Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a fairly common disease. Like other diseases of the musculoskeletal system, this disease has become younger in recent years - it is observed in middle-aged and sometimes young people. And although the thoracic region is the least prone to injury of all parts of the chest due to the mobile position of the vertebrae, it is becoming increasingly common in men, women and even children. That is why osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a disease whose symptoms and treatment are of interest to many.
What are the special features of the thoracic spine?
The thoracic spine is not as heavily loaded as the lumbar spine and its mobility is less than that of the cervical spine. For this reason, symptoms of osteochondrosis and other diseases appear in the thoracic spine at a later stage 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 illness and injury, such as scoliosis and poor posture. With thoracic osteochondrosis, as with any other disease, the disease can usually only be recognized after it has clearly developed.
Symptoms and signs of thoracic osteochondrosis
Thoracic osteochondrosis can be easily distinguished from other diseases based on the characteristic symptoms of the disease. The following signs of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region are distinguished:
- Due to prolonged stay in one position, pain in the chest occurs - it is manifested by sudden movements or significant physical exertion;
- Deep breathing in and out causes pain and tension in the middle back;
- When raising the arms and making sharp turns, a stable pain syndrome is noted;
- Moderate pain is constantly observed in the shoulder blade area;
- Certain parts of the body become numb and numb;
- Inappropriate tingling or chills;
- Itching or burning in the legs, a decrease in their temperature compared to the rest of the body;
- The disease causes side effects such as indigestion, intercostal neuralgia and reproductive problems.
Depending on what symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region appear during the course of the disease, the disease can be confused with other, no less serious diseases, such as pneumonia, angina pectoris. Therefore, with any of the specified signs of osteochondrosis, a comprehensive examination of the body is required.
Pain in this disease is divided into two types:
- Dorsago – stabbing pain of significant intensity, accompanied by a feeling of stiffness and interference with normal breathing;
- Dorsalgia – prolonged pain in the area of the intervertebral discs.
One of the most noticeable manifestations of the disease is pain in the epigastric region. Pain exacerbations occur regardless of the season and are usually caused by diet.
Causes of thoracic osteochondrosis
The reasons for the development of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can be different. The most common manifestations include:
- Pathologies of the structure of the intervertebral discs, including a hereditary tendency to develop spinal diseases;
- Thinned intervertebral discs, hernias;
- Decreased quality of cartilage tissue;
- Circulatory disorders that prevent blood flow to the spinal cord;
- Irrational stress on the spine, leading to degeneration of muscle tissue, cartilage or bone;
- Lack of vitamins and microelements, especially calcium;
- Constant physical activity;
- lack of exercise, working at the computer or driving;
- Injuries and other damage to the spine.
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine should begin as early as possible. Even if no manifestations in the form of significant pain are detected, this does not mean that the disease does not need to be treated. The earlier 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 methods of conventional medicine, you can achieve quick and lasting results.
The first stage of treatment is diagnosis. It is necessary to accurately determine the disease - for this the doctor carries out palpation, examination and anamnesis. In order to accurately determine the cause of the disease, in addition to a blood and urine test, an X-ray or MRI scan is also required.
If the diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor will determine how to treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. In addition to medication, the usual procedure also includes physiotherapy, exercise therapy and massage.
Exercise therapy for thoracic osteochondrosis
Exercise therapy is mandatory for this disease, as is massage, but in any case the basis of treatment is medication. The doctor treats osteochondrosis individually tailored to the patient's individual case.
Manual therapy
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis will be more complete if, in addition to regular massage and physical education, it also includes manual therapy. It helps to get rid of increased muscle tone, eliminate spasms and restore the normal position of the back muscles. A chiropractor can relieve tension in the back, unblock blood vessels to improve blood supply, improve nutrition, and restore spinal discs.
physical therapy
Drug therapy is usually combined with physiotherapeutic methods. Usually patients are prescribed the following:
- Shockwave treatment involves the effect of sound waves on the chest area. Improves metabolism, blood supply to the affected area, improves tissue recovery and relieves pain;
- Detensor therapy – helps to unload the spine and relieve spasms under the influence of the patient's own weight;
- Electrotherapy – tissue heating using electric fields, delivering impulses to improve blood circulation and stimulate metabolism. Under the influence of electricity, drugs used to treat osteochondrosis are absorbed more efficiently;
- UV treatment – quartz treatment increases the production of vitamin D and also helps relieve pain and improve immune system function;
- Magnetotherapy – a low frequency electromagnetic field improves the supply of useful substances to the diseased area, accelerates healing and improves blood circulation;
- Laser therapy – Lasers can relieve spasms and pain, reduce inflammation and stimulate tissue repair processes;
- Ultrasound – Ultrasonic vibrations relieve pain and inflammation and promote better absorption of medications.
