Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a rather rare pathology and belongs to the most complex forms of this disease. This department is subject to destruction very rarely.
All vertebrae are very firmly fixed and protected by muscles, which significantly limits the movement between them. Ribs give extra strength to the vertebrae.
There are several reasons for the formation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, and there is also a pronounced symptomatology. It is very important to recognize the course of the disease in a timely manner and conduct complex treatment to prevent the development of complications.
Features of the disease
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a process of violation and change of cartilage and bone tissue, contributing to the destruction of the skeleton. In addition , this leads to a steady deterioration in its functionality. If treatment is not completed on time, then such a pathology will affect not only these structures, but also intervertebral joints, discs, and ligaments.
Damaged areas of the spine can only be repaired surgically, and there is no certainty that this is forever. Osteochondrosis is often accompanied by other diseases, in particular, such as:
- pneumosclerosis;
- narrowing of blood vessels;
- infertility;
- prostatitis;
- malignant neoplasms.
In addition, the rapid progression of the disease leads to difficulty in movement, which means that there is no way to play sports and perform even the simplest work. Initially, the lesion affects the inert tissue and only after that cartilage, muscles and connective tissue are involved in the pathological process.
If the first degree of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine occurs in children and adolescents, then their musculoskeletal system ages very quickly, even before puberty is completed. In children, such a violation is quite rare.
It is equally common in women and men. The most affected are the disks of 12 vertebrae. In women, the progression of the disease is observed mainly during menopause, when there is a sharp decrease in the hormone estrogen. If the first symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine occur, treatment should be started immediately, since only in this way you can completely get rid of the disease.
Degrees of development
Symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can be very different, it all depends on the cause of the development of the lesion, as well as the degree of the disease. When the first stage proceeds, the fibrous ring begins to crack a little inside. At this stage, the patient begins to feel slight pain in the affected area. It is worth noting that pain can be periodic or permanent. In addition, there is pain in the heart, as well as convulsive muscle contractions.
With the course of the second degree of the course of the disease, abnormal mobility of the vertebrae is observed. It can provoke subluxations in the chest. This leads to increased pain, especially during movements. In addition, discomfort can be observed if the patient is in the same position for a long time.
At the third stage of the pathology, the symptoms appear much more clearly. At this stage, the formation of a vertebral hernia occurs. The spinal column may at the same time move uncharacteristically. As a result, disorders such as kyphosis or scoliosis occur. The fixation of the vertebrae at this stage of the course of the disease is insufficient. In addition, there are strong painful sensations, and it becomes very difficult for a person to move.
The last degree of the course of the disease is characterized by the fact that pathological processes affect all adjacent tissues. Deformation of the spinal column becomes clearly visible. Surgery is often required at this stage, but it does not always help.
At the first symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, you need to contact an orthopedist or surgeon, since only a specialist can make an absolutely accurate diagnosis and then prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Causes of occurrence
To determine how to treat osteochondrosis of the cervico-thoracic spine, you need to understand exactly for what reasons such a disease arose. There are various factors that provoke the occurrence of this pathology, in particular, such as:
- hernia;
- violation of blood microcirculation;
- damage to the intervertebral disc;
- destruction of cartilage.
Also, pathology can develop due to weight lifting, lack of calcium in the body, insufficient physical activity. Previously injured and various kinds of curvature of the spinal column can provoke the development of the disease.
The psychosomatics of this disease began to be considered relatively recently, however, some doctors give this factor a significant place in the development of pathology. The connection between diseases and the psychological state of a person is quite strong. Psychosomatics can provoke the emergence of strong painful sensations, which are almost impossible to eliminate with medications.
The main symptoms
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can be very different and they manifest themselves quite clearly. Among them can be distinguished such as:
- severe pain in the sternum;
- a feeling of compression in the back or chest;
- it’s quite difficult for a person to turn to the side;
- numbness in some parts of the body;
- abnormal decrease in temperature;
- chills;
- changes in the cardiovascular system.
Symptoms of the cervical and thoracic spine largely depend on the degree of course and development of pathology. It is worth noting that the course of the disease can be complicated by the fact that there is a disruption in the functioning of other organs and systems. That is why, such symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine can be observed as:
- feeling of itching in the limbs;
- neuralgia;
- nausea and heartburn;
- peeling of the skin;
- congestive processes in the lungs, lack of oxygen.
Such a disease is characterized by prolonged or paroxysmal pain. During the course of the exacerbation period, all signs are expressed much more clearly. During this period, a significant load falls on the intervertebral discs. Often the patient undergoes treatment in a hospital.
