Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

As you know, one of the most common and dangerous pathologies that can disrupt the work of internal organs and worsen motor activity is osteochondrosis of the thoracic region. If a person is diagnosed with this disease and does not take timely measures, this is fraught with severe painful manifestations, malfunctions of the cardiovascular system, deterioration of the gastrointestinal tract, the development of inflammatory processes in the respiratory system, lack of reproductive function and other serious complications.

In this article, we will provide detailed information on thoracic osteochondrosis and talk about the key points associated with the development of this disorder. You will also learn about risk factors, effective treatment measures, and possible negative consequences. We hope that the proposed material will be useful to you.

What is osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

According to statistics, osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can be observed in different people, regardless of gender and age. If the disease occurs in children, their musculoskeletal system is prone to premature aging.

What is this disease, which we so often hear about others? This is one of the dangerous pathologies, which is accompanied by degenerative-dystrophic changes in the area of the bones and cartilage. The lack of timely treatment is fraught with destructive processes affecting the joints, intervertebral discs and ligaments.

Often, against the background of thoracic osteochondrosis, the following pathological processes can occur: impaired reproductive function; pathological replacement of lung tissue with connective tissue; oncological neoplasms; inflammatory lesions of the prostate gland; atherosclerosis, etc.

It should be noted that in the initial stage of the disease, pathological changes mainly affect the bones, but gradually the disease spreads to muscle, connective and cartilage tissue.

Stages of development of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region

At the moment, 4 stages of the pathological process are known:

1. First. It is characterized by the loss of moisture and the appearance of cracks in the area of the intervertebral disc. In this case, thoracic osteochondrosis has mild symptoms that disappear during the rest period.
2. Second. It is also accompanied by the formation of cracks and a decrease in the size of the disc. In this case, the free part of the vertebra is filled with the nucleus pulposus, but in this case the probability of its protrusion is minimal. However, the patient feels significant tension in the muscle area. A strong pain syndrome is felt, which disappears for a while after rest.
3. Third. The cleft reaches the extreme part of the vertebra and the nucleus pulposus protrudes. This is accompanied by the appearance of a herniated disc. The patient notes the presence of constant pain.
4. Fourth. It is accompanied by fibrosis. In this case, the formed connective tissue chains the neighboring vertebrae. In addition, there is an overgrowth of bone tissue and the active appearance of pathological growths on it.

Causes of thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine

There are several known risk factors that can cause disease progression:

• Genetic predisposition;
• hypodynamia;
• Scoliosis;
• Regular lifting of heavy objects;
• Injury to the thoracic region;
• Wearing high-heeled shoes during pregnancy
• Abuse of alcohol and tobacco;
• Deterioration of blood flow in the spinal cord area;
• Significant physical activity;
• Exposure to thermal factors;
• dystrophy of bone tissue;
• The presence of a herniated disc;
• Obesity;
• Disruption of metabolic processes;
• Destruction of cartilage.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine in men and women

It is important to note that the ailment described above is also characterized by a change in the composition of cartilage tissues. This pathological process is accompanied by the following manifestations:

• A feeling of squeezing in the chest area, which is accompanied by a deterioration in the activity of the respiratory system;
• Regular numbness of the limbs;
• The appearance of perceptible discomfort when turning the body;
• Loss of sensation in the limbs;
• Brittle nails
• The presence of a tooth in the area of the hands;
• Malfunctions of the digestive system;
• Reproductive dysfunction;
• Painful manifestations in the head area, which are regular;
• Vomiting, nausea and heartburn
• The defeat of the intercostal nerves, accompanied by acute pain syndrome (neuralgia);
• Aching pains in the abdominal region;
• Significant discomfort in the left chest
• Pain syndrome in the right side of the chest;
• Tachycardia;
• Increased sweating.

Characteristic signs of the subacute phase

It makes itself felt after a period of exacerbation. Manifestations of pain and dysfunctions of the respiratory system remain, but are less intense. The patient stops looking for a position to eliminate discomfort. The duration of the subacute phase is up to 12-14 days. With strict adherence to the advice of a specialist, remission is possible, with a characteristic attenuation of pronounced signs. Failure to comply with the recommendations can provoke a repeated exacerbation of the disease.

Remission of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

This stage is characterized by a temporary improvement in the patient's condition. In this case, the discomfort can return - in case of exposure to thermal irritants or changes in climatic conditions. Acute pain syndrome makes itself felt exclusively with 2-4 degree thoracic osteochondrosis - due to a sharp change in the position of the body. Excessive physical exertion, stressful situations, chronic disorders in the acute phase and an immobile lifestyle can also cause a relapse.

