Contents
Modern medicine defines three types of osteochondrosis of the spine, which manifests itself in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions. Unlike other types of this pathology, osteochondrosis that has developed in the thoracic region is diagnosed much less frequently.
This is due to the special structure of the middle part of the human back, in which the mobility of the intervertebral discs is significantly limited and, accordingly, the risk of injury is reduced. Even 20 years ago, such a disease as osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine was detected mainly in elderly people. Today, patients with this diagnosis include representatives of the female and male half of the population of a wide age category, and even children.
Osteochondrosis of the chest is an insidious disease, because it is difficult to diagnose. Sharp and severe chest pain is the main symptom of the problem. However, such pain is typical for pneumonia, gastritis, pancreatitis, renal colic, or for ischemic conditions and myocardial infarction. Due to the fact that the thoracic part of the spine is always inactive, it rarely has any hernia formation or serious displacement of the vertebrae.
Osteochondrosis of the chest is often found in people leading a rather inactive lifestyle. In addition, the main risk group includes those people who work in a sitting position for a long time, stoop and do not change the position of their body.
In other words, thoracic osteochondrosis can be called a dystrophic degenerative change in important intervertebral discs of the sternum, which includes 12 vertebrae. Here is the least mobile zone, which is well protected by the muscular corset.
What is osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine?
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a disease in which dystrophic and degenerative processes develop, leading to pathological changes in cartilage and bone tissues. Untimely treatment of this disease leads not only to a change in the structure of ligaments, intervertebral discs and joints, but also to their destruction. Very often, against the background of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, the following ailments develop: pneumosclerosis, infertility (there is a degeneration or atrophy of the organs of the reproductive system), malignant neoplasms, atherosclerosis, prostatitis, etc.
In the process of the formation of osteochondrosis in patients, bones are primarily affected, after which the disease affects cartilage, connective and muscle tissues. If the disease develops in children or youth, then their musculoskeletal system begins to age even before the full maturation and formation of the body. According to available statistics published in specialized media, osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is equally common in women and men, and there are no age restrictions for this disease.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
With osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, characteristic symptoms are observed:
Pain in the chest, which develops as a result of a person being in one position for a long time (pain can occur with any movement of the body, as well as during physical exertion and when lifting heavy objects);
Sensation of constriction in the middle of the back, making it difficult and painful to take a deep breath in and out;
Pain syndrome that appears during active movement, raising the upper limbs, with bending and sharp turns of the body;
Constant dull or aching pain in the shoulder blades;
Numbness of certain parts of the body;
Chills or “goosebumps”;
Local decrease in temperature in the lower extremities;
Burning or itching in the legs;
In case of malfunctions in the vascular system of the thoracic spine, peeling appears on the skin, the nail plate becomes thinner and its fragility increases;
Violations of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract (nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, heartburn, constipation, flatulence);
Problems with reproductive and sexual function;
Intercostal neuralgia.
Very often, the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are similar to those of other, no less serious diseases. That is why highly specialized specialists conduct a comprehensive examination of patients in order to exclude myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, pneumonia and gastroenterology diseases.
Pain in osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are of two types:
Dorsalgia (prolonged pain in the area of the affected intervertebral discs);
Dorsago (intense and sharp pains that appear in the form of seizures, constricting muscles and preventing normal breathing).
One of the most striking manifestations of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is gastralgic syndrome, in which pain is usually observed in the epigastric region. Such symptoms are not associated with the season (in patients with gastritis, exacerbations begin in spring and autumn), as well as with the diet.
During an exacerbation of osteochondrosis in patients, the intervertebral discs of the thoracic region are severely affected, however, due to the characteristic gastroenterological symptoms, people end up in medical institutions with the following diagnoses: pancreatitis, cholecystitis, colitis, urolithiasis and other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. To make a correct diagnosis, the specialist must show maximum attention when collecting an anamnesis and prescribe the necessary tests and studies.
