Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a rather rare pathology and belongs to the most complex forms of this disease. This department is very rarely destroyed.
All vertebrae are very securely fixed and protected by muscles, which significantly limits the movement between them. The ribs give additional strength to the vertebrae.
There are several reasons for the formation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, and there are also severe symptoms. It is very important to recognize the course of the disease in a timely manner and carry out complex treatment in order to prevent the development of complications.
Features of the disease
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a process of disruption and changes in 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 performed in time, then such a pathology will affect not only these structures, but also intervertebral joints, discs,bundles.
Damaged areas of the spine are restored only by surgery, and there is no certainty that this is permanent. Osteochondrosis is often accompanied by other diseases, in particular, such as:
- pneumosclerosis;
- constriction of blood vessels;
- infertility;
- prostatitis;
- malignant neoplasms.
Besides this, the rapid progression of the disease leads to the difficulty of movement, which means that there is no opportunity 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.
Equally common in women and men. The discs of 12 vertebrae are most susceptible to damage. 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 can the disease be completely eliminated.
Degrees of development
Symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can be very different, it all depends onthe causes that provoked the development of the lesion, as well as the degree of the course of the disease. During the course of the first stage, the fibrous ring begins to crack a little from the inside. At this stage, the patient begins to feel a slight pain in the affected area. It is worth noting that pain can be intermittent or constant. In addition, there is pain in the region of the heart, as well as convulsive muscle contractions.
In 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 thoracic region. 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 signs appear much more clearly. At this stage, the formation of a vertebral hernia occurs. The spinal column may move uncharacteristically. As a result, disorders such as kyphosis or scoliosis occur. Fixation of the vertebrae at this stage of the course of the disease is insufficient. In addition, intense pain is observed, 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 is not always helpful.
At the first symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic regionof the 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 cervicothoracic spine, you need to understand exactly why 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 intervertebral discs;
- destruction of cartilage.
Also, pathology can develop due to weight lifting, lack of calcium in the body, insufficient physical activity. Previous injuries 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 occurrence of severe painful sensations that are almost impossible to eliminate with medications.
Main symptoms
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can be very different and they manifest themselves quite clearly. Among them are the following:
- severe pain in the sternum;
- squeezing sensation in the back orchest;
- it is quite difficult for a person to turn to the side;
- feeling of numbness in some parts of the body;
- abnormal drop in temperature;
- chill;
- changes in the cardiovascular system.
Symptoms of the cervical and thoracic spine largely depend on the degree of the course and the development of the pathology. It should be noted that the course of the disease can be complicated by the fact that there is a violation of the functioning of other organs and systems. That is why, such symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine as:
- itchy feeling in limbs;
- neuralgia;
- nausea and heartburn;
- peeling of the skin;
- congestive processes in the lungs, lack of oxygen.
This disease is characterized by prolonged or paroxysmal pain. During the course of the period of exacerbation, all the signs are expressed much more clearly. During this period, a significant load falls on the intervertebral discs. Often the patient is treated in a hospital.
Diagnostics
If symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine occur, treatment should be started immediately after a comprehensive diagnosis. Examination of the patient includes such manipulations as:
- visual inspection;
- blood and urine test;
- radiography;
- discography;
- tomography;
- electrocardiography;
- evaluationconduction disorders of nerve endings.
When the 2-3 degree of the course of the disease occurs, the deformation of the skeleton is already noticeable, which is why violations can be visually determined. The doctor should additionally take a thorough medical history of the patient.
X-ray 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 adequate treatment. Since the symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can vary significantly, a comprehensive consultation of other specialists may be required.
Features of treatment
In the course of 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 nonsteroidal drugs, and also take painkillers. In addition, compresses and warming ointments are prescribed.
Many do not immediately notice the first symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervicothoracic spine, treatment begins at later stages of the course of the disease. With the elimination of acute symptoms, manual therapy is necessarily indicated. In the stage of remission, a good result is provided by special therapeutic exercises. In addition, a course of procedures such as electrophoresis, massage and manual therapy is prescribed.
Medicated treatment
How to treat osteochondrosisof 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 means are assigned as:
- glucocorticosteroids;
- chondroprotectors;
- antispasmodics;
- anesthetic blockades;
- 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, the use of chondroprotectors is required, in particular, such as Alflutol, Glucosamine, Chondroxide.
Shows the use of the drug "Papain", designed to retain fluid inside the intervertebral disc. Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine must necessarily be complex and the duration of therapy largely depends on the characteristics and severity of the course of the pathology, as well as age-related changes.
Manual Therapy
Since the disease provokes the occurrence of muscle spasm, it is imperative to know how to treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine using manual therapy methods. It is recommended to carry out its courses, which are held 2once a year. If there is an exacerbation of the disease, then the massage should be performed lightly and very carefully.
Manual therapy makes it possible to get rid of stiffness, overstrain of muscle fibers, as well as pain. Massage techniques contribute to the normalization of blood circulation and metabolism, and also strengthens muscles. A session is held on a special equipped table by a person with 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 area.
Therapeutic exercise
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 help to improve the 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 establishing proper breathing. It is worth remembering that exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine will be effective only after the elimination of all the causes that provoked the disease. All exercises must be performed under the supervision of an experienced rehabilitation specialist.
Classes must be regular. It is not necessary to carry out exercises for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.only for the treatment of pathology, but also as a preventive measure. It is worth noting that it is impossible to immediately start training, initially a light warm-up is carried out, which makes it possible for 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 when sick
When the disease occurs, you need to organize proper nutrition. It is advisable to eat 5-6 times a day in small portions. In the daily diet, there must be dishes that contain natural gelatin. In addition, it is important to consume as many protein foods, fresh fruits and vegetables as possible.
All products must be boiled or steamed. With osteochondrosis, calcium and magnesium are required, therefore, you need to include foods containing this trace element in your 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 thoracic region;
- spinal cord compression;
- problems with internal organs;
- intercostal neuralgia.
Sometimes the consequences of osteochondrosis can be more serious, as it can provoke a serious violation of the functioning of the cardiovascular system, as well as the lungs.
Prophylaxis
It is very important to prevent the occurrence of the disease. ATas a preventive measure, a small warm-up should be carried out periodically. In addition, you need to avoid hypothermia and keep your back warm.
Don't stay in one position for a long time, especially if it is uncomfortable, and it is strictly forbidden to lift heavy objects.