Methods for diagnosing osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

For a clear diagnosis, the specialist must take into account the patient's complaints. The following symptoms and sensations in women make it possible to detect thoracic osteochondrosis: when pressing certain points in the chest area, a strong pain syndrome appears.

In order to identify signs of reduced sensitivity, special functional tests are performed. The most informative diagnostic option from instrumental methods is radiography. However, MRI and CT are often done to thoroughly examine the spine. If diseases of the cardiovascular system are suspected, the patient is advised to undergo an ECG procedure.

First aid for acute thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine

Manifestations of pain during the period of relapse of the disease are characterized by an acute penetrating character, which implies the provision of emergency care to the patient. It must be placed on a flat surface, covered with a warm blanket. If anxiety, shortness of breath or tachycardia appear during a relapse, a specialist should be called immediately. To relieve pain in the intercostal region, it is recommended to resort to the help of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine

To understand how to best treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, you need to remember the basics of a comprehensive technique. Under it, several therapeutic measures are implemented simultaneously, thanks to which it is possible to cope with almost all signs of pathology. With an initial ailment, conservative therapy is used. With more advanced stages of the pathological process and the presence of herniated discs, in order to eliminate the compression syndrome, surgery may be required.

Physiotherapy treatment

To understand how to treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine with physiotherapeutic methods, you should remember their mechanism. So the most effective in identifying the aforementioned pathology are:

• Exposure to the body with constant electric current with the simultaneous use of drugs;
• Methods associated with the use of a static magnetic field;
• phonophoresis;
• Ultrasound therapy;
• Hydrotherapy and underwater traction of the spine.

SWT for thoracic osteochondrosis

Shockwave therapy is considered to be one of the most effective ways to restore affected parts of the spine. This physiotherapy method is based on the effect of acoustic impulses on the areas affected by the destructive-degenerative process.

In this case, special medical equipment is used. By converting electrical impulses into shock waves, it is possible to quickly cope with salt deposits, reduce the size of osteophytes and minimize the intensity of pain.

As a rule, the procedure is effective in the presence of cervical, thoracic and lumbar osteochondrosis. Its main goal is to restore the normal condition of joints, bones and cartilage, as well as increase the elasticity of the affected vertebrae. In addition, due to the impact of shock waves, it is possible to activate the development of new blood vessels and improve the blood supply to the muscles.

Acupuncture

This technique involves the introduction of small diameter needles into biologically active points. To activate a positive effect, they are rotated around an axis or subjected to heating. With the help of acupuncture, it is possible to quickly stop the pain syndrome, eliminate inflammatory and congestive manifestations, cope with swelling, relieve spasm, restore normal blood flow and improve mobility.

Pharmacupuncture

The method of administering drugs through reflex points. In this case, drugs are injected into the lesion.

Taking into account the intended purpose, the following drugs are used:

• Means for reducing the tone of skeletal muscles and restoring the mobility of the vertebrae;
• Drugs that have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects;
• Medicines that reduce muscle tone and dilate blood vessels;
• Preparations that accelerate recovery and metabolic processes;
• Vitamin complexes that contribute to the normalization of cellular nutrition and improve the functioning of the immune system;
• Homeopathic remedies to normalize the immune and musculoskeletal systems.

Massage for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

It should be noted that the massage in this department can be performed even in an acute period. Through it, it is possible to restore blood flow, improve the condition of the muscles and normalize their functionality, as well as minimize the load on the vessel that supplies the brain.

Use of drugs

If we talk about how to treat thoracic osteochondrosis with drugs, then, first of all, one should take into account the degree of the disease, the nature of its appearance and the intensity of the pain syndrome. Most often the following drugs are used:

• Non-steroidal group funds. These are drugs with anti-inflammatory, analgesic effects, which it is advisable to use in a course, after which one switches to special ointments;
• Anesthetic drugs. They have an analgesic effect. Used as an intravenous drip;
• Diuretics. It allows you to cope with swelling, eliminate signs of pathology, have a beneficial effect on the state of the myocardium;
• Medicines that reduce the tone of the skeletal muscles, restore the mobility of the vertebrae and relieve pain.

In some situations, the patient is advised to take hormonal drugs, anticonvulsant drugs, vitamin complexes, drugs to restore the state of blood vessels and sedatives.

Injections for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

Often, patients are interested in what to do with thoracic osteochondrosis, if it is accompanied by manifestations of acute pain. In order to provide a faster effect on the nerve endings, they resort to injections in the spine. In this case, anesthetics and glucocorticosteroids are used. After the normalization of the patient's condition, they switch to the use of gels and ointments.

