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 appropriate measures, this is fraught with manifestations of severe pain, malfunction of the cardiovascular system, deterioration of the gastrointestinal tract, development of inflammatory processes in the respiratory system, lack of reproductive function andother serious complications.
In this article, we will provide detailed information on thoracic osteochondrosis and discuss the key points associated with the development of this ailment. 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 manifests itself in children, their musculoskeletal system is subject to premature aging.
What is this disease that we hear about so often from others? This is one of the dangerous pathologies, which is accompanied by degenerative-dystrophic changes in the area of bones and cartilage. The lack of timely treatment is fraught with destructive processes that affect the joints, intervertebral discs, and ligaments.
Often, against the background of thoracic osteochondrosis, the following pathological processes may occur: impaired reproductive function; pathological replacement of lung tissue with connective tissue; cancer 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 tissues.
Stages of development of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region.
At the moment, 4 stages of the pathological process are known:
- 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.
- 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 the probability of its coming out is minimal in this case. However, the patient feels significant tension in the muscle area. A strong pain syndrome is felt, which disappears for a while after rest.
- Third. The crack reaches the extreme part of the vertebra and the nucleus pulposus protrudes. This is accompanied by the appearance of a herniated disc. The patient notices the presence of constant pain.
- Four. It is accompanied by fibrosis. In this case, the formed connective tissue chains the nearby vertebrae. Also, 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 lead to disease progression:
- Genetic predisposition;
- Hypodynamic;
- Scoliosis;
- Regular lifting of heavy objects;
- Injury of the thoracic region;
- Wear high-heeled shoes during pregnancy;
- Alcohol and tobacco abuse;
- Impaired blood flow in the spinal cord area;
- Significant physical activity;
- Exposure to thermal factors;
- Bone tissue dystrophy;
- 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 cartilaginous tissues. This pathological process is accompanied by the following manifestations:
- A feeling of tightness in the chest area, which is accompanied by a deterioration in the activity of the respiratory system;
- Regular numbness of the extremities;
- The appearance of noticeable discomfort when turning the body;
- Loss of sensation in the extremities;
- Brittle nails;
- The presence of a tooth in the area of the hands;
- Malfunction of the digestive tract;
- 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 on the left side of the chest;
- Pain syndrome on 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 persist but are less severe. The patient stops looking for a position to eliminate the 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. Non-compliance with the recommendations can lead to 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 weather conditions. Acute pain syndrome is 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 ailments in the acute stage, and an immobile lifestyle can also lead to 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.
To identify signs of altered sensitivity, special functional tests are performed. The most informative diagnostic option of instrumental methods is radiography. However, MRI and CT scans are often done to thoroughly examine the spine. If you suspect diseases of the cardiovascular system, the patient is recommended to undergo an ECG procedure.
First aid for acute thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine.
Manifestations of pain during the period of recurrence of the disease are characterized by a penetrating acute character, which implies the provision of emergency care to the patient. It should 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 the best way to treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, the basics of a comprehensive technique must be remembered. Within its framework, several therapeutic measures are implemented simultaneously, due 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, to eliminate the compression syndrome, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Physiotherapy treatment
To understand how to treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine with physiotherapeutic methods, you need to remember its mechanism. So, the most effective in identifying the above 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
Shock wave therapy is considered one of the most effective ways to restore the affected parts of the spine. This physiotherapeutic method is based on the effect of acoustic impulses in 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 general rule, the procedure is effective in the presence of cervical, thoracic and lumbar osteochondrosis. Its key objective is to restore the normal state of the joints, bones and cartilage, as well as to increase the elasticity of the affected vertebrae. Furthermore, 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 at biologically active sites. To activate a positive effect, they are rotated around an axis or heated. With the help of acupuncture, it is possible to quickly stop the pain syndrome, eliminate inflammatory and congestive manifestations, cope with swelling, relieve spasms, restore normal blood flow and improve mobility.
Pharmacopuncture
The method of drug administration through reflexogenic points. In this case, drugs are injected into the injury.
