In osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, doctors in this area understand the corresponding degenerative-dystrophic processes, which result in pathological deformations of cartilage and bone tissue, destruction of ligaments, joints and intervertebral discs.
Reasons for appearance
The thoracic spine is less mobile than the cervical and lumbar spine, so pathological processes appear less often in this area, mainly due to the strong connection between the ribs, sternum and vertebrae.However, it is not less common than other types of osteochondrosis.Most people who are constantly sitting at home or at work are prone to weakness of the spinal muscles, scoliosis, injuries in this area, bad posture and, as a result, thoracic osteochondrosis.
As mentioned above, the main cause of the disease is considered to be pathological deformations of the intervertebral discs and joints of the structure.The cartilaginous surfaces are destroyed, the discs become thinner, osteophytes, protrusions and hernias are formed, the nucleus pulposus is significantly reduced and ultimately the radicular structures of the spinal nerves are damaged, compression myelopathy and vascular myeloschaemia occur.
Symptoms and first signs of thoracic osteochondrosis
The signs of osteochondrosis are not as pronounced as in other types of the disease, and unqualified doctors regularly confuse them with the symptoms of other diseases.The above problem causes pain in the chest and interscapular region, which is significantly intensified by movement and physical work.The pinched nerve fibers cause conductive discomfort in the heart and even in the liver, and cause symptoms in the functioning of many other organs.
Two types of pain are associated with osteochondrosis of the chest region.
- Dorsalgia is a long-term moderate pain syndrome in the affected area accompanied by discomfort.
- Dorsago - paroxysmal severe pain, intense and usually short-term.In this case, the patient may have breathing difficulties and motor skills in the affected area.
Common symptoms
- Painful sensations in the interscapular area.They are accompanied by "shooting" of the intercostal nerves in the affected area and corresponding neuralgia.
- Pain syndrome on the left side of the chest, similar to ischemia.
- Girdle pain in the chest, significantly increased with high physical activity.
- Limited chest activity/mobility.This symptom characteristic of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is often confused with manifestations of scoliotic deformity and ankylosing spondylitis/Forestier/Scheerman-Mao diseases.
- "Easing" pain in the gastrointestinal tract, heart and liver.
- Sexual dysfunction.
- Partial numbness of the chest.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is treated exclusively with complex, long-term therapy, which includes series of exercises, various physical and manual procedures, as well as drugs.
How should it be treated?
The treatment process consists of several stages.The first is to eliminate the symptoms of pain.Along with this, restorative and preventive therapy is used, which includes many techniques and approaches - from acupuncture to physical therapy.The last stage is maintenance therapy.The duration of treatment of the disease is very variable and depends on the medical techniques used, the current condition of the patient, and the stage of osteochondrosis itself.
Popular drugs for thoracic osteochondrosis
- Pain relievers.NSAIDs and pain relievers based on various combinations.
- Hodroprotectors.It is necessary to catalyze the process of restoring damaged cartilage.
- Vitamins.Most often, preparations containing complete vitamin complexes or B-group elements are prescribed.
- External devices.Glucocorticosteroid-based creams or ointments.In addition, topical agents are used to relieve inflammation in the affected area and relieve the symptoms of the disease.
- Injections and injections.It is most often performed in a hospital setting and is a complex paravertebral block with a long-acting anesthetic.In addition, such drugs improve blood circulation and also promote the restoration of cartilage tissue.
Massage
Massage not only reduces the severity of the symptoms of the disease, but also helps the person to recover, which results in a positive effect of other elements of the complex therapy.It is prescribed individually based on the clinical picture of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, the presence of chronic diseases and contraindications.
Manual therapy relieves pain syndromes of various etiologies, prevents atrophy of the spine, normalizes the blood circulation and nutrition of the intervertebral discs, relaxes the static muscles in the affected area, and initiates the natural processes of cartilage tissue regeneration.
The main types of massage for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine:
- Spot.
- Medicinal.
- Hardware canned.
- Reflex-periosteal.
- Connective tissue.
Gymnastics and gymnastics therapy
Therapeutic physical training and gymnastic exercises are one of the most important stages in the recovery of the spine after osteochondrosis.Of course, it must be prescribed by a purely professional doctor, taking into account the stage of the disease and the patient's condition.
The basic task of movement therapy/gymnastics is the systematic development of the cartilage and the strengthening of the spinal muscles.With a proper diagnosis, the author's set of exercises is often prescribed: the system includes both general strengthening procedures and methods that have a direct effect on the most problematic area, as well as indicator exercises that make it easier to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment.
Changing sequences of exercises are also used in private practice, with different methods and special tools.Stages of treatment in this case:
- Alleviating spasms and fighting feelings.
- Therapeutic load on the short back muscles.
- Normalization of circulation in the intervertebral discs.
- Restoring the basic structure of the spine.
Physiotherapy and alternative therapy
This treatment method for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can include hardware and alternative therapy, as well as various physical procedures.The most famous and popular methods:
- Electrophoresis.It is a well-known, non-surgical method of influencing the spine, which has been used since the 70s of the last century.
- Direct stretching.This method is a relatively safe and effective method of straightening the spine, if of course it is performed by a qualified professional.It is performed on a massage couch.
- Vacuum therapy.A kind of active effect on the affected area with vacuum cans.
- Acupuncture.Classic acupuncture is performed with special thin needles that are inserted to a certain depth of the epithelium at the acupuncture points on the back.
- Laser piercing.An activity similar to acupuncture, but performed with a laser beam.
- Magnetopuncture.Effect on problem areas with an alternating magnetic field.
- Osteopathy.A complex method that includes elements of massage, chiropractic and orthopedic techniques.
- Electrical stimulation.Use of electric current to normalize spinal function.
- Shock wave therapy.The technique is based on the use of infrasound acoustic waves in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.
- Decompression of the tractor.An automated analogue of direct stretching.
Prevention
The rules for preventing the disease are simple and clear:
- Regular exercise under the supervision of an orthopedist.
- Weight normalization.
- Consuming foods and medicines rich in magnesium and calcium.
- Correct posture when working in a sitting position.
- Getting rid of bad habits.
Question - answer
What kind of pain occurs with osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine?
With this type of osteochondrosis, patients experience two types of pain syndromes.
- Dorsago is a severe, short-term, high-intensity pain that periodically manifests itself in the affected area against the background of decreased motor activity and difficulty breathing.
- Dorsalgia is a moderate or low-intensity, long-term background pain that increases with physical activity.
Localization of the above pain sensations:
- Lapackköz region.
- Chest pain with partial numbness.
- Painful "shots" in the upper left chest, similar to ischemia.
- It refers to pain in the liver, heart and gastrointestinal tract.
Is gymnastics useful in thoracic osteochondrosis?
Gymnastics and gymnastics therapy are one of the main elements of the complex therapy of the disease.With its help, you can strengthen your muscles, improve blood microcirculation and develop the discs/intervertebral discs.Of course, gymnastics itself, as a separate type of therapy, does not help to get rid of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine: in order to consolidate the positive effect, it is necessary to take appropriate drugs and regularly participate in physical procedures.