Gymnastics for the thoracic spine with osteochondrosis

Before performing exercises for the thoracic spine with osteochondrosis, it is recommended to perform a warm-up that provides the necessary warm-up of the muscles and increases the effectiveness of future training. You can also take a shower and do a light massage of the spine in the thoracic region.

Warming up is of particular importance for those patients who perform gymnastics with thoracic osteochondrosis for the first time at home. As part of the preliminary warm-up of the muscles, the following movements can be performed: turns and rotations of the pelvis and neck, rhythmic movements of the limbs, performed in different directions (swing). It should be remembered that gymnastics for thoracic osteochondrosis is carried out smoothly and smoothly. If exercise is associated with acute pain syndrome, it is better to refuse it.

At the moment, gymnastics for the thoracic spine, recommended for osteochondrosis, involves the implementation of 6 basic exercises:

1. The patient is placed in a "lying" position on the floor, face down. At the same time, he puts his hands behind his head, spreading his elbows. In addition, he gradually lifts his shoulders simultaneously with the body, which is accompanied by an alternating movement of the elbows in the same direction. The number of repetitions is six times in 6 times for 1 exercise;
2. The patient is placed on the floor, face down. He then joins his hands in a lock behind his back and tries to lift them, bending his body. All movements are very fluid;
3. The person takes a standing position and puts his hands behind his shoulders. In the future, he should do shoulder-raised lifts (alternatively);
4. The patient lies on the floor, on a flat surface, resting on the stomach. He stretches his upper limbs in front of him, lifting his body slightly;
5. The patient is placed in a chair and lowers his hands to the waist area. In addition, the movements are performed with the shoulders, with alternating lifting and slow return to the starting position. The number of repetitions - 5 times in one lesson;
6. The man sits in a chair, trying to reach out with a gymnastic stick. The return to the starting position is performed on exhalation, leaning the body forward. He can also perform side pushups while holding the same exerciser in his hands.

Diet for chest osteochondrosis

According to the expert, it is better for people suffering from this ailment to exclude fatty foods, smoked products, marinades and preservatives from the diet. You should also reduce the amount of salt, as it can cause severe swelling. In addition, the amount of liquid consumed should not be less than 2-2, 5 liters per day.

Surgical intervention

Depending on the clinical manifestations of thoracic osteochondrosis, specialists select the appropriate treatment. In advanced cases, surgery is performed, as part of which:

• Excision of the intervertebral disc;
• Removal of a herniated disc;
• Spinal stenosis surgery;
• Disk replacement.

Traditional methods of treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine

As a rule, the methods of traditional medicine are considered relevant after the completion of the main therapy. In this case, herbal infusions and decoctions, compresses, ointments and various gels can be used. Basically, such funds are used to relieve painful manifestations of low intensity, which are felt after physical exertion. The following recipes are most commonly used:

• Peel, grind and squeeze the celery root juice. The resulting raw material is mixed with celery. The main purpose of this tool is to combat salt deposits in the spine;
• Dried sunflower roots are crushed and hot water is added to the mixture. Cook over low heat for about 15 minutes, then insist and strain. Take 3 times during the day.

Medicinal product during pregnancy

It should be remembered that most anesthetics are not allowed during pregnancy. Neurologists recommend limiting the intake of gels, ointments, and patches. Most often, if a pregnant woman is diagnosed with osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, the treatment is reduced to performing physiotherapy and massage exercises, the positive effect of which is highlightedpeople's achievements. . .

Possible complications

If a patient is diagnosed with thoracic osteochondrosis, but has not taken timely measures, this can lead to malfunctions in the gastrointestinal tract, inflammation of the respiratory system, violation of the heart rhythm and deterioration of reproductive function.

In case of significant compression of the nerve endings, they can be felt:

• Pathological processes in the renal area;
• Pain syndrome of a chronic nature;
• Deterioration of cardiac activity;
• Development of a herniated disc;
• A feeling of stiffness in the spine.

Preventive actions

To eliminate the likelihood of negative consequences against the background of thoracic osteochondrosis, any experienced doctor will advise you to adhere to the following prevention rules:

• Eliminate exposure to thermal irritants;
• Refusing the use of tobacco products and drinking alcoholic beverages;
• Perform gymnastic exercises;
• Keep track of your posture;
• Refuse smoked meats and spicy foods;
• Sleep on a comfortable bed;
• Eliminate the increase in physical activity;
• 1 time in 6 months to take drugs that allow you to restore cartilage tissue;
• Visit a specialist regularly to examine the condition of the spine.

With the timely detection of pathology and the implementation of effective therapeutic measures, the prognosis is positive.