Thoracic osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease that affects the intervertebral discs;as the pathology progresses, the surrounding structures become involved in the process.Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are varied, often similar to the manifestations of other diseases.To diagnose this pathology, a number of methods are used to detect changes in the intervertebral structures.Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis includes both the use of drugs and non-drug therapy in the form of physical therapy and massage.Many are also interested in how to cure thoracic osteochondrosis using traditional methods.
Risk factors
Thoracic osteochondrosis occurs more often if one or more predisposing factors are present.These include:
- hereditary predisposition;
- spinal abnormalities;
- excessive physical activity;
- poor physical activity;
- damage to the intervertebral discs after falls on the back, blows to the spine;
- prolonged exposure to vibrations, typical, for example, of vehicle drivers;
- presence of excess body weight;
- hormonal disorders;
- smoking;
- age over 40 years;
- wear high heels.
Features of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
Due to the peculiarities of the anatomical structure, the thoracic spine is less mobile than the cervical spine and also bears less load than the lumbar part of the lumbar spine.In this regard, osteochondrosis of this section rarely occurs.
The most common symptoms of osteochondrosis of the chest are dorsago, dorsalgia.Dorsago is a sharp pain that appears after a long stay in a lying or sitting position, when a person begins to get up.Often the pain is so severe that breathing becomes difficult.This condition may be accompanied by muscle tension in the chest, neck, and lower back.
Back pain is chest pain that develops gradually and persists for 2-3 weeks.Unpleasant sensations become stronger when bending, turning, remaining in the same position for a long time or taking deep breaths.
Other common manifestations of thoracic osteochondrosis include:
- stomach pain, combined with nausea, vomiting, their occurrence is not associated with eating habits;
- pain in the right hypochondrium, aggravated by coughing, sneezing or changes in body position;
- low back pain, which resembles renal colic, is sometimes accompanied by urinary disorders;
- pain in the upper chest, accompanied by the sensation of a foreign object in the throat;
- annoying pain in the mammary glands.
Degrees of the disease
Depending on the severity of the pathological process and manifestations of the disease, 4 degrees of osteochondrosis are distinguished.
First
In this phase, cracks form in the fibrous ring, into which the nucleus pulposus penetrates.Pain at the site of the lesion is a sign of osteochondrosis of the chest at this stage.They can be constant or appear suddenly, in the form of low back pain.Sometimes unpleasant sensations appear in the heart area and local muscle contractions are noted.
Second
This stage is characterized by the appearance of pathological mobility between the vertebrae at the site of the lesion.The pain occurs when you remain in the same position for a long time and persists with movement.
Third
This phase is characterized by the rupture of the fibrous ring and the protrusion of the nucleus pulposus beyond its limits.Such pathological changes are accompanied by the formation of intervertebral hernias.The latter can compress nerve fibers, blood vessels and the spinal cord.
Painful sensations occur more often and are accompanied by breathing problems and discomfort in the heart area.
Fourth
The pathological process involves the structures surrounding the intervertebral discs.The ligament system of the spinal column is affected andosteophytes- bony growths that compress nerve fibers, sometimes damaging the spinal cord.
Possible complications
When thoracic osteochondrosis is accompanied by compression of the spinal nerve root, intercostal neuralgia occurs.It is characterized by attacks of sharp pain in one half of the chest.Unpleasant sensations spread from the spine to the sternum along the nerve fibers and are shooting in nature.
The pain associated with intercostal neuralgia often radiates to the stomach, scapula, arm, and retrosternal region.When sympathetic fibers are damaged, you notice paleness and redness of the skin in the affected area.The duration of a painful attack varies from a few seconds to minutes.In the intercostal space, a person may experience paresthesia (a feeling of numbness, crawling), this symptom is characteristic of the time between attacks.
Another complication of this condition is spondyloarthrosis.With this pathology, the joints between the vertebrae are deformed, the cartilaginous layer is destroyed, the ligaments are stretched, and there is increased mobility of the vertebrae relative to each other.In response to inflammation, a spasm of the muscles surrounding the spine occurs.
Subsequently, osteophytes are formed, and against the background of the formation of such growths, the affected part of the spine loses mobility.Bony growths sometimes compress nerve roots, causing pain and sensory disturbances.
Diagnosis of the disease
The easiest way to detect thoracic osteochondrosis is x-ray of the spine.This study reveals flattening, irregular contours of the intervertebral discs, displacement of the bodies of adjacent vertebrae relative to each other and changes in their shape.
Sometimes discography is performed - an X-ray examination using a contrast agent.This method allows us to identify the irregular boundaries of the nucleus pulposus, characteristic of osteochondrosis.With a pronounced pathological process, the contrast completely fills the intervertebral disc, sometimes extending beyond its limits.
More accurate images of the spine can be obtained using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.These methods allow you to evaluate in more detail the severity of the degenerative process, determine the presence of a hernia, its location and size.
If symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis appear, the doctor may also recommend a general blood test as an auxiliary diagnostic method.This disease is often accompanied by a slight increase in the number of leukocytes and an increase in ESR.When testing electrolytes in the blood, a decrease in calcium levels is sometimes noted.
