Osteochondrosis is a chronic disease of cartilage tissue in which degenerative-dystrophic processes prevail.The disease can affect any joint in the body, but most cases occur in the intervertebral discs.Depending on the location, osteochondrosis of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine is distinguished.The peak incidence is observed at the age of 30-40 years, but recently this disease is becoming younger and appears even in teenagers.Osteochondrosis-like symptoms occur in 50-90% of the population.In the article you will find the main symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis and methods of treatment of this disease.
Specifics of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is less common than other types.The anatomy of the thoracic spine includes more discs than the lower back and neck combined.However, these discs are inferior in size and thickness.Due to the redistribution of the load on the ribs and sternum, this part of the spine is less mobile.
While for intervertebral osteochondrosis of the lumbar region, a more characteristic symptom is pain after excessive and improper physical activity, for the chest region, pain is practically not typical.More often, symptoms of complications of various diseases of the cardiovascular system or the respiratory system are observed.
Reasons for development
The most common cause of osteochondrosis is a sedentary lifestyle.Nowadays, people increasingly have to work at a computer in the most uncomfortable positions for their backs.Also, the lack of physical activity affects the condition of the muscles on which the condition of the intervertebral discs depends.Not only physical inactivity, but also excessive physical activity can cause osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine;the following risk factors are also identified:
- inheritance;
- various forms of curvature of the spine, such as scoliosis, posture disorders;
- sedentary lifestyle, sedentary work;
- excessive physical activity or sudden cessation of active sports;
- spinal cord injuries;
- bad habits, chronic stress, insomnia;
- overweight, overweight;
- flat feet, prolonged wearing of uncomfortable shoes;
- dystrophic changes associated with the normal aging process of the body.
Recently, there has been a trend towards a resurgence of the disease.Symptoms of osteochondrosis are diagnosed starting in adolescence.There is a hypothesis that this is due to the large amount of time spent on the computer.
Symptoms
The clinical picture of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is quite clear, but it can be hidden under other diseases or their complications: attacks can often resemble myocardial infarction, cholecystitis, pancreatitis or renal colic.Among the most common are:
- the appearance of acute pain after a long stay in a position, most often uncomfortable.These pains also appear in response to sudden movements or due to lifting heavy weights;
- There may be no pain, but a feeling of tightness in the chest or back.Difficulty in breathing, pain during deep inspiration or exhalation;
- due to osteochondrosis damage to the nerve roots coming out of the spinal canal, numbness or tingling in certain areas of the body may be observed;
- there is also a dull pain in or between the shoulder blades, as well as in the shoulder girdle and sternoclavicular joint;
- coldness of the lower extremities due to complications of blood supply.
Some general, non-specific symptoms may appear:
- frequent attacks of intercostal neuralgia;
- from the gastrointestinal tract: nausea, heartburn, bloating, flatulence, constipation or diarrhea.Abdominal pain can occur due to damage to the lower segment of the thoracic spine;
- peeling skin, thin and brittle nails and hair;
- disorders of the reproductive system.
Often the symptoms are manifested in the form of vertebral syndromes: dorsago and dorsalgia.These are the main markers of the disease, which often indicate osteochondrosis of this department with 100% probability.
Dorsago
It is characterized by sudden sharp pains in the thoracic spine.Patients associate it with "dagger" pain, because in most cases it is acute and unbearable.Most often, the cause of this type of pain is a long sitting position or a prolonged uncomfortable position.When trying to stand up or take a more comfortable position, a person experiences acute pain or "lumbago", which can also cause limitations in movement for some time.
Dorsalgia
This type of pain has a gradual onset with a cumulative effect and can develop within 2-3 weeks.With dorsalgia, nagging pain or discomfort is observed in the localization of a specific damaged area of the spine.When you change the position of the body or take a deep breath, the pain increases significantly.There is a tendency for the pain to intensify in the evening or after physical activity.In the morning, patients usually notice a weakening or even complete disappearance of pain.A short walk also helps.
Diagnosing
Making a diagnosis for any pathology begins with a comprehensive examination of the person and the analysis of his complaints about his condition.For example, in advanced stages, a curvature of the spine, visible from the outside, is often observed.On the contrary, if the posture is impaired, it should be carefully examined for the presence of osteochondrosis.It is recommended to carefully analyze the hereditary prerequisites of the patient for the development of this pathology.It is necessary for the patient to undergo general blood and urine tests.
One of the most necessary stages is radiography of the thoracic spine in different projections, with the help of which it is necessary to analyze osteophytes, their presence and size;evaluate the height of the discs and the presence of changes in it;size and position of the hernia.
Another X-ray method is discography, which uses a contrast agent.This allows you to assess the condition of the nucleus pulposus.Computed tomography can also be used, but due to the high radiation exposure of patients, it is used in exceptional cases.
Electrocardiography is a mandatory method of examination.The symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are extremely similar to the symptoms of myocardial infarction and angina pectoris.
Treatment
To successfully treat osteochondrosis of the spine, it is necessary to affect the cause of the disease and not limit yourself to painkillers or immediately send for surgery.For example, patients with low mobility will receive completely different treatment methods compared to a patient with a history of spinal cord injury and its complications.It is also extremely effective to combine therapy methods to increase and consolidate the effect.
