As you know, one of the most common and dangerous pathologies that can disrupt the work of internal organs and worsen motor activity is osteochondrosis of the thoracic region. If a person is diagnosed with this disease, and he does not take timely measures, this is fraught with the occurrence of severe pain manifestations, malfunctions of the cardiovascular system, deterioration of the gastrointestinal tract, the development of inflammatory processes in the respiratory system, lack of reproductive function and other serious complications.
In this article, we will give detailed information about chest osteochondrosis and talk about the key points associated with the development of this ailment. You will also learn about risk factors, effective treatment measures and possible negative consequences. We hope that the proposed material will be useful for you.
What is osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
According to statistics, osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can be observed in different people, regardless of gender and age. If the disease manifests itself in children, their musculoskeletal system undergoes premature aging.
What is this disease, which we so often hear from others? This is one of the dangerous pathologies, which is accompanied by degenerative-dystrophic changes in the area of bones and cartilage. Lack of timely treatment is fraught with destructive processes affecting joints, intervertebral discs and ligaments.
Often, against the background of thoracic osteochondrosis, the following pathological processes can occur: impaired reproductive function; pathological replacement of the lung tissue with connective tissue; oncological neoplasms; inflammatory lesions of the prostate gland; atherosclerosis, etc.
It should be noted that at the initial stage of the disease, pathological changes concern mainly bones, but gradually the disease spreads to muscle, connective and cartilaginous tissue.
Stages of development of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
At the moment, 4 stages of the pathological process are known:
- First. It is characterized by loss of moisture and the appearance of cracks in the area of the intervertebral disc. In this case, thoracic osteochondrosis has mild symptoms that disappear during the rest period.
- Second. It is also accompanied by the formation of cracks and a decrease in the size of the disc. In this case, the free part of the vertebra is filled with the nucleus pulposus, but the probability of its protrusion is minimal in this case. However, the patient feels significant tension in the muscle area. A strong pain syndrome makes itself felt, which disappears for a while after rest.
- Third. The crack reaches the extreme part of the vertebra, and the nucleus pulposus protrudes. This is accompanied by the appearance of a herniated disc. The patient notes the presence of pain of a constant nature.
- Fourth. It is accompanied by fibrosis. In this case, the formed connective tissue fetters the nearby vertebrae. Further, there is an overgrowth of bone tissue and the active appearance of pathological growths on it.
Causes of thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine
There are several known risk factors that can provoke the progression of the disease:
- Genetic predisposition;
- Hypodynamia;
- Scoliosis;
- Regular lifting of heavy objects;
- Injury to the thoracic region;
- Wearing high-heeled shoes during pregnancy;
- Alcohol and tobacco abuse;
- Deterioration of blood flow in the spinal cord area;
- Significant physical activity;
- Exposure to thermal factors;
- Bone tissue dystrophy;
- The presence of a herniated disc;
- Obesity;
- Disruption of metabolic processes;
- Cartilage destruction.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine in men and women
It is important to note that the above-described ailment is also characterized by a change in the composition of cartilaginous tissues. This pathological process is accompanied by the following manifestations:
- A feeling of squeezing in the chest area, which is accompanied by a deterioration in the activity of the respiratory system;
- Regular numbness of the limbs;
- The appearance of perceptible discomfort when turning the body;
- Loss of sensitivity in the limbs;
- Brittle nails;
- The presence of a tooth in the area of the hands;
- Malfunctions of the digestive tract;
- Reproductive dysfunction;
- Painful manifestations in the head area, which are regular;
- Vomiting, nausea, and heartburn;
- The defeat of the intercostal nerves, accompanied by acute pain syndrome (neuralgia);
- Aching pain in the abdominal region;
- Significant discomfort in the left side of the chest;
- Pain syndrome in the right side of the chest;
- Tachycardia;
- Increased sweating.
Characteristic signs of the subacute phase
It makes itself felt after a period of exacerbation. Pain manifestations and malfunctions of the respiratory system remain, but they are less intense. The patient stops looking for a position to eliminate discomfort. The duration of the subacute phase is up to 12-14 days. With strict adherence to the advice of a specialist, remission is possible, with a characteristic attenuation of pronounced signs. Failure to follow the recommendations can provoke a repeated exacerbation of the disease.
Remission of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
This stage is characterized by a temporary improvement in the patient's condition. In this case, discomfort may return - in the event of exposure to thermal irritants or changes in climatic conditions. Acute pain syndrome makes itself felt exclusively with thoracic osteochondrosis of 2-4 degrees - due to a sharp change in body position. Excessive physical exertion, stressful situations, chronic ailments in the acute stage and an immobile lifestyle can also cause a relapse.
