A sedentary lifestyle, injuries or excessive physical activity cause musculoskeletal disorders. To avoid complications, it is important to start treatment early. To do this, you need to know the causes and symptoms of the pathology.
Description of the disease, what is its danger?
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a chronic disease in which dystrophic changes begin in the cartilage in the intervertebral space. The pathology is manifested by a decrease in the height of the intervertebral discs and compression of the intercostal nerve endings.
Thoracic osteochondrosis goes through several stages.
The first is characterized by drying out of the intervertebral disc, reduced strength and elasticity, and the appearance of cracks. The pain is mild and goes away after the person gets some rest.
In the second stage, the height of the intervertebral disc decreases, the niche in the vertebra is filled with the nucleus pulposus, but does not go beyond its limits. Muscles are under constant tension. The person complains of severe pain that subsides with rest.
The third stage is characterized by the emergence of the nucleus pulposus beyond the edges, the crack reaching the edge of the vertebra. This causes an intervertebral fracture. The pain becomes constant.
In the fourth stage, a proliferation of connective tissue is noted, which puts pressure on neighboring vertebrae. To compensate for the reduced layer, bone tissue begins to grow. More and more growths (osteophytes) appear.
Types of thoracic osteochondrosis and complications
Based on the nature of the pain, two types of thoracic osteochondrosis are distinguished:
- dorsago, which is characterized by an acute, stabbing pain in the form of lumbago localized in the thoracic spine. The disease is accompanied by muscle tension and movement problems in the neck and chest area;
- Dorsalgia, in which the pain increases slowly. Inhaling and turning the body as well as staying in one position for a long time increase the symptoms. The symptoms worsen at night and disappear when walking.
Without adequate therapy, the nerve endings become increasingly compressed. As a result, osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can lead to complications:
- diseases of the digestive system;
- persistent pain;
- disturbances in cardiac activity;
- reduced ability to conceive;
- Disturbance of lung function due to an increase in connective tissue.
Why does thoracic spine pathology occur?
This part of the spine is subjected to moderate stress and limited mobility. However, the pathology is common. The disease can be caused by one of the following reasons or their combination:
- injuries and damages;
- excessive load on the department, including in childhood;
- age-related changes associated with reduced nutrition of the intervertebral disc tissue between the vertebrae;
- endocrinological diseases, especially during menopause;
- age-related impairment of calcium absorption;
- obesity;
- Problems with blood vessels, atherosclerotic deposits in the vessels of the thoracic region;
- weak muscle corset.
How does the pathology manifest itself?
Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis include pain and increased muscle tone. The pain can be either short-term with stabbing pain or long-term. The recoil can be felt in front of the chest, under the ribs and in the shoulder. If you stay in one position for a long time, the pain increases.
A characteristic sign of pathology is the sensitivity to palpation of the spinous processes of the thoracic vertebrae.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are similar to those of other diseases and include:
- Discomfort in the heart area reminiscent of angina pain;
- Pain when breathing, shortness of breath, which is also manifested in pneumonia, tuberculosis and obstructive pulmonary disease;
- Pain in the stomach area, under the ribs, similar to the signs of gastrointestinal diseases.
Treatment methods for thoracic osteochondrosis
If you have any symptoms, you should contact a neurologist. Therapy includes medication, physiotherapy, exercise therapy and massage.
Doctors prescribe medication:
- Means for eliminating the source of inflammation in the spine;
- Medications to reduce muscle tone and the risk of compression of the sensory roots of the spinal cord;
- Neuroprotectors designed to help restore nerve fibers.
The selection and dosage is made by the doctor, taking into account drug tolerance, concomitant diseases and the patient's weight.
It is important to adhere to the recommended duration of treatment to avoid relapses. You can buy prescription medications cheaply in the online shop.
The massage should be done carefully and using rubbing techniques. The areas under the shoulder blades and between the ribs should be treated thoroughly. At least 10-15 sessions are required for the effect to take place.
Physiotherapy focuses on exercises to strengthen the muscle corset, neck and lower back.
Ointments and gels with anti-inflammatory effects, warming plasters and Kuznetsov's applicator are prescribed locally.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is a degenerative pathology of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs. Vlasenko Alexander Adolfovich (neurologist, manual therapy doctor with 30 years of experience) talks about osteochondrosis of the thoracic region - symptoms, diagnosis and effective treatment methods.
Why is thoracic osteochondrosis called "chameleon"?
