Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of the musculoskeletal system that occurs in patients of all ages.
Modern medicine identifies several localizations 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 located in the interval from 8 to 19 vertebrae, which forms the human thoracic spine.
Unlike other types of the disease, the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis can occur in both young and old people.
A characteristic of the disease is the difficulty of early diagnosis, which is associated with low spine mobility and difficulty in identifying the main symptoms.Therefore, it is important to immediately consult a specialist when detecting the first signs of thoracic osteochondrosis 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 actions, caused by an insufficiently balanced diet and inadequate load on the intervertebral discs.
Also, the list of factors that increase the risk of developing thoracic osteochondrosis includes:
- the presence of intervertebral hernias;
- impaired blood supply to the spinal cord;
- disturbance of the body's mineral balance;
- regularly increased loads on the spine;
- predominantly sedentary lifestyle;
- consequences of previous injuries;
- practice active sports.
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
Chest pain in 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, chest tightness;
- difficulty bending;
- periodic occurrence of a feeling of freezing in the extremities due to circulatory failure;
- brittle nails and hair;
- nausea, digestive disorders;
- pain that is easily confused with that which accompanies cardiovascular diseases;
- pain in the mammary glands in women;
- discomfort and difficulty swallowing, coughing.
The manifestation of various symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis requires immediate consultation and complete examination by a specialist to make 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:
Stage 1 – beginning of disease development.Characterized by the absence of clinical manifestations.
Signs of stage 1 thoracic osteochondrosis:
- Almost imperceptible, mild and painful low back pain, accompanied by a dull pain in the chest.Unpleasant sensations intensify after strenuous work or heavy lifting;
- muscle spasms, constant tone of the muscular structure for no apparent reason;
- discomfort in the heart area.
Consulting a doctor at the initial stage of the disease guarantees 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 the appearance of severe pain.
Clinical manifestations include:
- visually noticeable deformation of the spine;
- decrease in pressure;
- monitoring of an attempt to place the hand behind the head with palpable pain in the sternum;
- chronic feeling of fatigue;
- discomfort in the region of the heart and spine of the thoracic region.
If the disease is detected at this stage, the process of restoring health may require a fairly long period of time.
Stage 3 is an advanced process that has a negative impact on the entire body.
Dangerous manifestations such as:
- limited spinal mobility;
- sharp pain;
- the appearance of intervertebral hernias;
- compression of blood vessels and nerve roots;
- biliary tract diseases.
Refusal to treat thoracic osteochondrosis at this stage can lead to disability.
How to treat thoracic osteochondrosis?
Before determining how to treat thoracic osteochondrosis, it is important to consult a specialist.The diagnosis of the disease should only be made by a specialist.Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is determined by a neurologist after a high-quality examination.
The main rule for starting treatment for thoracic osteochondrosis is to get rid of pain.Today, there are several ideal treatment options.Let's look at each of them in more detail.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapeutic treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis is used quite frequently in medical practice, both in the acute phase and after it, to achieve long-term remission of the disease.
For osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, physiotherapy methods are used such as:
- medicinal 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;
- drug phonophoresis - administration of drugs under the influence of ultrasound;
- detension therapy – relaxation of the muscular structure of the spine using a specialized mattress/mat.
It is important to emphasize that when prescribing physiotherapeutic methods for the treatment of a degenerative disease, the stage of its development is taken into account.Inadequate use of physiotherapeutic treatment can worsen the condition and exclude the possibility of long-term remission.
Massage for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
Massage is one of the most effective non-drug methods of treating thoracic osteochondrosis.
Providing a reflex massage effect provides a positive effect on the affected area of the spine, which causes positive treatment dynamics.
Unlike other parts of the spine, the thoracic spine requires a special approach to massage.The muscle fibers in this zone have a special action threshold.
The positive effects of massage procedures are manifested in:
- reducing the level of pain;
- improve blood circulation at the site of the disease;
- eliminating muscle spasms;
- increasing arm muscle strength;
- increasing the mobility of the spine and initiating regenerative processes in cartilaginous tissue.
Among the basic principles of chest massage it is worth highlighting:
- the beginning of the session should be done with light movements, 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;
- movements must be carried out in a single trajectory: from the shoulder blades to the neck, upwards;
- each side of the thoracic region must be treated separately.
Exercise therapy for thoracic osteochondrosis
Physiotherapy (therapeutic physical education) classes offer the opportunity to provide high-quality support for optimal tone of the back muscular structure and help relieve pain from the paraspinal muscles.
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is most effective in the early stages of the development of the disease.
When doing gymnastics, it is important to consider and follow the basic rules for performing exercises for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, including:
- systematic repetition over several months;
- the duration of the class should not exceed half an hour;
- gymnastics for thoracic osteochondrosis should be performed without using additional equipment;
- You should only exercise in comfortable clothes and shoes;
- taking into account existing contraindications.
Absolute contraindications include:
- acute cardiac pathologies;
- increased body temperature (more than 37.6°C);
- oncological diseases;
- mental instability;
- dermatological diseases;
- high pressure.
Consultation with a neurologist, combined with a reasonable and competent approach to exercise, guarantees successful remission at various stages of the disease.
Medicines
Drug treatment for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is carried out using tablets, injections, suppositories or the use of ointments/gels.
Drug treatment is carried out for several months.In the absence of positive changes, the disease is eliminated through surgery.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
They are used to reduce pain and alleviate inflammatory processes occurring in the nerve roots.
Self-administration of PVNS is extremely dangerous to health and can cause irreparable harm.Specialist consultation is required.
Glucocorticosteroids
Because the medications are hormonal, their use must be agreed with the attending physician.Otherwise, irreparable damage may be caused to the body.
Diuretics
Diuretics that relieve swelling in the presence of compressed nerve roots.
Vitamin complexes
Taking vitamins improves metabolic processes occurring in nervous tissue.
To restore high-quality metabolism, patients are prescribed B vitamins.
Chondroprotectors
Medicines, the use of which guarantees the restoration of elasticity and shock-absorbing functions of intervertebral discs.
The intensity and dosage of taking medications for thoracic osteochondrosis are determined taking into account the stage of development of the disease.
Antispasmodics
They help to relax the muscular structure and eliminate the problem of constant spasms, starting the recovery process from thoracic osteochondrosis.
Food
The therapeutic treatment of any disease requires adherence to the basic principles of a balanced diet.
A diet for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine slows down pathological processes and helps speed up recovery processes.
Nutritional correction involves 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 should include foods containing 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 give up bad habits.
It is recommended to completely exclude various types of semi-finished products, fresh baked goods, as well as margarines and soft drinks with a high sugar content from the diet.
Prevention
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:
- abandon bad habits;
- adherence to the principles of an adequate and balanced diet;
- track the safest and most comfortable position for the spine when walking, running, sitting;
- ensuring comfortable sleep in the correct body position;
- organization of exercises according to the recommended exercise series for the thoracic spine with osteochondrosis.
The comfort of a person's daily life is largely determined by their health.
When the first symptoms of a spinal disease appear, consult a specialist who will help you diagnose the disease and select the correct treatment for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.