A sedentary lifestyle, injuries or excessive physical activity cause diseases of the musculoskeletal system. In order to avoid complications, it is important to start the treatment at an early stage of the process. To do this, you need to know about the causes and symptoms of pathology.
Description of the disease, what is its danger
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a chronic disease in which dystrophic changes begin in the cartilages located in the intervertebral space. The pathology is expressed by a decrease in the height of the intervertebral discs and compression of the intercostal nerve endings.
Thoracic osteochondrosis goes through several stages of progression.
The first is characterized by drying out of the intervertebral disc, a decrease in strength and flexibility, and the appearance of cracks. The pain is mild and goes away after the person rests for a while.
In the second stage, the height of the disc decreases, the gap in the vertebra is filled by the nucleus pulposus, but does not exceed its limits. Muscles experience constant tension. The person complains of severe pain, which subsides after rest.
The third stage is characterized by the fact that the nucleus pulposus protrudes beyond the edges, and the crack reaches the edge of the vertebra. As a result, an intervertebral hernia is formed. The pain becomes constant.
In the fourth stage, the proliferation of connective tissue is noticed, which puts pressure on the nearby vertebrae. Bone tissue begins to grow to compensate for the reduced layer. More and more growths (osteophytes) appear.
Types and complications of thoracic osteochondrosis
Based on the nature of the pain, two types of thoracic osteochondrosis are distinguished:
- dorsago, which is characterized by acute sharp pain in the form of lumbago, which is localized in the thoracic spine. The condition is accompanied by muscle tension and movement problems in the neck and chest;
- dorsalgia, in which the pain increases slowly. Inhaling and turning the body, as well as staying in one position for a long time, increase the discomfort. At night, the discomfort deepens and disappears when walking.
In the absence of adequate therapy, the nerve endings are compressed more and more. As a result, osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can cause complications:
- diseases of the digestive system;
- persistent pain;
- disorders of heart function;
- reduced ability to conceive;
- disturbance in lung function caused by proliferation of connective tissue.
Why does thoracic spine pathology occur?
This part of the spine experiences moderate stress and limited mobility. However, pathology is common. The disease can be caused by one or a combination of these reasons:
- injuries and damages;
- excessive load on the ward, including childhood;
- age-related changes associated with a decrease in nutrition of intervertebral disc tissue;
- endocrinological diseases, especially during menopause;
- age-related impairment of calcium absorption;
- excessive body weight;
- problems related to blood vessels, atherosclerotic deposits in the vessels of the chest region;
- weak muscle ligament.
How is the pathology manifested?
Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis include pain and increased muscle tone. The pain may be of short duration shooting or prolonged pain. The recoil is felt in the front of the chest, under the ribs and in the shoulders. The pain gets worse if you stay in one position for a long time.
A characteristic sign of the pathology is sensitivity to the palpation of the spinous processes of the thoracic vertebrae.
The symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are similar to the symptoms of other diseases and are as follows:
- discomfort in the area of the heart, reminiscent of anginal pain;
- respiratory pain, shortness of breath, which also manifests itself in pneumonia, tuberculosis, obstructive lung disease;
- pain in the epigastric region, under the ribs, similar to signs of gastrointestinal diseases.
Methods of treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis
In case of complaints, a neurologist should be consulted. Therapy includes medication, physical therapy, exercise, and massage.
Doctors prescribe the following drugs:
- means that it eliminates the source of inflammation in the spine;
- drugs that reduce muscle tone and the risk of compression of the sensory roots of the spinal cord;
- neuroprotectors aimed at restoring nerve fibers.
The choice and dosage is selected by the doctor, taking into account the tolerance of the drug, concomitant pathologies and the weight of the patient.
In order to avoid relapses, it is important to adhere to the recommended duration of treatment. In the online store, you can buy cheap prescription drugs.
The massage should be done carefully, using rubbing techniques. The areas under the shoulder blades and between the ribs should be treated thoroughly. At least 10-15 sessions are required for the effect to appear.
During physical therapy, the focus is on exercises that strengthen the ligaments, the neck and the lower back.
Locally, anti-inflammatory ointments and gels, warming plasters and Kuznetsov applicators are prescribed.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is a degenerative pathology of the vertebrae and discs. Vlasenko Alexander Adolfovich (neurologist, manual therapy doctor with 30 years of experience) talks about osteochondrosis of the thoracic region - symptoms, diagnosis and effective treatment methods.
Why is thoracic osteochondrosis called "chameleon"?
