Osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine characterized by degenerative dystrophic changes in bone and cartilage tissue in one or more of its departments. Compared with similar manifestations in the cervical and lumbar spine, thoracic osteochondrosis develops much less frequently. This is due to the particularity of the anatomical structure of the middle back of the human being, and the mobility of the vertebrae is limited to a certain extent. This greatly reduces the chance of injury. Decades ago, this type of osteochondrosis was more common in older adults. Today, the disease also affects young men and women. Children are no exception.
describe
Thoracic osteochondrosis is a disease of the skeletal system characterized by damage to the intervertebral discs and 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 can develop.
Gradually, ligamentous devices are also involved in this process. Complications are less frequent and manifest as muscle atrophy with reduced sensitivity and visceral organ dysfunction.
In advanced cases, with osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, cartilage and bone begin to break down. At the same time, premature aging of the musculoskeletal system is noted.
In the context of this disease, diseases such as:
- prostatitis;
- pneumonia;
- Atrophy of reproductive organs, often resulting in infertility;
- atherosclerosis;
- cancerous tumors.
According to medical statistics, the incidence of spinal and thoracic vertebral osteochondrosis is the same in men and women.
symptoms of disease
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine has many specific features, including:
- chest pain that occurs when the body is often in one position for a long time;
- Pain syndromes with increased physical exertion, such as when lifting weights;
- Difficulty inhaling and exhaling, with a pinching sensation in the middle of the back;
- persistent pain in the shoulder blade;
- numbness in certain parts of the body;
- Periodic prolonged cold sensations accompanied by chills;
- Decreased body temperature in the legs;
- Itching and burning of the lower extremities.
Due to impaired thoracic vascular system function, patients have a number of characteristic signs:
- peeling skin;
- Thinning and brittle nails;
- abdominal pain, gas;
- Stool disorders, in which episodes of diarrhea can be replaced by constipation;
- nausea, heartburn;
- symptoms of intercostal neuralgia;
- Decreased sexual activity.
For thoracic osteochondrosis, there are two types of pain syndromes:
- Back pain (back pain).
- dorsag.
The first feature is prolonged pain in the area of injury to the vertebrae and discs. The second is acute severe paroxysmal pain with a feeling of muscle stiffness and difficulty breathing.
One of the complications that accompanies thoracic osteochondrosis is gastritis, or rather its exacerbation, characterized by pain in the upper abdominal area.
Causes of osteochondrosis
The development of thoracic osteochondrosis is due to pathological changes in the intervertebral discs. The cause of this disease may be:
- genetic predisposition;
- hernia, deformity of the intervertebral disc;
- formation of osteophytes;
- cartilage destruction;
- Insufficient blood supply to the spinal canal due to pinched conducting vessels and arteries;
- Degeneration of bone, cartilage and muscle tissue caused by improper distribution of the load on the spine;
- Metabolic disorders caused by calcium deficiency in the body.
The factors that cause pathological changes are:
- lift heavy objects;
- sedentary work;
- stay in one position for a long time;
- uneven load on the spine;
- Spinal cord injury;
- Scoliosis.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is usually diagnosed in professionals who practice strength sports.
diagnosis
Thoracic osteochondrosis requires mandatory diagnosis and differentiation from other diseases with similar symptoms. After comprehensive inspection, the following situations were ruled out:
- angina pectoris;
- myocardial infarction;
- Inflammation of the lungs;
- Pathology with stomach symptoms.
This avoids misdiagnosis. Evaluation of the patient's condition is based on the medical history, taking into account all symptoms of the disease and the patient's chief complaint.
To confirm the diagnosis, pinpoint the location of the affected area, and identify benign and cancerous tumors, a progressive instrument approach is used:
- radiography;
- computed tomography;
- nuclear magnetic resonance.
To determine the extent of the inflammatory process of osteochondrosis, blood and urine tests are prescribed.
treat
Treatment options for thoracic osteochondrosis are developed individually. Osteopathy refers to those diseases that can cause the destruction of internal organs and therefore must be treated.
In this case, a comprehensive approach is required. Medication is mandatory.
Conservative treatment
Prescribe pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs to patients. With the help of these drugs, vertebral mobility in the thoracic region is ensured by reducing pain and reducing inflammation. Acute manifestations can be quickly stopped by injection.
