Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a fairly common disease. Like other diseases of the musculoskeletal system, in recent years this disease has become younger: it is observed in middle-aged people, and sometimes in young people. And, although among all parts of the thoracic region it is the least susceptible to injury, due to the mobility of the position of the vertebrae, this disease is increasingly common in men, women and even children. That is why osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a disease, the symptoms and treatment of which are of interest to many.
What are the specific characteristics of the thoracic spine?
The thoracic spine does not support as much load as the lumbar spine and its mobility is less than that of the cervical spine. Because of this, in the thoracic spine the symptoms of osteochondrosis and other diseases appear at later stages than in other parts of the spine. According to statistics, the thoracic spine is the least susceptible to injuries, damage and diseases, such as intervertebral hernias and vertebral displacements. However, there are a number of factors that increase the risk of developing diseases and injuries, for example scoliosis and poor posture. In thoracic osteochondrosis, as in any other disease, the disease can usually only be detected after significant development.
Symptoms and signs of thoracic osteochondrosis.
Thoracic osteochondrosis can be easily distinguished from other diseases by the characteristic symptoms of the disease. The following signs of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region are distinguished:
- Due to prolonged stay in one position, chest pain occurs, which manifests itself with sudden movements or significant physical activity;
- Inhaling and exhaling deeply causes pain and tightness in the middle of the back;
- When raising your arms and making sharp turns, a stable pain syndrome is observed;
- Moderate pain in the shoulder blade area is constantly observed;
- Certain parts of the body become numb and insensitive;
- Unreasonable tingling or chills;
- Itching or burning sensations in the legs, a decrease in their temperature in relation to the rest of the body;
- The disease causes side effects such as digestive disorders, intercostal neuralgia and problems in the reproductive sphere.
Depending on what symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region appear during the development of the disease, the disease can be confused with other no less serious diseases, such as pneumonia and angina. Therefore, with any of the indicated signs of osteochondrosis, a complete examination of the body is necessary.
Pain with this disease is divided into two types:
- Dorsago: acute pain of significant intensity, accompanied by a feeling of stiffness that interferes with normal breathing;
- Dorsalgia: pain in the area of the intervertebral discs that lasts a long time.
One of the most striking manifestations of the disease is pain in the epigastric region. Pain exacerbations occur regardless of the season and, in most cases, are caused by diet.
Causes of thoracic osteochondrosis.
The reasons for the development of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine may be different. Among the most common manifestations are the following:
- Pathologies of the structure of the intervertebral discs, including a hereditary tendency to develop spinal diseases;
- Thinned intervertebral discs, herniations;
- Decreased quality of cartilage tissue;
- Circulatory disorders that prevent blood flow to the spinal cord;
- Irrational load on the spine, causing degeneration of muscle tissue, cartilage or bones;
- Lack of vitamins and microelements, mainly calcium;
- Constant physical activity;
- Sedentary lifestyle, working at a computer or driving a car;
- Injuries and other damage to the spine.
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine should begin as soon as possible. Even if manifestations in the form of significant pain are not detected, this does not mean that the disease does not require treatment. The sooner treatment is started, the easier and faster it will be. Modern medicine offers a wide range of methods for treating osteochondrosis, and in combination with the methods of traditional medicine, quick and long-lasting results can be achieved.
The first stage of treatment is diagnosis. It is necessary to accurately determine the disease; To do this, the doctor performs palpation, examination and collects a history. To accurately determine the cause of the disease, it is necessary not only to take a blood and urine test, but also to undergo an X-ray or MRI.
When the diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor determines how to treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. The usual course includes not only drug treatment, but also physiotherapy, physiotherapy and massage.
Exercise therapy for thoracic osteochondrosis.
Exercise therapy for this disease is mandatory, as is massage, but the basis of treatment in any case is medication. The doctor treats osteochondrosis depending on the patient's specific case.
Manual therapy
The treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis will be more complete if, in addition to regular massages and physical education, it includes manual therapy. It helps to eliminate increased muscle tone, eliminate spasms, and also restore the normal position of the back muscles. A chiropractor can relieve tension in the back, release blood vessels to improve blood supply, quality of nutrition, and restore intervertebral discs.
Physiotherapy
Pharmacotherapy is usually combined with physiotherapy methods. Typically, patients are prescribed:
- Shock wave treatment is the effect of sound waves on the thoracic region. Improves metabolism, blood supply to the affected area, improves tissue restoration and relieves pain;
- Detensor therapy: helps to unload the spine and relieve spasms under the influence of the patient's own weight;
- Electrotherapy: heating tissues using electric fields, sending impulses to improve blood circulation and stimulate metabolism. Under the influence of current, drugs for the treatment of osteochondrosis are absorbed more effectively;
- Ultraviolet treatment: Quartz treatment improves the production of vitamin D and also helps relieve pain and improve the functioning of the immune system;
- Magnetotherapy - a low-frequency electromagnetic field improves the supply of useful substances to the diseased area, accelerates healing and improves blood flow;
- Laser therapy: Lasers can relieve spasms and pain, reduce inflammation, and stimulate tissue repair processes;
- Ultrasound: Ultrasonic vibration helps relieve pain, inflammation and also promotes better absorption of medications.
drug therapy
For this disease, drug treatment may include medications for internal use and topical application.
