Osteochondrosis affects the bone and cartilage tissue of the cervical, lumbar, or thoracic vertebrae. The pathology often leads to disability, and in advanced cases, eg, with the formation of an intervertebral hernia, surgical intervention is required. We describe thoracic osteochondrosis, its symptoms, and treatment in detail in this material.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine - what is it?
Thoracic osteochondrosis is a degenerative dystrophic change of the vertebrae of the thoracic spine with destruction of the joints, discs, and cartilage. Compared to the cervical and lumbar spine, the thoracic spine has less mobility and is more durable due to its attachment to the ribs.
Therefore, it is less susceptible to external influences. However, the risk of developing osteochondrosis in the thoracic spine is high due to sedentary work, spinal muscle weakness, and accompanying injuries.
Risk factors are:
- High loads on the back - lifting weights, pregnancy, wearing high heels, flat feet;
- a sedentary lifestyle;
- Lazio Campsis;
- back injury;
- incorrect posture;
- genetic predisposition;
- Nervousness.
The development of thoracic vertebral osteochondrosis leads to thinning of the intervertebral disc between the vertebrae, the appearance of intervertebral hernias, the wear of the perichondrium of the spinal joints, the pathological growth of bony tissue, the growth - on which the formation of osteophytes.
As a result of these changes, blood vessels and nerve fibers are compressed, and spinal cord injury (bone marrow ischemia, myelopathy) may occur. Another serious complication of the disease is intervertebral hernia.
Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis, photo
With thoracic vertebral osteochondrosis, symptoms often appear and are exacerbated under the influence of load, sudden movements, for example, when turning the trunk, leaning.
It may be a dull ache or pain that occurs between the shoulder blades and is accompanied by a tightness in the chest. Posterior rib syndrome occurs when the lower ribs are displaced, when severe pain is felt in the shoulder blades and lower chest.
When probing the spine in the affected vertebral area, local pain is felt - at the exposed site.
Compression of nerve fibers can lead to symptoms such as impaired sensitivity of compressed nerve endings and altered tendon reflexes (knee and heel).
The function of internal organs may be malfunctioning because nerve roots located in the area of the thoracic spine are responsible for the functions of the liver, heart, kidneys, lungs, pancreas and intestines.
Other possible manifestations of osteochondrosis are sexual dysfunction, difficulty breathing, and localized pain in the area:
- mammary gland;
- chest and heart;
- Hypochondria - left or right;
- stomach and intestines;
- esophagus and pharynx.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine presents with two types of pain:
- Dorsago - distinct, stabbing, sharp pain between the shoulder blades and ribs, exacerbated by attempts to turn or change the position of the body. This symptom occurs during an exacerbation of the disease.
- Back pain - comes on gradually and lasts 1-3 weeks. Pain is dull, inexpressive, and localized to the spine at the level of the thoracic region, increasing in intensity with deep breathing, tilting. She was accompanied by muscle spasms above and below the painful area, a feeling of lack of air.
Back pain is usually worse at night and when the body is in the same position for long periods of time.
What should I do when thoracic vertebral osteochondrosis worsens?
Worsening of osteochondrosis can cause physical overload (exercise, hard work), hypothermia, severe stress or fatigue, heavy lifting. Acute pain may be accompanied by:
- Headache, reminiscent of the intensity of a migraine attack;
- nausea;
- Dizziness;
- severe weakness;
- loss of liquidity;
- Difficulty breathing.
Back pain that occurs during an exacerbation of thoracic osteochondrosis is difficult to resolve on its own. You should not choose pain medication without seeing a specialist because self-medication can lead to serious complications.
The first action in acute pain is to call an ambulance or contact a neurologist. As people deteriorated, they were hospitalized and in hospital to clear up the pain syndrome and manage further conditions. To relieve pain, analgesics and local anesthetics (injections, tablets, ointments) are used.
General measures of treatmentThe aggravation period rules are as follows:
- observe bed rest and minimal activity;
- Only take medicines prescribed by your doctor;
- physiotherapy and light self-massage;
- physiotherapy;
- Balanced diet.
If the back is caused by an intervertebral hernia, medication, corsets, physical therapy, and, for larger sizes, surgery is the only treatment. It is performed after a thorough diagnosis and exclusion of other pathologies with similar symptoms.
Treatment strategies for thoracic vertebral osteochondrosis
For thoracic lesions, such as cervicothoracic osteochondrosis, treatment is symptomatic. prescription:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- Analgesics, also from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- topical pain relievers in the form of gels, creams, ointments, and patches;
- muscle relaxants for back muscle spasms;
- Vitamin and mineral complex that helps restore ligament and bone tissue;
- Antidepressants.
An important part of treatment are chondroprotectants -- preparations based on glucosamine or chondroitin -- which aid in the recovery of cartilage tissue and are taken long-term for six months or more.
The most effective means include both compounds.
additionalTreatment for thoracic osteochondrosis:
- Physiotherapy - shock waves, lasers, magnetism, UV radiation, electrophoresis;
- physiotherapy;
- Massage has a warming effect, increases the metabolic intensity of paravertebral and joint tissues, and reduces increased muscle tension;
- Acupuncture - acupuncture;
- Shiatsu - tactile effects on biologically active points;
- Healthy Food.
For thoracic osteochondrosis, perform therapeutic exercises 2-3 times a day. The exercise program is prepared individually by the attending physician. Gymnastics is both preventative and curative, and is designed to strengthen the spine and shoulder muscles, restore the natural curve of the spine, and help with posture.
You can start doing this only after you get over your pain syndrome. All movements basically have movements that are reminiscent of everyday life, so the muscles are gradually strengthened during the movement without being overly tense.
Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis
The nature of the occupation often creates conditions for the development of osteochondrosis. For people who do heavy physical work or work in a seated position all day, it is important to monitor their posture and perform regular exercises to strengthen the back muscles.
It's useful to warm up a few times during the workday as well as self-massage.
To prevent thoracic osteochondrosis, excess salt, sugar, spices, sweet carbonated drinks, spicy and fried foods should be excluded from the diet.
Prioritize whole foods free of preservatives and dyes, vegetables, fruits, grains and other grains, lean meats and fish, dairy products, and enough water. It is necessary to maintain a normal weight, do not forget moderate physical activity, do not abuse coffee and alcoholic beverages.
Your body position is important when sleeping - you should sleep on your back on a firm, thick mattress. Once the vertebrae are back in the correct position, the discomfort that initially occurred will go away.
Following all prevention recommendations will keep your back healthy, beautiful and pain free.