Thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine is seen infrequently when compared to the prevalence of diseases such as chondrosis of the lumbar region and neck. Osteochondrosis of the chest has certain signs and requires proper therapy, like any other disease.
The thoracic region is characterized by a special structure: it includes more discs than the lumbar and cervical regions in total, and its discs are smaller and very thin. The mobility of this department is very low, and most loads fall on the sternum and ribs.
The onset of pain of varying degrees during heavy loads or with sudden movements, as is often the case with lumbar or cervical osteochondrosis, is not observed, while complications related to suspected development of cardiovascular diseases or disorders of respiratory function become paramount.
The reasons
Predominantly, osteochondrosis of the chest begins to develop due to physical inactivity, that is, a lack of stress on the muscles, which causes an increase in stress on the discs located between the vertebrae.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can cause the following conditions:
- The presence of bad habits;
- Scoliosis and irregular posture;
- hereditary factors;
- lack of mobility;
- Frequent heavy physical activity;
- Received spinal injuries;
- Great stress and mental strain.
The intervertebral discs of the thoracic vertebrae are equally affected by both an increased level of physical activity and physical inactivity.
Symptoms
In the case of the development of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, its symptoms are quite manifest. Treatment in these circumstances should be started immediately. The symptoms of the disease are:
- The presence of sharp pain in the thoracic spine, which occurs after a long stay in one position. Pain also appears in case of sudden movements and when lifting objects with a lot of weight.
- There is pressure in the back and chest. Thoracic osteochondrosis causes difficulty breathing - it becomes painful to inhale/exhale deeply.
- In the presence of chondrosis of the thoracic spine, there is such a symptom as numbness of certain areas of the body. This is appropriate due to damage to the nerve roots emerging from the spinal cord.
- If a person has osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, he is not able to turn his body sharply or stretch his arm and lift it. All these actions are very painful.
- The presence of dull pain in the shoulder blades (most often between them).
- Feet are often cold, because there is not enough blood supply to them due to a violation of some body functions.
- There is a state of chills and "chills".
The symptoms of osteochondrosis of the chest are determined by the level of neglect of the disease. In addition, this disease can lead to a failure in the functioning of other systems in the human body. Therefore, osteochondrosis sometimes also manifests itself in such symptoms:
- The appearance of intercostal neuralgia;
- Burning/itching sensation in the feet;
- Bloating, constipation or diarrhea, nausea/heartburn;
- Due to a violation of the function of blood vessels, the skin begins to peel, and the nails become thin and brittle;
- There are difficulties in the work of the reproductive/reproductive systems;
- Sometimes there is a noticeable lack of oxygen.
With thoracic osteochondrosis, sharp, prolonged pain is appropriate, which appears in attacks. In the case of an exacerbation of the disease, the symptoms become extremely bright. At this time, the intervertebral discs are subjected to strong stress. In most cases, the patient is introduced to a hospital regimen. In addition, a person has symptoms:
- pancreatitis;
- Urolithiasis;
- cholecystitis.
It is important to note that osteochondrosis of the chest does not cause a decrease or increase in body temperature.
back and back
There are often signs of thoracic osteochondrosis as vertebral syndromes including: dorsalgia and dorsi.
Doraso is called sharp pain in the thoracic spine that occurs suddenly. As a rule, this pathology is faced by those who need to stay in the same position for a long time, for example, sitting. It often makes itself felt when a person gets up from the table after working for a long time in an unchanged body position. Dorsago's pain is sometimes unbearable. It so happens that the possibility of movement in the lumbothoracic/cervical region is limited.
As for back pain, the development of this syndrome does not occur immediately, it takes several weeks. Dorsalgia is characterized by the presence of mild pain and discomfort in the part of the spine that is damaged. The pain increases if you take a deep breath and lean your body sideways or forward.
Tension of muscle tissue occurs and, in addition, there are restrictions to movements in the lumbothoracic/cervical regions. As a rule, the pains become very strong at night, and in the morning all the painful sensations disappear on their own if you walk for 10 minutes.
What other painful syndromes are there in osteochondrosis of the thoracic region?
Such a disease can also have other pain syndromes that can complicate the correct diagnosis. Pain in thoracic osteochondrosis in the region of the esophagus, pharynx and feeling of "lump in the throat" appear if the disease has gone beyond the upper thoracic segment of the chest. Chondrosis affecting the mid-thoracic segment causes discomfort under the hypochondrium on the right side.
If the disease affects the lower thoracic region, pain in the abdominal cavity is observed, which is very similar to the sensations that occur with intestinal pathologies.
