Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of the musculoskeletal system, which occurs in patients of all ages.
Modern medicine identifies several locations of the disease, which is why the concept of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region appeared.
What is thoracic osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a regenerative (destructive) process localized in the interval from 8 to 19 vertebrae, which forms the human thoracic spine.
Unlike other types of disease, symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis can appear in both young and elderly people.
The characteristic of the disease is the difficulty of early diagnosis, which is related to the weak mobility of the spine and the difficulty of recognizing the main symptoms.For this reason, it is important to contact a specialist immediately when detecting the first signs of thoracic osteochondrosis in order to prevent irreversible processes.
Reasons
The main cause of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is the occurrence of dystrophic processes (disorders of cellular metabolism) that transform tissues and cause complications of metabolic action, which is caused by an insufficiently balanced diet and improper loading of the intervertebral discs.
In addition, the list of factors that increase the risk of developing thoracic osteochondrosis includes:
- presence of intervertebral hernias;
- impaired blood supply to the spinal cord;
- disturbance of mineral balance in the body;
- regularly increased loads on the spine;
- predominantly sedentary lifestyle;
- consequences of previous injuries;
- doing active sports.
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
Chest pain with osteochondrosis is the main symptom of the clinical picture.However, considering the general symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, we can also highlight:
- difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest;
- difficulty bending;
- periodic occurrence of a feeling of freezing of the extremities due to circulatory failure;
- brittle nails and hair;
- nausea, digestive disorders;
- pain that can easily be confused with that accompanying cardiovascular diseases;
- pain in the mammary glands in women;
- discomfort and difficulty swallowing, cough.
The manifestation of several symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis requires an urgent consultation and a complete examination by a specialist in order to establish an accurate diagnosis and determine a treatment plan for thoracic osteochondrosis.
Stages of disease development
Experts distinguish three main stages of development of thoracic osteochondrosis:
Phase 1 – the beginning of the development of the disease.It is characterized by the absence of clinical manifestations.
Signs of thoracic osteochondrosis of the first stage:
- barely noticeable, slight painful lumbago, accompanied by severe pain in the chest.Unpleasant sensations intensify after hard work or heavy lifting;
- muscle spasms, constant tone of the muscular frame for no apparent reason;
- discomfort in the heart area.
A visit to the doctor in the initial stage of the disease guarantees a complete cure of the disease.
Stage 2 - the progression of the disease leads to the formation of microcracks in the intervertebral discs, which causes limited mobility and severe pain.
Clinical manifestations include:
- visually noticeable deformation of the spinal column;
- pressure reduction;
- accompanied by an attempt to put the hand behind the head with palpable pain in the sternum;
- chronic feeling of fatigue;
- discomfort in the region of the heart and spinal column in the thoracic region.
If the disease is detected at this stage, the process of restoring health may require a rather long period of time.
Stage 3 is an advanced process that has a negative impact on the entire body as a whole.
Dangerous manifestations such as:
- limited mobility of the spine;
- sharp pain;
- occurrence of intervertebral hernias;
- pinching of blood vessels and nerve roots;
- diseases of the biliary tract.
Refusal to treat thoracic osteochondrosis at this stage can lead to disability.
How to treat thoracic osteochondrosis?
Before deciding how to treat thoracic osteochondrosis, it is important to visit a specialist.Only a specialist should diagnose the disease.Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is determined by a neurologist after a quality examination.
The key rule for starting the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis is the removal of pain.Today, there are several optimal treatment options.Let's look at each of them in more detail.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis is often used in medical practice, both in the acute phase and after it, in order to achieve long-term remission of the disease.
Physiotherapy methods are used for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, such as:
- medical electrophoresis - combined effect of direct current and drugs;
- UHF therapy – exposure to high-frequency electromagnetic fields;
- Magnetic therapy is an alternative medicine that involves the use of a constant or alternating magnetic field;
- phonophoresis of drugs - administration of drugs under the influence of ultrasound;
- detensor therapy – relaxation of the muscular framework of the spine with the help of a specialized mattress.
It is important to note that when prescribing physiotherapeutic methods for the treatment of a degenerative disease, the stage of its development is taken into account.Inappropriate use of physiotherapeutic treatment can worsen the situation and exclude the possibility of long-term remission.
