With osteochondrosis, the vertebral bone and cartilaginous tissues 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, the need for surgical interventionIn this material we will describe in detail about osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, its symptoms and treatment.
Thoracic osteochondrosis - what is it?
Thoracic osteochondrosis is degenerative-dystrophic changes in the vertebrae of the thoracic spine with destruction of the 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, it is moreis durable.
As a result, it is less susceptible to external influences. However, with sedentary work, weakened spinal muscles, concomitant injuries, the risk of developing osteochondrosis in the thoracic spine is high.
The risk factors are:
- high load on the back - weightlifting, pregnancy, wearing high heels, flat feet;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- Rachiocampsis;
- Back injury;
- wrong currency;
- 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 cartilaginous membrane of the joints of the spine, pathological development of bone tissue, outgrowths - 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 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 twisting the torso, bending.
This 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, posterior costal syndrome occurs, when the scapula and lower chestSharp pain is felt.
When examining the spine in the region of the affected vertebrae, local pain is felt - at the site of exposure.
Compression of nerve fibers causes symptoms such as decreased sensitivity at the ends of pinched nerves, changes in tendon reflexes (knee and heel).
There may be malfunctions in the functioning of the 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 local 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 clear, piercing, sharp pain between the shoulder blades and the ribs, aggravated by trying to move or change the position of the body. This symptomatology occurs during the exacerbation of the disease.
- Dorsal - appears gradually and lasts 1-3 weeks. The pain is dull, latent and localized in the spinal column at the level of the thoracic region, its intensity increases with deep breathing, palpation. That painThere is a feeling of lack of air, accompanied by muscle spasms above and below the affected area.
Dorsal pain is often worse at night and when the body remains in one position for a long period of time.
What to do in case of 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 may be accompanied by:
- headache, reminiscent of the intensity of migraine attacks;
- Nausea;
- dizzy;
- severe weakness;
- loss of mobility;
- Difficulty in breathing.
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, as self-medication can provoke serious complications.
In case of acute pain the first action is to call an ambulance or contact a neurologist. When a person is acute, they are admitted to the hospital and in a hospital they remove the pain syndrome and further control the condition. Analgesics and local anesthetics (injections, tablets, ointments) are used for pain relief.
general medical measuresAnd the rules for the growth period are as follows:
- compliance with bed rest and minimal activity;
- taking only medicines prescribed by a doctor;
- physical therapy and light self-massage;
- physical treatment;
- balanced diet.
If dorsago is caused by an intervertebral hernia, medication is indicated, wearing a corset, physiotherapy, and for larger sizes, surgery is the only treatment. This is followed by thorough diagnosis and exclusion of other pathologies with similar symptoms. is done.
Tactics of treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
With lesions of the thorax, as in the case of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, treatment is symptomatic. Among the drugs are prescribed:
- nonsteroidal 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 relaxants for back muscle spasms;
- vitamin and mineral complexes that help restore ligaments and bone tissue;
- Antidepressant.
An important component of treatment are chondroprotectors - preparations based on glucosamine or chondroitin - they 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.
ExcessiveMethods of treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- Physiotherapy - shock wave, laser, magnetic, ultraviolet exposure, electrophoresis;
- physical treatment;
- 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 - tactile effect on biologically active points;
- healthy meal.
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, strengthening the muscles of the spine and shoulder. , is designed to restore the natural curves of the spinal column and help with posture formation.
You can start doing it only after overcoming the pain syndrome. All exercises are basically reminiscent of movements that a person performs in everyday life, so the muscles are gradually stretched without any tension during the exercise. is strengthened.
Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis
The nature of the profession often creates conditions for the development of osteochondrosis. It is important for those who are engaged in heavy physical labor or who spend the whole working day in a sitting position, to monitor their posture and back muscles. Do exercise regularly to get stronger.
It is useful to warm-up several times during the working day, as well as do 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 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 a normal weight, do not forget about moderate physical activity andDo not abuse coffee and alcoholic beverages.
The position of the body is important during sleep - you should sleep on your back, on a dense hard mattress. As the vertebrae return to the correct position, the discomfort that was initially dissipated.
Compliance with all preventive recommendations will allow the back to remain healthy, beautiful and without pain.