Osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine, which is characterized by the development of degenerative-dystrophic changes in bone tissue and cartilage in one or more of its departments. The development of thoracic osteochondrosis is less common 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 quite limited. This significantly reduces the chance of injury. A few decades ago, this type of osteochondrosis was more common in older people. Today, the disease also affects 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 the intervertebral discs, vertebrae and their degenerative changes. In the first stage of the disease, the manifestations are mild, which is an obstacle to early diagnosis. However, over time, the disease progresses.
Gradually, the ligamentous apparatus is also involved in the process. Less often, complications develop, manifested in the form of atrophy of muscle tissue and accompanied by a decrease in sensitivity and disruption of the function of internal organs.
In advanced cases, with thoracic osteochondrosis, cartilage and bone begin to break down. At the same time, premature aging of the musculoskeletal system is noted.
Against the background of this disease, diseases such as:
- prostatitis;
- pneumosclerosis;
- atrophy of organs of the reproductive system, often leading to infertility;
- atherosclerosis;
- cancerous tumors.
According to medical statistics, thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine occurs equally in men and women.
Disease symptoms
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine has several specific characteristics, among which are:
- pain in the chest that occurs when the body is often and for a long time in one position;
- pain syndrome with increased physical exertion, for example, when lifting weights;
- the occurrence of difficulty in inhaling and exhaling, accompanied by a feeling of squeezing in the middle of the back;
- constant pain in the shoulder blade;
- numbness in certain parts of the body;
- periodically there is a prolonged feeling of cold, accompanied by shivering;
- decrease in body temperature in the legs;
- itching and burning in the lower part of the leg.
With impaired function of the vascular system of the thoracic spine, patients have several characteristic signs:
- peeling skin;
- thin and brittle nails;
- stomach pain, flatulence;
- stool disorders, in which attacks of diarrhea can be replaced by constipation;
- nausea, heartburn;
- symptoms of intercostal neuralgia;
- decreased sexual activity.
With thoracic osteochondrosis, there are two types of pain syndromes:
- Dorsalgia (dorsalgia).
- Dorsago (dorsag).
The first is characterized by prolonged pain in the area of damage to the vertebrae and intervertebral discs. The second is intense paroxysmal pain of an acute nature, accompanied by a feeling of stiffness in the muscles and difficulty breathing.
One of the complications accompanying osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is gastritis, or rather exacerbation, which is characterized by pain in the epigastric region.
Causes of osteochondrosis
The development of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is caused by pathological changes that occur in the intervertebral disc. The cause of this disease can be:
- hereditary predisposition;
- hernia, disc defect;
- osteophyte formation;
- cartilage destruction;
- insufficient blood supply to the spinal canal, which has developed due to the clamping of the draining vessels and arteries;
- degeneration of bones, cartilage and muscle tissue caused by incorrectly distributed loads on the spine;
- metabolic disorders caused by calcium deficiency in the body.
The factors that act as the cause of pathological changes are:
- lifting heavy objects;
- sedentary work;
- stay long in one position;
- uneven load on the spine;
- spinal cord injury;
- scoliosis.
Thoracic osteochondrosis is often diagnosed among professionals involved in power sports.
Diagnostics
Thoracic osteochondrosis requires mandatory diagnosis and differentiation from other diseases with similar symptoms. Through a comprehensive examination, the following are excluded:
- angina;
- myocardial infarction;
- pulmonary inflammation;
- pathology with gastric symptoms.
In this way, misdiagnosis can be avoided. Assessment of the patient's condition is carried out based on the anamnesis, taking into account all the symptoms of the disease and the patient's complaints.
To confirm the diagnosis, clarify the location of the affected area, identify benign neoplasms and cancerous tumors, progressive instrumental methods are used:
- radiography;
- CT;
- MRI.
To determine the level 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 a disease that can cause disturbances in internal organs, so it must be treated.
In this case, an integrated approach is required. Medical therapy is mandatory.
