Thoracic osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine, in which the position of the vertebrae becomes unnatural, the intervertebral disc degenerates, as a result of which its height decreases. Osteochondrosis in the thoracic region is not as common as in the neck or lower back. It has to do with anatomy. In the central part, the spine is stable and durable, moreover, it is less subject to stress, less mobile, there are fewer conditions for trauma to the vertebral discs.
The risk group for this disease includes older people and those who lead a sedentary lifestyle. However, the pathology is increasingly diagnosed in adolescents, and by the age of 30-35 the number of cases increases significantly.
Classification of thoracic osteochondrosis
The disease is classified according to the syndromic principle. Affected areas of the spine adversely affect nerve formations.
By localization, such forms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are distinguished:
- compression syndrome (development is associated with tension, deformation or compression of the nerve root; areas of the spinal cord or blood vessels may be involved; as a result, spinal, vascular or root syndromes appear);
- reflex syndrome (the effect occurs reflexively, straining the innervated muscles; dystrophic and vascular disorders occur);
- myadactive syndrome (muscle damage in the thoracic segment due to constant overload).
Etiology of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
The causes of thoracic osteochondrosis are a consequence of poor physical activity, back injuries, heavy physical exertion, metabolic disorders, overweight, poor immunity, frequent colds, infections, smoking, stress. In women, among other things, the development of the disease can be triggered by walking in high heels and carrying a baby in her arms.
Also, the causes of breast osteochondrosis are:
- poorly distributed load on the intervertebral discs;
- degenerative changes in the tissues of the intervertebral disc;
- lack of minimal physical activity;
- scoliosis;
- permanent abnormal position of the spine in a sitting position.
Pathogenesis of the disease
Slight discomfort, muscle tension, and "tolerable" pain when inhaling and bending are the first signs of thoracic osteochondrosis. A person usually seeks a doctor when the pain becomes acute and does not allow him to live a normal life. Therapy for thoracic osteochondrosis is long-term, requiring constant attention. Left untreated, the dystrophic changes lead to limited mobility and even disability of the patient.
Clinical manifestations of osteochondrosis
Symptoms of breast osteochondrosis have different manifestations, depending on the localization of the process. In addition, the disease skillfully "adapts" to other problems.
The most typical symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- pain in the interscapular region;
- chest discomfort;
- headache and heartache;
- pain when bending over;
- movement restriction;
- tingling sensation in the neck, abdomen, chest and arms;
- dizziness, tinnitus, flashes of flies before the eyes;
- pain sensations that increase with inhalation.
Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are compounded by decreased sensitivity, impaired motor function and muscle atrophy as the disease progresses.
Features of the course of breast osteochondrosis during pregnancy
The development of pain during pregnancy is associated with weight gain. At the same time, shifting the center of gravity changes posture. Low physical activity in combination with a sedentary lifestyle causes disruption of the elasticity of the discs. The increased pressure on the thoracic region leads to pain. During pregnancy, osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is mainly treated without the use of specialized drugs, as they can harm the health of the fetus. Therefore, Kuznetsov's special applicators, massages and exercises are used.
Features of the disease in children
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can occur from 8 to 17 years. An unprepared spine undergoes pathological changes under heavy loads. After the correct diagnosis, treatment is started. As a rule, in this period, an initiated timely treatment process leads to excellent results. It is necessary to strengthen the muscles, improve the condition of the cartilage and perform physiotherapy.
Complications of pathology
Most patients with thoracic osteochondrosis try to postpone treatment, which, in turn, leads to significant complications.
Consequences of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- Formation of an intervertebral hernia
- Spinal cord injury
- The appearance of hypertension
- The risk of stroke and heart attack
Diagnostics
Diagnosis for thoracic osteochondrosis, including differential, includes:
- digital radiography;
- electrocardiogram;
- Ultrasound of the heart, kidneys and abdominal organs;
- CT.
The doctor will determine the exact image on the x-ray, where he will see the growth of the vertebral body and the displacement of the discs. Thoracic osteochondrosis, characterized by symptoms similar to other diseases, requires differential diagnosis with spinal injuries, tumors and neoplasms of the spine, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, coxarthrosis and a number of other conditions.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis involves the use of complex therapy, the purpose of which is to stop and prevent further destruction of the discs or restore their structure, improve the biomechanics of the spine and eliminate central nervous system disorders.
The first thing to start with treatment is to relieve pain and inflammation through drug therapy.
The patient is recommended drugs of the following groups:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- glucocorticosteroids;
- diuretics;
- chondroprotector.
When the pain subsides, they move on to the next stage of thoracic osteochondrosis treatment. A course of therapeutic massage, acupuncture, physiotherapy exercises are prescribed. In addition, physiotherapy is very effective. If indicated, manual therapy may be recommended.
Control of healing
Convalescence is taken care of by the family doctor or by the specialist who observed the patient during the course of the illness. The absence of relapses during the year indicates the normalization of the function of the musculoskeletal system.
Prophylaxis
Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis requires the following rules:
- posture control;
- occupational hygiene (control of the position of the hands, the presence of a chair with a high and flat back);
- breaks every 2 hours for specific exercises;
- sleeping on a hard surface;
- absence of irregular physical activity (including carrying heavy loads);
- wearing a backpack instead of a shoulder bag;
- regular physical therapy classes.
Tips and tricks
Thoracic osteochondrosis requires long-term rehabilitation. Moderate physical activity is recommended to strengthen the back muscles and reduce stress on the spine. In addition, physical therapy gradually eliminates pain.
In addition, with physical therapy and sports, the following activities are performed:
- decompression of the nerve endings of the spine;
- develop a stereotype of correct posture;
- give elasticity to the spine;
- improvement of blood circulation;
- normalization of intervertebral disc metabolism.
The article is for informational purposes only. Remember: self-medication can be harmful to health.