Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, unlike cervical and lumbar osteochondrosis, is very rare.
It concerns the structure of the thoracic region: it has more discs than cervical and lumbar combined, the discs are smaller and thinner. The mobility of this section is generally less and part of the load is absorbed by the ribs and the sternum.
With osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, the symptoms can be confused, for example, with a heart attack. The reason for this is the specificity of the disease.
Painful pains during movement and exertion, as in cervical or lumbar osteochondrosis, are not present in this case and complications associated with suspected angina pectoris or myocardial infarction or with impaired respiratory function come to the fore.
Reasons
To a greater extent, the development of osteochondrosis is facilitated by hypodynamia - a deficit of muscle loads, which forms the lack of training of the muscular corset, the weakening of its functions and an increase in the load on the ligaments and discsintervertebral.
The following conditions can also trigger the onset of osteochondrosis:
- Incorrect posture and lateral curvature of the spine;
- Bad habits;
- Nervous and physical exertion, stress;
- Overloading of the back and spine when wearing high-heeled shoes, during pregnancy and flat feet;
- Back injuries;
- Hypodynamics;
- Inheritance;
- Hard physical work.
The intervertebral discs of the thoracic vertebrae are equally severely affected by a sedentary lifestyle and physical activity, which increases the likelihood of injury.
What is the specificity of the thoracic spine?
Everyone knows that the thoracic region is functionally inactive, particularly when compared to the neck. And the load on him is not so great, relating, for example, to the lumbar spine. For this reason, the occurrence of a disease of the thoracic region is quite rare with any symptoms at an early stage of development.
The low mobility of the thoracic spine is associated with its anatomical features: the connection of the vertebrae with the ribs and the sternum allows you to create a sufficiently mobile and, at the same time, strong structure, which is less susceptible toinjuries and external influences.
The relatively small load on this department contributes to the fact that the occurrence of any problems in it (for example, displacement of the vertebrae, intervertebral hernia, protrusion of the disc) is quite rare, this is confirmed by statistics. However, at the same time, their appearance cannot be called something extraordinary, for example, poor posture and scoliosis can be a kind of provoking factors that lead to the occurrence of spinal diseases.
At the same time, the symptoms of such diseases appear rather late and are quite typical for osteochondrosis: they usually represent compression of the nerve roots, in rare cases, compression of the spinal cord itself or its damage due toa violation of the blood supply, it is also possible to narrow due to compression of the veins and arteries.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, the symptoms can be completely different, similar to the manifestations of other diseases of the internal organs. Often it is thoracic osteochondrosis that is mistaken for coronary heart disease, cholecystitis, peptic ulcer, and even myocardial infarction and pneumonia. This is why this disease is called "chameleon".
Pain related symptoms:
- The pain is localized under the shoulder blades, it can radiate to the intercostal nerves. This leads to neuralgia. Pain increases when a person takes a breath, actively moves.
- Chest pain is most often localized to the left and can resemble ischemic heart disease. In this situation, it is important to find out in time the reason why the pain appeared. It is necessary to fully examine the cardiovascular system.
Neurological symptoms:
- Numbness or "goosebumps" in the legs, upper chest and abdomen (depending on the disc affected);
- Reflex tension in the muscles of the chest or upper back;
- In particularly advanced cases, it is possible to disrupt the functioning of the pelvic organs, reduce potency in men.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, in addition to pain in the spine and back, near the site of localization of osteochondrosis can also be pain in the upper abdomen, heart, liver, gallbladder.
With the appearance of such pain, it is sometimes possible to receive an incorrect diagnosis. Pain in the right side of the chest under the ribs can be confused with inflammation of the gallbladder, in the left side of the chest - it can be confused with a heart attack. It is a mistake to confuse pain in the corresponding areas of the abdominal cavity for the manifestation of a stomach ulcer or gastritis.
Dorsago
The dorsago is one of the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, which is manifested by acute pain. Usually this symptom occurs in people who sit for a long time in an uncomfortable position or position, with monotonous performance of monotonous work.
You may experience pain in the spine in the chest region, the muscles are tense and it is often difficult to breathe. Intercostal neuralgia may occur.
Back pain
The flare-up period will last 2-3 weeks. In this case, the painful sensations gradually increase. Mild pains appear in the affected spine. As a rule, the pain manifests itself especially actively with deep breathing and bending forward, backward, to the sides.
