As you know, osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is one of the most common and dangerous pathologies that can disrupt the work of internal organs and worsen motor activity. If a person is diagnosed with this disease and does not take timely measures, this leads to the appearance of severe painful manifestations, dysfunctions of the cardiovascular system, deterioration of the gastrointestinal tract, the development ofinflammatory processes in the respiratory system, the lack of reproductive function and other serious complications.
In this article, we will give detailed information about thoracic osteochondrosis and talk about the key points associated with the development of this disease. You will also learn about risk factors, effective treatment measures and possible negative consequences. We hope you find the material provided useful.
What is osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
According to statistics, osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can be observed in different people, regardless of gender and age. If the disease manifests itself in children, their musculoskeletal system is prone to premature aging.
What is this disease that we hear so often from others? This is one of the dangerous pathologies, which is accompanied by degenerative-dystrophic changes in the area of bones and cartilage. Lack of prompt treatment is fraught with destructive processes affecting the joints, intervertebral discs and ligaments.
Often against the background of thoracic osteochondrosis, the following pathological processes can occur: impaired reproductive function; pathological replacement of lung tissue with connective tissue; oncological neoplasms; inflammatory lesions of the prostate; atherosclerosis, etc.
It should be noted that in the initial stage of the disease, the pathological changes mainly affect the bones, but gradually the disease spreads to muscle, connective and cartilage tissue.
Stages of development of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
At the moment, 4 stages of the pathological process are known:
- First. It is characterized by loss of moisture and the appearance of cracks in the intervertebral disc. In this case, the thoracic osteochondrosis has mild symptoms that disappear during the period of rest.
- Second. It is also accompanied by the formation of cracks and a decrease in the size of the disc. In this case, the free part of the vertebra is filled with the nucleus pulposus, but the probability of its protrusion is minimal in this case. However, the patient feels significant tension in the muscle area. A strong pain syndrome is felt, which disappears for some time after rest.
- The third. The crack reaches the extreme part of the vertebra and the nucleus pulposus protrudes. This is accompanied by the appearance of a herniated disc. The patient notes the presence of constant pain.
- Fourth. It is accompanied by fibrosis. In this case, the connective tissue formed links the neighboring vertebrae. In addition, there is a proliferation of bone tissue and the active appearance of pathological growths on it.
Causes of thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine
There are several known risk factors that can cause the disease to progress:
- Genetic predisposition;
- Hypodynamia;
- Scoliosis;
- Regular lifting of heavy objects;
- Injury to the thoracic region;
- Wearing high heel shoes during pregnancy;
- Alcohol and tobacco abuse;
- Deterioration of blood flow in the region of the spinal cord;
- Significant physical activity;
- Exposure to thermal factors;
- Dystrophy of bone tissue;
- The presence of a herniated disc;
- Obesity;
- Disruption of metabolic processes;
- Destruction of cartilages.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine in men and women
It is important to note that the disease described above is also characterized by a change in the composition of cartilage tissue. This pathological process is accompanied by the following manifestations:
- A feeling of pinching in the chest area, which is accompanied by a deterioration in the activity of the respiratory system;
- Regular numbness of the limbs;
- The appearance of noticeable discomfort when rotating the body;
- Loss of feeling in the limbs;
- brittle nails;
- The presence of a tooth in the hands;
- Dysfunctions of the digestive tract;
- Reproductive dysfunction;
- Painful manifestations in the head area, which are regular;
- Vomiting, nausea and heartburn;
- The defeat of the intercostal nerves, accompanied by acute pain syndrome (neuralgia);
- Painful pain in the abdominal area;
- Significant discomfort in the left side of the chest;
- Pain syndrome on the right side of the chest;
- Tachycardia;
- Increased sweating.
Characteristic signs of the subacute phase
It makes itself felt after a period of exacerbation. The painful manifestations and dysfunctions of the respiratory system persist, but they are less intense. The patient stops looking for a position to eliminate the discomfort. The duration of the subacute phase can be up to 12-14 days. With strict adherence to the advice of a specialist, remission is possible, with a characteristic attenuation of pronounced signs. Failure to comply with the recommendations can provoke a repeated exacerbation of the disease.
Remission of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
This stage is characterized by a temporary improvement in the patient's condition. In this case, the discomfort may return - in case of exposure to thermal irritants or changes in climatic conditions. Acute pain syndrome is felt exclusively with chest osteochondrosis of 2-4 degrees - due to a sharp change in the position of the body. Excessive physical exertion, stressful situations, chronic diseases in the acute stage and an immobile lifestyle can also cause a relapse.