At the same time, to improve the condition of bones and cartilage, a complex of chondroprotectants, minerals and vitamins is prescribed.
Muscle relaxants eliminate muscle spasms.
To speed up the effect, topical therapeutic ointments and creams can be used.
The patient receives a paravertebral block, which relieves pain. Solution for injection contains a corticosteroid and a preservative.
It is impossible to cure thoracic osteochondrosis with medication alone. We're talking about lifestyle corrections, proper nutrition, massage, exercise therapy and other methods. There is a good chance that the recovery process will be accelerated if physical therapy procedures are included in the treatment plan: magnetic therapy, laser, vacuum therapy, traction, etc.
In cases where medical treatment is ineffective, patients may need surgery. Sometimes surgery is the only option. The absolute indication for surgery is spinal instability, spinal stenosis or spinal hernia.
Organizing proper nutrition
For osteochondrosis, offer a salt-free diet. Also, exclude spicy, greasy, fried foods, bacon, alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee; limit sugar, spices, and mayonnaise.
Otherwise, nutrition should be as balanced as possible and include all vitamins and minerals designed to improve the function of the musculoskeletal system.
The daily menu should include foods rich in calcium and phosphorus. The list includes cottage cheese, hard cheese, milk, low-fat marine fish and meat. Vegetables, fruits, and any vegetables are also useful.
exercise therapy
Integrative physiotherapy exercises contain special exercises designed to increase mobility in problem areas of the spine, remove unnecessary stress on certain elements of the skeletal system and eliminate muscle spasms in the cervicothoracic area.
To perform these exercises, you will need a gymnastics stick and a mat. Clothing should be as comfortable as possible and not restrict movement.
Before starting the class, in order to warm up the muscles, it is recommended to do a warm-up: slowly alternating, swinging the legs and arms, turning the torso, pelvis, and head in different directions. If physical movement causes pain, it should be done more smoothly or stopped.
Examples of exercises for thoracic osteochondrosis:
- Starting position: Lie on your stomach with your hands behind your head. First you need to open your elbows as far as possible, then lift your shoulders and body. Hold this position for three seconds. Practice 5 times in a row.
- Starting position: similar. Put your hands behind your back and fold your palms into the lock. Bend over and try to lift your arms. Hold for three seconds. Do it at least 5 times.
- Posture: Stand on the floor with your feet shoulder-width apart. Place hands on shoulders: left to left shoulder, right to right. Lift your shoulders in turn, pointing your head in the direction of the movement. Do it 10 times.
- Lie on your stomach with your arms stretched forward. Lift your body. Do it 5 times in a row. Then place your hands on your body and lift your body at the same time.
- Sit in a chair with a gymnastic stick in front of you. Take a deep breath while straightening your body. As you exhale, kneel with your hands and projectiles, and lean your torso forward. Do it a few times.
- Stand on the floor and place your hands on your shoulders with a gymnastic stick. Turn your body to the right, then to the left 10 times.
- Sit in a chair, back to back. Strong bends, using the chest area. Do at least 10 moves.
This exercise can be done at home. But before that, getting permission from an expert is highly recommended.
traditional medicine methods
Folk remedies will help to respond more quickly to the manifestations of thoracic osteochondrosis.Medicines based on active natural ingredients are successfully used as adjunctive therapy. Some effective recipes:
- Rub for external use. The preparation is as follows: You will need to take equal parts dandelion root, mint leaves, birch sprouts, cilantro. Chop ingredients and mix. Then 3 tablespoons. l. Mix (with a slide), pour in half a cup of boiling water, and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Cool, add 75g butter and 75g sunflower oil. Cook for another 15 minutes. Wipe down the problem area, then immediately get dressed or wrapped.
- small tools. When preparing them, you can use fresh horseradish juice, steamed herb wormwood, or flax seeds.
- painkiller. Prepare like this: 2 tablespoons. l. Pour the chamomile pigment into 350 ml of boiling water and simmer for 5 minutes. Then cool and strain. Take after meals, 3 times a day, 125ml each time.
- Jump rub. For cooking take equal parts: hop cones, ground into powder, and melted lard. Ingredient mix. Use as a rub to relieve muscle tension.
All of these medicines are prepared at home, but you should only use them to treat a disease after consulting a specialist.