Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

Thoracic osteochondrosis is a degenerative disease of the thoracic spine. First of all, the disease affects the intervertebral discs, which causes back pain and unpleasant symptoms. Premature "aging" of the cartilage tissue of the disc is also specific for the disease.

Osteochondrosis can be diagnosed both at the age of 20 and in middle-aged patients.

The disease is less common than other forms of osteochondrosis - cervical and lumbar. This is explained by the less mobility of the chest region, as well as by the muscular corset and protection of the ribs.

There are 12 vertebrae in the chest - from T1 to T12. Most often the lowest vertebrae are affected - T10, T11, T12.

Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis

Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine include:

• Chest pain
• Labored breathing
• Intensification of pain during deep breathing
• increased fatigue
• Unsteady gait
• A feeling of tightness in the chest
• Slouch
• the appearance of shortness of breath
• Ivy legs
• Pain in esophagus
• Cough

Pain due to thoracic osteochondrosis is divided into dorsago or dorsalgia depending on its characteristics.

Dorsago - sharp pain in the chest. This happens when you stay in one position for a long time. Pain can make breathing difficult.

Dorsalgia is a moderate pain in the area of the damaged discs. Pain intensifies during deep breathing. Unpleasant sensations begin gradually.

Causes of the development of thoracic osteochondrosis

The reasons for the occurrence and development of thoracic osteochondrosis are often related to the patient's lifestyle and uneven load on the spine. For example, people who spend a lot of time sitting are at risk: remote or office work at a computer, frequent driving.

A sedentary lifestyle disrupts the blood circulation and lymphatic systems, and insufficient exercise weakens muscle tissue. At the same time, the load on the spine increases in the sitting position.

The occurrence of osteochondrosis of the chest can also be influenced by previous spinal injuries, excess weight and weakened immunity.

Osteochondrosis can also develop in women who often wear high-heeled shoes or who are pregnant.

Chest osteochondrosis can be aggravated by an uncomfortable sleeping position, smoking, poor quality massage or hypothermia.

Complications

Degenerative processes of the thoracic spine can lead to the development of the following pathologies:

• Spinal cord compression is a compression of the spinal cord that causes loss of sensation in the abdomen, back, and chest.
• Kyphosis is a curvature of the spine.
• Vertebral protrusion and herniation is a protrusion of the center of the intervertebral disc that affects the functioning of the pancreas and intestines.
• Intercostal neuralgia - acute pain in the intercostal space.

The organs that can be affected by the complication depend on the affected vertebra.

Degree of development of thoracic osteochondrosis

• I degree - there is a mild pain, which quickly passes in a comfortable state. Moisture in the intervertebral disc is lost and the nucleus pulposus moves slightly. This stage is not always paid attention to, because the pain does not cause severe discomfort and passes quickly.
• II degree - cracks appear on the intervertebral disc, keeping the spine in a stable position causes spasm, pain in the back and chest. The disc begins to lose elasticity and its height begins to decrease. The muscles of the injured area are constantly tensed.
• Grade III - protrusion of the central part of the intervertebral disc - the nucleus pulposus. Because of this, an intervertebral hernia occurs. The pain becomes constant and the cartilage begins to thin.
• IV degree - fibrous ring tissue is replaced by bone. Bone tissue begins to break down.

Diagnosis of thoracic osteochondrosis

If you suspect osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, you should make an appointment with a therapist or neurologist. During the examination, the patient talks about his complaints, and the doctor conducts a physical examination. During the examination, attention is paid to the relationship between the levels of the shoulder and pelvic girdle, posture, the shape of the chest and the state of the musculoskeletal system.

The doctor will then make a referral for a diagnostic test. From examinations, the patient may be prescribed:

• X-ray - taking an X-ray of the problem areas of the spine, which shows changes in the discs.
• CT scan - allows you to assess the condition of the injury site and check the condition of the discs.
• ECG - recommended in case of suspected cardiovascular diseases.

How to treat thoracic osteochondrosis

Conservative methods are used to treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. They aim to eliminate pain, relieve spasms and normalize blood circulation. They include:

• Massage
• Physiotherapy
• Physiotherapy
• Taking vitamins and medicines

Massage during thoracic osteochondrosis

Cervical massage will help relieve pain and inflammation, as well as strengthen the muscles that keep the vertebrae in a stable position.