Tablets for osteochondrosis allow you:
- Reduces pain;
- Relieve inflammation;
- Relax your muscles;
- Improve local blood circulation;
- Restore metabolism;
- Strengthen tissue regeneration.
Symptomatic treatment is very important for this disease. First of all, take pain relievers. They allow you to get rid of the pain that sometimes accompanies each movement. In order for the drug not only to relieve pain, but also to reduce inflammation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with an analgesic effect are recommended. Also, in case of osteochondrosis, it is recommended to take chondroprotectors, vitamin-mineral complexes and immunomodulatory agents.
Local medications for the treatment of the disease are aimed at the same effect as internal ones. Ointments, gels and creams for applying to the affected area may contain painkillers and NSAIDs, as well as chondroprotectors and other necessary agents.
Home remedies
Traditional medicine helped in the treatment of osteochondrosis long before all modern medicines were invented. Its effectiveness is not so high, but side effects are absent or minimal. Folk remedies are an excellent addition to the main treatment and, as part of complex therapy, allow you to recover faster.
Among the home remedies are:
- Horseradish leaves, sprinkled with boiling water, are applied to the diseased area; this relieves the symptoms of osteochondrosis, and regular procedures prevent exacerbation of the disease;
- A homemade cottage cheese compress with a couple of drops of vinegar is applied overnight to eliminate the symptoms of osteochondrosis in the chest or neck;
- A tincture of leaves and flowers of the coltsfoot plant is used to rub the affected area;
- Fresh rye flour cakes are slightly cooled and applied to sore spots to relieve inflammation and pain.
Offers traditional medicine and remedies for internal use. For thoracic osteochondrosis you can use:
- Four cloves of garlic and three crushed lemons are taken on an empty stomach, poured with boiling water, one tablespoon at a time. It cannot be used for gastritis and peptic ulcers;
- Instead of ordinary tea, a decoction of lingonberry leaves is taken at the rate of one tablespoon per liter of boiling water;
- Sorrel, boiled for ten minutes. Leave for a couple of hours, after which you will take a couple of shelters three times a day. This is an effective remedy for pain in osteochondrosis;
- Nettle juice. Mixed in equal proportions with honey and ethyl alcohol, take one tablespoon three times a day for a week and a half.
What to do in case of exacerbation?
Flare-ups are the hardest part of this disease. They are accompanied by a sharp, sharp pain, which is called dorsago. It is very difficult to relieve such intense pain and it is not always possible to do it on your own. The cause of the exacerbation may be:
- Hypothermia;
- Physical exercise;
- Overwork, hard and constant work;
- Too active training;
- Stress and other tensions of the nervous system.
What should a person do if they feel an exacerbation approaching? First of all, it is necessary to make an appointment with a neurologist. He will diagnose your condition and prescribe the necessary treatment measures that will help eliminate the exacerbation and minimize your symptoms. Exacerbation of the disease is usually accompanied by nausea, severe headaches, limited mobility and general weakness.
Since this disease is closely related to breathing, an exacerbation can cause difficulties: deep breaths and sharp exhalations become very painful. To minimize the number of muscle spasms, it is recommended to observe bed rest during an exacerbation.
Patients with exacerbation of the disease are referred to hospital treatment, where they are transported by ambulance so that the patient does not have to move too much. During treatment, medications that relieve muscle spasms are first prescribed. Analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy are prescribed to relieve pain.
One of the most serious consequences of an exacerbation of the disease can be an intervertebral hernia. A slight protrusion in the thoracic spine can cause pain in different parts of the back. If the lump is large, it can cause serious problems and endanger the patient's life. The only way to get rid of an intervertebral hernia in this case is surgery.
To avoid such complications during an exacerbation of the disease, it is recommended to follow the rules:
- Maintain bed rest, a minimum of physical activity and unnecessary movements;
- Maintain a healthy diet;
- Compliance with all doctor's recommendations, taking prescribed medications;
- Massage and rub the affected area;
- On the recommendation of a doctor: exercise therapy;
- Rub gels, ointments and creams prescribed by a doctor into the chest and spine area;
- Attendance at physical therapy procedures prescribed by your doctor.
Preventive measures
Thoracic osteochondrosis is an unpleasant disease that is best avoided. To reduce the risk of developing the disease, it is necessary:
- Avoid lifting weights beyond normal limits;
- Protect the spine from hypothermia;
- Rest regularly and avoid excessive fatigue;
- Make sure your posture is correct.
- Don't stay in the same position for too long, especially if it feels uncomfortable.
If your professional activity inevitably involves staying in one position, it is necessary to adopt a rule about performing physical exercises. Office workers, drivers and other professionals who sit in one place for a long time need to get up regularly, change the position of the spine and stretch their legs. If possible, during these physical minutes one of the series of exercises specially developed for these cases is performed.
It is equally important to eat properly and nutritiously. The fundamental principle of a healthy diet for the musculoskeletal system is to avoid salty foods. Salt is deposited in bone and cartilage tissue, causing its destruction.
It is best to sleep on orthopedic mattresses. If this is not possible, it is better to sleep on a hard surface than on one that is too soft. You can place a special board on the bed or sofa.