The thoracic spine has a special feature: the ribs are attached to it. This makes it less mobile than the neck and lower back. As a result, osteochondrosis in the chest area occurs less often, according to the principle: "Less mobility - less wear". But it develops less often - that doesn't mean that it is easier. And that's actually it. We're talking about chest pain. Since the area of pain in the thoracic spine coincides with the area of the heart, the symptoms are often confused with angina pectoris or a heart attack. It is not for nothing that people say about thoracic osteochondrosis that it is a "chameleon". After all, it can simulate not only heart disease, but also disease of the lungs, liver, stomach, gallbladder or pancreas. And here you cannot make a mistake and miss a heart attack or other serious illness, for example, pathology of the mammary glands in women. Such mistakes are costly, even if everything works out in the end. After all, this can "drive" a person into severe stress. That is why it is very important to find an experienced and knowledgeable doctor who understands everything and distinguishes the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis from other pathologies. The symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region are usually divided into twoDivided into categories – radical and reflexive.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis
The manifestations of osteochondrosis depend on the location and severity of the lesion in the motor segment of the spine. In the initial stages, patients complain of dull, aching back pain, malaise, slight limitation of spinal mobility, periodic numbness in the arms or legs, headaches and fatigue. If you start treatment and change your lifestyle during this period, the result will not be long in coming and recovery will be quick.
If the intervertebral disc is severely damaged, there will be severe pain, persistent numbness and/or weakness in the arm or leg (depending on the extent of the damage). These signs can indicate destruction of the intervertebral disc and the presence of a hernia. It is therefore necessary to immediately consult a doctor and start treatment.
In the most severe cases, the pain syndrome can be extremely severe, possibly dysfunction of the pelvic organs, severe weakness and numbness in the arm or leg. If these signs are present, urgent hospitalization in a hospital is required to resolve the issue of surgical treatment.
With cervical osteochondrosis, pain occurs in the neck, which can radiate to the shoulder, arm or head, numbness or weakness in the arm, headache, dizziness.
With osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, pain occurs in the chest, radiates to the sternum or scapula, increases with breathing and movement, and sometimes there is a feeling of lack of air. Patients often mistake this condition for heart pain.
If the lumbosacral spine is affected, the pain is localized in the lower back, increases with movement, radiates to the leg or perineum, and may cause numbness or weakness in the leg.
It must be remembered that our body is a single whole and the division of osteochondrosis into cervical, thoracic and lumbar is arbitrary. As a rule, the disease develops along the entire spine, but manifests itself in the part that is subject to the greatest load.
Radicular symptoms
They arise from the impact on the nerves that leave the spine.
Spinal nerves
Many nerves arise from the spine. They are called spinal nerves. Each of these nerves gradually branches and follows a specific area of the body with clearly defined boundaries. This area is called the zone of segmental innervation. Every vertebra, every intervertebral disc, every nerve and every zone is numbered and corresponds exactly to one another. When a nerve is exposed, symptoms appear in the zone of segmental innervation corresponding to this nerve, and not just anywhere, but in any place.
Radicular symptoms include:
- Decreased or lost reflexes;
- Impaired sensitivity;
- muscle weakness;
- Radicular pain.
Innervation zones of the thoracic segments
Osteochondrosis D1–D2- Causes pain in the shoulder, collarbone and armpit areas.
Osteochondrosis D3–D6- causes girdle pain in the upper part of the chest. Simulates heart pain, an angina attack. In women it causes pain in the mammary glands.
Osteochondrosis D7–D8- causes belt pain at the level of the solar plexus. Simulates pain in the stomach, liver, gallbladder or pancreas. Reduces reflexes in the upper abdomen.
Osteochondrosis D9–D10- causes pain in the hypochondrium and upper abdomen. Sometimes it imitates the so-called "acute" abdominal pain - stabbing pain in the abdominal cavity. Reduces reflexes in the middle abdominal area.
Osteochondrosis D11–D12- causes pain in the groin area. Simulates pain in women's diseases, appendicitis and intestinal diseases. Reduces lower abdominal reflexes.
Reflex symptoms
Unlike radicular symptoms, reflex symptoms do not have clear boundaries. These can be: difficulty breathing, lack of air, pain when inhaling and exhaling, chills and "goosebumps" on the skin, intercostal neuralgia, girdle pain in the chest. Dyspepsia is often observed - appetite worsens, nausea, heartburn, flatulence and intestinal disorders occurDue to the pain, sleep is disturbed, insomnia occurs and the feeling of not getting enough sleep arises. It is difficult to move, especially in the morning. Coordination of movements is impaired - this is reflected in the gait. General weakness, Weakness. Sexual disorders. Irritability. Rapid fatigability. Various pains occur. Pressing pain in the chest area. Pain between the shoulder blades. Pain in the hypochondrium. Pain when raising the arms. Pain when bending over or standing up. Pain between the shoulder blades. In generalPain in osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is usually divided into two types.
