Thoracic osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease that affects the intervertebral discs;As the pathology progresses, surrounding structures become involved in the process.The symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are varied and often similar to the manifestations of other diseases.To diagnose this pathology, various methods are used to detect changes in the intervertebral structures.Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis includes both the use of medications and non-drug therapy in the form of physiotherapy and massage.Many are also interested in how to cure thoracic osteochondrosis using traditional methods.
Risk factors
Thoracic osteochondrosis occurs more often if there are one or more predisposing factors.These include:
- hereditary predisposition;
- spinal abnormalities;
- excessive physical activity;
- low physical activity;
- damage to intervertebral discs after falls on the back, blows to the spine;
- prolonged exposure to vibrations, which, for example, is typical for vehicle drivers;
- presence of excess body weight;
- hormonal disorders;
- smoking;
- age over 40 years;
- wearing high heels.
Features of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.
Due to the peculiarities of the anatomical structure, the thoracic spine is less mobile compared to the cervical spine and also bears less load compared to the lumbar part of the lumbar spine.In this regard, osteochondrosis of this section is rare.
The most common symptoms of osteochondrosis of the chest are back pain and back pain.Dorsago is a sharp pain that appears after a long stay in a lying or sitting position, when a person begins to stand up.Often the pain is so intense that it is difficult to breathe.This condition may be accompanied by muscle tension in the chest, neck, and lower back.
Back pain is chest pain that develops gradually and persists for 2 to 3 weeks.Unpleasant sensations become stronger when bending, twisting, staying in one position for a long time or breathing deeply.
Other common manifestations of thoracic osteochondrosis include:
- stomach pain, combined with nausea and vomiting, its appearance is not associated with dietary habits;
- pain in the right upper quadrant, aggravated when coughing, sneezing or changing body position;
- lumbar pain, reminiscent of renal colic, is sometimes accompanied by urinary disorders;
- pain in the upper chest, accompanied by a feeling of a foreign object in the throat;
- Persistent pain in the mammary glands.
Degrees of the disease.
Depending on the severity of the pathological process and the manifestations of the disease, 4 degrees of osteochondrosis are distinguished.
first
At this stage, cracks form in the annulus fibrosus, into which the nucleus pulposus penetrates.Pain at the site of injury is a sign of osteochondrosis of the chest at this stage.They can be constant or appear suddenly, in the form of lumbago.Sometimes unpleasant sensations appear in the heart area and contractions of local muscles are noted.
second
This stage is characterized by the appearance of pathological mobility between the vertebrae at the site of injury.The pain occurs when staying in one position for a long time and persists with movement.
third
This stage is characterized by the rupture of the annulus fibrosus and the exit of the nucleus pulposus beyond its limits.These pathological changes are accompanied by the formation of intervertebral hernias.The latter can compress nerve fibers, blood vessels and the spinal cord.
Painful sensations occur more frequently and are accompanied by breathing problems and discomfort in the heart area.
room
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
When thoracic osteochondrosis is accompanied by compression of the spinal nerve root, intercostal neuralgia occurs.It is characterized by attacks of sharp pain in the middle of the chest.Unpleasant sensations extend from the spine to the sternum along the nerve fibers and are triggered in nature.
Pain with intercostal neuralgia often radiates to the stomach, shoulder blade, arm, retrosternal region.When sympathetic fibers are damaged, paleness and redness of the skin is observed in the affected area.The duration of a painful attack is from several seconds to minutes.In the intercostal space, a person may experience paresthesia (feeling of numbness, tingling), 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 there is increased mobility of the vertebrae relative to each other.In response to inflammation, the muscles surrounding the spine spasm.
Subsequently, osteophytes are formed and against the background of the formation of such growths, the affected part of the spine loses mobility.Bone growths sometimes compress nerve roots, causing pain and sensory disturbances.
Diagnosis of the disease.
The simplest way to detect thoracic osteochondrosis is x-ray of the spine.This study reveals flattening, uneven contours of the intervertebral discs, displacement of the bodies of adjacent vertebrae relative to each other and changes in their shape.
Sometimes a discography is performed - an X-ray examination with a contrast agent.This method allows us 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 extending beyond its limits.
More accurate images of the spine can be obtained using CT and MRI scans.These methods make it possible to evaluate in more detail the severity of the degenerative process, determine the presence of a hernia, its location and size.
If symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis appear, the doctor may also recommend a general blood test as an auxiliary diagnostic method.This disease is usually accompanied by a slight increase in the number of leukocytes and an increase in ESR.When testing the blood for electrolytes, a decrease in calcium levels is sometimes seen.