The thoracic spine has a special feature - the ribs are attached to it. Due to this, it is less mobile than the neck and lower back. Consequently, osteochondrosis of the thoracic region develops less often, according to the principle "less mobility - less wear and tear". But it develops less often - this does not mean that it progresses more easily. with the area of the heart, the symptoms are often confused with angina pectoris or heart attack. It is not for nothing that thoracic osteochondrosis is called a "chameleon". After all, it can cause not only heart disease, but also lung, liver, stomach, gall bladder or pancreas disease. And here you cannot make a mistake and ignore a heart attack or other serious disease, for example, the pathology of the mammary glands in women. Such mistakes are costly, even if everything works out in the end. After all, this can "drive" a person into severe stress. Therefore, it is very important to find an experienced and competent doctor who understands everything and distinguishes the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis from other pathologies. The symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region are usually divided into two categories - radicular and reflex.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis
The manifestation of osteochondrosis depends on the location and severity of the lesion in the movement segment of the spine. In the initial stage, patients complain of dull, aching back pain, discomfort, slight limitation of spinal movement, periodic numbness of the arms or legs, headache and fatigue. If you start treatment and change your lifestyle during this period, the results will not be long in coming, and healing will happen quickly.
Severe damage to the intervertebral disc causes severe pain, permanent numbness and/or weakness in the arm or leg (depending on the extent of the damage). These signs may indicate the destruction of the intervertebral disc and the presence of a hernia, so you should immediately consult a doctor and start treatment.
In the most severe cases, the pain syndrome can be extremely severe, with possible dysfunction of the pelvic organs, severe weakness and numbness in the arms or legs. If these signs are present, urgent hospitalization is required to resolve the issue of surgical treatment.
Cervical osteochondrosis causes pain in the neck, which may radiate to the shoulder, arm or head, numbness or weakness in the arm, headache, dizziness.
With osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, pain occurs in the chest, radiates to the sternum or shoulder blade, intensifies due to breathing and movement, and sometimes there is a feeling of lack of air. Patients often confuse this condition with heart pain.
In the case of involvement of the lumbosacral spine, the pain is localized in the lower back, intensifies with movement, radiates to the leg or perineum, and numbness or weakness of the leg may occur.
We must remember that our body is a single whole, and the division of cervical, thoracic and lumbar osteochondrosis is arbitrary. The disease usually develops in the entire area of the spine, but manifests itself in the part that suffers the greatest load.
Radicular symptoms
They occur due to an effect on the nerves leaving the spine.
Spinal nerves
Many nerves come out of the spine. These are called spinal nerves. Each such nerve branches gradually and follows a specific area of the body with clearly defined boundaries. This area is called the zone of segmental innervation. All vertebrae, discs, nerves and zones are numbered, strictly according to each other. If a nerve is exposed, the symptoms appear in the segmental innervation zone corresponding to that nerve, and not anywhere - anywhere.
Radicular symptoms include:
- decrease or loss of reflexes;
- Impaired sensitivity;
- Muscle weakness;
- Radicular pain.
Innervation zones of the thoracic sections
Osteochondrosis D1-D2- Causes pain in the shoulder, collarbone and armpit area.
Osteochondrosis D3-D6- causes belt-like pain in the upper part of the chest. Simulates heartache, angina attack. In women, it causes pain in the mammary glands.
Osteochondrosis D7-D8- causes belt pain at the level of the solar plexus. It simulates pain in the stomach, liver, gall bladder or pancreas. Decreases upper abdominal reflexes.
Osteochondrosis D9-D10- causes pain in the hypochondrium and upper abdomen. Sometimes it imitates the so-called "acute" abdomen - sharp pain in the abdomen. It reduces central abdominal reflexes.
Osteochondrosis D11-D12- causes pain in the groin area. It simulates pain in women's diseases, appendicitis and intestinal diseases. Decreases lower abdominal reflexes.
Reflex symptoms
Unlike radicular symptoms, reflex symptoms do not have clear boundaries. These can be: difficulty breathing, lack of air, pain during inhalation and exhalation, chills and "goosebumps" on the skin, intercostal neuralgia, girdling chest pain. Dyspepsia is often observed - appetite deteriorates, nausea, heartburn, flatulence and intestinal dysfunction occur. due to pain, sleep disturbances occur, insomnia and the feeling of lack of sleep appear. It is difficult to move, especially in the morning. Coordination of movements is impaired - this is reflected in walking. General weakness, weakness. Sexual disorders. Irritability. Rapid fatigue. Various pains appear. Pressing pain in the chestin the area. Pain between the shoulder blades. Pain in the hypochondrium. Pain when raising the arms. Pain when bending or standing. Pain between the shoulder blades. In general, pain in osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is usually divided into two types.