Diagnostics
If symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine occur, treatment should begin immediately after a comprehensive diagnosis. Examination of the patient includes such manipulations as:
- visual inspection;
- blood and urine tests;
- radiography;
- discography;
- tomography;
- electrocardiography;
- assessment of conduction disorders of nerve endings.
With the occurrence of a 2-3 degree course of the disease, skeletal deformation is already noticeable, which is why violations can be visually determined. The doctor must additionally draw up a thorough medical history of the patient.
Radiography allows you to determine the contours of the intervertebral disc, as well as the size of osteophytes. Only a thorough examination will make it possible to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the most appropriate treatment. Since the symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can vary significantly, a comprehensive consultation of other specialists may be required.
Treatment features
With the acute stage of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, the symptoms and treatment are somewhat different from the chronic course. The patient must organize complete rest, eliminate inflammation with non-steroidal drugs, and also take painkillers. In addition, compresses and warming ointments are prescribed.
Many far from immediately notice the first symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervico-thoracic spine, treatment begins at later stages of the disease. With the elimination of acute symptoms, manual therapy is necessarily indicated. In the stage of remission, good therapeutic exercises provide a good result. In addition, a course of procedures such as electrophoresis, massage and manual therapy is prescribed.
Drug treatment
How to treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine - this question is of interest to many patients, since it is important to quickly eliminate the existing symptoms, and also not to provoke the development of complications. Therapy largely depends on the signs of the course of the disease and requires the use of medications. In particular, such funds are prescribed as:
- glucocorticosteroids;
- chondroprotectors;
- antispasmodics;
- anesthetic blockade;
- vitamin complexes;
- painkillers;
- muscle relaxants.
Glucocorticosteroids help eliminate pain. If necessary, the doctor may additionally prescribe hormonal drugs. For the full restoration of the affected cartilage tissue from destruction and its restoration, chondroprotectors, in particular, such as Alflutol, Glucosamine, Chondroxide, are required.
The use of the drug "Papain", designed to retain fluid inside the intervertebral disc, is shown. Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine must necessarily be comprehensive and the duration of therapy depends largely on the characteristics and severity of the pathology, as well as age-related changes.
Manual therapy
Since the disease provokes the occurrence of muscle spasm, you definitely need to know how to treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine using manual therapy methods. It is recommended to conduct it in courses that are held 2 times a year. If an exacerbation of the disease is observed, then the massage should be performed easily and very carefully.
Manual therapy makes it possible to get rid of stiffness, overstrain of muscle fibers, as well as painful sensations. Massage techniques contribute to the normalization of blood circulation and metabolism, and also strengthens the muscles. A session is held on a specially equipped table by a person who has relevant experience and skills. During the procedure, the patient should lie face down and put a hard roller or a special pillow in the thoracic region.
Physiotherapy
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is the main stage of a comprehensive recovery process. With it, you can strengthen the muscles and improve the mobility of the spinal column. Exercises for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine contribute to better ventilation of the lungs of patients whose deep breathing causes severe pain.
Gymnastics can be quite effective in stretching the spine, and also plays an important role in staging proper breathing. It is worth remembering that exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine will be effective only after eliminating all the causes of the disease. All exercises must be performed under the supervision of an experienced rehabilitologist.
Classes must be regular. Exercise for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is necessary not only for the treatment of pathology, but also as a prophylaxis. It is worth noting that you can’t immediately start conducting classes, initially a light warm-up is performed, which allows the muscles to warm up. When performing exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the cervicothoracic spine, you need to consult a doctor about increasing the load.
Nutrition for the disease
With the course of the disease, you need to organize proper nutrition. It is advisable to eat 5-6 times a day in small portions. In a daily diet, there must be dishes that include natural gelatin. In addition, it is important to consume as much protein as possible, fresh fruits and vegetables.
All products must be boiled or steamed. With osteochondrosis, calcium and magnesium are required, therefore, products containing this trace element must be included in the usual diet.
Possible complications
Without proper timely treatment, the disease can provoke a variety of complications, in particular, such as:
- hernia or protrusion of the chest;
- spinal cord compression;
- problems with internal organs;
- intercostal neuralgia.
Sometimes the consequences of osteochondrosis can be more serious, as this can provoke a serious violation of the functioning of the cardiovascular system, as well as the lungs.
Prophylaxis
Very important is the prevention of the onset of the disease. As preventive measures, you need to periodically conduct a small workout. In addition, you need to avoid hypothermia and keep your back warm.
You can not stay in the same position for a long time, especially if it is uncomfortable, and it is strictly forbidden to lift heavy objects.