It should be noted that any relationship between the onset of pain in osteochondrosis of the chest with the level of quality of food consumed and the human diet is not traceable. Also, the onset of pain has nothing to do with the time of year. But the pain in osteochondrosis of the thoracic region can intensify closer to the night and after heavy physical exertion. In the morning, as usual, any feeling of discomfort disappears or subsides.
complications
Thoracic osteochondrosis is dangerous because it is difficult to diagnose. For a long time, it is possible to treat angina pectoris or respiratory diseases without suspecting the presence of this unpleasant disease.
If we continue to talk about the complications caused by osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, over time, the development of this disease can cause the appearance of various problems that affect the internal organs.
The most common complication can be called disease associated with the cardiovascular system. Such problems arise due to the irritation of the receptor in the thoracic and cervical regions.
Sometimes observed:
- Disorders in the function of the duodenum;
- Disorders in the digestive tract;
- There is such a pathology as gallbladder dyskinesia.
Is there a need to prove the importance of timely initiation of treatment for thoracic osteochondrosis?
diagnostic measures
The thoracic region should begin to be treated after a comprehensive examination of the patient. It involves the following procedures:
- The patient is examined and all his observations about the course of the disease are recorded. If the disease reaches stages 2-3, the skeleton is visibly deformed. The physician is required to collect the patient's medical history to exclude/confirm hereditary factors for the development of osteochondrosis of the chest.
- It is necessary to pass urine and blood for analysis.
- Radiography can be used to determine:
- Presence and size of osteophytes;
- Determine the height/contours of the intervertebral discs.
- Size/location of hernias;
- The presence of changes in the shape of the disk.
- Discography will provide an opportunity to consider the contours of the nucleus pulposus. This procedure uses contrast.
- computed tomography. This study is used extremely rarely, as during this study the patient is heavily irradiated.
- Electrocardiography. As the symptoms of thoracic chondrosis are similar to those of ischemic heart disease, this research method is used to verify this diagnosis.
thoracic treatment
Before organizing the treatment of osteochondrosis of the chest, it is necessary to understand why this disease appeared in principle. In some people, chondrosis appeared due to an insufficiently mobile lifestyle, while others were already injured in the spine, and because of this, the blood supply processes were disturbed. Thus, the reasons why the development of a disease such as osteochondrosis of the thoracic region became appropriate are a large number.
In any case, effective therapy for thoracic chondrosis does not consist only in the use of drugs with an analgesic effect, intended to neutralize pain in case of exacerbation of the disease. In addition, it is necessary to identify the original cause of the disease. Serious attitude towards the treatment of this disease is necessary.
In addition, the treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region with the help of medication should be combined with physical therapy, remembering that lower loads are beneficial.
drug treatment
To treat the disease during its exacerbation, it is necessary to adhere to bed rest, to take drugs characterized by analgesic effect and other drugs that are effective in combating this disease.
Pain syndrome relief is achieved by medications in the early stages of the disease's development. Medications in pills and painkiller injections eliminate moderate-force pain. Pain relievers are prescribed in conjunction with medications that relieve inflammation, with medications that restore cartilage tissue.
The selection of drugs, the intake of which is necessary for the regeneration of bone tissue, is carried out individually. The doctor needs to take into account the characteristics of the organism and the course of the disease in the patient in each individual case. Thus, treating osteochondrosis of the chest through medications involves taking these medications:
- Analgesics to eliminate sharp pains in the thoracic region, causing dysfunctions in the respiratory system and causing a lot of discomfort during movement.
- Pills that relieve muscle spasm.
- Preparations containing a large amount of B vitamins.
- Medicines of natural origin to preserve the fluid in the intervertebral discs, which has spread to osteochondrosis.
effective exercises
People facing the problem of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region need to perform exercises that have a positive effect on the spine. A well-composed list of simple tasks will remove the sharp pain. By the way, breathing training with a disease like chondrosis will also give its results and reduce the number of attacks. The following exercises are recommended:
- The plank is a good workout in the case of this disease, although it is advisable to do this exercise for no more than 1. 5 minutes with a gradual increase in the load on the thoracic spine.
- Hanging from the horizontal bar should be done as often as possible, followed by adding time to the duration of the exercise.
- In the "plank" position, on the other hand, you need to press your knees against your chest and hold them in this position for several seconds. Such a preventive measure is useful for the joints and reduces the stress on the thoracic region in osteochondrosis.
