Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a rare disease and the most "insidious" form of osteochondrosis. Due to the anatomical features, this part of the spine is relatively rarely prone to degeneration. The twelve vertebrae of the department are very tightly connected to each other and are perfectly protected by a kind of corset of muscles, which greatly limits the range of movement between them. The ribs give additional stiffness to the vertebrae.
The most likely reason for the formation of chest osteochondrosis is scoliosis, which is also formed on the school desk. The risk factor for intervertebral disc damage can be:
- hereditary factor;
- inadequate nutrition and overweight;
- work activity associated with limitation of movements;
- exorbitant physical activity;
- age factor and hypothermia;
- instability of the vertebral disc segments;
- smoking and nervous tension;
- bruises, fractures and injuries of the spine are the most favorable factor for the formation of thoracic osteochondrosis.
Symptoms and signs
A hallmark of breast osteochondrosis is pain. It is customary to divide it into types:
- Low back pain - Dorsago. The manifestation of sharp and sudden pain in the area of the affected vertebral discs. Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are the result of a prolonged sedentary position, when you have to sit at a table, bending over, for a long time. Sharp pain (low back pain) occurs when you try to stand up or stand up.
- Back pain. Increased pain when trying to take a deep breath and when moving the trunk. The back muscles are tense and movement can be restricted in any spinal region.
Visceral (internal) manifestations
With chest osteochondrosis, symptoms are rich in internal (visceral) manifestations.
The defeat of the roots of the upper thoracic nerve causes pain in the esophagus and pain in the pharynx.
Pressure on the affected area of the spine causes increased pain. It can be paroxysmal.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, manifested by pain in the stomach, indicate damage to the nerve endings of the middle thoracic region, which causes increased pain when lying on the back for a long time.
Compression of the 8th and 9th spinal roots causes pain in the duodenal region. Sensitivity of the anterior abdominal wall is impaired.
Abnormal gastric motility (secretion and peristalsis) is a characteristic symptom of thoracic osteochondrosis.
Result:
- nausea and vomit;
- stomach ache;
- pain in the left hypochondrium;
- flatulence;
- diarrhea or constipation.
Dysfunctions of the duodenum (secretory and motor) lead to:
- nausea and belching;
- in the right hypochondrium there is pain and a feeling of heaviness.
Most often, osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is manifested by symptoms characteristic of other diseases, for example, angina pectoris. At the same time, pain in the heart is noted - cutting, pressing, burning the heart or squeezing the throat.
With laryngospasm - the result of pathology at the level of the cervical vertebrae, symptoms develop manifesting themselves:
- shortness of breath and cough;
- wheezing;
- shortness of breath.
In the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis, the symptoms and manifestations of which are similar to those of pulmonary pathology, it is necessary to accurately establish their involvement in the disease of the spine.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
When drawing up 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 proliferation of vertebral bodies and the presence of changes in intervertebral distance (decrease in height) are a characteristic symptom of this disease.
Based on the data of the diagnostic examination, the main symptomatology is determined, the clinical diagnosis is clarified, which allows you to determine the correct tactics.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine directly depends on the syndromes, the stage of development and the presence of underlying diseases.
To relieve pain, restore impaired functions of the nerves of the spinal roots, prevent the progression of degenerative changes in the structure of the spine, a conservative method is used, combined with complex and gradual treatment.
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis includes a number of physiotherapeutic procedures:
- inductometry and electrophoresis;
- laser therapy and vacuum therapy;
- sinusoidal and diadynamic currents;
- magneto and pharmacopuncture;
- acupuncture.
Pharmacological therapy:
- diuretic and muscle relaxant vasoregulatory drugs (muscle relaxants and venotonic);
- blockade of paravertebral novokoina.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy for thoracic osteochondrosis is the main stage of the recovery process. Strengthens the muscles and mobility of the spine. Exercise for thoracic osteochondrosis helps improve ventilation in those patients where deep breathing causes pain.
Gymnastics for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is effective:
- when the spine is stretched;
- when setting correct breathing.
But we must not forget that gymnastics for thoracic osteochondrosis is effective only when all the causes of the disease are identified and eliminated.
If the prescribed course of treatment did not bring positive results, various methods of surgical intervention are used, based on the pronounced symptoms and the level of destruction.
Cervico-thoracic osteochondrosis
Cervicothoracic osteochondrosis is a disease caused by (degenerative-dystrophic) processes affecting the discs of the cervical spine.
Vertebrae located close to each other are not adequately protected by a relatively underdeveloped muscle structure. Even the slightest stress on the neck causes myelopathy.
Main symptoms
Symptoms of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis are manifested:
- sensitivity disorder of the muscles of the neck, skin, hands and face;
- attacks of headache and dizziness;
- gait instability;
- increased fatigue, deterioration of vision and hearing.
The pain radiates to the arm, extends from the shoulder itself to the fingertips, causes numbness of the skin, even a slight movement of the neck, can cause a sensation of electric current throughout the arm.
Myelopathy can cause:
- disorders of the lungs and heart;
- double vision;
- numbness of the tongue.
Treatment of exacerbation of the disease
The use of complex therapy in the treatment of exacerbation of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis allows you to achieve a lasting positive result. Includes:
- The orthopedic correction method is the fixation of the neck with the Chance collar, which supports the head, greatly relieving the stress on the cervical vertebrae and contributes to their alignment.
- The method using pharmacopuncture - anti-inflammatory drugs (preferably homeopathic), to relax spasmodic muscles and prevent aggravation of root compression.
- Chondroprotector - to prevent the development of damage to cartilage tissues.
- Drugs that help strengthen the disc-ligament apparatus of the vertebral discs.
- Acupuncture is used to quickly relieve pain, relieve muscle spasm, and restore the functioning of the spinal nerves. This method is very effective and its use during an exacerbation prevents progression of the disease for many years.
- Hirudotherapy - leech treatment promotes the healing of damaged fibrous rings in the discs, eliminates edema of the nerve roots and improves blood circulation in the discs of the spinal column.
- Drug therapy: biogenic stimulants, drugs that improve peripheral circulation, vitamins.
- Massage - to relax spasmodic muscles, to restore and strengthen them.
In the final period of treatment, subject to the elimination of muscle spasm and inflammatory processes, are connected: manual therapy, osteopathy, physical therapy.
Timely treatment of any disease will prevent exacerbations and the various complications caused by them.