Methods for diagnosing osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
For a clear diagnosis, the specialist must take into account the patient's complaints. The following symptoms and sensations in women allow detecting thoracic osteochondrosis: when you press certain points in the chest area, a strong pain syndrome appears.
In order to identify signs of impaired sensitivity, special functional tests are performed. The most informative diagnostic option from instrumental methods is the implementation of an X-ray. However, MRI and CT are often done to thoroughly examine the spine. If you suspect diseases of the cardiovascular system, the patient is recommended to undergo an ECG procedure.
First aid for acute thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine
Pain manifestations during the period of recurrence of the disease are characterized by a penetrating acute character, which implies the provision of emergency care to the patient. It must be placed on a flat surface, covered with a warm blanket. If anxiety, shortness of breath or tachycardia appear during a relapse, a specialist should be promptly called. To relieve pain in the intercostal region, it is recommended to resort to the help of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine
To understand how best to treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, one should recall the basics of a comprehensive technique. Within the framework of it, several therapeutic measures are implemented simultaneously, due to which it is possible to cope with almost all signs of pathology. With an initial ailment, conservative therapy is used. With more advanced stages of the pathological process and the presence of herniated discs, in order to eliminate the compression syndrome, surgical intervention may be required.
Physiotherapy treatment
To understand how to treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine with physiotherapy methods, you should remember their mechanism. So the most effective in identifying the above pathology are:
- Exposure to the body with constant electric current with the simultaneous use of drugs;
- Methods associated with the use of a static magnetic field;
- Phonophoresis;
- Ultrasound therapy;
- Hydrotherapy and underwater traction of the spine.
SWT for chest osteochondrosis
Shock wave therapy is considered one of the most effective ways to restore the affected parts of the spine. This physiotherapeutic method is based on the effect of acoustic impulses on the zones affected by the destructive-degenerative process.
In this case, special medical equipment is used. By converting electrical impulses into shock waves, it is possible to quickly cope with salt deposits, reduce the size of osteophytes and minimize the intensity of pain.
As a rule, the procedure is effective in the presence of cervical, thoracic and lumbar osteochondrosis. Its key goal is to restore the normal state of joints, bones and cartilage, as well as to increase the elasticity of the affected vertebrae. In addition, due to the impact of shock waves, it is possible to activate the development of new blood vessels and improve the blood supply to the muscles.
Acupuncture
This technique involves the introduction of small diameter needles into biologically active points. To activate a positive effect, they are rotated around an axis or subjected to heating. With the help of acupuncture, it is possible to quickly stop pain syndrome, eliminate inflammatory and congestive manifestations, cope with swelling, relieve spasm, restore normal blood flow and improve mobility.
Pharmacopuncture
The method of administration of medicines through reflexogenic points. In this case, drugs are injected into the lesion.
Taking into account the intended purpose, the following drugs are used:
- Means to reduce the tone of skeletal muscles and restore the mobility of the vertebrae;
- Drugs that have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects;
- Medicines that reduce muscle tone and dilate blood vessels;
- Preparations to speed up recovery and metabolic processes;
- Vitamin complexes that contribute to the normalization of cellular nutrition and improve the functioning of the immune system;
- Homeopathic remedies to normalize the immune and musculoskeletal system.
Massage for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
It should be noted that massage in this department can be performed even in an acute period. Through it, it is possible to restore blood flow, improve the condition of the muscles and normalize their functionality, as well as minimize the load on the vessel that supplies the brain.
Use of medications
If we talk about how to treat thoracic osteochondrosis with drugs, then, first of all, one should take into account the degree of the disease, the nature of its appearance and the intensity of the pain syndrome. Most often, the following medications are used:
- Non-steroidal group funds. These are drugs with anti-inflammatory, analgesic effects, which it is advisable to use in a course, at the end of which they switch to special ointments;
- Anesthetic drugs. They have an analgesic effect. Used as an intravenous drip;
- Diuretics. Allows you to cope with puffiness, eliminate signs of pathology, have a beneficial effect on the state of the myocardium;
- Medicines that reduce the tone of skeletal muscles, restore the mobility of the vertebrae and relieve pain.
In some situations, the patient is recommended to take hormonal drugs, anticonvulsant drugs, vitamin complexes, drugs to restore the state of blood vessels and sedatives.
Injections for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
Often, patients are interested in what to do with chest osteochondrosis, if it is accompanied by acute pain manifestations. In order to provide a faster effect on the nerve endings, they resort to injections into the spine. In this case, anesthetics and glucocorticosteroids are used. After normalization of the patient's condition, they switch to the use of gels and ointments.
