Osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine, characterized by the development of degenerative-dystrophic changes in bone and cartilage tissue in one or more of its departments. The development of thoracic osteochondrosis is much less common than similar manifestations in the cervical and lumbar spine. This is due to the peculiarities of the anatomical structure of the human mid-back, where the mobility of the vertebrae is somewhat limited. This significantly reduces the probability of injury. A couple of decades ago, this type of osteochondrosis was more common in older people. Today, the disease also affects younger men and women. Children are no exception.
Description
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a disease of the skeletal system, characterized by damage to the intervertebral discs, vertebrae and their degenerative changes. In the first stage of the disease, the manifestations are mild, which is an obstacle to early diagnosis. However, over time, the disease progresses.
Gradually, the ligamentous apparatus is also involved in the process. Somewhat less often, complications develop, which manifest themselves in the form of atrophy of muscle tissue and are accompanied by a decrease in sensitivity and functional disorders of internal organs.
In advanced cases, with thoracic osteochondrosis, cartilage and bones begin to break down. At the same time, premature aging of the musculoskeletal system is observed.
Against the background of this disease, diseases such as:
- prostatitis;
- pneumosclerosis;
- atrophy of the organs of the reproductive system, which often leads to infertility;
- atherosclerosis;
- cancerous tumors.
According to medical statistics, thoracic spine osteochondrosis occurs equally in men and women.
disease symptoms
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine has a number of specific features, among which are:
- chest pain that occurs when the body is often and for a long time in one position;
- pain syndrome with increased physical exertion, for example, when lifting weights;
- the appearance of difficulty in inhaling and exhaling, accompanied by a feeling of tightness in the middle of the back;
- constant aching pain in the shoulder blades;
- numbness of certain parts of the body;
- prolonged sensation of cold that occurs periodically, accompanied by chills;
- decreased body temperature in the legs;
- Itching and burning in the lower extremities.
With impaired functions of the vascular system of the thoracic spine, patients have a number of characteristic signs:
- skin peeling;
- brittle and thinning nails;
- abdominal pain, flatulence;
- stool disorders, in which attacks of diarrhea can be replaced by constipation;
- nausea, heartburn;
- symptoms of intercostal neuralgia;
- decreased sexual activity.
With thoracic osteochondrosis, there are two types of pain syndrome:
- Dorsalgia (dorsalgia).
- Dorsago (dorsag).
The first is characterized by prolonged pain in the damaged areas of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs. The second is an intense paroxysmal pain of a sharp nature, accompanied by a feeling of stiffness in the muscles and shortness of breath.
One of the complications accompanying osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is gastritis, or rather its exacerbations, characterized by pain in the epigastric region.
Causes of osteochondrosis
The development of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is due to pathological changes that occur in the intervertebral discs. The causes of this disease can be:
- hereditary predisposition;
- hernia, disc deformities;
- osteophyte formation;
- cartilage destruction;
- insufficient blood supply to the spinal canal, which has developed as a result of clamping of the conducting vessels and arteries;
- degeneration of bones, cartilage and muscle tissue caused by a poorly distributed load on the spine;
- metabolic disorders caused by calcium deficiency in the body.
The factors that act as a cause of pathological changes are:
- heavy lifting;
- sedentary work;
- long stay in one position;
- uneven load on the spine;
- spinal injury;
- scoliosis.
Thoracic osteochondrosis is often diagnosed in professionals involved in strength sports.
Diagnostics
Thoracic osteochondrosis requires mandatory diagnosis and differentiation from other diseases that have similar symptoms. Through a comprehensive examination, are excluded:
- angina pectoris;
- myocardial infarction;
- lung inflammation;
- pathology with gastric symptoms.
In this way, a misdiagnosis can be avoided. Assessment of the patient's condition is carried out on the basis of the anamnesis, taking into account all the symptoms of the disease and the patient's complaints.
To confirm the diagnosis, clarify the location of the affected areas, identify benign neoplasms and cancerous tumors, progressive instrumental methods are used:
- bone scan;
- CONNECTICUT;
- magnetic resonance
To determine the degree of the inflammatory process in osteochondrosis, blood and urine tests are prescribed.
Treatment
The treatment regimen for thoracic osteochondrosis is developed individually. Chondrosis refers to those diseases that can lead to rupture of internal organs, so it must be treated.
In this case, an integrated approach is needed. Medical therapy is mandatory.
Conservative treatment
Patients are prescribed painkillers and drugs with an anti-inflammatory spectrum of action. With the help of these drugs, relieving pain and reducing inflammation, the mobility of the vertebrae in the thoracic region is ensured. Acute manifestations are quickly stopped by injection.
