Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

Doctors understand osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine as the corresponding degenerative-dystrophic processes in this area, which lead to pathological deformations of cartilage and bone tissue, the destruction of ligaments, joints and intervertebral discs.

Reasons for appearing

The thoracic spine is less mobile than the cervical and lumbar spine, therefore pathological processes in this area occur less noticeably, which is primarily due to the strong formation of the connections of the ribs, sternum and vertebrae.However, it is no less common than other forms of osteochondrosis.Most people who constantly sit at home or at work are prone to weakness of the spinal muscles, scoliosis, injuries to this area, poor posture and, as a result, thoracic osteochondrosis.

As mentioned above, the main cause of the disease is considered to be pathological deformations of the intervertebral discs and joints of the structure.The cartilage surfaces are destroyed, the intervertebral discs become thinner, osteophytes, protrusions, hernias are formed, the nucleus pulposus is significantly reduced and ultimately the radicular structures of the spinal nerves are damaged, compressive myelopathy and vascular myelosemia occur.

Symptoms and first signs of thoracic osteochondrosis

The signs of osteochondrosis are not as pronounced as other types of this disease and are regularly confused by unqualified doctors with the symptoms of other diseases.The above problem leads to the development of pain in the thoracic and interscapular areas, which significantly increases with movement and physical work.Pinched nerve fibers cause unpleasant irritating sensations in the heart and even the liver, and also lead to dysfunction of a number of other organs.

There are two types of pain associated with osteochondrosis of the thoracic region.

1. Dorsalgia is a long-lasting moderate pain syndrome in the affected area, accompanied by unpleasant sensations.
2. Dorsago - paroxysmal severe pain, intense and usually short-term.In this case, the patient may experience breathing and motor difficulties in the affected area.

Common symptoms

1. Painful sensations in the interscapular area.They are accompanied by a “shooting” of the intercostal nerves in the affected area and corresponding neuralgia.
2. Pain syndrome in the left side of the chest, similar to ischemia.
3. Belt pain in the chest, which increases significantly with high physical activity.
4. Restricted breast activity/mobility.This symptom, characteristic of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, is often confused with manifestations of scoliotic deformity, as well as ankylosing spondylitis/Forestier/Scheerman-Mao disease.
5. “Reducing” pain in the gastrointestinal tract, heart and liver.
6. Sexual dysfunction.
7. Partial numbness in the chest.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is treated exclusively with complex long-term therapy, which includes sets of exercises, various physical and manual procedures, and medications.

How to treat?

The treatment process consists of several phases.The very first thing is to eliminate the pain symptoms.In addition, restorative and preventive therapy is used, which includes a range of techniques and approaches - from acupuncture to physiotherapy.The final stage is maintenance therapy.The duration of treatment of the disease varies greatly and depends on both the medical techniques used and the current condition of the patient, as well as the stage of osteochondrosis itself.

Popular drugs for thoracic osteochondrosis

1. Painkillers.NSAIDs and analgesics based on various combinations.
2. Hodroprotectors.Necessary to catalyze the process of repairing damaged cartilage.
3. Vitamins.Most often, complete vitamin complexes or preparations with B group elements are prescribed.
4. External funds.Creams or ointments based on glucocorticosteroids.In addition, local active ingredients are used to relieve inflammation in the affected area and relieve the symptoms of the disease.
5. Injections and injections.Most often they are performed in the hospital and are complexes of a paravartebral block with a long-acting anesthetic.In addition, such drugs improve blood circulation and also promote the restoration of cartilage tissue.

massage

Massage not only reduces the severity of the symptoms of the disease, but also helps in recovery, which leads to positive effects of other elements of complex therapy.The prescription is made individually depending on the clinical picture of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, the presence of chronic diseases and contraindications.

Manual therapy relieves pain syndromes of various genesis, prevents atrophy of the spine, normalizes blood circulation and nutrition of the intervertebral discs, relaxes static muscles in the affected area and triggers the natural processes of cartilage tissue regeneration.

The main types of massage for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine:

1. spot.
2. Medical.
3. Hardware preserved.
4. Reflexpriosteal.
5. Connective tissue.

Gymnastics and exercise therapy

Therapeutic physical training and gymnastic exercises are one of the most important steps in the restoration of the spine after osteochondrosis.Of course, it should be prescribed by a purely professional doctor, taking into account the stage of the disease and the patient's condition.

The basic task of movement therapy/gymnastics is the systematic building of cartilage and the strengthening of the spinal muscles.With an appropriate diagnosis, the author's set of exercises is often prescribed: the system includes both general strengthening procedures and methods with a direct effect on the most problematic area, as well as indicator exercises that make it easy to track the effectiveness of treatment.

In private practice, variable exercise sets with different methods and special equipment are also used.Treatment steps in this case:

1. Relieves cramps and combats sensations.
2. Therapeutic loading of the short back muscles.
3. Normalization of blood circulation in the intervertebral discs.
4. Restoration of the basic structure of the spine.

Physiotherapy and alternative therapy

This method of treating osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine may include hardware and alternative therapy, as well as various physical interventions.The most famous and popular methods:

1. Electrophoresis.A well-known non-surgical method of influencing the spine, which has been used since the 70s of the last century.
2. Direct stretching.This method is a relatively safe and effective method of straightening the spine, provided, of course, that it is carried out by a qualified specialist.It is carried out on a massage traction table.
3. Vacuum therapy.A kind of active influence on the affected area using vacuum cans.
4. Acupuncture.Classic acupuncture is performed with special thin needles that penetrate the epithelium to a certain depth at acupuncture points on the back.
5. Laser puncture.An activity similar to acupuncture, but carried out using a laser beam.
6. Magnetopuncture.Impact on problem areas with an alternating magnetic field.
7. Osteopathy.A complex method that includes elements of massage, chiropractic and orthopedic techniques.
8. Electrical stimulation.Using electric current to normalize the function of the spine.
9. Shock wave therapy.The technique is based on the use of acoustic infrasound waves in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.
10. Decompression of the tractor.Automated analogue of direct stretching.

Prevention

The rules for preventing this disease are simple and clear:

1. Regular exercise under the supervision of an orthopedist.
2. Normalization of weight.
3. Consuming foods and medications rich in magnesium and calcium.
4. Correct posture when working while sitting.
5. Give up bad habits.

Question – answer

What pain occurs with osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine?

With such osteochondrosis, patients experience two types of pain syndromes.

1. Dorsago is a severe short-term pain of high intensity, which regularly manifests itself against the background of reduced motor activity in the affected area and difficulty breathing.
2. Dorsalgia is a long-term background pain of moderate or low intensity that increases with physical activity.

Localization of the above pain sensations:

1. Interscapular region.
2. Pain in the pectoral girdle with partial numbness.
3. Painful “stinging” in the left upper chest, similar to ischemia.
4. Refers to pain in the liver, heart and gastrointestinal tract.

Is gymnastics useful for thoracic osteochondrosis?

Gymnastics and exercise therapy are one of the main elements of complex therapy of the disease.With its help, you can strengthen your back muscles, improve blood microcirculation and develop cartilage/intervertebral discs.Of course, the gymnast itself, as an independent form of therapy, does not help get rid of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine: to consolidate the positive effect, it is necessary to take appropriate medications and regularly participate in physical procedures.