General and specific symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

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

Details of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is less common than other types.The anatomy of the thoracic spine includes multiple discs of 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 improper physical activity, for the thoracic region pain is practically not typical.Very often, symptoms of complications of various diseases of the cardiovascular or respiratory system are observed.

Reasons for development

The most common cause of osteochondrosis is a sedentary lifestyle.Nowadays, people are increasingly forced to work on computers in positions that are most uncomfortable for their backs.In addition, the lack of physical activity affects the state of the muscles on which the state 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:

• inheritance;
• various forms of spinal curvature, 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, prolonged use of uncomfortable shoes;
• dystrophic changes associated with the normal aging process of the body.

Recently, there has been a trend towards rejuvenation of the disease.Symptoms of osteochondrosis are diagnosed starting in adolescence.It is speculated that this is due to the large amount of time spent on 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, very often uncomfortable.These pains also appear in response to sudden movements or due to lifting heavy weights;
• There may be no pain, but a feeling of tightness in the chest or back.Difficulty breathing, pain during deep inhalation or exhalation;
• due to the damage caused by osteochondrosis to the nerve roots emerging from the spinal canal, numbness or tingling sensation may be observed in some 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;
• from the gastrointestinal tract: nausea, heartburn, bloating, flatulence, constipation or diarrhea.Abdominal pain can occur due to damage to the lower segment of the thoracic spine;
• flaking of the skin, thin and brittle nails and hair;
• disorders of the reproductive system.

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

Dorsago

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.Most often, the cause of this type of pain is prolonged sitting or prolonged uncomfortable posture.When trying to stand up or assume a more comfortable position, a person experiences sharp pain, or “low back pain,” which may also cause limitations in movement for a time.

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 specific damaged area of the spine.When you change your body position or breathe deeply, the pain increases significantly.The pain tends to intensify in the evening or after physical activity.In the morning, patients usually notice a weakening or even complete disappearance of pain.Even a short walk helps.

Diagnostics

Making a diagnosis for any pathology begins with a comprehensive examination of the person and the analysis of his complaints about his condition.For example, in advanced stages, a curvature of the spine often occurs, noticeable from the outside.Conversely, if posture is impaired, 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.It is necessary to subject the patient to general blood and urine tests.

One of the most necessary stages is x-ray of the thoracic spine in various projections, with the help of which it is necessary to analyze osteophytes, their presence and size;evaluate the height of the disks and the presence of changes in it;size and location of hernias.

Another X-ray method is discography, which uses a contrast agent.This allows you to evaluate 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

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

Drug

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 to relieve 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 body.

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

Physical therapy

Physical therapy is a 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 physical therapy for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is the plank.You should 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, maintaining this position for 5-10 seconds.It will also be useful to try hanging on the horizontal bar with the same gradual increase over time.

The physical therapy 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 pain in the joints and spine.It also helps increase the range of motion of the joints and corrects postural disorders.Also used to relieve muscle tension.

Manual therapy also helps to improve blood circulation in the intervertebral discs and increase the transport of oxygen from the blood to the tissues and vice versa.Thus it is possible to eliminate 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 effect has been tested for many years.There are many different ways to treat any disease at home without the risk of side effects.Recipes for infusions used for the disease:

• Marigold.Take 100g of product per 200ml of regular men's cologne.Add some 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.the.and pour 0.5 cups of boiling water.Cook over low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.Then add 60-70 g of butter and cook for another 20 minutes, then cool.

It is extremely important to rub these decoctions strictly on the affected area of the chest.Rubbing should be done with soft massage movements for 5 minutes.Then insulate the rubbing area, for example, with a sweater.All decoctions are 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 do this only with medicinal ointments;you should not use decoctions: there is a possibility of burning the skin.

It is best to do this with a light, warming fabric, for example, a woolen product.So it is recommended to lie down on a hard surface to correct the uneven position of the body.In no time, even the floor will be fine.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 painkiller, preferably intramuscularly.NSAIDs are used for acute attacks.

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

Prevention

Prevention is the simplest and cheapest way to maintain health.Every person is exposed to many negative environmental factors every day.If this impact is minimized, the chance 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 stress on your spine.It is better to listen to the needs of the body, start with minimal loads and gradually get used to it.Morning jogging and swimming pools are 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 the correct posture and relax the shoulders.
3. You shouldn't skimp on a chair to work while sitting.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.However, it is better to warn them.
5. Avoid carrying heavy objects.Unfortunately, sometimes this is vital.In this case it is better to ensure uniform distribution of weight with respect to the body.And try to do everything smoothly, without sudden movements.Otherwise, this may threaten not only osteochondrosis.
6. Wear comfortable shoes.In everyday life, heels will only bring health problems.Better to put them aside for an evening look.
7. Strengthen muscles.Abs, lower back, back and spinal muscles.This is the main basis for a healthy back and correct 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 macro elements.

Conclusions

1. Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is a dystrophic-degenerative disease in which deformation and loss of function of the vertebral discs occur.
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. There are many factors in the development of the disease.As a rule, osteochondrosis begins for several reasons.
4. Monotherapy is rarely effective.To eliminate the cause and symptoms of the disease, therapeutic tactics are developed, which include taking medications, physical therapy and other auxiliary procedures.
5. Simple prevention can minimize the development of breast osteochondrosis.