General and specific symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

Osteochondrosis is a chronic disease of cartilage tissue, in which degenerative-dystrophic processes predominate.The disease can affect any joint in the body, but most cases occur in the intervertebral discs.Depending on the localization, a distinction is made between osteochondrosis of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine.The highest incidence is observed between the ages of 30 and 40, but recently this disease is becoming younger and appears even in adolescents.Osteochondrosis-like symptoms occur in 50-90% of the population.In the article you will find the main symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis and methods of treating this disease.

Peculiarities of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine occurs less frequently than other forms.The anatomy of the thoracic spine includes more discs than the lower back and neck combined.However, these discs are inferior 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 spine pain after excessive and improper physical exercise is a rather characteristic symptom, pain for the thoracic spine is practically not typical.Most often, symptoms of complications of various diseases of the cardiovascular system or respiratory system are observed.

Reasons for development

The most common cause of osteochondrosis is a sedentary lifestyle.Nowadays, people increasingly have to work at computers in positions that are most uncomfortable for their backs.In addition, lack of physical activity negatively affects the condition of the muscles, on which the condition of the intervertebral discs depends.Not only physical inactivity, but also excessive physical activity can cause osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine;In addition, the following risk factors are identified:

• heredity;
• 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 wearing 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.The symptoms of osteochondrosis are diagnosed in adolescence.There is a hypothesis that this is due to the large amount of time spent at the computer.

Symptoms

The clinical picture of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is quite clear, but it can be hidden behind other diseases or their complications: attacks can often resemble a heart attack, cholecystitis, pancreatitis or renal colic.The most common include:

• the appearance of acute pain after staying in one position for a long time, usually unpleasant.This pain also occurs in response to sudden movements or when lifting heavy weights;
• You may not experience pain, but rather feel tightness in your chest or back.Difficulty breathing, pain when taking deep breaths in or out;
• Due to osteochondrosis damage to the nerve roots exiting the spinal canal, numbness or tingling may occur in certain areas of the body;
• There is also dull pain in or between the shoulder blades and in the shoulder girdle and sternoclavicular joint;
• Coldness of the lower extremities due to complications in the blood supply.

Some general, non-specific symptoms may occur:

• frequent attacks of intercostal neuralgia;
• from the gastrointestinal tract: nausea, heartburn, bloating, flatulence, constipation or diarrhea.Due to damage to the lower segment of the thoracic spine, abdominal pain may occur;
• peeling skin, thin and brittle nails and hair;
• Disorders of the reproductive system.

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

Dorsago

Characterized by sudden, stabbing pain in the thoracic spine.Patients associate it with “dagger-like” pain because in most cases it is acute and unbearable.The cause of this type of pain is usually a long sitting position or an uncomfortable posture for a long time.When trying to stand up or take a more comfortable position, a person feels acute pain, a “lumbago”, which can also lead to restriction of movement for some time.

Dorsalgia

This type of pain has a gradual onset with a cumulative effect and can develop over 2-3 weeks.With dorsalgia, sharp pain or discomfort is observed at the location of a specific damaged area of the spine.The pain increases sharply when you change your posture or breathe deeply.There is a tendency for the pain to worsen in the evening or after physical activity.In the morning, patients usually notice a decrease or even a complete disappearance of the pain.Even a short walk on foot helps.

diagnosis

Diagnosis of pathology begins with a comprehensive examination of the person and analysis of his complaints about his condition.For example, in advanced stages the spine often becomes curvature, which can be seen from the outside.On the contrary: If there is a posture disorder, 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 refer the patient for general blood and urine tests.

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

Another X-ray method is discography, in which a contrast agent is used.This allows you to assess the condition of the nucleus pulposus.Computed tomography can also be used, but is only used in exceptional cases due to the high radiation exposure of patients.

Electrocardiography is a mandatory examination method.The symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are very similar to the symptoms of myocardial infarction and angina.

Treatment

In order to successfully treat osteochondrosis of the spine, it is necessary to influence the cause of the disease and not limit yourself only to painkillers or immediately perform an operation.For example, patients with limited mobility receive completely different treatment methods than a patient with a spinal injury and a history of its complications.It is also extremely effective to combine therapy methods to strengthen and consolidate the effect.

Medication

In the acute phase of the disease, strict bed rest is recommended in addition to medication.The main groups of drugs for breast osteochondrosis:

• analgesics to relieve acute pain;
• In 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 peculiarities of the development of the body.