The following massage techniques are used during the session: compression, compression, kneading, rubbing and vibration. In osteochondrosis, the direction of impact depends on the location of the damage. The massage must be performed by a specialist who will make the procedure really effective. To achieve better results, you can use special oils during massage.

However, before attending a massage course, you should make sure that it is not contraindicated for the patient. For this you should consult a doctor. The list of contraindications includes cardiovascular pathologies, increased body temperature, tuberculosis and skin diseases.

Physiotherapy

Gymnastics for thoracic osteochondrosis consists of a set of exercises to strengthen the back muscles and create a strong muscle corset. At the initial stage, exercise can help you avoid taking medication.

What is the effect of exercise therapy on thoracic osteochondrosis?

• Deep breathing becomes correct
• Correct posture is established
• Reduces the load on the spine
• The deep muscles of the back become less dense
• Increases chest mobility

Exercises during osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

Before starting gymnastics, you need to warm up. It can warm up and prepare the muscles for physical activity. You can use limb swings, torso, neck, and pelvic twists and turns to warm up.

Here are some exercises that are suitable for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis:

• "Boat" - you need to lie on your stomach, stretch your arms above your head and keep your legs straight. In this pose, you need to bend your chest - smoothly and simultaneously raise your arms and legs.
• Shoulder Raises - While standing with your arms relaxed along your body, you should raise each shoulder alternately.
• Bent on the bench - you need to sit on the bench so that your back is tightly pressed against the back. He should lower his hands. In this position, while inhaling, you need to put your hands behind your back and bend back. While exhaling, you should lean forward. You can also bend to the side.
• Back arch - standing on all fours, you need to arch your back and hold it for a few seconds. Then you need to return to the starting position. It is recommended to perform the exercise on a special mat.

Exercises should be done regularly for several months. Therapeutic exercises should not last more than 30 minutes and should be done in comfortable shoes and clothes. If acute pain occurs, you should stop exercising.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is suitable for complex treatment. It can be used as an additional or independent therapy. In the case of thoracic osteochondrosis, the doctor may prescribe the following procedures:

• Magnetotherapy is the effect of a magnetic field on the damaged area, which allows you to normalize blood circulation, restore damaged tissue and improve mobility in the lumbar region.
• Laser therapy is the effect of laser rays on the affected area. Helps improve immunity, provides pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects. There is no pain during the procedure.
• Shock wave therapy is exposure to infrasonic acoustic waves. They promote resorption of bone formations, stimulate collagen production and improve blood circulation.
• Therapeutic electrophoresis is an effective technique for eliminating pain and improving the nutrition of affected tissues. Electrodes and pads containing medicinal substances are fixed on the patient's skin.

All these procedures will help to relieve the unpleasant sensations of the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis.

Medical treatment of osteochondrosis

With drug treatment, the patient is often prescribed a complex of drugs. The doctor determines the duration of the course and the list of specific medications depending on the clinical manifestations of osteochondrosis. The list of drugs may include, for example, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, vitamins, as well as special ointments or gels.

Nutrition during thoracic osteochondrosis

As an additional treatment measure, the patient can be prescribed a diet "Table No. 15". The diet does not require giving up popular foods, but its feature is a diet with a high content of vitamins.

As part of the diet, you can eat:

• Პuri
• milk
• soups
• Lean meat - it is advisable to eat it every day
• The recipe
• Vegetables - both fresh and in salad or cooked
• eggs
• fresh fruit
• Fresh berries
• Many kinds of sweets
• butter and vegetable oils

Allowed drinks include weak coffee, tea, juices and kvass.

What not to eat:

• Layered pastry cakes
• Dishes with fatty meat or fish
• chocolate products

As for drinks, it is not recommended to drink strong coffee, strong tea or alcoholic beverages.

Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis

Recommended preventive measures include:

• Swimming or other water sports
• Regular warming up while working for a long time at the computer
• Maintaining the posture while sitting - the back should be straight and the shoulders should be aligned
• Prevention of spinal hypothermia
• Regular exercise therapy

In addition, attention should be paid to the choice of beds. An ill-fitting mattress and pillow can prevent your back and neck from relaxing while you sleep. For this reason, it is recommended to purchase special orthopedic accessories for a comfortable stay during osteochondrosis.