General and specific symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

Osteochondrosis is a chronic disease of cartilage tissue in which degenerative-dystrophic processes predominate.The disease can affect any joint in the body, but most cases occur in the intervertebral discs.Depending on the location, osteochondrosis of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine is distinguished.The peak incidence is observed between 30 and 40 years of age, but recently this disease is increasingly younger and occurs even in adolescents.Symptoms similar to osteochondrosis occur in 50-90% of the population.In the article you will find the main symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis and methods of treating this disease.

Specificities of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is less common than other types.The anatomy of the thoracic spine includes more discs than the lower back and neck combined.However, these discs are smaller in size and thickness.Due to the redistribution of the load on the ribs and sternum, this part of the spine is less mobile.

While for intervertebral osteochondrosis of the lumbar region a more characteristic symptom is pain after excessive and inappropriate physical activity, for the thoracic region the pain is practically not typical.Most often, symptoms of complications of various diseases of the cardiovascular system or respiratory system are observed.

Reasons for development

The most common cause of osteochondrosis is a sedentary lifestyle.Nowadays, people increasingly have to work at a computer in positions that are most uncomfortable for their backs.In addition, the lack of physical activity affects the condition of the muscles on which the condition of the intervertebral discs depends.Not only physical inactivity, but also excessive physical activity can cause osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine;the following risk factors are also identified:

• heredity;
• various forms of spinal curvature, such as scoliosis, posture disorders;
• sedentary lifestyle, sedentary work;
• excessive physical activity or abrupt cessation of active sports;
• spinal injuries;
• bad habits, chronic stress, insomnia;
• overweight, obesity;
• flat feet, prolonged wearing of uncomfortable shoes;
• dystrophic changes associated with the normal aging process of the body.

Recently, a trend towards rejuvenation of the disease has been observed.Symptoms of osteochondrosis are diagnosed as early as adolescence.There is a hypothesis that this is due to the time spent in front of the computer.

Symptoms

The clinical picture of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is quite clear, but can be hidden under other diseases or their complications: attacks can often resemble myocardial infarction, cholecystitis, pancreatitis or renal colic.Among the most common are:

• the appearance of acute pain after a long stay in a position, most often uncomfortable.These pains also appear in response to sudden movements or lifting heavy weights;
• There may be no pain, but a feeling of tightness in the chest or back.Difficulty breathing, pain on deep inhalation or exhalation;
• due to osteochondrosis damage to the nerve roots emerging from the spinal canal, numbness or a tingling sensation may be observed in certain areas of the body;
• there is also a dull pain in or between the shoulder blades, as well as in the shoulder girdle and sternoclavicular joint;
• coldness of the lower extremities due to complications in the blood supply.

Some general and non-specific symptoms may occur:

• frequent attacks of intercostal neuralgia;
• gastrointestinal tract: nausea, heartburn, bloating, flatulence, constipation or diarrhea.Abdominal pain may occur due to damage to the lower segment of the thoracic spine;
• peeling skin, thin, brittle nails and hair;
• reproductive system disorders.

Symptoms often manifest in the form of spinal syndromes: dorsago and back pain.These are the main markers of the disease, which often indicate osteochondrosis of this department with a probability of 100%.

Dorsago

Characterized by sudden, sharp pain in the thoracic spine.Patients associate it with “stabbing” pain, because in most cases it is sharp and unbearable.Most often, the cause of this type of pain is prolonged sitting or prolonged uncomfortable posture.When trying to stand up or move into a more comfortable position, a person experiences sharp pain, or “lumbago,” which may also cause restrictions in movement for a period of time.

Back pain

This type of pain appears gradually with a cumulative effect and can develop over 2 to 3 weeks.With back pain, nagging pain or discomfort is observed in the localization of a specific damaged area of the spine.When changing body position or deep breathing, the pain increases sharply.The pain tends to intensify in the evening or after physical activity.In the morning, patients generally notice a weakening or even complete disappearance of the pain.A short walk also helps.

Diagnosis

Making a diagnosis of any pathology begins with a comprehensive examination of the person and an analysis of his complaints about his condition.For example, in advanced stages there is often a curvature of the spine, noticeable from the outside.On the contrary, if the posture is altered, it should be carefully examined for the presence of osteochondrosis.It is recommended to carefully analyze the hereditary conditions of the patient for the development of this pathology.It is necessary to refer the patient for general blood and urine tests.

One of the most necessary stages is radiography of the thoracic spine in various projections, with the help of which it is necessary to analyze osteophytes, their presence and size;assess the height of the discs and the presence of changes in them;size and position of hernias.

Another X-ray method is discography, which uses a contrast agent.This allows you to assess the condition of the nucleus pulposus.CT scanning can also be used, but due to the high radiation exposure of patients, it is used in exceptional cases.

Electrocardiography is a mandatory examination method.The symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are extremely similar to the symptoms of myocardial infarction and angina.

Treatment

To successfully treat osteochondrosis of the spine, it is necessary to influence the cause of the disease and not limit yourself to only painkillers or immediately send for surgical intervention.For example, patients with low mobility will receive completely different treatment methods than a patient with a history of spinal cord injuries and its complications.It is also extremely effective to combine therapeutic methods to enhance and consolidate the effect.

