by an intervertebral hernia, medicine is indicated, wearing a corset, physiotherapy, and for large sizes, surgery is the only treatment. It is carried out after a comprehensive diagnosis and exclusion of other pathologies with similar symptoms.
Treatment tactics of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
With thoracic lesions, as in the case of osteochondrosis of the cervicothoracic spine, treatment is symptomatic. Of the drugs prescribed:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- Analgesics, which can also be from the NSAID group;
- Local pain relievers in the form of gels, creams, ointments and patches;
- Muscle relaxant for back muscle spasms;
- Complex of vitamins and minerals that help restore ligaments and bone tissue;
- Antidepressant.
An important component of the treatment is chondroprotectors - preparations based on glucosamine or chondroitin - they contribute to the recovery of cartilage tissue and are taken for a long time, within six months or more.
The most effective way, which includes these two compounds.
AdditionalMethods 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 - the effect of touch on biologically active points;
- nutritious 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 preventive and therapeutic, designed to strengthen the muscles of the spine and shoulders, restore the natural curve of the spine, and help in the formation of posture.
You can start doing it only after overcoming the pain syndrome. All exercises basically have movements reminiscent of those that a person performs in everyday life, so muscles gradually strengthen during training without overloading.
Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis
The nature of the profession often creates conditions for the development of osteochondrosis. It is important for those who are involved in heavy physical labor or who spend the whole working day in a sitting position to monitor their posture and regularly do 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 dyes, vegetables, fruits, cereals and other grains, lean meat and lean fish, dairy products, sufficient water. It is necessary to maintain a normal body 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 firm, firm mattress. The discomfort that occurs at first 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.