Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

By osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, doctors understand appropriate degenerative-dystrophic processes in this area, which result in pathological deformations of cartilage and bone tissue, destruction of ligaments, joints and intervertebral discs.

Reasons for occurrence

The thoracic spine is less mobile than the cervical and lumbar spine, so pathological processes in this area appear less noticeable, mainly due to the strong design of the connections of the ribs, sternum and vertebrae.However, it occurs no less often than other types of osteochondrosis.Most people who are constantly in a sitting position at home or at work are prone to weakness of the muscles of the spine, scoliosis, injuries of this area, poor posture and, as a result, thoracic osteochondrosis.

As mentioned above, the main cause of the disease is considered to be pathological deformations in the intervertebral discs and joints of the structure.Cartilaginous surfaces are destroyed, discs become thinner, osteophytes, protrusions, hernias are formed, the nucleus pulposus is significantly reduced and eventually damage to the radicular structure of the spinal nerves occurs, compressive myelopathy and vascular myelochemia occur.

Symptoms and first signs of thoracic osteochondrosis

The signs of osteochondrosis are not as pronounced as in other types of this disease, and unqualified doctors occasionally confuse them with symptoms of other diseases.The mentioned problem causes the development of pains in the thoracic and interscapular region, which significantly increase during movement and physical work.Compressed nerve fibers cause conductive unpleasant sensations in the heart and even the liver, and also create pathologies in the work of a number of other organs.

There are two types of pain associated with osteochondrosis of the thoracic region.

1. Dorsalgia is a long-term moderate pain syndrome in the affected area, accompanied by unpleasant sensations.
2. Dorsago - paroxysmal severe pain, intense and, as a rule, short-lived.In this case, the patient may have difficulty breathing and motor skills in the affected area.

Common symptoms

1. Painful sensations in the interscapular area.They are accompanied by "bursting" of the intercostal nerves in the affected area and corresponding neuralgia.
2. Painful syndrome in the left side of the chest, similar to ischemia.
3. Chest pain in the belt, which increases significantly with high physical activity.
4. Limited thoracic activity/mobility.This symptom, characteristic of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, is often confused with manifestations of scoliotic deformity, as well as ankylosing spondylitis/Forestier/Scheerman-Mao diseases.
5. "Remittent" pain in the gastrointestinal tract, heart and liver.
6. Sexual dysfunction.
7. Partial numbness of the chest.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is treated exclusively with complex long-term therapy that includes sets of exercises, various physical and manual procedures, as well as drugs.

How to treat?

The treatment process consists of several stages.The first is the elimination of pain symptoms.In addition, restorative and preventive therapy is used, which includes a number of techniques and approaches - from acupuncture to physical therapy.The last stage is maintenance therapy.The duration of treatment of the disease varies greatly and depends both on the medical techniques used and on the current condition of the patient, as well as on the stage of osteochondrosis itself.

Popular drugs for thoracic osteochondrosis

1. Painkillers.NSAIDs and analgesics based on various combinations.
2. Hodroprotectors.Necessary for catalyzing the process of rebuilding damaged cartilage.
3. Vitamins.Most often, complete vitamin complexes or preparations with B group elements are prescribed.
4. External resources.Creams or ointments based on glucocorticosteroids.In addition, local agents are used to reduce inflammation in the affected area and relieve the symptoms of the disease.
5. Injections and injections.They are most often performed in hospital conditions and represent complexes of paravertebral blockade with long-term anesthetic.In addition, such drugs improve blood circulation and also promote the renewal of cartilage tissue.

Massage

Massage not only reduces the severity of disease symptoms, but also helps a person to recover, which results in positive effects of other elements of complex therapy.It is prescribed individually based on the clinical picture of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, the presence of chronic diseases and contraindications.

Manual therapy relieves pain syndromes of various etiologies, prevents spinal atrophy, normalizes circulation and nutrition of intervertebral discs, relaxes static muscles in the affected area and initiates natural cartilage tissue regeneration processes.

The main types of massage for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine:

1. Spot.
2. Medically.
3. Hardware canned.
4. Reflex-adherent.
5. Connective tissue.

Gymnastics and exercise therapy

Therapeutic physical training and sets of gymnastic exercises are one of the most important stages in the restoration of the spine after osteochondrosis.Of course, it should be prescribed exclusively by a professional doctor, taking into account the stage of the disease and the condition of the patient.

The basic task of exercise/gymnastics is the systematic development of cartilage, as well as strengthening of the spinal muscles.Along with a proper diagnosis, an author's set of exercises is often prescribed: the system includes both general strengthening procedures and methods of direct action on the most problematic area, as well as indicator exercises that facilitate monitoring the effectiveness of treatment.

In private practice they also use variable sets of exercises using a different method using special equipment.Stages of treatment in this case:

1. Removal of spasms and feelings of struggle.
2. Therapeutic loading of the short back muscles.
3. Normalization of circulation in intervertebral discs.
4. Restoration of the basic structure of the spine.

Physiotherapy and alternative therapy

This method of treating osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can include hardware and alternative therapy, as well as various physical procedures.The most famous and popular methods:

1. Electrophoresis.A well-known non-operative method of influencing the spine, which has been used since the 70s of the last century.
2. Direct stretching.This method is a relatively safe and effective method of straightening the spine, if, of course, it is carried out by a qualified specialist.It is performed on a massage-traction couch.
3. Vacuum therapy.Type of active influence on the affected area using vacuum cans.
4. Acupuncture.Classic acupuncture is performed with special thin needles that are inserted to a certain depth of the epithelium at acupuncture points on the back.
5. Laser puncture.An activity similar to acupuncture, but performed using a laser beam.
6. Magnetopuncture.Effect on problem areas by an alternating magnetic field.
7. Osteopathy.A complex method that includes elements of massage, chiropractic and orthopedic techniques.
8. Electrical stimulation.Using electric current to normalize the work of the spine.
9. Shock wave therapy.The technique is based on the use of infrasound acoustic waves in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.
10. Traction machine decompression.Automatic analogue of direct stretching.

Prevention

The rules for preventing this disease are simple and unambiguous:

1. Regular exercise under the supervision of an orthopedist.
2. Weight normalization.
3. Consumption of foods and medicines rich in magnesium and calcium.
4. Correct posture when working in a sitting position.
5. Getting rid of bad habits.

Question - answer

What kind of pain occurs in osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine?

With osteochondrosis of this type, patients experience two types of pain syndrome.

1. Dorsago is a strong short-term pain of high intensity, which periodically manifests against the background of reduced motor activity in the affected area and difficulty breathing.
2. Dorsalgia is a long-term back pain of moderate or low intensity that increases with physical activity.

Localization of the above painful sensations:

1. Interscapular region.
2. A sharp pain in the chest with partial numbness.
3. Painful "shooting" in the left upper part of the chest, similar to ischemia.
4. It refers to pain in the liver, heart and gastrointestinal tract.

Is gymnastics useful for thoracic osteochondrosis?

Gymnastics and exercise are one of the main elements of complex disease therapy.With its help you can strengthen your back muscles, improve blood microcirculation and develop cartilage/intervertebral discs.Of course, the gymnast alone, as a separate type of therapy, will not help to get rid of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine: in order to consolidate a positive effect, it is necessary to take appropriate drugs, as well as regularly attend physical procedures.