Osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine characterized by the development of degenerative-dystrophic changes in bone and cartilage tissue in one or more of its departments. The development of thoracic osteochondrosis is much rarer than similar manifestations in 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 intervertebral discs, vertebrae and their degenerative changes. In the first stage of the disease, the manifestations are mild, which is an obstacle for early diagnosis. However, the disease progresses over time.
The ligament apparatus is gradually included in the process. Somewhat less often, complications develop, manifested in the form of atrophy of muscle tissue and accompanied by a decrease in sensitivity and functional disorders of internal organs.
In advanced cases, with thoracic osteochondrosis, cartilage and bones begin to break down. At the same time, premature aging of the musculoskeletal system is noted.
In the background of this disease, diseases such as:
- prostatitis;
- pneumosclerosis;
- atrophy of organs of the reproductive system, which often leads to infertility;
- atherosclerosis;
- 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 a number of specific characteristics, including:
- 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;
- appearance of difficulty in inhalation and exhalation, accompanied by a feeling of squeezing in the middle part of the back;
- constant aching pain in shoulder blades;
- numbness of certain parts of the body;
- periodically appearing prolonged feeling of cold, accompanied by chills;
- decrease in body temperature in the legs;
- itching and burning in the lower extremities.
With disturbed functions of the vascular system of the thoracic spine, patients have a number of characteristic signs:
- peeling 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;
- reduced sexual activity.
In thoracic osteochondrosis, there are two types of pain syndrome:
- Dorsalgia (dorsalgia).
- Dorsago (dorsag).
The first is characterized by long-term pain in the areas of damaged 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 its exacerbations, characterized by pain in the epigastric region.
Causes of osteochondrosis
The development of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine occurs due to pathological changes that occur in the intervertebral discs. The causes of this disease can be:
- hereditary predisposition;
- hernia, disc deformities;
- formation of osteophytes;
- cartilage destruction;
- insufficient blood supply to the spinal canal, which occurred as a result of constriction of conducting vessels and arteries;
- degeneration of bones, cartilage and muscle tissue caused by improperly distributed load on the spine;
- metabolic disorders caused by lack of calcium in the body.
Factors that cause pathological changes are:
- lifting heavy objects;
- sedentary work;
- long stay in one position;
- uneven load on the spine;
- spinal injury;
- scoliosis.
Thoracic osteochondrosis is often diagnosed in professionals involved in strength sports.
Diagnostics
Thoracic osteochondrosis requires mandatory diagnosis and differentiation from other diseases that have similar symptoms. A comprehensive review excludes the following:
- angina;
- myocardial infarction;
- pneumonia;
- pathology with gastric symptoms.
In this way, a wrong diagnosis can be avoided. The assessment of the patient's condition is based on the anamnesis, taking into account all the symptoms of the disease and the patient's complaints.
In order to confirm the diagnosis, clarify the location of the affected areas, identify benign neoplasms and cancerous tumors, progressive instrumental methods are used:
- radiography;
- CT;
- MRI.
In order to determine the degree of the inflammatory process in osteochondrosis, blood and urine tests are prescribed.
Treatment
The treatment regimen for thoracic osteochondrosis is developed individually. Chondrosis refers to those diseases that can cause disruption of internal organs, so it must be treated.
In this case, an integrated approach is needed. Medical therapy is mandatory.
Conservative treatment
Patients are prescribed painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. With the help of these drugs, by relieving pain and reducing inflammation, the mobility of the vertebrae in the thoracic area is ensured. Acute manifestations are quickly stopped by injection.
In parallel, chondroprotectors, minerals and vitamin complexes are prescribed to improve the condition of bones and cartilage.
Muscle spasms are eliminated by muscle relaxants.
Therapeutic ointments and creams for external use can be used to speed up the effect.
Patients undergo paravertebral blocks, with the help of which it is possible to reduce pain. Solutions for injections contain corticosteroids and antiseptics.
It is impossible to cure thoracic osteochondrosis with medicines alone. These are measures such as lifestyle correction, proper nutrition, massage, exercise therapy and other methods. It is quite possible to speed up the recovery process if physiotherapeutic procedures are included in the treatment regimen: 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. Absolute indications for surgery are spinal instability, canal stenosis or spinal hernia.
Organization of proper nutrition
A salt-free diet is provided for osteochondrosis. In addition, it is necessary to exclude spicy, fatty, fried food, smoked meat, alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee; limit the use of sugar, spices and mayonnaise.
Otherwise, the diet should be as balanced as possible and contain all the vitamins and minerals aimed at improving the functioning of the musculoskeletal system.
The daily menu should contain foods rich in calcium and phosphorus. This list includes cottage cheese, hard cheeses, milk, lean seafood and meat. Vegetables, fruits and any greens will also be useful.
exercise therapy
The complex of physiotherapy exercises contains special exercises aimed at increasing the mobility of the problem area of the spine, removing unnecessary stress on some elements of the bone system and eliminating muscle spasms in the cervicothoracic region.
To perform the exercises, you will need a gymnastic stick and a mat. Clothing should be as comfortable as possible and not restrict movement.
Before the start of the class, in order to warm up the muscles, it is recommended to warm up: slowly and alternately swinging the legs and arms and turning the trunk, pelvis and head in different directions. If body movement causes pain, it should be done more smoothly or stopped.
Examples of exercises for thoracic osteochondrosis:
- Starting position: lying on the stomach, hands behind the head. First, you should spread your elbows as wide as possible, then raise your shoulders and body. Hold this position for three seconds. Perform the exercise 5 times in a row.
- Starting position: similar. Put your hands behind your back, bend your palms into a lock. Bend down, trying to raise your arms. Hold for three seconds. Perform at least 5 times.
- Position: standing on the floor, feet shoulder width apart. Put your hands on your shoulders: left on left shoulder, right on right. Raise your shoulders alternately, directing your head in the direction of movement. Perform 10 times.
- Lie on your stomach, stretch your arms forward. Raise your body. Perform 5 times in a row. Then put your hands by your body and also raise your body.
- Sit on a chair, holding a gymnastic stick in front of you. Take a deep breath as you straighten your body. On exhalation, the arms with the projectile kneel, the torso leans forward. Perform several times.
- Standing on the floor, put your hands with the gymnastic stick over your shoulders. Turn your body to the right, then to the left 10 times.
- Sit on a chair, lean back. Bend hard, using your chest. Perform at least 10 movements.
You can do this exercise at home. But before that, it is advisable to get permission from an expert.
Methods of traditional medicine
Folk remedies will help you cope with the manifestations of thoracic osteochondrosis faster.Medicines based on active natural ingredients are successfully used as adjunctive therapy. A few effective recipes:
- Rubbing for external use. It is prepared as follows: you need to take dandelion root, peppermint leaves, birch buds, coriander in equal parts. Chop the ingredients and mix. Then 3 tbsp. l. mix (with a slide), pour over half a glass of boiling water and put on low heat for 5 minutes. Cool, add 75 g of butter and 75 g of sunflower oil. Let it cook for another 15 minutes. Rub into problem areas, then dress or wrap immediately.
- Gadgets. For their preparation, you can use fresh horseradish juice, steamed bitter wormwood or flax seeds.
- Pain reliever. Prepared like this: 2 tbsp. l. pour 350 ml of boiling water over the chamomile color and put on low heat for 5 minutes. Then cool, filter. Take 125 ml 3 times a day after meals.
- Hop edge. For cooking, take equal parts: hop cones, ground into powder, and melted lard. The ingredients are mixed. 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.