Taking into account the intended purpose, the following drugs are used:
- Means to reduce the tone of skeletal muscles and restore the mobility of the vertebrae;
- Medications that have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects;
- Medications 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 system.
Massage for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.
It should be noted that 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 irrigates the brain.
Medication use
If we talk about how to treat thoracic osteochondrosis with drugs, then, first of all, the degree of the disease, the nature of its appearance and the intensity of the pain syndrome should be taken into account. Most often, the following drugs are used:
- Non-steroidal group funds. These are drugs with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, which it is advisable to use in a course, at the end of which they switch to special ointments;
- Anesthetic drugsThey have an analgesic effect. Used as an intravenous drip;
- DiureticsIt allows you to cope with swelling, eliminate signs of pathology, have a beneficial effect on the state of the myocardium;
- Medications that reduce the tone of skeletal muscles, restore mobility of the vertebrae, and relieve pain.
In some situations, the patient is recommended to take hormonal drugs, anti-seizure 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. To provide a faster effect on nerve endings, they resort to injections into 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 do a warm-up that provides the necessary warming up of the muscles and increases the effectiveness of future training. You can also take a shower and gently massage the spine in the thoracic region.
Warming up is of special importance for those patients who perform gymnastics with thoracic osteochondrosis at home for the first time. 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 without haste and without problems. 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:
- The patient is placed in a "lying" position on the floor, face down. At the same time, he puts his hands behind his head and spreads his elbows. In addition, he gradually raises the 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;
- The patient is placed on the floor, face down. She then connects his hands to a padlock behind his back and tries to lift them, bending the body. All movements are very fluid;
- The person takes a standing position and puts his hands behind his shoulders. In the future, he should do shoulder-up lifts (alternately);
- The patient lies on the floor, on a flat surface, leaning on his stomach. Stretch your upper limbs in front of him, slightly lifting his body;
- The patient stands in a chair and lowers the hands to the waist area. In addition, the movements are performed with the shoulders, with alternate elevation and slow return to the starting position. The number of repetitions: 5 times in a lesson;
- The man sits in a chair, trying to reach out with a gymnastic stick. The return to the starting position is done by exhaling, while leaning the body forward. He can also perform lateral push-ups while holding the same gymnastic apparatus in his hands.
Diet for thoracic 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. Also, the amount of fluid 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, a surgical intervention is performed, in the framework of which:
- Excision of the intervertebral disc;
- Removal of a herniated disc;
- Surgical intervention for spinal stenosis;
- Disc 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 teas and decoctions, compresses, various ointments and gels can be used. Basically, such funds are used to relieve low-intensity painful manifestations, which make themselves felt after physical exertion. The following recipes are the most used:
- Peel, mash and squeeze the juice from the celery root. The resulting raw material is mixed with celery. The main objective of this tool is to combat salt deposits in the spine;
- The dried sunflower roots are crushed and hot water is added to the mixture. Cook over low heat for about 15 minutes, then insist and filter. Take 3 times during the day.
Medicinal during pregnancy
It should be remembered that most anesthetics are not allowed during pregnancy. Neurologists recommend limiting the intake of gels, ointments, and patches. Very often, if a pregnant woman is diagnosed with osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, the treatment is reduced to performing physiotherapy exercises and massage, the positive effect of which is evident.people's results. . .
Possible complications
If a patient is diagnosed with thoracic osteochondrosis, but did not take appropriate measures, this can lead to a malfunction in the gastrointestinal tract, inflammation in the respiratory system, a violation of the heart rhythm, and impaired 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;
- Impaired cardiac activity;
- Development of a herniated disc;
- Feeling of stiffness in the spine.
Preventive actions
In order to eliminate the probability of negative consequences against the background of thoracic osteochondrosis, any experienced doctor will recommend that you adhere to the following rules of prevention:
- Eliminate exposure to thermal irritants;
- Refusing to use tobacco products and drink alcoholic beverages;
- Perform gymnastic exercises;
- Track your posture;
- Refuse smoked meats and spicy foods;
- Sleep in a comfortable bed;
- Eliminate increased 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.