Dorsalgia- moderate, long-lasting pain in the back and chest with increasing and decreasing periods.
Dorsago- acutely painful "lumbago" in this area.
- Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the chest region depend on the stage of osteochondrosis.
- They get worse when they squat and try to stand up.
- Symptoms often appear after 35-45 years.
- They occur about three times more often in women than in men.
You have noticed, of course, that the radicular symptoms are quite clear, while the reflex symptoms are very vague and non-specific. And as you know, anything that does not have a clear definition serves as a convenient cover for professional helplessness. This applies, among other things, to reflex symptoms and the term favored by doctors as "age-related changes". Surely many of you know the situation when the doctor explained the problem in terms of "reflex" or "age-related" processes. Most people at such moments rightlyhe believes that the doctor simply cannot figure out what is going on and tries to hide his incompetence in the fog of these "magic words".
At one time, there was a popular phrase: "Every accident has a name, a surname and a position. "So every disease has its own unique symptoms. And it is the doctor's duty to know them clearly. And then there is no need to spread fog and blame everything on osteochondrosis of the chest region. Now you understand how important it is to find an experienced and knowledgeable doctor. Both a correct diagnosis and good treatment results depend on this.
Stages of the disease
| Stage | Changes | Symptoms |
| First | Dehydration of the discs, which causes a loss of elasticity. Their height decreases, but their width increases - the intervertebral disc gradually flattens. | The pain appears directly in the damaged ring. This can be a drag or shoot. |
| Second | The annulus fibrosus begins to disintegrate. The nerve roots are compressed, causing pain. | There is pain when moving. If you maintain the pose for a long time, you will feel discomfort. |
| Third | The annulus fibrosus ruptures, resulting in a herniated disc. Scoliosis or pathological kyphosis develops. | There is pain when moving. If you maintain the pose for a long time, you will feel discomfort. |
| Fourth | The vertebrae rub against each other, which causes displacement of the intervertebral joints. The tissue surrounding the vertebrae becomes inflamed. Cartilage tissue is replaced by bone tissue, which reduces motor functions. Fibrosis appears. | There is pain when moving. If you maintain the pose for a long time, you will feel discomfort. |
Phases of exacerbation and remission can be observed. The latter is often observed in stage 4.
Degrees of the disease
This is a more modern classification of symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis, which is used by specialists.
| degrees | Changes and symptoms |
| First | An intervertebral disc tear is caused by sudden movement or overuse. Sharp pain, similar to the passage of an electric current along the spinal column. Muscle strain. |
| Second | It is characterized by instability of the spine. Pain when moving. Protrusion. |
| Third | The pain becomes constant. Loss of sensation. Change in gait. Severe headache. Difficulty breathing. Tachycardia. |
| Fourth | The spine is unstable: the vertebrae slip and twist. Osteophytes grow, pinching spinal nerves and putting pressure on the spinal cord. |
Osteochondrosis of the chest can cause serious diseases that will be difficult to cure.
Diagnosis is the key to proper treatment
Today, there are many modern methods for hardware diagnostics of osteochondrosis. The most accurate of these are MRI and CT. But the main method is still clinical diagnosis - then an experienced doctor compares data from at least three sources - the patient's complaints, MRI results and symptoms identified during the examination. This makes it possible to establish the most accurate diagnosis and create an effective individual treatment program.
Who to contact, methods of examining osteochondrosis
In general, patients with spinal pain consult a neurologist, who can make a preliminary diagnosis based on the complaints and the neurological examination, and prescribe additional examination methods (spine X-ray, MRI, CT, general urinalysis). , general blood test) and develop a treatment regimen.
Treatment
Treatment should be comprehensive and should focus on:
- elimination of pain syndrome;
- elimination of impaired function of spinal roots;
- prevention of the progression of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the structure of the spine.
In the acute period, with severe painmedication is prescribed: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, B vitamins, chondroprotectors, or blockade.
Physiotherapythe main method of conservative treatment of musculoskeletal diseases. Exercise therapy is aimed at forming, correcting and strengthening the ligament; increased range of motion in the spine and joints; development of motor stereotype and correct posture; reduces the load on the spine.
With regular exercise therapy, joint exercises, yoga or swimming, blood supply and tissue nutrition are improved, metabolism is normalized, and the space between the vertebrae increases, which leads to healing.