Causes of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
The reasons for the development of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine include the following factors:
Any pathological changes in the intervertebral discs. This includes a hereditary predisposition to this disease, which can manifest itself in a patient at any age;
Intervertebral hernia and thinning discs are also the causes of osteochondrosis;
Osteophytes and destroyed cartilaginous tissues;
Violation of the blood supply to the spinal cord, which occurs due to clamping or narrowing of the veins and supply arteries;
Dystrophic changes in cartilaginous, bone and muscle tissues that occur as a result of irrational physical activity on the spinal column;
Violation of mineral metabolism in the body (lack of calcium and other nutrients);
Regular weight lifting
Sedentary lifestyle (many people now spend most of their time at the computer or driving a vehicle, often in an uncomfortable position);
Curvature of the spine, in which an uneven physical impact is exerted on the intervertebral discs;
Injuries (shocks, bruises, falls);
Power and active sports (often people get spinal injuries during sports training).
What to do during an exacerbation?
During an exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, patients begin to experience sudden acute pain (dorsago), which they cannot stop on their own. In no case should you self-medicate during this period, as wrong actions can lead to serious negative consequences.
If the patient has an exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, he should contact a neurologist who will conduct a set of diagnostic measures and prescribe effective therapy. During an exacerbation, patients may experience the following symptoms: nausea, headaches (similar in intensity to migraines), deterioration in general well-being, loss of mobility in the back.
The following factors can provoke an exacerbation of osteochondrosis in the thoracic region:
hypothermia;
Nervous shocks and stresses;
Too difficult working conditions and overwork;
Weight lifting;
Active sports.
During an attack of dorsago, the patient experiences excruciating suffering and very often loses mobility. He may also have difficulty breathing (especially with deep inhalation and exhalation). During the entire period of exacerbation of this category of patients, it is recommended to observe bed rest so as not to provoke the appearance of muscle spasms and lumbago.
That is why, in the stage of exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, patients are taken to medical institutions by ambulance. In a hospital setting, it is easier for specialists to stop pain and monitor the well-being of patients. At the first stages of therapy, doctors prescribe medications to patients with exacerbation of osteochondrosis that can quickly relieve muscle spasms. With the development of a severe pain syndrome, drugs from the group of analgesics, anti-inflammatory ointments and physiotherapeutic procedures are prescribed.
If a patient has one of the most serious complications of osteochondrosis – an intervertebral hernia of the thoracic region – he is prescribed a more constructive treatment. A small protrusion can cause pain in various parts of the spinal column. A large hernia can cause a violation of the innervation of the entire lower body, as well as loss of functionality of many internal organs.
In such a situation, it is impossible to do without surgical intervention. This category of patients is assigned a comprehensive hardware and laboratory examination, including radiography and magnetic resonance imaging. After exclusion of all diseases that have similar symptoms, patients undergo surgery.
During the period of exacerbation of thoracic osteochondrosis, patients should adhere to the following recommendations:
Limitation of mobility and physical activity (bed rest is desirable);
Proper balanced nutrition;
Accurate intake of all medications that are prescribed by the attending physician;
Self-massage and gentle rubbing of problem areas;
Physiotherapy exercises (if indicated);
Rubbing recommended ointments, gels or creams into the thoracic spine;
Physiotherapy procedures (only after consultation with the doctor).
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
If people with a diagnosis of “osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine” do not have manifestations of a neuralgic nature, then this should not be a reason for refusing complex therapy. Modern medicine offers the latest methods of treating this disease, which allow you to slow down any pathological changes in the spinal column, in particular, in the intervertebral discs.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region begins with a set of diagnostic measures. When visiting a neurologist, the patient should tell him about all the clearly manifested symptoms of the disease. The specialist will collect an anamnesis of the disease, conduct a personal examination, palpate the region of the thoracic spine (this will reveal intervertebral hernia) and refer the patient for additional examination. First of all, the patient will need to visit the laboratory and pass the necessary blood and urine tests.
After that, the patient is sent for X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging. An x-ray image will reveal the location of the pathology of the vertebrae.
Magnetic resonance imaging allows a deeper study of the state of the musculoskeletal system and at an early stage to detect malignant and benign neoplasms.
As soon as the doctor confirms his primary diagnosis, he will begin to draw up a treatment program. The key to a quick and successful recovery of the patient is complex therapy, which includes taking medications, injections, the use of creams, ointments and gels, undergoing physiotherapy procedures and exercise therapy. Currently, many Russian medical institutions are equipped with modern equipment, which allows even very complex, but effective surgical manipulations with the spine to be performed.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can be carried out using the following physiotherapy techniques:
magnetotherapy;
laser therapy;
Acupuncture therapies;
vacuum therapy;
Dry and wet traction;
Pharmacopuncture, etc.
