Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, unlike cervical and lumbar osteochondrosis, is very rare.
It's about the structure of the thoracic region: it has more discs than the cervical and lumbar spine combined, the discs are smaller and thinner.The mobility of this section is generally less and part of the load rests on the ribs and sternum.
With osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, the symptoms can be confused, for example, with a heart attack.The reason for this is the specificity of the disease.
In this case, aching pains do not occur during movement and exertion, as in cervical or lumbar osteochondrosis, and complications associated with suspected angina pectoris or myocardial infarction or impaired respiratory function come to the fore.
Reasons
To a greater extent, the development of osteochondrosis is promoted by physical inactivity - a deficiency of muscle load, which forms the lack of training of the muscle corset, the weakening of its functions and an increased load on the ligaments and intervertebral discs.
The following conditions can cause the onset of osteochondrosis:
- Incorrect posture and lateral curvature of the spine;
- Bad habits;
- Nervous and physical overload, stress;
- Overload of the back and spine when wearing high-heeled shoes, during pregnancy and flat feet;
- Back injuries;
- Physical inactivity;
- Inheritance;
- Physically hard work.
The intervertebral discs of the thoracic vertebrae are equally negatively affected by a sedentary lifestyle and physical activity, which increases the likelihood of injury.
What are the specific characteristics of the thoracic spine?
Everyone knows that the thoracic region is functionally inactive, particularly when compared to the neck.And the load on it is not so large, compared, for example, to the lumbar region.For this reason, the onset of thoracic disease rarely presents with symptoms at an early stage of development.
The low mobility of the thoracic spine is associated with its anatomical features: the connection of the vertebrae with the ribs and sternum allows you to create a sufficiently mobile and, at the same time, durable structure, less susceptible to injuries and external influences.
The relatively small load on this department contributes to the fact that the occurrence of any problems in it (for example, displacement of the vertebrae, intervertebral hernia, disc protrusion) is quite rare, this is confirmed by statistics.However, their appearance cannot be called something extraordinary;for example, poor posture and scoliosis can be a kind of provoking factors leading to the onset of spinal diseases.
At the same time, the symptoms of such diseases appear rather late and are quite characteristic of osteochondrosis: they usually represent compression of the nerve roots;in rare cases, the spinal cord itself may be compressed or damaged due to reduced blood supply;Narrowing due to compression of the veins and arteries is also possible.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can have completely different symptoms, similar to the manifestations of other diseases of internal organs.Often it is thoracic osteochondrosis that is mistaken for coronary heart disease, cholecystitis, peptic ulcer and even myocardial infarction and pneumonia.For this reason this disease is called "chameleon".
Symptoms associated with pain:
- The pain is localized under the shoulder blades and can radiate to the intercostal nerves.This leads to neuralgia.The pain increases when a person takes a breath or actively moves.
- Chest pain is most often located on the left side and may resemble coronary artery disease.In this situation, it is important to find out in time why the pain appeared.It is necessary to completely examine the cardiovascular system.
Neurological symptoms:
- Numbness or “creeping” in the legs, upper chest, and abdomen (depending on the affected disc);
- Tension reflected in the muscles of the chest or upper back;
- In particularly advanced cases, it is possible to disrupt the functioning of the pelvic organs and reduce potency in men.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, in addition to pain in the spine and back, near the site of osteochondrosis may also include pain in the upper abdomen, heart, liver, and gallbladder.
When such pain occurs, misdiagnosis is sometimes possible.Pain in the right side of the chest under the ribs can be confused with inflammation of the gallbladder, in the left side of the chest it can be confused with a heart attack.It is a mistake to confuse pain in the corresponding areas of the abdominal cavity with a manifestation of stomach ulcer or gastritis.
Dorsago
Dorsago is one of the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, which is manifested by acute pain.Usually, this symptom occurs in people who sit for a long time in the same position or in an uncomfortable position, while doing monotonous work.
Spinal pain in the thoracic region may occur, the muscles become tense and it is often even difficult to breathe.Intercostal neuralgia may occur.
Dorsalgia
The exacerbation period will last 2-3 weeks.At the same time, the pain gradually increases.A slight pain appears in the affected part of the spine.As a rule, pain manifests itself especially actively when breathing deeply and bending forward, backward or to the side.