Manifestations of thoracic osteochondrosis are similar to the signs of many diseases;if they occur, it is necessary to consult a doctor for examination and clarification of the diagnosis.If left untreated, the disease progresses, often leading to complications.
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis: gymnastics and physical therapy
Gymnastics increases the mobility of the intervertebral and costovertebral joints of the thoracic region, reduces the feeling of stiffness and eliminates muscle spasm.
Before treating thoracic osteochondrosis at home with physical therapy, you need to make sure that there are no contraindications.Exercise classes are prohibited when:
- exacerbations of osteochondrosis;
- early recovery period after surgical treatment of osteochondrosis;
- neurological pathology accompanied by impaired coordination of movements;
- high blood pressure, heart rhythm disorders;
- exacerbations of any chronic diseases, acute inflammatory and infectious processes.
Massage
Massage improves blood circulation in the tissues surrounding the spine, eliminates muscle spasms and simultaneously increases their tone.Against this background, pain and discomfort in the back area decrease.
For thoracic osteochondrosis the following types of massage can be used:
- Classic.
- Point (impact on certain points).
- Segmental (back massage in the thoracic region, aimed at improving local blood circulation).
- Cupping (exposure to the affected areas with vacuum).
Classic massage includes rubbing, stroking, kneading, vibrating movements and pinching.
Pharmacological treatment
Drug therapy for thoracic osteochondrosis is aimed at:
- reduction of inflammatory processes;
- elimination of pain;
- reduction of muscle spasm;
- improvement of the condition of cartilage and nervous tissue.
The drugs most commonly used to treat the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.These drugs suppress inflammatory reactions that occur in nerve fibers, resulting in pain reduction.These funds are used in the form of:
- Tablets.
- Ointments, gels.
- Injections.
Injections of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used for exacerbations of the disease.
The most common side effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs include damage to the mucosa of the digestive tract with the formation of ulcers, decreased blood clotting, kidney damage and allergic reactions.
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis with drugs from the group of muscle relaxants can reduce spasm of the muscles surrounding the spine, compressing the nerve endings and blood vessels, resulting in a decrease in the intensity of pain.
Chondroprotectors normalize metabolic processes in cartilage tissue and prevent its destruction.The composition of such products includes chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, they participate in the synthesis of connective tissue.
Preparations containing B vitamins improve metabolism in damaged nerve fibers, which leads to the suppression of inflammatory reactions.
Folk remedies for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis at home involves the use of ointments, compresses and ingestion of various infusions and decoctions.They help reduce the severity of inflammation, improve metabolic processes in the affected areas of the spine and reduce pain.
Ointments, compresses with natural composition
Before treating thoracic osteochondrosis with these drugs, it is important to prepare them correctly.To obtain egg vinegar ointment, you need to mix one chicken egg with the same volume of table vinegar, add 100 grams of soft butter and bring the mixture to a homogeneous consistency.This ointment is applied to the affected area overnight in a thin layer.
To make another product, you need to mix 2 tablespoons of chopped sage and plantain leaves.Add 40 grams of melted Vaseline and 50 ml of olive oil to the plants.All components are thoroughly mixed, the resulting ointment is applied to the affected area with rubbing movements, and a warm cloth is applied on top.The procedure can be repeated 2-3 times a day.
To prepare one of the most effective compresses, you need to prepare 50 grams of aloe leaves, 100 milliliters of vodka, 100 grams of honey.Aloe is crushed with a grater and the remaining ingredients are added.The composition is infused for 5 days.The product is applied to the area where pain is felt, polyethylene is placed over the skin of the back, and a towel or scarf is wrapped on the chest.The compress is left for 2 hours.
Infusions, tinctures, decoctions
To prepare an anti-inflammatory decoction you need to mix a spoonful of dried chamomile and mint.300 ml of hot water is added to the plant material, then the composition is boiled for 10 minutes using a water bath.The composition is taken 2 tablespoons three times a day.
To obtain an infusion with pronounced anti-inflammatory properties, you need to take 2 tablespoons of strawberry and birch leaves, 3 tablespoons of chamomile flowers, calendula, a tablespoon of St. John's wort, 10 grams of oak bark.The listed components are mixed, 2 tablespoons of this composition are poured with a liter of boiling water and left for 4 hours.This infusion should be drunk 100 milliliters 3 times a day.
To obtain arnica tincture, 25 grams of plant flowers are poured with half a liter of vodka.The product is placed for a month in a dark, cool place.The tincture is taken 20 drops three times a day, after dissolving it in a small amount of water.This remedy improves metabolic processes in the affected areas of the spine and reduces the severity of inflammatory reactions.
Prevention
To prevent the development of thoracic osteochondrosis, it is recommended:
- stop smoking and abusing alcoholic beverages;
- normalize nutrition, reduce the content of fatty and fried foods in the diet;
- maintain optimal body weight;
- Avoid heavy lifting and excessive physical exertion.
Complex treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis, consisting of drug therapy, massage, physical therapy, is aimed at reducing inflammation, muscle spasms and eliminating pain.Traditional methods serve as an auxiliary measure, helping to enhance the effect of other ongoing activities.