If the disease is not in an advanced stage, then it will be enough for the patient to undergo 15 treatment sessions to get rid of back pain for a long time.
Exercise therapy for breast osteochondrosis
With osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, patients are prescribed physiotherapy exercises, the main purpose of which is to increase the mobility of the costovertebral and intervertebral joints. Exercise therapy (subject to regular and proper exercise) allows you to eliminate even very strong muscle spasms. Moderate physical activity will help relieve stiffness in the spine that occurs with a weak muscular corset.
Daily exercises, conducted under the supervision of an experienced instructor, will have a beneficial effect on the entire body as a whole, and in particular on the respiratory system. Patients will be more ventilated and will be able to take deep breaths and exhale painlessly.
Exercises for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
Before starting physical therapy, experts strongly recommend doing a general warm-up, which will help warm up the muscles and make the workout more effective. Patients can take a warm shower, after which self-massage of the thoracic spine should be performed.
It is especially important to pre-warm up the muscles for those patients with osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, who for the first time start physiotherapy exercises. For a general warm-up, you can use the following exercises: swings with upper and lower limbs, rotational movements and turns of the torso, neck and pelvis. Starting training, patients should remember that all exercises should be performed smoothly and without haste. If any movement causes severe pain, it is recommended to stop it immediately and rest for a few minutes.
As soon as the pain completely disappears, you can try to perform a set of exercises again, slightly reducing the load. In the future, the issue of increasing physical activity should be agreed with the attending physician.
To date, the course of physical therapy prescribed for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine includes 8 basic exercises:
The patient should lie on the floor, face down. After that, throw both hands behind your head, while spreading your elbows wide apart. The shoulders should be gently lifted up along with the body, after which the right and left elbows should alternately follow in the same direction. The exercise is repeated up to 6 times in 1 session;
The person lies on his stomach and puts both hands behind his back, fastening them into a lock. Bending the torso, you need to try to lift the fastened limbs up and hold them in this position for a few seconds. It is necessary to return to the starting position very smoothly;
Standing on the floor, the patient should bring the hands over the shoulders. After that, you should try to alternately raise your shoulders (the head should move in the same direction as the shoulder);
The patient needs to lie on his stomach, on a hard surface. Stretch your arms forward, while slightly lifting the body. The exercise is performed several times, after which it must be complicated (hands should be extended along the body);
The man sits on a chair and puts both hands on his belt. After that, the shoulder girdle should begin to move, rising and smoothly lowering to its original position. At the peak of the rise, you need to linger for a few seconds. The exercise is repeated 5 times per workout;
To perform this exercise, the patient must use a gymnastic stick (plastic or wooden). To begin with, he should sit on a chair, after which, while inhaling, try to stretch up, holding a gymnastic apparatus in his hands. On exhalation, the arms are lowered to their original position, and the torso is tilted forward;
Using the same gymnastic stick, you need to stand on the floor and try to put your hands (they should have a gymnastic apparatus) over your shoulders. In this position, it is necessary to tilt the body to the right and left. If a patient has scoliosis in addition to osteochondrosis, it is contraindicated for him to do this exercise;
Sitting on a chair equipped with a strong back, the patient should lean on it, and if possible try to bend back. When performing this exercise, the patient is maximally involved in the thoracic spine.
Massage for thoracic osteochondrosis
Patients diagnosed with osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, experts recommend taking a course of therapeutic massage. A visit to the massage parlor is included both in the complex therapy of the disease and in the scheme of preventive measures. Massage courses are recommended at least 2 times a year.
During or after an exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, massage is performed in compliance with special rules and restrictions. The deft movements of the hands of an experienced massage therapist can tone the back muscles, relieve general fatigue and pain. A course of massage will help strengthen the muscular corset and eliminate spasms that often occur with this disease. Massage for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine must be carried out on a table designed specifically for such procedures.
The patient must lie face down on the table, and a special roller is necessarily placed under his chest (can be replaced with a hard pillow).
