Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

Thoracic osteochondrosis is a degenerative disease of the thoracic spine. First of all, this disease affects the intervertebral disc, which leads to back pain and unpleasant symptoms. Also specific to this disease is the premature "aging" of disc cartilage tissue.

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

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

There are 12 vertebrae in the thoracic region - 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 ache
• Breathing difficulties
• Increases pain when breathing deeply
• Increased fatigue
• An erratic gait
• Tightness in the chest
• Slouch
• Shortness of breath
• Cold feet
• Pain in the esophagus
• cough

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

Dorsago - sharp pain in the chest area. It happens when being in one position for a long time. Pain can make breathing difficult.

Dorsalgia is moderate pain in the area of the affected disc. When breathing deeply, the pain increases. Unpleasant sensations begin gradually.

Causes of the development of thoracic osteochondrosis

The causes of the occurrence and development of thoracic osteochondrosis are often associated with the patient's lifestyle and uneven load on the spine. For example, people who spend a long time in a sitting position are at risk: remote work or office in front of the computer, frequent driving.

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

The occurrence of thoracic osteochondrosis can also be influenced by previous spinal injuries, overweight and weak immunity.

Osteochondrosis can also develop in women who often wear high heels or who are pregnant.

Exacerbation of thoracic osteochondrosis is possible with an uncomfortable sleeping position, smoking, attending a poor-quality massage, or hypothermia.

Complications

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

• Spinal cord compression is compression of the spinal cord, which leads to decreased sensation in the abdomen, back and chest.
• Kyphosis is a curvature of the spine.
• Spinal protrusion and hernia is the central protrusion of the intervertebral disc, which affects the function of the pancreas and intestines.
• Intercostal neuralgia - acute pain in the intercostal space.

The organs that may be affected by complications depend on the affected vertebra.

Stages of development of thoracic osteochondrosis

• I degree - mild pain appears, which quickly passes in a comfortable position. Moisture is lost in the intervertebral disc, and the nucleus pulposus moves slightly. This stage is not always noticed, because the pain does not cause severe discomfort and passes quickly.
• Degree II - a crack appears on the intervertebral disc, keeping the spine in a stable position leads to spasms, pain in the back and chest. The disc begins to lose its elasticity, and its height begins to decrease. The muscles in the affected area become constantly tense.
• Stage III - protrusion of the middle part of the intervertebral disc - nucleus pulposus - occurs. Because of this, intervertebral hernia occurs. The pain became constant, and the cartilage began 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 must 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 shoulder level and pelvic girdle, posture, chest shape, and the condition of the muscular system.

After this, the doctor issues a referral for diagnostic tests. From the study, the patient can be prescribed:

• X-ray - X-ray is taken of the problem area of the spine, which shows changes in the disc.
• CT scan – allows you to assess the condition of the lesion site and check the condition of the disc.
• ECG – recommended if cardiovascular disease is suspected.

How to treat thoracic osteochondrosis

To treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, conservative methods are used. They aim to eliminate pain, relieve spasms and normalize blood circulation. This includes:

• massage
• Physiotherapy
• Physiotherapy
• Taking vitamins and medicines

Massage for thoracic osteochondrosis

Massaging the cervicothoracic area will help relieve pain and inflammation, as well as strengthen the muscles that keep the vertebrae in a stable state.

During the session, the following massage techniques are used: stroking, squeezing, kneading, rubbing and vibration. The direction of the effect in osteochondrosis depends on the location of the lesion. Massage must be done by a specialist who will make the procedure really effective. For better results, special oils can be used during the massage.

However, before attending a massage course, you need to make sure that it is not contraindicated for the patient. To do this, you need to consult with your doctor. The list of contraindications includes cardiovascular pathology, high body temperature, tuberculosis and skin diseases.

Physiotherapy

Gymnastics for thoracic osteochondrosis consists of a set of exercises to strengthen the muscles of the spine and form a strong muscle corset. In the early stages, gymnastics will help you avoid taking medication.

What is the effect of exercise therapy on thoracic osteochondrosis?

• Deep breathing becomes correct
• Correct posture is formed
• Reduces the load on the spine
• The deep back muscles become less stiff
• Increases thoracic mobility

Exercises for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

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

Here are some exercises 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 position, you need to bend your chest - smoothly and simultaneously raise your arms and legs.
• Shrugs - While standing and with your arms relaxed along your body, you should lift each shoulder in turn.
• Bend over the chair - you need to sit on the chair so that your back is pressed tightly against the back. Hands should be lowered. In this position, while inhaling, you need to put your hands behind your back and bend back. As you exhale, you need to bend forward. You can also bend to the side.
• Back arch – standing on all fours, you need to arch your back and maintain this position for a few seconds. Then you need to return to the starting position. It is recommended to do the exercise on a special mat.

Exercise should be done regularly for several months. Therapeutic gymnastics should not last more than 30 minutes, and it 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. For thoracic osteochondrosis, the doctor can prescribe the following procedures:

• Magnetotherapy is the effect of a magnetic field on the affected area, which allows you to normalize blood circulation, restore the affected tissue and increase the mobility of the lumbar area.
• Laser therapy is the effect of a laser beam on the affected area. Helps improve immunity, provides analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. There is no pain during the procedure.
• Shock wave therapy is exposure to infrasonic acoustic waves. They promote the absorption of bone growth, stimulate collagen production, and improve blood circulation.
• Drug electrophoresis is an effective technique to eliminate pain and improve the nutrition of affected tissues. Electrodes and pads containing medicinal substances are attached to the patient's skin.

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

Drug treatment of osteochondrosis

With drug treatment, patients are often given complex drugs. The doctor determines the duration of the course and the list of certain drugs 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 for thoracic osteochondrosis

As an additional treatment measure, the patient can be prescribed a "Table No. 15" diet. The diet does not require abandoning most popular foods, but the peculiarity is in a diet with a high vitamin content.

As part of the diet you can eat:

• bread
• milk
• soup
• Lean meat - it is advised to eat it every day
• Pasta
• Vegetables – fresh and in salads or cooked
• Eggs
• Fresh fruits
• Fresh berries
• Many types of sweets
• Butter and vegetable oil

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

What not to eat:

• Puff pastry pastry
• 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
• Normal heating when working at the computer for a long time
• Maintain posture in a sitting position - back should be straight and shoulders straightened
• Avoid hypothermia of the back
• Regular exercise therapy

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