Dorsalgia- moderately severe, persistent pain in the back and chest with periods of intensification and weakening.
Dorsago- Acutely painful "lumbago" in this area.
- Symptoms of osteochondrosis in the thoracic region depend on the stage of osteochondrosis.
- They get worse when you lie down or try to stand up.
- Symptoms often appear after 35-45 years.
- They occur about three times more often in women than in men.
You have, of course, noticed that the radicular symptoms are quite clearly defined, while the reflex symptoms are very vague and nonspecific. And as you know, anything that is not clearly defined serves as a convenient cover for professional helplessness. This applies, among other things, to reflex symptoms and such a popular term among doctors as "age-related changes". Surely many of you are familiar with the situation when the doctor explained the problem as a "reflex" or "age-related" processes. Most people believe in such momentsrightly so, that the doctor simply cannot understand what is happening and tries to disguise his incompetence in the fog of these "magic words".
There was once a popular saying: "Every accident has a first and last name and a position. "So each disease has its own unique symptoms. And it is the doctor's duty to know them clearly. And then there is no need to disguise everything and blame osteochondrosis of the thoracic region. Now you understand how important it isis to find an experienced and knowledgeable doctor. Both the correct diagnosis and good treatment results depend on this.
Stages of the disease
Depending on the ongoing pathological processes, there are 4 stages of development of thoracic osteochondrosis:
| stage | Changes | Symptoms |
| First | Drying out of the intervertebral discs, leading to a loss of elasticity. Their height decreases, but their width increases - the intervertebral disc gradually flattens. | The pain occurs directly in the damaged ring. It can be pulling or shooting. |
| Second | The annulus fibrosus begins to dissolve. The nerve roots are compressed, causing pain. | Pain occurs when moving. If you maintain a pose for a long period of time, discomfort will occur. |
| Third | The fibrous ring tears and a herniated disc occurs. Scoliosis or pathological kyphosis develops. | Pain occurs when moving. If you maintain a pose for a long period of time, discomfort will occur. |
| Fourth | The vertebrae rub against each other, which leads to a displacement of the intervertebral joints. The tissue surrounding the vertebrae becomes inflamed. Cartilage tissue is replaced by bone tissue, which limits motor functions. Fibrosis occurs. | Pain occurs when moving. If you maintain a pose for a long period of time, discomfort will occur. |
Stages of exacerbation and remission can be observed. The latter is often observed in stage 4.
Degrees of illness
This is a more modern classification of symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis used by specialists.
| degrees | Changes and symptoms |
| First | Torn disc caused by sudden movement or overexertion. Stinging pain, similar to the passage of an electric current along the spine. Muscle strain. |
| Second | Characterized by instability of the spine. Pain when moving. Head Start. |
| Third | The pain becomes constant. Loss of feeling. Gait change. Strong headache. Difficulty breathing. Tachycardia. |
| Fourth | The spine is unstable: the vertebrae slip and twist. Osteophytes grow that pinch the spinal nerves and put pressure on the spinal cord. |
Thoracic osteochondrosis can cause serious diseases that are difficult to cure.
Diagnosis is the key to correct treatment
Today there are a number of modern methods for hardware diagnostics of osteochondrosis. The most accurate of these are MRI and CT. However, the most important method is still clinical diagnosis - during which an experienced doctor compares data from at least three sources - from the patient's complaints, MRI results and the symptoms identified during the examination. This allows you to make the most accurate diagnosis and create an effective individual treatment program.
Who to contact, methods of examining osteochondrosis
As a rule, in case of pain in the spine, patients turn to a neurologist who, based on complaints and a neurological examination, can make a preliminary diagnosis, prescribe additional examination methods (X-ray of the spine, MRI, CT, general urinalysis, general blood test) and develop thema treatment regimen.
Treatment
Treatment should be comprehensive and aimed at:
- Elimination of pain syndrome;
- Elimination of dysfunction of the spinal roots;
- Prevention of the progression of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the structures of the spine.
During the acute phase, with severe painDrug treatment is prescribed: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, B vitamins, chondroprotectors or a blockade is carried out.
physical therapyis the most important method for the conservative treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Exercise therapy is aimed at building, correcting and strengthening the muscle corset; increased range of motion of the spine and joints; Development of a motor stereotype and correct posture; Reducing the load on the spine.
Regular exercise therapy, joint exercises, yoga or swimming improve blood circulation and tissue nutrition, normalize metabolism and increase the intervertebral space, which leads to recovery.