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

Movement therapy

Movement therapy is therapeutic physical culture.Today there are many useful exercises for the prevention and treatment of osteochondrosis in the chest area.This also includes breathing exercises.

The basis of exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is the plank.You should start with a minimum time and increase it to the minimum level every day.The goal is 1.5 minutes.In this position, too, it is recommended to alternately press your knees to your chest and hold this position for 5-10 seconds.It will also be useful to try hanging on the horizontal bar with the same gradual increase in time.

The method of exercise therapy is used outside the acute phase 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 both chronic and acute pain in the joints and spine.It also helps to increase joint mobility and correct posture problems.Also used to relieve muscle tension.

Manual therapy also helps improve blood flow to the intervertebral discs and improves oxygen transport from blood to tissue and vice versa.In this way, it is possible to eliminate complications of osteochondrosis, which are accompanied by damage or compression of blood vessels, as well as a lack of oxygen in tissues and organs.

Traditional methods

The advantage of conventional medicine is that its effects have been tried and tested for many years.There are many different ways to treat any disease at home without the risk of side effects.Recipes for infusions for illnesses:

• Marigold.Take 100g of product per 200ml of regular men's perfume.Add some camphor oil.Leave to steep in a well-sealed bottle in a cool, dark place for two weeks;
• Dandelion.Take dandelion roots, mint leaves, birch buds and coriander fruits, 2 tbsp each.l.and pour in 0.5 cups of boiling water.Cook over low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.After that, add 60-70 g of butter and cook for another 20 minutes, then let cool.

It is extremely important to rub these decoctions strictly into the affected area of the breast.Rubbing should be done with gentle massage movements for 5 minutes.Then insulate the rubbing area with a sweater, for example.All decoctions are stored in the refrigerator.

Some herbs are not approved for use in certain diseases, so it is better to consult a specialist.

First aid for exacerbation

First of all, it is necessary to warm the painful area.However, you should only do this with medicated ointments;You should not use decoctions: there is a risk of skin burns.

The best way to do this is with a light, warming material, such as a wool product.It is then recommended to lie down on a hard surface to correct the uneven posture.In a pinch, the floor will do.In case of exacerbation of osteochondrosis in the chest area, apply a tight bandage around the chest.

During an attack, it is recommended to take a painkiller, preferably intramuscularly.NSAIDs are used for acute attacks.

If there is no improvement in your condition within 30-60 minutes, you must definitely call an ambulance and be sure to inform them about the painkillers when they arrive.

Prevention

Prevention is the easiest and most cost-effective way to maintain health.Every person is exposed to many negative environmental influences every day.If these effects are minimized, the risk of osteochondrosis drops to zero.Basic principles for preventing thoracic osteochondrosis:

1. Lead an active lifestyle.It's easy to overdo it and put even more strain on your spine.It is better to listen to the body's needs, start with minimal loads and gradually get used to it.Morning jogging and swimming in the pool are best suited for this.
2. Monitor prolonged sitting in one position.It is better to regularly stretch the joints of the upper shoulder girdle, maintain correct posture and relax the shoulders.
3. If you work while sitting, you shouldn't do without a chair.Choose a special chair that provides good spine support.
4. Use orthopedic mattresses and pillows.During sleep, the spine most often deforms, remains in a curved position for a long time, and then disappoints with pain and discomfort throughout the day.These are the basic requirements for osteochondrosis.It's definitely better to warn them.
5. Avoid carrying heavy objects.Unfortunately, sometimes this is vital.In this case, it is better to ensure an even distribution of weight in relation to the body.And try to do everything smoothly and without sudden movements.Otherwise, not only osteochondrosis can threaten.
6. Wear comfortable shoes.In everyday life, heels only bring health problems.It is better to set them aside for an evening look.
7. Strengthen muscles.Abs, lower back, back and spine muscles.This is the basic requirement for a healthy back and correct posture.

We must not forget about proper nutrition.The daily menu must meet the needs of the individual body and contain 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 intervertebral discs occur.
2. Breast osteochondrosis is less common than other types of this pathology.Recently, the disease has been diagnosed not only in older people, but also in young people.
3. There are many factors in the development of the disease.Osteochondrosis usually begins for several reasons.
4. Monotherapy is rarely effective.To eliminate the cause and symptoms of the disease, treatment tactics are developed, which include taking medications, exercise therapy and other auxiliary measures.
5. Simple prevention can reduce the development of breast osteochondrosis to a minimum.