General and specific symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

Osteochondrosis is a chronic disease of cartilage tissue in which degenerative-dystrophic processes prevail.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 differs.The highest incidence is recorded at the age of 30-40 years, but recently this disease is becoming younger and occurs even in adolescents.Symptoms similar to osteochondrosis occur in 50-90% of the population.In the article, you will find key symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis and methods of treating this disease.

Specifics 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 inferior 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 part, the most characteristic symptom is pain after excessive and improper physical activity, for the thoracic part pain is practically not typical.Symptoms of complications of various diseases of the cardiovascular or respiratory system are most often observed.

Reasons for development

The most common cause of osteochondrosis is a sedentary lifestyle.Today, people increasingly have to work at the computer in the most uncomfortable positions for their backs.Also, 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 were also identified:

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

Recently, there is a trend of rejuvenation of the disease.Symptoms of osteochondrosis are diagnosed starting from adolescence.There is a hypothesis that this is due to the large amount of time spent at the computer.

Symptoms

The clinical picture of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is quite clear, but it 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 one position, usually unpleasant.These pains also occur in response to sudden movements or due to lifting heavy loads;
• There may be no pain, but a tightness in the chest or back.Difficulty breathing, pain during deep inhalation or exhalation;
• due to damage to the nerve roots coming out of the spinal canal by osteochondrosis, numbness or tingling may be noticed in certain parts 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, non-specific symptoms may occur:

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

Symptoms are often manifested in the form of vertebral syndromes: dorsago and dorsalgia.These are the main markers of the disease, which often indicate osteochondrosis of this department with 100% probability.

Dorsago

It is characterized by a sudden sharp pain in the thoracic spine.Patients associate it with "dagger" pain, because in most cases it is acute and unbearable.The cause of this type of pain is most often long sitting or prolonged uncomfortable posture.When trying to stand up or take a more comfortable position, a person experiences acute pain, or "lumbago", which can also cause movement restrictions for a while.

Dorsalgia

This type of pain has a gradual onset with a cumulative effect and can develop over 2-3 weeks.With dorsalgia, nagging pain or discomfort is observed in the localization of a certain damaged area of the spine.When changing the position of the body or taking a deep breath, the pain suddenly increases.There is a tendency for the pain to intensify in the evening or after physical activity.In the morning, patients usually notice a weakening or even complete disappearance of pain.A short walk on foot also helps.

Diagnostics

Diagnosing any pathology begins with a comprehensive examination of a person and an analysis of his complaints about his condition.For example, in advanced stages, there is often a curvature of the spine, visible from the outside.On the contrary, if the posture is disturbed, it should be carefully examined for the presence of osteochondrosis.It is recommended to carefully analyze the patient's hereditary prerequisites for the development of this pathology.The patient should be referred for general blood and urine tests.

One of the most necessary stages is radiography of the thoracic spine in different 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 it;size and position of the hernia.

Another X-ray method is discography, which uses a contrast agent.This allows you to assess the condition of the nucleus pulposus.Computed tomography can also be used, but due to the high exposure of patients to radiation, 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 pectoris.

Treatment

For the successful treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine, it is necessary to influence the cause of the disease, and not limit yourself to painkillers or immediately send for surgery.For example, patients with poor mobility will receive completely different treatment methods compared to patients with a history of spinal injury and complications.It is also extremely effective to combine therapeutic methods to improve and consolidate the effect.

Medicines

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

• analgesics for acute pain relief;
• 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 taking into account the specifics of the development of the body.

Drug therapy is effective only in the early stages of the disease.In addition, in the chronic form of osteochondrosis, drugs 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.This includes breathing exercises.

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

The exercise method 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 of influencing the musculoskeletal system to relieve chronic and acute joint and spine pain.It also helps to increase the range of motion in the joints and correct postural disorders.It is also used to relieve muscle tension.

Manual therapy also helps improve blood circulation in the intervertebral discs and improve oxygen transport from blood to tissue 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 in tissues and organs.

Traditional methods

The advantage of traditional medicine is that its effectiveness has been proven over the years.There are many different ways to treat any disease at home without the risk of side effects.Recipes for infusions used in diseases:

• Calendula.Take 100 g of the product per 200 ml of ordinary men's cologne.Add some camphor oil.Leave in a cool and dark place to soak for two weeks in a well-closed bottle;
• Dandelion.Take dandelion roots, mint leaves, birch buds and coriander fruit, 2 tablespoons each.l.and pour over 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 strictly rub these decoctions into the affected area of the chest.Rubbing should be done with light massage movements for 5 minutes.Then insulate the rubbing area with, for example, a sweater.All decoctions are stored in the refrigerator.

Some plants are not allowed for use in the presence of certain diseases, so it is better to consult a specialist.

First aid for exacerbation

First of all, it is necessary to warm the painful area.But you should only do this with healing ointments;you should not use decoctions: there is a chance of getting burns on the skin.

It is better to do this with a light fabric for warming, for example, a woolen product.Then it is recommended to lie down on a hard surface to correct the uneven body position.As a last resort, even the floor will suffice.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 a pain reliever, preferably intramuscularly.NSAIDs are used for acute attacks.

If there is no improvement in your health within 30-60 minutes, you must call an ambulance and be sure to inform them about the painkiller upon arrival.

Prevention

Prevention is the simplest and cheapest way to preserve health.Each person is exposed to many negative environmental factors every day.If this influence is reduced to a minimum, then the chance of developing osteochondrosis is reduced to zero.Basic principles for the prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis:

1. Lead an active lifestyle.It is easy to overdo it and put even more strain on the spine.It is better to listen to the needs of the body, start with minimal loads and gradually get used to it.For that, morning jogging and swimming pools are the most optimal.
2. Monitor prolonged sitting in one position.It is better to regularly stretch the joints of the upper shoulder girdle, try to maintain proper posture and relax the shoulders.
3. Do not skimp on a chair for sitting work.Let it be a special chair that supports the spine well.
4. Use orthopedic mattresses and pillows.It is during sleep that the spine is most often deformed, remains in a curved position for a long time, and then disappoints with pain and discomfort during the day.These are the initial prerequisites for osteochondrosis.Better to warn them though.
5. Avoid carrying heavy objects.Unfortunately, sometimes it 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 can threaten not only osteochondrosis.
6. Wear comfortable shoes.In everyday life, heels will only bring health problems.It is better to leave them aside for an evening look.
7. Strengthen your muscles.Abs, lower back, back and spinal muscles.This is the main framework for a healthy back and proper posture.

We must not forget about proper nutrition.The daily menu must meet the needs of the individual organism and include the maximum amount of vitamins, micro- and macroelements.

Conclusions

1. Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is a dystrophic-degenerative disease that causes deformation and loss of functionality of the vertebral discs.
2. Thoracic osteochondrosis is rarer than other types of this pathology.Recently, the disease has been diagnosed not only in older people, but also in adolescents.
3. There are many factors in the development of the disease.As a rule, osteochondrosis occurs for several reasons.
4. Monotherapy is rarely effective.In order to eliminate the cause and symptoms of the disease, treatment tactics are developed, which include taking drugs, exercise therapy and other auxiliary procedures.
5. Simple prevention can reduce the development of breast osteochondrosis to a minimum.