The nature of back pain can be very different. The pain can be pulling, burning, aching, cutting, it can give under the leg, arm, buttocks, shoulder blade. In terms of localization, the pains are no less diverse. They can appear below, above, center, right, left, between the shoulder blades.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
When developing a treatment plan that determines how to treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, diagnostic data based on an x-ray examination helps. Such an examination gives a clear idea of how to treat thoracic osteochondrosis, because X-ray readings indicating the growth of vertebral bodies and the presence of changes in intervertebral distance (decrease in height) are a characteristic symptom of this disease.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine depends on the stage of the disease and is mainly reduced to conservative therapy. Surgery is extremely rare in the case of a spinal hernia.
Medication
Drug therapy is based on the following principles:
- Use of a special drug that allows you to keep fluid inside the intervertebral disc.
- Vitamins. Most often complete vitamin complexes are prescribed or prepared with the group of elements B
- Antispasmodics and muscle relaxants that reduce spasm of the muscles surrounding the spinal column.
- Painkillers. NSAIDs and analgesics based on drug combinations.
- Chondroprotector. Essential to catalyze the repair process of damaged cartilage.
After the elimination of acute symptoms, massage of the muscles of the back and lower limbs is applied. Manual therapy is indicated at 1-3 degrees of osteochondrosis in case of the development of functional blocks. It includes various options for soft and rough effects on the back muscles.
The duration of treatment for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine depends on the severity of the disease and the degree of age-related changes, as well as the patient's diligence in fulfilling the prescriptions of the attending physician.
Gymnastics for thoracic osteochondrosis
In case of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, patients are prescribed therapeutic exercises, the main purpose of which is to increase the mobility of the rib-vertebral and intervertebral joints. Physical therapy (subject to regular and correct exercise) allows you to eliminate even very strong muscle spasms. Moderate physical activity will help relieve stiffness in the spine, which occurs with a weak muscle corset.
The daily sessions, under the supervision of an expert instructor, will have a beneficial effect on the whole body as a whole, and in particular on the bronchopulmonary system. Patients have improved lung ventilation and are able to take deep breaths and exhales without pain.
Massage
Massage not only weakens the severity of the symptoms of the disease, but also helps a person to recover, efforts are a positive effect 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
Manual therapy is used to eliminate muscle hypertonicity and spasms, as well as to restore mobility of the back. Manual therapy helps to clear blood vessels, improve nutrition and oxygen supply to the intervertebral disc tissues.
Correct position at rest and during sleep
For the prevention of osteochondrosis and during the treatment period, it is necessary to organize the correct position at rest and in sleep. It is better if you sleep on a flat hard bed, but so that it is not fanatic, if the bed does not meet the requirements, it is not recommended to sleep on the floor, so you can catch a cold. This measure is very necessary so that the spine can quickly return to its normal shape.
However, at first, a rather intense painful sensation may appear, which persists until the vertebrae assume a physiological position. To relieve pain and discomfort, you can place a roller under the affected area.
Exercises
The most effective treatment for muscle spasm is physical therapy. Well-chosen exercises relax and, at the same time, strengthen and train the back muscles. As a result, the thoracic spine is stabilized and the constricted spinal nerves are released.
The set of exercises for thoracic osteochondrosis is performed as follows:
- Starting position: inhaling, stand up, legs together, arms down. Extend your arms - exhale, then lean back - take a deep breath. Lower your arms, bend forward, around your back and lower your shoulders and head - exhale. Do 8 to 10 repetitions.
- Starting position: sitting on a chair. Slowly bring your hands behind your head - inhale, bend back 5 times, leaning against the back of a chair with your shoulder blades - exhale.
- The starting position is to get on all fours and bend your back as much as possible, pause for 3 seconds then, keep your head straight for three. Do 5-7 repetitions.
- Starting position: it is comfortable to lie on your stomach and place your hands on the floor. At the same time, lean back strongly and try to tear the body off the floor. Do 5-8 repetitions.
- Starting position - lying on your stomach with your arms extended along your body. Bend your chest, trying to raise your head and legs as much as possible. Do 5-8 repetitions.
If you follow all the doctor's prescriptions, slowly but surely you can achieve a significant improvement.
Prevention
The health of the chest and other parts of the spine can be damaged by:
- long static loads (sitting in front of the TV, computer);
- weight lifting;
- unkempt habit;
- hypothermia and frequent colds.
Employees who sit in the workplace due to their duty of service have to change their body position more often, get up and do physical exercises. Simple stretching is also helpful.