Medicine

In the acute period of the disease, in addition to medications, strict bed rest is recommended.The main groups of drugs for breast osteochondrosis:

• analgesics for the relief of acute pain;
• for some patients, the use of antispasmodics is recommended;
• B-complex vitamins;
• chondroprotectors, which require individual selection for each patient, taking into account the characteristics of the development of the disease, as well as the specifics of the development of the organism.

Drug treatment is effective only in the early stages of the disease.In addition, in the chronic form of osteochondrosis, medications can be prescribed for life or until complete recovery.

Exercise therapy

Exercise therapy is therapeutic physical culture.Today there are many useful exercises for the prevention and treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region.These also include breathing exercises.

The basis of exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is the plank.You need to start it with a minimum time, increasing it daily to the minimum level.The goal is 1.5 minutes.Also in this position, it is recommended to alternately press your knees to your chest, holding this position for 5-10 seconds.It will also be useful to try to hang on the horizontal bar with the same gradual increase in time.

The method of exercise therapy is used outside the acute period of the disease and is one of the most universal methods that can be combined with others.

Manual therapy

A manual method for influencing the musculoskeletal system to relieve chronic and acute pain in the joints and spine.It also helps increase the range of joint movement and correct postural disorders.Also used to relieve muscle tension.

Manual therapy also helps improve blood circulation in the intervertebral discs and improve the transport of oxygen from the blood to the tissues and vice versa.In this way, it is possible to eliminate the complications of osteochondrosis associated with damage or compression of blood vessels, as well as lack of oxygen to tissues and organs.

Traditional methods

The advantage of traditional medicine is that its effect has been tested for many years.There are many ways to treat any illness at home without the risk of side effects.Recipes for infusions used in case of illness:

• Calendula.Take 100 g of product per 200 ml of regular men's cologne.Add a little camphor oil.Leave to infuse in a cool, dark place for two weeks in a tightly closed bottle;
• Dandelion.Take dandelion roots, mint leaves, birch buds and coriander fruits, 2 tablespoons each.L.and pour 0.5 cups of boiling water.Cook over low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.After that, add 60-70 g of butter and cook for another 20 minutes, then cool.

It is extremely important to rub these decoctions strictly onto the affected area of the chest.Rubbing should be carried out with gentle massage movements for 5 minutes.Then isolate the rubbed area, for example with a sweater.All decoctions can be stored in the refrigerator.

Some herbs are not approved for use in the presence of certain diseases, so it is best to consult a specialist.

First aid for exacerbation

First of all, you need to warm up the painful area.But you should only do this with medicinal ointments;you should not use decoctions: there is a risk of skin burns.

It is best to do this with a slightly warming fabric, for example, a woolen product.Then it is recommended to lie down on a hard surface to correct the uneven body position.In a pinch, even the ground will do.In case of exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, apply a tight bandage to the chest.

During an attack, it is advisable to take an analgesic, preferably intramuscularly.NSAIDs are used in cases of acute attacks.

If there is no improvement in your well-being within 30-60 minutes, then you should call an ambulance and be sure to inform it about painkillers upon arrival.

Prevention

Prevention is the simplest and least expensive way to maintain health.Every person is exposed to many negative environmental factors every day.If this impact is minimized, the risk of developing osteochondrosis is reduced to zero.Basic principles for the prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis:

1. Lead an active lifestyle.It's easy to overdo it and put even more strain on your spine.It is better to listen to the needs of the body, start with minimal loads and gradually get used to them.Morning jogging and swimming pools are most optimal for this.
2. Monitor prolonged sitting in one position.It is better to regularly stretch the joints of the upper shoulder girdle, try to maintain correct posture and relax your shoulders.
3. You shouldn't skimp on a chair to work seated.Let it be a special chair that supports the spine well.
4. Use orthopedic mattresses and pillows.It is during sleep that the spine most often deforms, remains in a curved position for a long time, and then disappoints with pain and discomfort throughout the day.These are the first prerequisites for osteochondrosis.It's better to warn them anyway.
5. Avoid carrying heavy objects.Unfortunately, sometimes this is vital.In this case, it is better to ensure an even distribution of weight in relation to the body.And try to do everything smoothly, without sudden movements.Otherwise, it could threaten not only osteochondrosis.
6. Wear comfortable shoes.In everyday life, heels will only bring health problems.It is better to put them aside for an evening look.
7. Strengthen muscles.Abdominal muscles, lower back, back and spine.It is the main framework for a healthy back and correct posture.

We must not forget about good nutrition.The daily menu should meet the needs of each body and include the maximum amount of vitamins, micro- and macroelements.

Conclusions

1. Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is a dystrophic-degenerative disease characterized by deformation and loss of functionality of the spinal discs.
2. Thoracic osteochondrosis is less common than other types of this pathology.Recently, the disease has been diagnosed not only in older people, but also in adolescents.
3. Many factors are involved in the development of the disease.As a rule, osteochondrosis appears for several reasons.
4. Monotherapy is rarely effective.To eliminate the cause and symptoms of the disease, treatment tactics are developed, which include taking medications, exercise therapy and other auxiliary procedures.
5. Simple prevention can minimize the development of breast osteochondrosis.