The following types of massage are often prescribed for this category of patients:
Classic. With osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, the following movements are made to patients during the massage: light stroking from top to bottom, kneading, pinching, vibration and rubbing. A massage session should last no more than 20 minutes (the course consists of 12-15 sessions);
Point. The specialist selects both acupuncture points and pain points. Physical impact on them should be exerted clockwise and vice versa. The masseur, making circular movements, presses the fingertips on the right place, lingers on it for several minutes and continues to manipulate. Gradually, the pressing force should increase, but in no case should pain occur;
Segmental. With osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, this type of massage can significantly improve blood circulation in the affected area. Active blood flow stimulates lymph drainage, due to which soft tissues are enriched with oxygen;
Canned. During the session, the specialist uses cans that provide a vacuum effect on the region of the thoracic spine. This type of massage enhances blood circulation and lymph outflow not only around the spinal column, but also in adjacent organs. In patients who have undergone such manipulations, muscle tone increases, pathological reflexes disappear and the processes of microcirculation of lymph, blood and intercellular fluid are accelerated. Before visiting a massage therapist, patients should consult their doctor, since cupping on the thoracic spine is not recommended for everyone (there are many contraindications);
Honey. This type of massage is absolutely safe and suitable for almost everyone, except for patients with allergies to bee products. During the session, the specialist uses natural bee honey, which he spreads on his palms and applies them to the thoracic spine of the patient, making stroking and rubbing movements. After the honey is absorbed, a white, non-sticky substance will remain on the skin, which can be easily removed with a damp cloth. The duration of the session is 30 minutes.
Preventive measures
To prevent the occurrence or exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, it is recommended to carry out preventive measures at regular intervals. General hypothermia should be avoided, as well as intense physical exertion. People who are forced to work in difficult conditions should monitor their posture, not be in an uncomfortable position for a long time and not lift heavy objects.
Specialists have developed a set of exercises that can be performed both at home and at the workplace during a lunch break. For example, sit on a chair and lean back, then pull your arms and torso up. Self-massage will also help relieve tension and restore muscle tone. For such charging, it is necessary to interrupt several times during the work shift.
Proper nutrition in the prevention of osteochondrosis
With osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, as with any other disease, patients should eat right. A balanced daily menu will allow you to normalize the work of all internal organs and body systems. Dietary nutrition is an ideal means of preventing osteochondrosis and significantly increases the patient’s chances of a successful cure. The development of the menu should be carried out by a professional nutritionist or a narrow-profile specialist who treats diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
The main emphasis in the nutrition of a patient with osteochondrosis is on the rejection of salt. This category of patients is recommended to consume vegetables, fruits, greens, lean meat and fish of low-fat varieties daily.
The following products are excluded from the patient’s diet:
Smoked products;
Pickles;
Spicy and fried foods;
Sugar, salt and spicy spices should be limited as much as possible.
You should not drink carbonated sweet drinks, it is better to give your preference to herbal decoctions or tea. Alcohol (in any form) and foods containing large doses of caffeine (strong coffee, energy drinks) are completely excluded from the patient’s diet.
Correct position during sleep
In order to prevent osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, patients should normalize their sleep. For a night’s rest, it is better to purchase an orthopedic mattress and the same pillow.
During sleep, the patient’s torso should be in the correct position. A hard surface will help the spine to quickly restore its shape. If the patient is not accustomed to sleeping on hard mattresses, he may initially experience pain and discomfort, which will disappear after his vertebrae return to their natural position.
Learning to sit correctly
Each person should monitor their posture, since while sitting in the wrong position, a negative physical effect is exerted on their spine, which can lead to both deformation of the vertebrae and more serious damage.
With a sedentary lifestyle, people should properly equip their workplace: a chair should be chosen with a high back, on which you can periodically lean on your back.
Vehicle owners should install ergonomic seats that will reduce the amount of stress placed on their spine while driving. When driving, they are advised to keep their back straight and avoid routes longer than 3 hours. If the driver has a long trip ahead, he should make more frequent stops along the route, during which you can walk near the car or do a short warm-up.
By following these recommendations, motorists, system administrators, office clerks and people who prefer to spend their free time watching their favorite TV shows will never encounter such a disease as osteochondrosis.
Each patient diagnosed with osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine should not self-medicate. Patients should contact medical institutions where highly specialized specialists will provide them with qualified assistance. When choosing a treatment method, you can use medications, traditional medicine and physiotherapy measures in combination. You should not risk your health, as any mistake in the case of diseases of the spine can lead to irreparable consequences.