Listen to your body. If you notice symptoms of osteochondrosis or your lifestyle includes prolonged sitting at the computer, driving, or insufficient physical activity, seek help from a specialist without waiting for exacerbations.
As you understand, osteochondrosis is a real "tangle" of symptoms, which, by decoding, the doctor frees from pain and torment. However, it is not possible to eliminate changes in the vertebrae and intervertebral discs. Therefore, the term "Treatment of osteochondrosis" must be correctly understood. If you are interested in eliminating pain and other suffering, then it is entirely possible. And if you conduct a scientific discussion on the topic of restoring the original appearance of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs "like a newborn child", then no, the past cannot be returned. You need to be realistic, then you will not fall for scammers.
Which treatment method is considered the most important?
Gentle manual therapy is the main form of treatment for osteochondrosis in the chest area. It's like an antibiotic for pneumonia - you can't do without it. The remaining forms – massage, medication, physiotherapy and exercise therapy – are auxiliary therapies.
physical therapy
Physiotherapeutic methods relieve swelling and inflammation, improve blood circulation in the affected area, relieve or stop pain.
Magnetic laser, magnetic therapy, SMT with novocaine, ultrasound with hydrocortisone, etc.
Balneotherapy: mud applications, ozokerite applications on affected areas, radon baths.
Movement therapy and massage
Therapeutic exercises are the main method of treating osteochondrosis. Gymnastics is performed regularly several times a day for 10-15 minutes. A massage is prescribed to increase effectiveness. The procedures help to relax muscles, reduce pressure on the vertebrae, improve metabolic processes and blood circulation. Exercise therapy can be carried out independently at home, but also in a clinic (individual and group lessons). The massage is carried out by a qualified specialist in a clinic.
How does gentle manual therapy work?
The nutrition of the intervertebral discs is directly related to the muscles surrounding the spine. In addition, the back muscles themselves are one of the main causes of pain in osteochondrosis of the thoracic region. Gentle manual therapy is a special method that allows you to return the muscles to their natural physiology, eliminate spasms and muscle tension, and improve the nutrition of the intervertebral discs.
Intervertebral discs are the only part of the body that does not have blood vessels and is nourished by the proper functioning of muscles.
In addition, when treating with hands, the chiropractor must do the following:
- relieves the affected vertebrae and intervertebral discs and distributes them correctly;
- relaxes muscles and helps them return to normal;
- relieves the patient of braces;
- Improve hard drive power supply;
- restores the body's motor functions;
- normalizes blood circulation.
Manual action mobilizes the body's internal forces and triggers self-healing mechanisms.
acupuncture
The technique consists of influencing biologically active points on the body using thin needles. The procedure reduces the manifestation of pain and inflammatory processes. Acupuncture is not painful and mild discomfort may occur.
Treatment of pathology in women
It is practically impossible to completely eliminate the already progressive thoracic osteochondrosis, but it is quite possible to slow down or even stop the development of a pathological degenerative-dystrophic process in the tissue of the movement segments of the spine using the means and methods of modern medicine. The optimal therapeutic effect can be achieved only through an integrated approach to the treatment of this pathology using medications, various physiotherapeutic techniques and targeted exercise therapy techniques (physiotherapy).
Symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine in women are not too different from those in men. In the acute phase of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spinal section, the patient needs intensive exacerbation treatment, during which various drugs and physical procedures are used, primarily to eliminate the pain syndrome and, in parallel, other negative phenomena of the disease.
During remission, the patient must be prescribed maintenance therapy, based mainly on taking drugs to restore the osteochondral structure and physiotherapy. In particularly severe cases, they sometimes resort to surgical intervention to stabilize the position of the spine.
What to do in case of an exacerbation?
During an exacerbation, severe pain radiates to the intercostal spaces. At this stage, it is necessary to maintain bed rest and limit spinal mobility. Symptoms are eliminated by analgesics prescribed by the attending physician.
The treatment is completely safe.
prevention
To prevent diseases and slow down degenerative processes, it is recommended:
- weight adjustment;
- cycling, running, swimming, yoga and other sports;
- daily walks;
- taking vitamin complexes and chondroprotectors;
- reducing back strain;
- timely treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
To avoid relapses, create comfortable sleeping and working conditions. Watch your weight and eat right. Continue to stay physically active. But the main thing is not to neglect your health and not to save on it. Don't let things take their course. After recovery, try to have at least one maintenance session of gentle manual therapy every three to six months – this will reduce risk factors. Do not forget that advanced osteochondrosis leads to complications – bulging and herniated disc. Remember: your health comes first!