Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of the musculoskeletal system that occurs in patients of any age.
Modern medicine identifies several localizations of the disease, which is why the concept of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region appeared.
What is thoracic osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a regenerative (destructive) process localized in the interval from 8 to 19 vertebrae, which forms the human thoracic spine.
Unlike other types of disease, symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis can occur in both young and elderly people.
A feature of the disease is the difficulty of its early diagnosis, which is associated with low mobility of the spine and difficulty in identifying the main symptoms.For this reason, it is important to promptly consult a specialist when detecting the first signs of thoracic osteochondrosis in order to prevent irreversible processes.
Reasons
The main cause of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is the occurrence of dystrophic processes (cellular metabolism disorders) that transform tissues and cause complications of metabolic actions, caused by an insufficiently balanced diet and inappropriate load on the intervertebral discs.
In addition, the list of factors that increase the risk of developing thoracic osteochondrosis includes:
- the presence of intervertebral hernias;
- impaired blood supply to the spinal cord;
- disruption of mineral balance in the body;
- regularly increased loads on the spine;
- predominantly sedentary lifestyle;
- consequences of previous injuries;
- practicing active sports.
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
Chest pain accompanied by osteochondrosis is the main symptom of the clinical picture.However, taking into account the general symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, one can also highlight:
- difficulty breathing, chest tightness;
- difficulty bending;
- periodic appearance of a feeling of freezing in the extremities due to circulatory insufficiency;
- brittle nails and hair;
- nausea, digestive disorders;
- pain easily confused with that which accompanies cardiovascular diseases;
- pain in the mammary glands in women;
- discomfort and difficulty swallowing, cough.
The manifestation of several symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis requires immediate consultation and comprehensive examination by a specialist in order to make an accurate diagnosis and determine a treatment plan for thoracic osteochondrosis.
Stages of disease development
Experts distinguish three main stages of development of thoracic osteochondrosis:
Stage 1 – the beginning of the development of the disease.Characterized by the absence of clinical manifestations.
Signs of stage 1 thoracic osteochondrosis:
- barely noticeable, slight painful lumbago, accompanied by stabbing pain in the chest.Unpleasant sensations intensify after intense work or lifting heavy loads;
- muscle spasms, constant muscle tone for no apparent reason;
- discomfort in the heart region.
Consulting a doctor at the initial stage of the disease guarantees complete recovery from the disease.
Stage 2 – progression of the disease leads to the formation of microcracks in the intervertebral discs, which leads to limited mobility and the appearance of severe pain.
Clinical manifestations include:
- visually noticeable deformation of the spine;
- decrease in pressure;
- accompanied by an attempt to place the hand behind the head with palpable pain in the sternum;
- chronic feeling of fatigue;
- discomfort in the heart and spine of the thoracic region.
If the disease is detected at this stage, the process of restoring health can take a fairly long period.
Stage 3 is an advanced process that has a negative impact on the entire body.
Dangerous events such as:
- limited mobility of the spine;
- sharp pain;
- the appearance of intervertebral hernias;
- pinching of blood vessels and nerve roots;
- bile duct diseases.
Refusal to treat thoracic osteochondrosis at this stage can lead to disability.
How to treat thoracic osteochondrosis?
Before determining how to treat thoracic osteochondrosis, it is important to consult a specialist.Diagnosis of the disease should be carried out only by a specialist.Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is determined by a neurologist after a high-quality examination.
The key rule for starting treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis is to get rid of pain.Today, there are several optimal treatment options.Let's look at each of them in more detail.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapeutic treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis is quite often used in medical practice, both in the acute stage and after it, in order to achieve long-term remission of the disease.
For osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, physiotherapy methods are used such as:
- medicinal electrophoresis - the combined effect of direct current and drugs;
- UHF therapy – exposure to high frequency electromagnetic fields;
- Magnetic therapy is an alternative medicine that involves the use of a constant or alternating magnetic field;
- drug phonophoresis - administration of drugs under the influence of ultrasound;
- tension therapy – relaxation of the muscular structure of the spine using a specialized mattress/mat.
It is important to note that when prescribing physiotherapeutic methods to treat a degenerative disease, the stage of its development is taken into account.Inappropriate use of physiotherapeutic treatment can aggravate the situation and exclude the possibility of long-term remission.