In parallel, to improve the condition of bones and cartilage, chondroprotectors, mineral and vitamin complexes are prescribed.
Muscle relaxants provide the elimination of muscle spasms.
To accelerate the effect, therapeutic ointments and creams for external use can be used.
Patients undergo paravertebral blocks, with the help of which it is possible to reduce pain. Injectable solutions contain corticosteroids and antiseptics.
It is impossible to cure thoracic osteochondrosis with medication alone. We are talking about such measures as lifestyle correction, proper nutrition, massage, exercise therapy and other methods. It is quite possible to speed up the recovery process if physiotherapeutic procedures are included in the treatment regimen: magnetotherapy, laser, vacuum therapy, traction method, etc.
In case of ineffectiveness of drug treatment, patients may be prescribed surgery. Sometimes surgery is the only option. Absolute indications for surgery are spinal instability, canal stenosis, or spinal herniation.
Organization of proper nutrition.
With osteochondrosis, a salt-free diet is provided. Also, it is necessary to exclude spicy, fatty, fried foods, smoked meats, alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee; limit the use of sugar, spices and mayonnaise.
Otherwise, the diet should be as balanced as possible and contain all the vitamins and minerals intended to improve the functioning of the musculoskeletal system.
The daily menu should include foods rich in calcium and phosphorus. This list includes cottage cheese, hard cheeses, milk, low-fat sea fish, and meat. Vegetables, fruits and any greens will also come in handy.
exercise therapy
The complex of physiotherapy exercises contains special exercises aimed at increasing the mobility of the problem area of the spine, eliminating unnecessary stress on some elements of the skeletal system, eliminating muscle spasms in the cervicothoracic region.
To perform the exercises, you will need a gym stick and a mat. Clothing should be as comfortable as possible and not restrict movement.
Before starting classes, in order to warm up the muscles, it is recommended to do a warm-up: slowly and alternately swinging the legs and arms and turning the torso, pelvis and head in different directions. If the movement of the body causes pain, it should be done more gently or stopped.
Examples of exercises for thoracic osteochondrosis:
- Starting position: lying on your stomach, hands behind your head. First you need to open your elbows as wide as possible, then raise your shoulders and body. Hold this position for three seconds. Do the exercise 5 times in a row.
- Starting position: similar. Put your hands behind your back, fold your palms into the lock. Bend over, trying to raise your arms. Hold for three seconds. Perform at least 5 times.
- Position: Stand on the floor, feet shoulder-width apart. Place your hands on the shoulders: from left to left shoulder, from right to right. Raise your shoulders in turns, directing your head in the direction of movement. Perform 10 times.
- Lie on your stomach, stretch your arms forward. Raise the body. Perform 5 times in a row. Then put your hands along the body and also raise the body.
- Sit in a chair, holding a gymnastics stick in front of you. Take a deep breath as you straighten your body. On exhalation, the hands with the projectile kneel, the torso leans forward. Perform several times.
- Standing on the floor, put your hands with a gymnastic stick on your shoulders. Roll your body to the right, then to the left side 10 times.
- Sit in a chair, lean back against the back. Bend strongly, using the thoracic region. Make at least 10 moves.
This exercise can be done at home. But before that, it is highly recommended to get permission from a specialist.
traditional medicine methods
Folk remedies will help to cope with the manifestations of thoracic osteochondrosis faster.Medications based on active natural ingredients are successfully used as adjuvant therapy. Some effective recipes:
- Rub for external use. It is prepared as follows: in equal parts you need to take dandelion root, mint leaves, birch buds, coriander. Chop the ingredients and mix. Then 3 tbsp. Imix (with a slide), pour half a glass of boiling water and put on low heat for 5 minutes. Cool, add 75 g of butter and 75 g of sunflower oil. Cook for another 15 minutes. Rub problem areas, then dress or bundle up immediately.
- Contraption. For its preparation, you can use fresh horseradish juice, steamed herbal bitter wormwood or flax seeds.
- Analgesic. Prepared like this: 2 tbsp. IChamomile color should be poured with 350 ml of boiling water and put on low heat for 5 minutes. Then cool, strain. Take 125 ml 3 times a day after meals.
- Hop hop. To cook in equal parts are taken: hop cones, ground into powder and melted lard. The ingredients are mixed. It is used as a rub to relieve muscle tension.
All these drugs are prepared at home, but you can use them to treat the disease only after consulting a specialist.