Listen to your body, if you notice symptoms of osteochondrosis, or your lifestyle involves prolonged sitting in front of a computer, driving a car or insufficient physical activity, seek help from a specialist without waiting for aggravation.
As you understand, osteochondrosis is a real "tangle" of symptoms, which, by unraveling, the doctor relieves pain and suffering. But it is impossible to eliminate changes in the vertebrae and discs. Therefore, the words "treatment of osteochondrosis" must be understood correctly. If you're interested in eliminating pain and other suffering, then yes, it's totally possible. And if you have a scientific debate about restoring the original appearance of the vertebrae and discs "like a newborn child", then no, the past cannot be restored. You have to be realistic, and then you will not fall for the scammers.
Which treatment method is considered the main treatment method?
Gentle manual therapy is the main type of treatment for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region. It's like an antibiotic for pneumonia - you can't live without it. The remaining types - massage, drug treatment, physiotherapy and movement therapy - are supplementary.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy methods relieve swelling and inflammation, improve blood flow in the affected area, and reduce or eliminate pain.
Magnetic laser, magnetic therapy, SMT with novocaine, ultrasound with hydrocortisone, etc.
Balneotherapy: Sludge treatment, use of ozokerite in the affected areas, radon bath.
Exercise therapy and massage
Therapeutic exercise is the main way of treating osteochondrosis. We do gymnastics regularly, several times a day for 10-15 minutes. Massage is prescribed to increase efficiency. The procedures help to relax the muscles, reduce pressure on the vertebrae, improve metabolic processes and blood flow. Exercise therapy can be performed independently at home or in a doctor's office (individual and group sessions). The massage is performed by a qualified professional in clinical conditions.
How does gentle manual therapy work?
The nutrition of the discs is directly related to the muscles surrounding the spine. In addition, the back muscles themselves are one of the main causes of pain in osteochondrosis of the thoracic region. Gentle manual therapy is a special method that allows the muscles to return to their natural physiology, eliminate spasms, muscle tension and improve the nutrition of the discs.
The intervertebral discs are the only part of the body that does not have blood vessels and is nourished by the proper functioning of muscles.
In addition, during manual treatment, the chiropractor:
- relieves the load on the affected vertebrae and discs and distributes it properly;
- relaxes the muscles and helps them return to normal;
- frees the patient from restraints;
- improves disk power supply;
- restores the motor functions of the body;
- normalizes blood circulation.
Manual manipulation mobilizes the body's internal forces and initiates self-healing mechanisms.
Acupuncture
The technique consists of influencing the biologically active points of the body with thin needles. The procedure reduces the manifestation of pain and inflammatory processes. Acupuncture is not painful and minor discomfort may occur.
Treatment of pathology in women
It is practically impossible to completely get rid of already advanced thoracic osteochondrosis, but with the tools and methods of modern medicine, it is completely possible to slow down or even stop the development of the pathological degenerative-dystrophic process in the tissues of the spinal movement segments. . The optimal therapeutic effect can only be achieved with an integrated approach to the treatment of this pathology, with drug treatment, various physiotherapy techniques and targeted exercise therapy techniques (physiotherapy).
Symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are not too different from those of men. In the acute period of osteochondrosis of the thoracic segment of the spine, the patient needs intensive exacerbation treatment, during which various drugs and physical procedures are used to help, first of all, to eliminate the pain syndrome and, in parallel, other negative manifestations. about the disease.
During remission, maintenance treatment should be prescribed to the patient, primarily based on the restoration of the osteochondral structure and physical therapy. In particularly severe cases, surgical intervention is sometimes resorted to in order to stabilize the position of the spinal column.
What to do in case of exacerbation?
During exacerbation, severe pain occurs, radiating along the intercostal spaces. In this stage, it is necessary to maintain bed rest and reduce the mobility of the spine. The symptoms are eliminated with painkillers prescribed by the attending physician.
The treatment is completely safe.
Prevention
In order to prevent diseases and slow down degenerative processes, it is recommended:
- weight adjustment;
- cycling, running, swimming, yoga and other sports;
- daily walks;
- taking vitamin complexes and chondroprotectors;
- reduces back stress;
- timely treatment of locomotor diseases.
To avoid relapses, create comfortable conditions for sleep and work. Watch your weight and eat right. Continue your physical activity. But the most important thing is not to neglect your health and do not skimp on it. Don't let things go your way. After recovery, try to do at least one maintenance treatment every 3-6 months - this will reduce risk factors. Do not forget that advanced osteochondrosis leads to complications - protrusion and disc herniation. Remember: your health comes first!