Methods of diagnosing osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
For a clear diagnosis, the specialist should take into account the patient's complaints. The following symptoms and sensations in women can detect thoracic osteochondrosis: when you press on certain points in the thoracic region, a severe pain syndrome appears.
In order to identify signs of impaired sensitivity, special functional tests are performed. The most informative diagnostic option among the instrumental methods is radiography. However, MRI and CT scans are often done to take a deeper look at the spine. If you suspect diseases of the cardiovascular system, the patient is recommended to undergo an ECG procedure.
First aid for acute thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine
Manifestations of pain during the period of recurrence of the disease are characterized by a penetrating acute character, which involves the provision of emergency care to the patient. It should be placed on a flat surface, covered with a warm blanket. If anxiety, shortness of breath or tachycardia appear during a relapse, a specialist should be called promptly. To relieve pain in the intercostal region, it is recommended to resort to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine
To understand how to best treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, we must remember the basics of a global technique. As part of it, several therapeutic measures are implemented simultaneously, thanks to which it is possible to cope with almost any signs of pathology. With an initial disease, conservative therapy is used. With more advanced stages of the pathological process and the presence of herniated discs, in order to eliminate the compression syndrome, surgery may be necessary.
Physiotherapy treatment
To understand how to treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine with physiotherapeutic methods, you need to remember their mechanism. The most effective in identifying the above pathology are therefore:
- Exposure to the body with a constant electric current with the simultaneous use of drugs;
- Methods associated with the use of a static magnetic field;
- Phonophoresis;
- Ultrasound therapy;
- Hydrotherapy and underwater traction of the spine.
SWT for thoracic osteochondrosis
Shockwave therapy is considered to be one of the most effective ways to restore affected parts of the spine. This physiotherapeutic method is based on the effect of acoustic impulses on the areas affected by the destructive-degenerative process.
In this case, special medical equipment is used. By converting electrical impulses into shock waves, it is possible to quickly cope with salt deposits, reduce the size of osteophytes, and minimize the intensity of pain.
As a rule, the procedure is effective in the presence of cervical, thoracic and lumbar osteochondrosis. Its main purpose is to restore the normal condition of joints, bones and cartilage, as well as to increase the elasticity of the affected vertebrae. In addition, due to the impact of shock waves, it is possible to activate the development of new blood vessels and improve the blood supply to the muscles.
Acupuncture
This technique involves the introduction of small diameter needles into biologically active points. To activate a positive effect, they are rotated around an axis or subjected to heating. With the help of acupuncture, it is possible to quickly stop the pain syndrome, eliminate inflammatory and congestive manifestations, cope with swelling, relieve spasms, restore normal blood flow and d'' improve mobility.
Pharmacopuncture
The method of administration of drugs by reflexogenic points. In this case, drugs are injected into the lesion.
Considering the destination, the following drugs are used:
- Means for reducing the tone of skeletal muscles and restoring mobility of the vertebrae;
- Medicines with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects;
- Medicines that reduce muscle tone and dilate blood vessels;
- Preparations that accelerate recovery and metabolic processes;
- Vitamin complexes that contribute to the normalization of cellular nutrition and improve the functioning of the immune system;
- Homeopathic remedies to normalize the immune and musculoskeletal system.
Massage for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
It should be noted that massage in this department can be performed even in an acute period. Thanks to him, it is possible to restore blood flow, improve the condition of muscles and normalize their functionality, as well as minimize the load on the vessel that supplies the brain.
Medication use
If we are talking about how to treat thoracic osteochondrosis with drugs, first of all we need to consider the degree of the disease, the nature of its occurrence and the intensity of the pain syndrome. Most often, the following drugs are used:
- Non-steroidal group funds. These are drugs with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, which are advisable to use in a course, at the end of which they switch to special ointments;
- Anesthetic drugs. They have an analgesic effect. Used as an intravenous drip;
- Diuretics. Allows you to cope with puffiness, eliminate signs of pathology, have a beneficial effect on the state of the myocardium;
- Medicines that reduce the tone of skeletal muscles, restore mobility of the vertebrae and relieve pain.
In some situations, the patient is recommended to take hormonal drugs, anticonvulsants, vitamin complexes, drugs to restore the condition of blood vessels and sedatives.
Injections for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
Often, patients are interested in what to do with thoracic osteochondrosis, if it is accompanied by acute painful manifestations. In order to provide a faster effect on the nerve endings, they resort to injections into the spine. In this case, anesthetics and glucocorticoids are used. After normalization of the patient's condition, they switch to the use of gels and ointments.
