Thoracic osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease that affects the intervertebral discs;as the pathology progresses, the surrounding structures are involved in the process.The symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are varied, often similar to the manifestations of other diseases.To diagnose this pathology, several methods are used to detect changes in the intervertebral structures.Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis includes both the use of drugs and non-drug therapy in the form of physical therapy and massage.Many people are also interested in how to cure thoracic osteochondrosis with traditional methods.
Risk factors
Thoracic osteochondrosis most often occurs when there are one or more predisposing factors.These are:
- hereditary predisposition;
- disorders of the spine;
- excessive physical activity;
- low physical activity;
- damage to the intervertebral discs after a fall on the back or a spinal blow;
- exposure to long-term vibration, which is typical for drivers, for example;
- the presence of excess weight;
- hormonal disorders;
- smoking;
- Age over 40 years;
- she wears high heels.
Features of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
Due to the peculiarities of the anatomical structure, the thoracic spine is less mobile than the cervical spine, and bears a smaller load compared to the lumbar part of the lumbar column.In this regard, osteochondrosis of this section rarely occurs.
The most common symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are dorsago, dorsalgia.Dorsago is a sharp pain that occurs after a long stay in a lying, sitting position, when a person stands up.The pain is often so strong that breathing becomes difficult.This condition can be accompanied by muscle tension in the chest, neck and lower back.
Dorsalgia is a gradually developing chest pain that lasts 2-3 weeks.Unpleasant sensations intensify when bending, turning, staying in one position for a long time or taking a deep breath.
Other common manifestations of thoracic osteochondrosis include:
- stomach pain, combined with nausea, vomiting, their occurrence is not related to eating habits;
- pain in the right hypochondrium, which is aggravated by coughing, sneezing or changing body position;
- lower back pain, reminiscent of renal colic, sometimes associated with urinary disorders;
- pain in the upper chest, accompanied by the sensation of a foreign object in the throat;
- stabbing pain in mammary glands.
Degrees of the disease
Depending on the severity of the pathological process and the manifestations of the disease, we distinguish 4 degrees of osteochondrosis.
First of all
At this stage, fissures are formed in the annulus fibrosus, into which the nucleus pulposus penetrates.Pain at the site of injury at this stage is a sign of thoracic osteochondrosis.They can be permanent, or they can appear suddenly, in the form of lumps.Sometimes discomfort appears in the area of the heart and local muscle contractions are observed.
Second time
This stage is characterized by the occurrence of pathological mobility between the vertebrae at the site of the lesion.Pain occurs when we stay in one position for a long time and persists during movement.
Third
This stage is characterized by the rupture of the annulus fibrosus and the exit beyond the boundaries of the nucleus pulposus.Such pathological changes are accompanied by the development of intervertebral hernia.The latter can compress nerve fibers, blood vessels, and the spinal cord.
Painful sensations occur more often and are accompanied by breathing problems and discomfort in the area of the heart.
Fourth
The pathological process involves the structures surrounding the intervertebral discs.The ligamentous apparatus of the spine is affected andosteophytes- bony growths that compress nerve fibers, sometimes damaging the spinal cord.
Possible complications
If thoracic osteochondrosis is accompanied by compression of the spinal nerve root, intercostal neuralgia occurs.It is characterized by attacks of acute pain in one half of the chest.Unpleasant sensations spread from the spine to the sternum along nerve fibers and are shooting in nature.
Pain associated with intercostal neuralgia often radiates to the stomach, scapula, arm, and retrosternal region.If the sympathetic fibers are damaged, pallor and redness of the skin can be observed in the affected area.The duration of a painful attack lasts from a few seconds to a few minutes.In the intercostal space, a person may experience paresthesia (numbness, creeping sensation), this symptom is characteristic of the time between attacks.
Another complication of this condition is spondyloarthrosis.With this pathology, the joints between the vertebrae are deformed, the cartilaginous layer is destroyed, the ligaments are stretched, and the relative mobility of the vertebrae increases.In response to inflammation, the muscles surrounding the spine spasm.
Subsequently, osteophytes are formed, and against the background of the development of such growths, the affected part of the spine loses its mobility.Bone growths sometimes compress nerve roots, causing pain and sensory disturbances.
Diagnosis of the disease
The easiest way to detect thoracic osteochondrosis is to take an X-ray of the spine.This examination reveals the flattening and uneven contours of the intervertebral discs, the relative displacement and shape changes of the bodies of the adjacent vertebrae.
Sometimes a discography is performed - an X-ray examination with contrast material.This method makes it possible to identify the uneven boundaries of the nucleus pulposus characteristic of osteochondrosis.With a pronounced pathological process, the contrast completely fills the intervertebral disc, sometimes beyond its borders.
A more accurate picture of the spinal column can be created using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.These methods make it possible to assess the severity of the degenerative process in more detail, to determine the presence, location and size of the hernia.
If symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis appear, the doctor may recommend a general blood test as an additional diagnostic method.This disease is often accompanied by a slight increase in the number of leukocytes and an increase in ESR.During blood electrolyte tests, a decrease in calcium levels is sometimes observed.