For the treatment of pathology, it is better to use exercise therapy and other methods of physical therapy, and at the same time be in a hospital under medical supervision. Such exercises do not cause any inconvenience, as the patient performs simple and effective manipulations to get rid of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region. Such therapy is one of the important elements for disease prevention in people at risk.
Manual therapy
The help of a chiropractor in the form of massages for osteochondrosis of any part of the spine causes greater efficiency and significantly improves the well-being of the patient. Such treatment:
- Prevents pain during back pain;
- Reduces tension in muscle tissue.
In addition, manual therapy is a great chance to normalize systemic circulation in the intercostal space, determine adequate tissue nutrition and stimulate better blood oxygen saturation.
In the case of petalgia (this is also one of the types of pain syndrome), this therapy is also used, but only as prescribed by the doctor.
massages
Massage is a good therapy for osteochondrosis, even in a hospital, even at home. This procedure:
- Causes the elimination of hypertonicity of the back muscles;
- It helps to strengthen the bodies of the intervertebral discs.
If massage is part of a general therapy for osteochondrosis, it can significantly bring the moment of full recovery closer if the patient's diagnosis is acute osteochondrosis of the thoracic region. Various therapeutic massages, as a rule, are recommended concurrently with treatment by a chiropractor in combination with therapeutic physical activity.
What to do if thoracic osteochondrosis is inflamed?
The exacerbation of osteochondrosis can cause physical overload (sports, hard work), hypothermia, stress or severe fatigue, lifting heavy objects.
In the case of an exacerbation of chondrosis, a person feels unbearable pain, which is unrealistic to remove at home on his own with the help of painkillers. For this reason, in such cases, it is necessary to call an ambulance.
If the pain is not so severe and can be tolerated, the use of analgesics is undesirable as this will complicate the doctors' task in making a proper diagnosis. With osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, you cannot self-medicate - it is dangerous for health.
Chondrosis often enters an acute stage after:
- Stressful situations;
- Great physical exertion;
- Hypothermia.
To eliminate the process of exacerbation of osteochondrosis as quickly as possible, you should listen to these recommendations:
- The patient must adhere to bed rest (as far as possible, avoid any movement);
- The best thing is to go on a complete diet and eat right;
- The postures that the patient adopts must not provoke in him the appearance of pain;
- There is a need to take medication: painkillers and medication for muscle spasm;
- It will not be superfluous to perform physiotherapeutic manipulations;
- Physiotherapy is of great importance in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region. Of course, all exercises should be performed with extreme caution.
Prevention
To prevent the occurrence of diseases of the spine (osteochondrosis of different departments), you should follow the following tips:
- Don't sit still: sign up for a pool, organize morning runs, warm up your muscles;
- If during work activity (for example, you work in an office) you are in a position, always try to align your back and relax your shoulders;
- Sitting work should be done exclusively in a chair that supports the spine;
- Buy an orthopedic pillow and mattress - so that during sleep the spine takes the correct position;
- Do not carry too many weights and, if necessary, try not to lift them abruptly;
- Pump your abdominal muscles;
- Your shoes should not cause discomfort during use;
- Make your diet in such a way that it includes as many useful microelements as possible and is fortified.
Nobody is protected from the onset of a disease like osteochondrosis of the chest. If you suddenly notice the presence of the first manifestations of the disease, you should immediately consult a doctor - after all, it is easier to prevent osteochondrosis than to treat it for a long time afterwards.
If you follow all the above recommendations, the probability of encountering this disease is minimal.
additional tips
Of course, to avoid back problems, it is necessary to strictly follow the recommendations related to a healthy lifestyle.
If your work is sedentary, it is worth arranging a break every hour and, if possible, warm up. Swimming is very effective in preventing osteochondrosis of the thoracic region. A balanced diet will not be superfluous.
It is worth daily for prevention purposes to exercise in the morning and play sports in your spare time.
In essence, thoracic osteochondrosis poses no danger, but it has serious complications if you don't treat it. It is important to organize the treatment of osteochondrosis in a timely manner to avoid further problems with the spine in the future, because in our body all systems and organs are interconnected - remember this.
Every person wants to live without pain, not to limit himself to anything due to the presence of diseases. Therefore, it is important to identify osteochondrosis in time and treat it if this problem still surprises you.
Many people who have encountered osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, who have responded to the disease at the right time and, having started their treatment, have already forgotten what osteochondrosis is and what symptoms it presents. Don't procrastinate either!
And even better, to prevent the occurrence of this disease. Just lead an active lifestyle!