Osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine is diagnosed less frequently than other forms of this pathology. This is due to the anatomical features of the structure of the central part of the human back. The intervertebral discs in this area move a lot. However, this anomaly still occurs occasionally and requires adequate therapy.
Features of the disease
This term is understood as dystrophic and degenerative changes in the spine, which lead to abnormalities in the structure of cartilage and bone tissues. According to ICD-10, the pathology is coded as follows: M42. Spinal osteochondritis.
If you do not immediately begin treatment of the disease, there is a risk of violation of the structure of the ligament apparatus, joints and intervertebral discs. Often osteochondrosis leads to atherosclerosis, malignant tumors, infertility and other ailments.
phases
Depending on the level of destruction of the vertebrae, different stages of the development of the disease are distinguished:
- In first-degree disease, the discs lose their elasticity, their height decreases. Sometimes protrusions or protrusions are formed.
- Second-degree osteochondrosis is accompanied by a further decrease in the height of the discs and the loss of their elasticity. In this phase, instability of the thoracic region appears. This worsens a person's condition and can result in a crack in the disc ring. This violation is fraught with the appearance of a hernia. At this stage, pain occurs. Neurological manifestations may also be present.
- For third-degree osteochondrosis, the appearance of intervertebral hernias is characteristic. Symptoms of pathology depend on the size and localization of this formation.
- Fourth-degree disease is accompanied by a loss of the shock-absorbing characteristics of the discs. At this stage, there is a convergence of the vertebrae, loss of mobility of the spine, pinching of blood vessels and nerves. This form of the disease is characterized by the destruction of the bones of the spine.
The reasons
Thoracic osteochondrosis is often caused by a lack of physical activity. This leads to a weakening of muscle tissue and leads to an increase in the load on the intervertebral discs.
Also, the causes of the pathology include the following:
- bad habits;
- posture disorders;
- genetic predisposition;
- hypodynamy;
- increased physical activity;
- spinal injuries;
- stressful situations.
Symptoms
This form of osteochondrosis has less pronounced manifestations than other types of this disease. Symptoms characteristic of the pathology include the following:
- chest pains that increase at night due to a long stay in an uncomfortable position, with hypothermia and increased stress;
- discomfort between the shoulder blades that occurs when the limbs are lifted or bent;
- increased discomfort with deep inhalations and exhalations;
- pain between the ribs that occurs during movement;
- tightness in the chest area.
With an exacerbation of the pathology, the pain syndrome is present for several weeks. In addition, there are additional manifestations of the thoracic form of the disease:
- loss of sensation of some areas of the skin, the appearance of goosebumps;
- burning and itching sensation, cold in the lower limbs;
- brittleness of the nails and peeling of the skin;
- pain in the esophagus and pharynx;
- violations of the functions of the digestive organs.
How to treat thoracic osteochondrosis
To address this breach, an integrated approach must be provided. Specific methods of therapy should be selected by the doctor, taking into account the clinical picture of the disease.
From a medical point of view
In the thoracic form of the disease, the following categories of drugs are often used:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs. They help to cope with pain and eliminate swelling of soft tissues. With intercostal neuralgia, local dosage forms are prescribed in the form of ointments and creams.
- Anesthetics. They are injected into the spine to eliminate pain and muscle spasm.
- Muscle relaxants. Such remedies eliminate painful muscle spasm.
- Antidepressants. These drugs eliminate the psycho-emotional stress that often accompanies osteochondrosis.
- Vitamins of group B. These drugs provide nourishment to nerve fibers. This helps to cope with neurological abnormalities. In the treatment of osteochondrosis, agents containing vitamins B1, B6 and B12 are used.
- Chondroprotectors. Such funds help to stop the destruction of discs and normalize bone metabolism. It is recommended to be injected directly into the paravertebral tissues.
physical therapy and physiotherapy
With the help of therapeutic exercises and gymnastics, you can reduce the frequency of exacerbations. To do this, it is recommended to perform the following movements:
- Sit on a chair, put your hands behind your head, inhale. As you exhale, squeeze your shoulder blades. Do 10-15 repetitions.
- Get on all fours, gently arch your back and stay in that position. After a few seconds, bend over and fix in this position again. Do 15-20 repetitions.
- Lie on your back, raise your straight legs 20-30 cm Stay in this position for 20 seconds. Do 10 repetitions.
Physiotherapy is an effective method of therapy. They have a local effect on the focus of the pathology.
Thanks to exercises, it is possible to cope with pain and spasms, improve tissue nutrition and normalize blood circulation. In the thoracic form of the pathology, magnetic therapy, laser exposure and electrophoresis are indicated.
Folk recipes
When choosing home remedies, be sure to take into account the degree of the disease and the symptoms present. If the disease has an acute course and is accompanied by severe pain, therapy begins with anti-inflammatory and analgesic preparations.
The following plants have this effect:
- chamomile;
- wise;
- viburnum;
- elecampane;
- Birch.
These plants can be brewed like regular tea. To do this, take 1 tablespoon per 250 ml of boiling water. Take the composition of 1 glass 2-3 times a day. To improve the taste of the drink, you can add a little honey.
What to do during an exacerbation
With an exacerbation of thoracic osteochondrosis, the following recommendations should be observed:
- reduce physical activity - it is better to observe bed rest;
- eat properly;
- taking medicines prescribed by a doctor;
- do a light self-massage and rub problem areas;
- engage in therapeutic exercises if indicated;
- rub in creams and ointments recommended by the doctor;
- use physical therapy.
Complications and consequences
If you do not start therapy on time, there is a risk of developing dangerous consequences. These include the following:
- protrusion and intervertebral hernia;
- compression of the spinal cord;
- deviations in the work of internal organs: heart, liver, intestines, kidneys, pancreas;
- lesions of the duodenum, intestinal motility disorders, dyskinesia of the gallbladder;
- intercostal neuralgia - irritation or compression of nerve fibers.
Prevention and prognosis
To avoid the appearance of thoracic osteochondrosis, you need to follow these recommendations:
- avoid a static position of the body - periodically warm up;
- choose a comfortable work chair;
- sleeping on an orthopedic mattress;
- refuse to carry heavy objects;
- check body weight;
- engage in physical therapy.
It is impossible to completely cure the disease, but you can stop its development. Provided that the therapy begins in a timely manner, the pathology has a favorable prognosis.
Thoracic osteochondrosis is a serious disease that is accompanied by severe pain and can lead to dangerous health consequences. To cope with this violation, it is necessary to consult a doctor in time.