Massage for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
Massage is one of the most effective methods of non-drug treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis.
Providing the effect of reflex massage has a positive effect on the affected area of the spinal column, which causes positive dynamics of treatment.
Unlike other parts of the spine, the thoracic spine requires a special approach to massage.The muscle fibers of this zone have a special threshold of action.
The positive effects of massage procedures are manifested in:
- reduction of pain level;
- improvement of blood circulation at the site of the disease;
- getting rid of muscle spasms;
- increase in arm muscle strength;
- increasing the mobility of the spinal column and starting regenerative processes of cartilage tissue.
Among the basic principles of chest massage, it is worth noting:
- the beginning of the session should be done with light strokes, which will ensure blood flow and reduce pain;
- during the massage, it is recommended to use squeezing, rubbing and patting movements;
- each movement must be repeated 4-5 times;
- the movements should be performed along one path: from the shoulder blades to the neck, upwards;
- each side of the thoracic region should be treated separately.
Exercise therapy for thoracic osteochondrosis
Physical therapy classes (therapeutic physical culture) provide the opportunity to provide quality support for optimal tone of the back muscle frame and help relieve paravertebral muscle pain.
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is most effective in the initial stages of the disease.
When doing gymnastics, it is important to consider and adhere to the basic rules for performing exercises for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, including:
- systematic repetition over several months;
- the duration of the lesson should not exceed half an hour;
- gymnastics for thoracic osteochondrosis should be performed without the use of additional equipment;
- Exercise only in comfortable clothes and shoes;
- taking into account existing contraindications.
Absolute contraindications include:
- acute heart pathologies;
- elevated body temperature (more than 37.6°C);
- oncological diseases;
- mental instability;
- dermatological diseases;
- high blood pressure.
Consultations with a neurologist combined with a reasonable, competent approach to exercise ensure successful remission at various stages of the disease.
Medicines
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine with drugs is carried out by taking tablets, during injections, suppositories or using ointments/gels.
Drug treatment is carried out for several months.In the absence of positive changes, the disease is eliminated by surgery.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
They are used to reduce pain and relieve inflammatory processes occurring in the nerve roots.
Self-administration of PVNS is extremely dangerous to health and can cause irreparable damage.Specialist consultation is required.
Glucocorticosteroids
Due to the fact that the drugs are hormonal, their use must be agreed with the attending physician.Otherwise, irreparable damage can be caused to the body.
Diuretics
Diuretics that relieve swelling in the presence of pinched nerve roots.
Vitamin complexes
Taking vitamins improves the metabolic processes that take place in the nervous tissue.
In order to restore high-quality metabolism, patients are prescribed B vitamins.
Chondroprotectors
Medicines, the use of which ensures the restoration of the elasticity and cushioning function of the intervertebral discs.
The intensity and dose of medication for thoracic osteochondrosis are determined taking into account the stage of disease development.
Antispasmodics
They help to relax the muscle frame and help to solve the problem of constant spasms, starting the recovery process from thoracic osteochondrosis.
Food
Therapeutic treatment of any disease requires adherence to the basics of a balanced diet.
Diet for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine slows down pathological processes and helps speed up the recovery process.
Correcting the diet means increasing the proportion of foods in the diet that contain natural chondroprotectors that promote the regeneration of cartilage tissue.
It is important to note that dietary nutrition during degenerative-dystrophic processes should be based on the completeness of the diet and compliance with the drinking regime.
The diet must contain foods that contain calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, retinol and vitamins B and C.
It is also necessary to limit the consumption of strong tea and coffee, as well as abandon bad habits.
It is recommended to completely exclude from the diet various types of semi-finished products, fresh pastries, as well as margarine and carbonated drinks with a high sugar content.
Prevention
In order to prevent the occurrence or worsening of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, it is recommended to carry out a series of preventive measures at regular intervals, including:
- giving up bad habits;
- adherence to the principles of a proper, balanced diet;
- monitoring the safest and most comfortable position of the spine when walking, running, sitting;
- ensuring comfortable sleep in the correct body position;
- organization of exercises according to the recommended sets of exercises for the thoracic spine in osteochondrosis.
The comfort of a person's daily life largely depends on his health.
When the first symptoms of spinal disease appear, seek the advice of a specialist who will help diagnose the disease and choose the correct treatment method for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.