Why does thoracic osteochondrosis appear and how to treat it?

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is an inflammatory disease that is accompanied by the development of pathological processes in the intervertebral discs. Complications of the disease include the appearance of protrusions and degenerative changes in adjacent tissues. Osteochondrosis is difficult to identify due to "masking" symptoms such as gastritis, heart disease or gastric ulcer.

Characteristics of the disease

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is a complex of disorders of the intervertebral discs. They gradually shrink and lose their properties. This leads to pinched nerves.

According to ICD-10, this disease belongs to the group "Dorsopathy" under the code M-42, localization.

At an early stage of the disease, examination and treatment may be prescribed by a local doctor. If the disease is advanced, the patient is referred to a highly qualified specialist (neurologist). Often, a professional massage therapist relieves the patient of the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis. In case of complications, one cannot do without the help of a surgeon.

Causes

Most often, the pathology manifests itself in older people. But in recent years, osteochondrosis of the thoracic region more often affects young patients.

The development of the disease is provoked by various reasons:

• excessive physical activity;
• work involving heavy lifting;
• prolonged forced uncomfortable positions;
• congenital curvature of the spine and acquired postural disorders;
• incorrect diet;
• Overweight;
• age-related changes;
• metabolic problems.

Other factors contributing to the development of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region include chronic diseases and hereditary factors. To avoid pathology and possible complications, you need to get rid of the cause. Experts say that this problem is in most cases the result of an unhealthy lifestyle.

Degrees and symptoms

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is characterized by special symptoms. The patient suffers from muscle spasms and intercostal neuralgia. The pain may be localized to one area of the chest and then quickly spread throughout the chest. Because of this, a person has difficulty breathing, he has to sit or lie down only in a certain position.

The pain increases when you turn your head, move your neck, raise your arms and bend over. Any movement of the neck causes discomfort (especially at night). Painful contraction of the muscles of the shoulder girdle and lower back is possible.

Taking into account the level of deformation of the intervertebral discs, the following degrees of development are distinguished:

• First degree

  Initially, the elasticity (firmness) of the discs and their height decrease. Possible manifestation of protrusion (bulging) of the annulus fibrosus (hard shell for the semi-liquid core). The cartilaginous tissue of the vertebra becomes denser. Pain in the form of "lumbago" is likely with sudden movements or after being in the same position for a long time.

  Dorsago- a characteristic symptom at this stage. Expressed by sharp, sudden pain in the chest. It often appears when a person gets up (difficulty breathing).

  Back pain- mild, diffuse pain. Appears gradually and usually lasts 2 to 3 weeks. This can become worse during sudden turns or after physical exertion. Back pain is accompanied by muscle tension and limited movement. The pain subsides after a short walk.

  Also at this stage, neurological symptoms are identified:

  1. tingling sensation on the surface of the legs, abdomen and chest;
  2. numbness or tingling of certain areas of the skin;
  3. dysfunctions of the gastrointestinal tract.

• Second degree

  There is a further reduction in the height and elasticity of the intervertebral discs. The thoracic spine becomes unstable, cracks appear in the annulus fibrosus.

  Painful sensations:

  1. in the chest after overwork or during physical exertion;
  2. in the upper back;
  3. raising your arms;
  4. during breathing (inhalation and exhalation).

  Phantom pain in the heart region and intestinal dysfunction are also possible.

• Third degree

  The formation of an intervertebral hernia continues. Pain is felt in the abdomen and back, intercostal neuralgia (may intensify with inhalation, sudden movements and coughing).

  One of the symptoms of osteochondrosis is cough. The overall mobility of the spine decreases, the diaphragm is pinched and a lack of air is felt. A severe dry cough is especially dangerous because the vertebral artery is located in the neck. If compressed, there is a risk of ischemia and stroke.

• Fourth degree

  At the fourth stage, the intervertebral discs stop functioning as shock absorbers. The spine loses its mobility. Possible pinching of blood vessels and nerves. Bone tissue is likely to be destroyed.

Diagnostic

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is difficult to diagnose, as it has "camouflage" (similar) symptoms to other diseases.

To make an accurate diagnosis, you need to carry out a number of studies:

• Ultrasound;
• Radiography;
• MRI;
• blood test.

Traditional treatment

To eliminate pain and inflammation in the chest, drug treatment is used. To relieve pain during an exacerbation, injections are given into a vein or intramuscularly. Treatment of osteochondrosis is carried out using drugs containing an enzyme of plant origin - papain. This substance helps to improve the structure of cartilage tissue.

1. Chondroprotectors. This is a group of drugs used to restore joint cartilage. The basis of most products are active substances - glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.
2. Antispasmodics and muscle relaxants.Medicines that weaken muscle tone. By acting on the receptors in this way, they relieve unhealthy muscular tensions, leading to pain and spasms.
3. Painkillers.Reduces symptoms of the disease - inflammation and pain. The principle of action of these drugs is to block the synthesis of certain enzymes.
4. Vitamin therapy.Most often, vitamins A, B, D, C, E are prescribed, which restore cartilage tissue, strengthen the immune system and have an anti-inflammatory effect.
5. Massage. Patients with this disease must undergo a course of restorative massage at least 2 times a year. During an exacerbation of the disease, the procedure is usually not performed. This procedure improves blood circulation, relieves fatigue and muscle pain, and strengthens muscle tone. The session lasts a quarter of an hour, the duration of the course is from 11 to 16 procedures.
6. Reflexology.Special techniques work on acupuncture points. In combination with other methods, the method is effective.
7. Exercise therapy.The disease is characterized by an underdeveloped muscular corset and joint stiffness. A specially selected set of exercises (physiotherapy) will help eliminate these manifestations. The first classes should be conducted under the supervision of an experienced instructor, then gymnastics is performed independently. Regular training is of great importance.

Home treatment

Home methods are used only as an additional means to the main conservative therapy:

• Nutrition

  To improve the condition, you need to eat right: 6-7 meals a day, reducing the amount of salt consumed, introducing vegetables and fruits, natural chondroprotectors (jelly, jellied meat) into the diet. In addition, it is important to lead an active lifestyle, avoiding any type of overload.

• Berry tea

  Thoracic osteochondrosis can be reduced by systematically drinking berry tea, as well as tea with wild strawberry leaves. Place a tablespoon of the plant in a glass, add hot water and let it infuse. It is recommended to drink at least two glasses of this drink per day (after meals).

• Potatoes and honey

  Grated potatoes mixed with liquid honey can relieve pain and relieve inflammation. The composition is applied to the painful part for 30 minutes.

Control your weight, increase your body's defenses and include plenty of plant foods in your diet. If the presented recommendations are followed, the therapeutic effect occurs faster, the risk of complications and remissions decreases.