The nature of pain during back pain can be very different.The pain may be pulling, burning, aching, cutting, and may radiate to the leg, arm, buttock, or shoulder blade.The localization of pain is no less varied.They can appear below, above, in the center, on the right, on the left, between the shoulder blades.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
When drawing up a treatment plan that determines how to treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, diagnostic data based on an x-ray examination helps.Such an examination gives a clear idea of \u200b\u200bhow to treat thoracic osteochondrosis, because radiographic readings indicating the proliferation of vertebral bodies and the presence of changes in the intervertebral distance (decrease in height) are a characteristic symptom of this disease.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine depends on the stage of the disease and mainly boils down to conservative therapy.Surgery is extremely rare in cases of spina bifida.
Pharmacological treatment
Drug therapy is based on the following principles:
- Using a special drug that allows you to retain fluid inside the intervertebral disc.
- Vitamins.Very often, complete vitamin complexes or preparations with elements of group B are prescribed.
- Antispasmodics and muscle relaxants that reduce spasm of the muscles surrounding the spine.
- Painkillers.NSAIDs and analgesics based on drug combinations.
- Chondroprotectors.Necessary to catalyze the process of restoring damaged cartilage.
After the elimination of acute phenomena, massage of the muscles of the back and lower extremities is used.Manual therapy is indicated for grades 1-3 of osteochondrosis in case of development of functional blocks.Includes various options for soft and rough effects on the back muscles.
The duration of treatment for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine depends on the severity of the disease and the degree of age-related changes, as well as on the patient's diligence in following the prescriptions of the attending physician.
Gymnastics for thoracic osteochondrosis
For osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, patients are prescribed therapeutic exercises, the main goal of which is to increase the mobility of the costivertebral and intervertebral joints.Physical therapy (provided that the exercises are performed regularly and correctly) can eliminate even very strong muscle spasms.Moderate physical activity will help relieve stiffness in the spine that occurs with a weak muscle 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 bronchopulmonary system.Patients' lung ventilation improves and they become able to take deep breaths and exhale without pain.
Massage
Massage not only reduces the severity of the symptoms of the disease, but also helps the person recover, achieving positive effects from other elements of complex therapy.
It is prescribed individually based on the clinical picture of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, the presence of chronic diseases and contraindications.
Manual therapy
Manual therapy is used to eliminate hypertonicity and muscle spasms, as well as restore mobility of the back.Thanks to manual therapy it is possible to free blood vessels, improve nutrition and oxygen supply to the tissues of the intervertebral discs.
Correct position during rest and sleep
To prevent osteochondrosis and during the treatment period, it is necessary to organize the correct position during rest and sleep.It is better to sleep on a flat, hard bed, but this should be done without fanaticism;if the bed does not meet the requirements, sleeping on the floor is not recommended, as you may catch a cold.This measure is very necessary so that the spine can quickly restore its normal shape.
However, at the beginning, quite intense pain may appear, which persists until the vertebrae assume a physiological position.To relieve pain and discomfort, you can place a roller under the painful area.
Exercises
The most effective treatment for muscle spasms is physical therapy.Properly selected exercises relax and at the same time strengthen and train the back muscles.As a result, the thoracic spine is stabilized and pinched spinal nerves are released.
A set of exercises for thoracic osteochondrosis is performed as follows:
- Starting position: as you inhale, stand straight, legs together, arms lowered.Stretch your arms up - exhale, then bend back - take a deep breath.Lower your arms, lean forward, arch your back and lower your shoulders and head - exhale.Perform 8 - 10 repetitions.
- Starting position: sitting on a chair.Slowly place your hands behind your head - inhale, bend back 5 times, leaning on the back of the chair with your shoulder blades - exhale.
- Starting position: get on all fours and bend your back as much as possible, hold the position for 3 seconds, keeping your head straight for three seconds.Perform 5 - 7 repetitions.
- Starting position: lie comfortably on your stomach and place your hands on the floor.At the same time, lean back strongly and try to lift your body off the floor.Perform 5 - 8 repetitions.
- Starting position: lying on your stomach with your arms extended along your body.Bend at your chest, trying to raise your head and legs as much as possible.Perform 5 - 8 repetitions.
If you follow all the doctor's instructions, slowly but surely you can achieve a significant improvement in your condition.
Prevention
The health of the chest and other parts of the spine can be damaged by:
- long static loads (sitting in front of the TV, computer);
- weight lifting;
- habit of stooping;
- hypothermia and frequent colds.
Employees who spend long periods of time at work due to their duties need to change body position, stand up and do physical exercises more often.Even simple stretching has benefits.