Gymnastics for the thoracic spine with osteochondrosis
Before performing exercises for the thoracic spine with osteochondrosis, it is recommended to do a warm-up that provides the necessary warming up of the muscles and increases the effectiveness of future training. You can also take a shower and have a light massage of the spine in the thoracic region.
Warm-up is of particular importance for those patients who perform gymnastics with chest osteochondrosis at home for the first time. As part of the preliminary warming up of the muscles, the following movements can be made: turns and rotations of the pelvis and neck, rhythmic movements of the limbs, carried out in different directions (swings). It should be remembered that gymnastics for thoracic osteochondrosis is performed without haste and smoothly. If the exercise is associated with acute pain syndrome, it is better to refuse it.
At the moment, gymnastics for the thoracic spine, recommended for osteochondrosis, involves the implementation of 6 basic exercises:
- The patient is placed in a "lying" position on the floor, face down. At the same time, he puts his hands behind his head, spreading his elbows wide apart. Further, it gradually raises the shoulders up simultaneously with the body, which is accompanied by alternate movement of the elbows in the same direction. The number of repetitions is six times in 6 times for 1 exercise;
- The patient is placed on the floor, face down. Then he connects his hands in a lock behind his back and tries to lift them up, bending the body. All movements are very fluid;
- The person takes a standing position and puts his hands behind his shoulders. In the future, he should make lifts with his shoulders up (alternately);
- The patient lies on the floor, on a flat surface, leaning on his stomach. He stretches the upper limbs in front of him, slightly raising the body;
- The patient is placed on a chair and lowers his hands to the waist area. Further, movements are made with the shoulders, with alternate lifting and a slow return to the starting position. The number of repetitions - 5 times in one lesson;
- The man sits on a chair, trying to reach up with a gymnastic stick. Return to the starting position is performed on exhalation, while tilting the body forward. You can also perform side bends while holding the same gymnastic apparatus in your hands.
Diet for chest osteochondrosis
According to the expert, it is better for people suffering from this ailment to exclude fatty foods, smoked products, marinades and preservatives from the diet. You should also reduce the amount of salt, as it can cause severe swelling. In addition, the amount of fluid consumed should not be less than 2–2. 5 liters per day.
Surgical intervention
Depending on the clinical manifestations of thoracic osteochondrosis, specialists select the appropriate treatment. In advanced cases, surgical intervention is performed, within the framework of which:
- Excision of the intervertebral disc;
- Removal of a herniated disc;
- Surgical intervention for spinal stenosis;
- Disk replacement.
Traditional methods of treating thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine
As a rule, traditional medicine methods are considered relevant after the completion of the main therapy. In this case, herbal infusions and decoctions, compresses, various ointments and gels can be used. Basically, such funds are used to relieve painful manifestations of low intensity, which make themselves felt after physical exertion. The following recipes are most commonly used:
- Peel, grind and squeeze celery root juice. The resulting raw material is mixed with celery. The main purpose of this tool is to combat salt deposits in the spine;
- Dry sunflower roots are crushed and hot water is added to the mixture. Cook over low heat for about 15 minutes, then insist and filter. Take 3 times throughout the day.
Medicinal during pregnancy
It should be remembered that most anesthetics are not allowed during pregnancy. Neurologists recommend limiting the intake of gels, ointments and patches. Most often, if a pregnant woman is diagnosed with osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, treatment is reduced to performing physiotherapy exercises and massage, the positive effect of which is evidenced byresults of people. . .
Possible complications
If a patient is diagnosed with thoracic osteochondrosis, but he did not take timely measures, this can provoke malfunctions in the gastrointestinal tract, inflammation in the respiratory system, a violation of the heart rhythm, as well as a deterioration in reproductive function.
In case of significant compression of the nerve endings, they can make themselves felt:
- Pathological processes in the kidney area;
- Pain syndrome of a chronic nature;
- Deterioration of cardiac activity;
- Development of a herniated disc;
- A feeling of stiffness in the spine.
Preventive actions
To eliminate the likelihood of negative consequences against the background of chest osteochondrosis, any experienced doctor will advise you to adhere to the following prevention rules:
- Eliminate exposure to thermal irritants;
- Refuse to use tobacco products and take alcoholic beverages;
- Perform gymnastic exercises;
- Track your posture;
- Refuse smoked meats and spicy foods;
- Sleep on a comfortable bed;
- Eliminate increased physical activity;
- 1 time in 6 months to take drugs to restore cartilage tissue;
- Visit a specialist regularly to examine the condition of the spine.
With the timely detection of pathology and the implementation of effective therapeutic measures, the prognosis is positive.