The manifestations of thoracic osteochondrosis are similar to the signs of many diseases;in case of occurrence, a doctor should be consulted in order to clarify the diagnosis and examination.If left untreated, the disease progresses, often leading to complications.
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis: gymnastics and exercise therapy
Gymnastics increases the mobility of the intervertebral and costovertebral joints of the chest region, reduces the feeling of stiffness, and eliminates muscle spasms.
Before treating thoracic osteochondrosis with home exercise therapy, you should make sure that there are no contraindications.Gym classes are prohibited if:
- exacerbations of osteochondrosis;
- early recovery period after surgical treatment of osteochondrosis;
- neurological pathology accompanied by a disturbance in the coordination of movements;
- high blood pressure, heart rhythm disorders;
- exacerbation of any chronic disease, acute inflammatory and infectious processes.
Massage
The massage improves the blood circulation of the tissues surrounding the spine, eliminates muscle spasm, and at the same time increases their tone.In light of this, pain and discomfort in the back area are reduced.
In the case of thoracic osteochondrosis, the following types of massages can be used:
- Classic.
- Point (effect on certain points).
- Segmental (back massage in the chest region, aimed at improving local blood circulation).
- Cupping (vacuum contact of affected areas).
Classic massage includes rubbing, stroking, kneading, vibrating movements and pinching.
Drug treatment
Drug therapy of thoracic osteochondrosis is aimed at:
- reduction of inflammatory processes;
- pain relief;
- reduction of muscle spasm;
- improving the condition of cartilage and nerve tissue.
The drugs most often used to treat the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.These drugs suppress inflammatory reactions in the nerve fibers, resulting in a reduction in pain.These funds are used in the following form:
- Tablets.
- Ointments, gels.
- Injections.
Injections of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used in case of exacerbation of the disease.
The most common side effects of NSAIDs include damage to the mucous membrane of the digestive system with the formation of ulcers, reduced blood clotting, kidney damage and allergic reactions.
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis with drugs belonging to the group of muscle relaxants can reduce the spasm of the muscles surrounding the spine, compress nerve endings and blood vessels, resulting in a decrease in pain intensity.
Chondroprotectors normalize metabolic processes in cartilage tissue and prevent its destruction.The composition of such products includes chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, they participate in the synthesis of connective tissue.
Preparations containing vitamin B improve metabolism in damaged nerve fibers, which leads to suppression of inflammatory reactions.
Folk remedies for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis
Home treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis involves the use of ointments, compresses, and ingestion of various infusions and decoctions.They help reduce the severity of inflammation, improve metabolic processes in the affected areas of the spine and reduce pain.
Ointments and poultices with a natural composition
Before treating thoracic osteochondrosis with these drugs, it is important to prepare them properly.To prepare the egg-vinegar ointment, mix one chicken egg with the same amount of table vinegar, add 100 grams of soft butter, and bring the mixture to a homogeneous consistency.This ointment is applied overnight in a thin layer to the affected area.
To prepare another product, mix 2 tablespoons of crushed sage and plantain leaves.Add 40 grams of melted petroleum jelly and 50 milliliters of olive oil to the plants.All components are thoroughly mixed, the resulting ointment is applied to the affected area with rubbing movements, and a warm cloth is applied on top.The procedure can be repeated 2-3 times a day.
To make one of the most effective poultices, you need to prepare 50 grams of aloe leaves, 100 milliliters of vodka, and 100 grams of honey.Crush the aloe with a grater and add the other ingredients.The preparation is infused for 5 days.The product is applied to the area where you feel pain, polyethylene is placed on the skin of the back, and a towel or scarf is wrapped around the chest.The compress is left for 2 hours.
Infusions, tinctures, decoctions
To prepare an anti-inflammatory decoction, mix a tablespoon of dried chamomile and mint.Add 300 ml of hot water to the plant material, then boil the preparation for 10 minutes in a water bath.The composition should be taken 2 tablespoons three times a day.
To get an infusion with pronounced anti-inflammatory properties, you need to take 2 tablespoons of strawberry and birch leaves, 3 tablespoons of chamomile flowers, calendula, one tablespoon of St. John's wort and 10 grams of oak bark.Mix the listed ingredients, pour 2 tablespoons of this preparation with a liter of boiling water and let it stand for 4 hours.This infusion should be drunk three times a day with 100 milliliters.
To make the arnica tincture, pour 25 grams of plant flowers with half a liter of vodka.Place the product in a dark, cool place for one month.The tincture should be taken 20 drops three times a day, after dissolving in a small amount of water.This drug improves metabolic processes in the affected areas of the spine and reduces the severity of inflammatory reactions.
Prevention
In order to prevent the development of thoracic osteochondrosis, it is recommended:
- stop smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages;
- normalizes nutrition, reduces the content of fatty, fried foods in the diet;
- maintain optimal body weight;
- Avoid heavy lifting and physical exertion.
Complex treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis, which consists of drug therapy, massage, and gymnastics therapy, is aimed at reducing inflammation, muscle spasms, and eliminating pain.Traditional methods serve as an auxiliary measure, helping to enhance the impact of other ongoing activities.