Treatment
In the acute period of the disease, in addition to medications, strict bed rest is also recommended.The main groups of drugs for osteochondrosis of the breast:
- analgesics for acute pain relief;
- for some patients, the use of antispasmodics is recommended;
- B complex vitamins;
- chondroprotectors, which require individual selection for each patient, taking into account the characteristics of the development of the disease, as well as taking into account the specifics of the development of the body.
Drug therapy is effective only in the early stages of the disease.In addition, in the chronic form of osteochondrosis, drugs can be prescribed for life or until complete recovery.
Exercise therapy
Exercise therapy is a therapeutic physical culture.Today there are many useful exercises for the prevention and treatment of osteochondrosis of the chest region.These also include breathing exercises.
The basis of exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is the board.You should start it with a minimum time, increasing it every day to the minimum level.The goal is 1.5 minutes.Also in this position, it is recommended to alternately press the knees to the chest, holding this position for 5-10 seconds.It will also be useful to try hanging on the horizontal bar with the same gradual increase in time.
The exercise therapy method is used outside the acute period of the disease and is one of the most universal methods that can be combined with others.
Manual therapy
A manual method to influence the musculoskeletal system to relieve chronic and acute joint and back pain.It also helps increase the range of motion in the joints and corrects postural disorders.It is also used to relieve muscle tension.
Manual therapy also helps improve blood circulation in the intervertebral discs and increase oxygen transport from blood to tissues and vice versa.In this way, it is possible to eliminate the complications of osteochondrosis related to the damage or compression of blood vessels, as well as the lack of oxygen in tissues and organs.
Traditional methods
The advantage of traditional medicine is that its effect has been tested for many years.There are many different ways to treat any disease at home without the risk of side effects.Recipes for infusions used for diseases:
- Calendula.Take 100g of product per 200ml of regular men's cologne.Add some camphor oil.Leave it in a cool and dark place to infuse for two weeks in a well-closed bottle;
- Dandelion.Take dandelion root, mint leaves, birch buds and coriander fruit, 2 tablespoons each.l.and pour 0.5 cups of boiling water.Cook over low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.After that, add 60-70 g of butter and cook for another 20 minutes and then cool.
It is extremely important to rub these decoctions strictly on the affected area of the chest.Rubbing should be done with gentle massage movements for 5 minutes.Then isolate the rubbing area, for example, with a sweater.All decoctions are stored in the refrigerator.
Some herbs are not approved for use in the presence of certain diseases, so it is better to consult a specialist.
First aid for deterioration
First of all, it is necessary to warm the painful area.But you should do this only with medicated ointments;you should not use decoction: there is a possibility of getting a skin burn.
It is better to do this with a light warming fabric, for example, a woolen product.Then it is recommended to lie down on a hard surface to correct the uneven position of the body.In a pinch, even the floor will do.In case of worsening osteochondrosis of the chest region, apply a tight bandage on the chest.
During an attack, it is advisable to take a sedative, preferably intramuscularly.NSAIDs are used for acute attacks.
If there is no improvement in your well-being within 30-60 minutes, then you should call an ambulance and be sure to inform them upon arrival about the painkiller.
Preventing
Prevention is the simplest and least expensive way to maintain health.Every person exposes himself to many negative environmental factors every day.If this influence is minimized, then the possibility of developing osteochondrosis is reduced to zero.Basic principles for the prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- Lead an active lifestyle.It's easy to overdo it and put even more stress on the spine.It is better to listen to the needs of the body, start with minimal loads and gradually get used to it.Morning jogging and swimming pools are best for this.
- Monitor prolonged sitting in one position.It is better to regularly stretch the joints of the upper shoulder girdle, try to maintain the correct posture and relax your shoulders.
- You should not skimp on a chair for sitting work.Let it be a special chair that supports the spine well.
- Use orthopedic mattresses and pillows.It is during sleep that the spine is most often deformed, remains in a curved position for a long time and then disappoints with pain and discomfort throughout the day.These are the initial prerequisites for osteochondrosis.Better to warn them anyway.
- Avoid carrying heavy objects.Unfortunately, sometimes this is vital.In this case, it is better to ensure an even distribution of weight in relation to the body.And try to do everything smoothly, without sudden movements.Otherwise, this can threaten not only osteochondrosis.
- Wear comfortable shoes.In everyday life, heels will only bring health problems.It's best to leave them aside for an evening look.
- Strengthen the muscles.Abdominal, back, back and spine muscles.This is the main framework for a healthy back and correct posture.
We must not forget the right food.The daily menu should meet the needs of the individual body and include the maximum amount of vitamins, micro- and macroelements.
conclusions
- Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is a dystrophic-degenerative disease in which the deformation and loss of functionality of the vertebral discs occurs.
- Thoracic osteochondrosis is less common than other types of this pathology.Recently, the disease has been diagnosed not only in the elderly, but also in teenagers.
- There are many factors in the development of the disease.As a rule, osteochondrosis begins for several reasons.
- Monotherapy is rarely effective.To eliminate the cause and symptoms of the disease, treatment tactics are developed, which includes taking medications, exercise therapy and other auxiliary procedures.
- Simple prevention can reduce the development of breast osteochondrosis to a minimum.