Drug therapy
In this disease, drug treatment may include medications for internal use and topical use.
Using tablets for osteochondrosis you can:
- Reduce pain;
- relieve inflammation;
- Relax your muscles;
- Improve local blood circulation;
- restore metabolism;
- Strengthen tissue regeneration.
Symptomatic treatment is very important for this disease. First, take painkillers. They allow you to get rid of the pain that sometimes accompanies any movement. In order for the drug not only to relieve pain, but also to reduce inflammation, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with analgesic effects are recommended. In osteochondrosis, it is also recommended to take chondroprotective drugs, vitamin-mineral complexes and immunomodulatory agents.
Local drugs used to treat the disease are aimed at the same effect as internal ones. Ointments, gels and creams for application to the affected area may contain analgesics and NSAIDs, as well as chondroprotectors and other necessary active ingredients.
home remedies
Traditional medicine helped treat osteochondrosis long before any modern medicines were invented. Their effectiveness is not that high, but side effects are absent or minimal. Folk remedies are an excellent addition to the main treatment and allow faster recovery as part of complex therapy.
Folk remedies include:
- Horseradish leaves doused with boiling water are applied to the diseased area - this relieves the symptoms of osteochondrosis, and regular procedures prevent the disease from exacerbating;
- A compress of homemade cottage cheese with a few drops of vinegar is applied overnight to eliminate the symptoms of osteochondrosis in the chest or neck area;
- The affected area is rubbed with a tincture made from the leaves and flowers of the coltsfoot plant;
- 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, poured over with boiling water, are taken on an empty stomach, one tablespoon each. Cannot be used for gastritis and stomach ulcers;
- Instead of ordinary tea, a decoction of lingonberry leaves is taken at the rate of one tablespoon per liter of boiling water;
- Horse sorrel, cooked for ten minutes. Leave it on for a few hours and then take a few packs 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 an exacerbation?
Exacerbations are the most difficult part of this disease. They are accompanied by stabbing and acute pain called dorsago. It is very difficult to relieve such severe pain and it is not always possible to do it yourself. The cause of the exacerbation can be:
- hypothermia;
- Physical activity;
- Overwork, constant hard work;
- Too active training;
- Stress and other tensions of the nervous system.
What should a person do if they feel an exacerbation is imminent? First of all, you need 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 its symptoms. Worsening of the disease is often accompanied by nausea, severe headaches, limited mobility and general weakness.
Since this disease is closely related to breathing, an exacerbation can lead to difficulties - deep inhalation and sharp exhalation become very painful. To minimize the number of muscle spasms, it is recommended to maintain bed rest during an exacerbation.
Patients with an exacerbation of the disease are referred to inpatient treatment, where they are transported by ambulance so that the patient does not have to move too much. During treatment, medications are initially prescribed that relieve muscle spasms. To relieve pain, analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and physiotherapy are prescribed.
One of the most serious consequences of an exacerbation of the disease can be an intervertebral hernia. A slight bulge in the thoracic spine can cause pain in various parts of the back. If the protrusion is large, it can cause serious problems and endanger the patient's life. The only way to eliminate an intervertebral hernia in this case is surgery.
To avoid such complications during an exacerbation of the disease, it is recommended to follow the following rules:
- Observe bed rest, a minimum of physical activity and unnecessary movements;
- maintaining a healthy diet;
- Compliance with all medical recommendations, taking prescribed medications;
- Massage and rub the affected area;
- On the recommendation of a doctor - exercise therapy;
- Rubbing gels, ointments and creams prescribed by a doctor into the chest and spine area;
- Participation in physical therapy procedures prescribed by your doctor.
Prevention measures
Thoracic osteochondrosis is an unpleasant disease that is best avoided. To reduce the risk of developing the disease, you must:
- Avoid lifting weights beyond normal limits.
- Protect the spine from hypothermia;
- Get regular rest and avoid excessive fatigue;
- Make sure you have the correct posture.
- Do not stay in the same position for a long time, especially if it is uncomfortable.
If your professional activity necessarily requires remaining in one position, you need to establish a rule for performing physical exercises. Office workers, drivers and other professionals who sit in one place for a long time need to periodically get up, change the position of the spine and stretch their legs. If possible, during these physical minutes, one of the sets of exercises designed specifically for such cases is performed.
It is equally important to eat right and nutritiously. The main principle of a healthy diet for the musculoskeletal system is avoiding salty foods. Salt is deposited in bone and cartilage tissue and leads to 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 a soft surface. You can place a special board on the bed or sofa.