Massage for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
Massage is one of the most effective non-drug methods of treating thoracic osteochondrosis.
Providing a reflex massage effect has a positive effect on the affected area of the spine, which causes positive dynamics of treatment.
Unlike other parts of the spine, the thoracic spine requires a special approach to massage.The muscle fibers in this area have a particular action threshold.
The positive effects of massage procedures are manifested in:
- reduce pain level;
- improve blood circulation at the site of the disease;
- eliminate muscle spasms;
- increase arm muscle strength;
- increase the mobility of the spine and initiate regeneration processes of cartilaginous tissue.
Among the basic principles of chest massage, it is worth highlighting:
- the beginning of the session should be carried out with light touches, which will ensure blood circulation and reduce pain;
- during massage, it is recommended to use compression, rubbing and tapping movements;
- each movement must be repeated 4 to 5 times;
- movements must be performed in a single trajectory: from the shoulder blades to the neck, upwards;
- each side of the thoracic region should be treated separately.
Exercise therapy for thoracic osteochondrosis
Physiotherapy courses (therapeutic physical education) offer the opportunity to provide quality support for optimal tone of the muscular framework of the back and to help relieve aches in the paravertebral muscles.
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is most effective in the early stages of the development of the disease.
When practicing gymnastics, it is important to take into account and adhere to the basic rules for performing exercises for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, including:
- systematic repetition over several months;
- the duration of the course should not exceed half an hour;
- gymnastics for thoracic osteochondrosis should be performed without using additional equipment;
- You should only exercise in comfortable clothing and shoes;
- taking into account existing contraindications.
Absolute contraindications include:
- acute cardiac pathologies;
- increase in body temperature (more than 37.6°C);
- oncological diseases;
- mental instability;
- dermatological diseases;
- high blood pressure.
Consultation with a neurologist, combined with a reasonable and competent approach to exercise, guarantees successful remission at different stages of the disease.
Drugs
Drug treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is carried out by taking tablets, a series of injections, suppositories or the use of ointments / gels.
The drug treatment is carried out over several months.In the absence of positive changes, the disease is eliminated surgically.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
They are used to reduce pain and relieve inflammatory processes occurring in the nerve roots.
Self-administration of PVNS is extremely dangerous to health and can cause irreparable damage.A specialist consultation is necessary.
Glucocorticosteroids
Since medications are hormonal, their use must be agreed with the attending physician.Otherwise, irreparable damage may be caused to the body.
Diuretics
Diuretics that relieve swelling in the presence of pinched nerve roots.
Vitamin complexes
Taking vitamins improves metabolic processes occurring in nervous tissue.
In order to restore high-quality metabolism, patients are prescribed B vitamins.
Chondroprotectors
Medicines, the use of which ensures the restoration of elasticity and cushioning functions of the intervertebral discs.
The intensity and dosage of taking medications for thoracic osteochondrosis are determined taking into account the stage of development of the disease.
Antispasmodics
They help to relax the muscle structure and eliminate the problem of constant spasms, thereby starting the process of recovery from thoracic osteochondrosis.
Food
Therapeutic treatment of any disease requires compliance with the basics of a balanced diet.
A diet for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine slows down pathological processes and helps speed up recovery processes.
Nutritional correction involves increasing the proportion of foods in the diet containing natural chondroprotectors that promote the regeneration of cartilage tissue.
It is important to note that dietary nutrition during degenerative-dystrophic processes should be based on the completeness of the diet and compliance with the drinking regime.
The diet should include foods containing calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, retinol and vitamins B and C.
It is also necessary to limit the consumption of strong tea and coffee, as well as give up bad habits.
It is recommended to completely exclude from the diet various types of semi-finished products, fresh baked goods, as well as margarine and carbonated drinks with a high sugar content.
Prevention
In order to prevent the occurrence or worsening of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, it is recommended to carry out a number of preventive measures at regular intervals, including:
- give up bad habits;
- respect for the principles of an adequate and balanced diet;
- following the safest and most comfortable posture for the spine while walking, running, or sitting;
- ensure comfortable sleep in the correct body position;
- organization of exercises according to the sets of exercises recommended for the thoracic spine with osteochondrosis.
The comfort of a person’s daily life is largely determined by their health.
When the first symptoms of a spinal disease appear, seek advice from a specialist who will help diagnose the disease and choose the appropriate treatment for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.