Conservative treatment
Patients are given painkillers and drugs with a spectrum of anti-inflammatory action. With the help of these drugs, by relieving pain and reducing inflammation, the mobility of the vertebrae in the thoracic region is ensured. Acute manifestations are stopped quickly by injection.
In parallel, to improve the condition of bones and cartilage, chondroprotectors, mineral and vitamin complexes are prescribed.
Muscle spasm relief is provided by muscle relaxants.
To speed up the effect, therapeutic ointments and creams for external use can be used.
The patient underwent a paravertebral block, with possible assistance to reduce pain. The solution for injection contains corticosteroids and antiseptics.
It is impossible to cure thoracic osteochondrosis with medicines alone. We are talking about 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: magnets, lasers, vacuum therapy, traction methods, etc.
If drug treatment is ineffective, the patient may be given surgery. Sometimes surgery is the only option. The absolute indication for surgery is spinal instability, canal stenosis or spinal hernia.
Proper nutrition organization
With osteochondrosis, a salt-free diet is provided. In addition, it is necessary to exclude spicy, fatty, fried foods, 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 function of the musculoskeletal system.
The daily menu should include foods high in calcium and phosphorus. This list includes cottage cheese, hard cheese, milk, low-fat sea fish and meat. Vegetables, fruits and any vegetables will also be useful.
exercise therapy
Physiotherapy training complex contains special exercises aimed at increasing the mobility of spinal problem areas, removing unnecessary pressure on some elements of the skeletal system and eliminating muscle spasms in the cervicothoracic area.
To do the exercise, you need a gymnastic stick and a mat. Clothing should be as comfortable as possible and not restrict movement.
Before starting the class, to warm up the muscles, it is recommended to warm up: slowly and alternately, swinging the legs and arms and turning the body, pelvis and head in different directions is done. If the movement of the body causes pain, it needs to be done more smoothly or stopped.
Examples of exercises for thoracic osteochondrosis:
- Starting position: lying on your stomach, hands behind your head. First you need to stretch your elbows as wide as possible, then lift your shoulders and body. Hold this position for three seconds. Do the exercise 5 times in a row.
- Starting position: similar. Place your hands behind your back, folding your palms into a lock. Bend over, try to raise your arms up. Hold for three seconds. Do it at least 5 times.
- Position: standing on the floor, feet shoulder-width apart. Place hands on shoulders: left to left shoulder, right to right. Lift your shoulders alternately, pointing your head in the direction of movement. Do it 10 times.
- Lie on your stomach, stretch your arms forward. Raise your body. Do it 5 times in a row. Then put your hands along the body and also lift the body.
- Sit on a chair, hold a gymnastic stick in front of you. Take a deep breath while straightening your body. While exhaling, the hands with the projectiles kneel, the body leans forward. Do it several times.
- Stand on the floor, place your hands with the gymnastic stick above your shoulders. Turn the body to the right, then to the left 10 times.
- Sit on a chair, lean back. Bend strongly, using the thoracic region. Do at least 10 movements.
This exercise can be done at home. But before that, it is highly recommended to get permission from an expert.
Traditional medicine methods
People's rehabilitation will help to overcome the manifestations of thoracic osteochondrosis faster.Medicines based on active natural substances are successfully used as adjuvant therapy. Some effective recipes:
- Rub for external use. It is prepared as follows: in equal parts, you need to take dandelion root, mint leaves, birch buds, coriander. Cut the ingredients and mix. Then 3 tbsp. l. mix (with a slide), pour 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. Leave to cook for another 15 minutes. Rub the problem area, then immediately dress or wrap.
- Tool. For their preparation, you can use fresh horseradish juice, steamed herbs of bitter wormwood or flax seeds.
- Pain reliever. Prepared like this: 2 tbsp. l. Chamomile color should be poured with 350 ml of boiling water and put on a slow fire for 5 minutes. Then cool, filter. Take 125 ml 3 times a day after meals.
- Hop rub. For cooking in equal parts are taken: hop cones, ground into powder, and melted lard. The ingredients are mixed. Used as a rub to relieve muscle tension.
All these medicines are prepared at home, but you can use them to treat diseases only after consulting a specialist.