The manifestations of thoracic osteochondrosis are similar to the signs of many diseases;If they occur, it is necessary to consult a doctor for examination and clarification of the diagnosis.If left untreated, the disease progresses and often causes complications.
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis: gymnastics and physiotherapy.
Gymnastics increases the mobility of the intervertebral and costovertebral joints of the thoracic region, reduces the feeling of stiffness and eliminates muscle spasms.
Before treating thoracic osteochondrosis at home with exercise therapy, you should make sure that there are no contraindications.Gym classes are prohibited when:
- exacerbations of osteochondrosis;
- early recovery period after surgical treatment of osteochondrosis;
- neurological pathology accompanied by impaired coordination of movements;
- high blood pressure, heart rhythm disturbances;
- exacerbations of any chronic disease, acute inflammatory and infectious processes.
massage
Massage improves blood circulation in the tissues surrounding the spine, eliminates muscle spasms and at the same time increases its tone.In this context, pain and discomfort in the back area decrease.
For thoracic osteochondrosis, the following types of massage can be used:
- Classic.
- Point (impact on certain points).
- Segmental (back massage in the thoracic region, aimed at improving local blood circulation).
- Suction cups (exposure of the affected areas with vacuum).
Classic massage includes rubbing, stroking, kneading, vibrating movements and pinching.
Pharmacological treatment
Drug therapy for thoracic osteochondrosis is aimed at:
- reduction of inflammatory processes;
- elimination of pain;
- reduction of muscle spasm;
- improvement of the condition of cartilage and nervous tissue.
The most commonly used medications to treat the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.These medications suppress the inflammatory reactions that occur in the nerve fibers, reducing pain.These funds are used in the form of:
- Tablets.
- Ointments, gels.
- Injections.
Injections of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used for exacerbations of the disease.
The most common side effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs include damage to the mucous membrane of the digestive tract with ulcer formation, decreased blood clotting, kidney damage, and allergic reactions.
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis with drugs from the group of muscle relaxants can reduce the spasm of the muscles surrounding the spine, compressing the 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 and participate in the synthesis of connective tissue.
Preparations containing vitamin B improve the metabolism of damaged nerve fibers, which leads to the suppression of inflammatory reactions.
Folk remedies for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis.
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis at home includes 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, compresses with natural composition.
Before treating thoracic osteochondrosis with these drugs, it is important to prepare them correctly.To obtain egg vinegar ointment, you need to mix one chicken egg with the same volume of table vinegar, add 100 grams of softened butter to them and bring the mixture to a homogeneous consistency.This ointment is applied to the affected area overnight in a thin layer.
To make another product, you must mix 2 tablespoons of crushed sage and banana leaves.Add 40 grams of melted Vaseline and 50 milliliters of olive oil to the plants.All components are mixed well, 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 prepare one of the most effective compresses, you must prepare 50 grams of aloe leaves, 100 milliliters of vodka and 100 grams of honey.The aloe is crushed with a grater and the remaining ingredients are added.The composition is infused for 5 days.The product is applied to the area where pain is felt, polyethylene is placed on the skin of the back and a towel or handkerchief is wrapped over the chest.The compress is left for 2 hours.
Infusions, tinctures, decoctions.
To prepare an anti-inflammatory decoction, you need to mix a tablespoon of dried chamomile and mint.300 milliliters of hot water are added to the plant material, then the composition is boiled for 10 minutes in a water bath.The composition is taken 2 tablespoons three times a day.
To obtain an infusion with pronounced anti-inflammatory properties, you need to take 2 tablespoons of strawberry and birch leaves, 3 tablespoons of chamomile flowers, calendula, a tablespoon of St. John's wort and 10 grams of oak bark.The listed components are mixed, 2 tablespoons of this composition are poured with a liter of boiling water and left for 4 hours.This infusion should be drunk 100 milliliters 3 times a day.
To obtain arnica tincture, 25 grams of plant flowers are poured with half a liter of vodka.The product is placed for a month in a cool, dark place.The tincture is taken 20 drops three times a day, after dissolving them in a small amount of water.This remedy improves metabolic processes in the affected areas of the spine and reduces the severity of inflammatory reactions.
Prevention
To prevent the development of thoracic osteochondrosis, it is recommended:
- quit smoking and abuse of alcoholic beverages;
- normalize nutrition, reduce the content of fatty and fried foods in the diet;
- maintain optimal body weight;
- Avoid heavy lifting and excessive physical exertion.
Complex treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis, consisting of drug therapy, massage and physiotherapy, is aimed at reducing inflammation, muscle spasms and eliminating pain.Traditional methods serve as an auxiliary measure, helping to enhance the effect of other ongoing activities.