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 people of middle and sometimes young age. And, although among all parts of the thoracic region it is least susceptible to injury, due to the mobility of the position of the vertebrae, this disease is becoming more 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 specific features of the thoracic spine?
The thoracic spine does not bear as much load as the lumbar spine, and its mobility is lower than that of the cervical spine. Because of this, in the thoracic spine, 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 hernia and vertebral displacement. However, there are a number of factors that increase the risk of developing diseases and injuries, for example, scoliosis and poor posture. With thoracic osteochondrosis, as with any other disease, the disease can usually be detected only 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 - it manifests itself with sudden movements or significant physical activity;
- Inhaling and exhaling deeply causes pain and tightness in the mid-back;
- When raising the arms up and making sharp turns, a stable pain syndrome is noted;
- Moderate pain is constantly observed in the area of the shoulder blades;
- Certain parts of the body go numb and become insensitive;
- Unreasonable tingling or chills;
- Itching or burning sensations in the legs, a decrease in their temperature relative 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 which 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, angina pectoris. Therefore, for any of the indicated signs of osteochondrosis, a comprehensive examination of the body is necessary.
Pain with this disease is divided into two types:
- Dorsago - sharp pain of significant intensity, accompanied by a feeling of stiffness and interfering with normal breathing;
- Dorsalgia – pain in the area of the intervertebral discs that lasts for a long time.
One of the most striking manifestations of the disease is pain in the epigastric region. Exacerbations of pain occur regardless of the season, most often caused by diet.
Causes of thoracic osteochondrosis
The reasons for the development of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can be different. Among the most common manifestations are the following:
- Pathologies of the structure of 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 load on the spine, causing degeneration of muscle tissue, cartilage or bones;
- Lack of vitamins and microelements, primarily 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 for 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 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 traditional medicine methods, 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 collects an anamnesis. 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, exercise therapy, 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 medications. The doctor treats osteochondrosis based on the patient’s specific case.
Manual therapy
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis will be more complete if, in addition to regular massage and physical education, it includes manual therapy. It helps to get rid of increased muscle tone, eliminate spasms, and also restore the normal position of the back muscles. A chiropractor can relieve tension in the back, free up blood vessels to improve blood supply, quality nutrition and restore intervertebral discs.
Physiotherapy
Drug therapy is usually combined with physiotherapeutic methods. Usually 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 unload the spine and relieve spasms under the influence of the patient’s own weight;
- Electrotherapy – heating tissues using electric fields, delivering impulses to improve blood circulation and stimulate metabolism. Under the influence of current, drugs for the treatment of osteochondrosis are absorbed more efficiently;
- Ultraviolet treatment – quartz treatment enhances the production of vitamin D, and also helps relieve pain and improve the functioning of the immune system;
- Magnetotherapy - an electromagnetic field at a low frequency 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, 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 drugs for internal use and topical application.
Tablets for osteochondrosis allow you to:
- 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 of all, take analgesics. They allow you to get rid of the pain that sometimes accompanies every movement. To ensure that the drug not only relieves pain, but also reduces inflammation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with an analgesic effect are recommended. Also, for osteochondrosis, it is recommended to take chondroprotective drugs, vitamin-mineral complexes and immunomodulatory agents.
Local drugs for the treatment of 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 agents.
Folk remedies
Traditional medicine helped in the treatment of osteochondrosis long before all modern medicines were invented. Their 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 they allow you to recover faster.
Among the folk remedies are:
- Horseradish leaves, doused with boiling water, are applied to the diseased area - this relieves the symptoms of osteochondrosis, and regular procedures prevent exacerbation of the disease;
- A compress of homemade cottage cheese with a couple of drops of vinegar is applied overnight to get rid of the symptoms of osteochondrosis in the chest or neck;
- A tincture of the 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 poured with boiling water are taken on an empty stomach, one tablespoon at a time. Cannot be used for gastritis and peptic ulcers;
- A decoction of lingonberry leaves at the rate of a tablespoon per liter of boiling water is taken instead of ordinary tea;
- Horse sorrel, boiled for ten minutes. Leave for a couple of hours, after which you take a couple of lodges 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 a tablespoon three times a day for a week and a half.
What to do in case of exacerbation?
Exacerbations are the most difficult part of this disease. They are accompanied by sharp and acute pain, which is called dorsago. It is very difficult to relieve such severe pain and it is not always possible to do it on your own. The cause of exacerbation may be:
- Hypothermia;
- Physical exercise;
- Overwork, constant hard work;
- Too active training;
- Stress and other tensions of the nervous system.
What should a person do if he feels an exacerbation is approaching? 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. Exacerbation of the disease is often accompanied by nausea, high-intensity headaches, limited mobility and general weakness.
Since this disease is closely related to breathing, an exacerbation can cause difficulties with it - 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 inpatient 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. 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 protrusion in the thoracic spine can lead to pain in different parts of the back. If the protrusion is large, it can lead to serious problems and put the patient's life in danger. 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;
- Maintaining a healthy diet;
- Compliance with all doctor’s recommendations, taking prescribed medications;
- Massage and rubbing 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;
- Attendance at physiotherapy 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;
- Rest regularly and avoid excessive fatigue;
- Make sure your posture is correct.
- Do not stay in the same position for a long time, especially if it is uncomfortable.
If your professional activity inevitably involves staying in one position, you need to adopt a rule about conducting 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 sets of exercises specially developed for such cases is performed.
It is equally important to eat properly and nutritiously. The main principle of a healthy diet for the musculoskeletal system is avoidance of 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 a too soft one. You can place a special board on the bed or sofa.