Gymnastics for the thoracic spine with osteochondrosis
Before performing exercises for the thoracic spine with osteochondrosis, it is recommended to do a warm-up that provides the necessary warm-up of the muscles and increases the efficiency of future training. You can also take a shower and do a light spine massage in the chest area.
Warming up is especially important for first-time home gymnastics patients with thoracic osteochondrosis. As part of the preliminary warm-up of the muscles, the following movements can be performed: turns and rotations of the pelvis and neck, rhythmic movements of the limbs, carried out in different directions (swing). It should be remembered that gymnastics for thoracic osteochondrosis is carried out without haste and smoothly. If exercise is associated with acute pain syndrome, it is better to refuse it.
Currently, thoracic spine gymnastics, recommended for osteochondrosis, involves the implementation of 6 basic exercises:
- The patient is placed in a "lying down" position on the floor, face down. At the same time, he puts his hands behind his head, spreading his elbows wide. In addition, it gradually raises the shoulders simultaneously with the body, which is accompanied by a reciprocating movement of the elbows in the same direction. The number of repetitions is six times in 6 times for 1 exercise;
- The patient is placed on the floor, face down. Then he ties his hands in a lock behind his back and tries to lift them by bending his body. All movements are very fluid;
- The person stands up and puts their hands behind their shoulders. In the future, he should do lifts with the shoulders up (alternately);
- The patient is lying on the floor on a flat surface, leaning on his stomach. He stretches the upper limbs in front of him, lifting the body slightly;
- The patient is placed in a chair and lowered his hands to waist level. In addition, movements are performed with the shoulders, with an alternating lift and a slow return to the starting position. The number of repetitions - 5 times in one lesson;
- The man is sitting on a chair, trying to reach with a gymnastic stick. The return to the starting position takes place on exhalation, while tilting the body forward. You can also perform lateral curls while holding the same gymnastic apparatus in your hands.
Diet for thoracic osteochondrosis
According to the expert, it is better for people suffering from this disease to exclude fatty foods, smoked products, marinades and preservatives from the diet. You should also reduce the amount of salt, as this can cause severe swelling. In addition, the amount of fluid consumed should not be less than 2 to 2, 5 liters per day.
Surgical intervention
Depending on the clinical manifestations of thoracic osteochondrosis, specialists select the appropriate treatment. In advanced cases, surgical intervention is performed, in the framework of which:
- Excision of the intervertebral disc;
- Removal of a herniated disc;
- Surgical intervention for spinal stenosis;
- Disk replacement.
Traditional methods of treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine
As a rule, the methods of traditional medicine are considered relevant after the end of the main treatment. In this case, herbal infusions and decoctions, compresses, various ointments and gels can be used. Basically, these funds are used to relieve painful manifestations of low intensity, which make themselves felt after physical exertion. The following recipes are most commonly used:
- Peel, crush and squeeze the celeriac juice. The resulting raw material is mixed with celery. The main purpose of this tool is to fight against salt deposits in the spine;
- Dry sunflower roots are crushed and hot water is added to the mixture. Cook over low heat for about 15 minutes, then insist and strain. Take 3 times a day.
Medicinal during pregnancy
It should be remembered that most anesthetics are not allowed during pregnancy. Neurologists recommend limiting the consumption of gels, ointments and patches. Most often, if a pregnant woman is diagnosed with osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, the treatment is reduced to carrying out physiotherapy exercises and massage, the positive effect of which is shown.people results. . .
Possible complications
If a patient is diagnosed with thoracic osteochondrosis, but did not take timely measures, it can cause malfunctions of the gastrointestinal tract, inflammation of the respiratory system, a violation of the heart rhythm, as well as'deterioration of reproductive function.
In case of severe compression of the nerve endings, they can be felt:
- Pathological processes in the area of the kidneys;
- Pain syndrome of a chronic nature;
- Deterioration of cardiac activity;
- Development of a herniated disc;
- A feeling of stiffness in the spine.
Preventive actions
To eliminate the risk of negative consequences against the background of thoracic osteochondrosis, any experienced doctor will advise you to adhere to the following prevention rules:
- Eliminate exposure to thermal irritants;
- Refuse to use tobacco products and take alcoholic beverages;
- Perform gymnastic exercises;
- Follow your posture;
- Refuse smoked meats and spicy foods;
- Sleep on a comfortable bed;
- Eliminate the increase in physical activity;
- 1 time in 6 months to take drugs that allow you to restore cartilage tissue;
- Regularly see a specialist to examine the condition of the spine.
With the timely detection of the pathology and the implementation of effective therapeutic measures, the prognosis is positive.