Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is very rare, in contrast to cervical and lumbar osteochondrosis.
It depends on the structure of the thoracic region: It has more intervertebral discs than the cervical and lumbar spine combined, the intervertebral discs are smaller and thinner.The mobility of this section is generally less and some of the load is carried by the ribs and sternum.
For example, with osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, the symptoms can be confused with a heart attack.The reason for this is the specificity of the disease.
In this case, painful pain during movement and exertion does not occur, as in cervical or lumbar osteochondrosis, but complications associated with suspected angina pectoris or heart attack or impaired respiratory function come to the fore.
Reasons
To a greater extent, the development of osteochondrosis is promoted by physical inactivity - a lack of muscle load, which leads to a lack of formation of the muscle corset, a weakening of its functions and an increased load on the ligaments and intervertebral discs.
The following conditions can provoke the appearance of osteochondrosis:
- Poor posture and lateral curvature of the spine;
- Bad habits;
- Nervous and physical overload, stress;
- Overload on the back and spine when wearing high-heeled shoes, during pregnancy and with flat feet;
- back injuries;
- Physical inactivity;
- heredity;
- Physically hard work.
The intervertebral discs of the thoracic vertebrae are affected by a sedentary lifestyle and physical activity, which increases the risk of injury.
What are the special features of the thoracic spine?
Everyone knows that the chest area is functionally inactive, especially compared to the neck.And the load is not so great, for example compared to the lumbar region.For this reason, it is rare for thoracic diseases to be associated with symptoms at an early stage of development.
The low mobility of the thoracic spine is associated with its anatomical features - the connection of the vertebrae with the ribs and the sternum makes it possible to create a sufficiently mobile and at the same time durable structure that is less susceptible to injuries and external influences.
The relatively low load on this department contributes to the fact that problems (e.g. vertebral displacement, intervertebral hernia, herniated disc) occur there quite rarely, which is confirmed by statistics.However, her appearance cannot be called anything extraordinary;For example, poor posture and scoliosis can be provoking factors that lead to the occurrence of spinal diseases.
At the same time, the symptoms of such diseases appear quite late and are quite characteristic of osteochondrosis - they usually represent compression of the nerve roots;In rare cases, the spinal cord itself can become compressed or damaged due to impaired blood supply;Narrowing due to compression of veins and arteries is also possible.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can have completely different symptoms, similar to the manifestations of other diseases of internal organs.Often thoracic osteochondrosis is confused with coronary artery disease, cholecystitis, stomach ulcers and even myocardial infarction and pneumonia.For this reason, this disease is called “chameleon”.
Symptoms associated with pain:
- The pain is localized below the shoulder blades and can radiate to the intercostal nerves.This leads to neuralgia.The pain increases when a person breathes in or actively moves.
- Chest pain is usually localized to the left side and may resemble coronary artery disease.In this situation, it is important to find out in a timely manner why the pain occurred.It is necessary to fully examine the cardiovascular system.
Neurological symptoms:
- Numbness or “crawling” in the legs, upper chest, and abdomen (depending on the disc affected);
- Reflex tension in the chest or upper back muscles;
- In particularly advanced cases, men may experience dysfunction of the pelvic organs and reduced potency.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, in addition to pain in the spine and back near the site of osteochondrosis, can also include pain in the upper abdomen, heart, liver and gallbladder.
When such pain occurs, misdiagnosis is sometimes possible.Pain in the right side of the chest under the ribs can be confused with gallbladder inflammation, and in the left side of the chest it can be confused with a heart attack.It is a mistake to confuse pain in the corresponding areas of the abdominal cavity with the manifestation of a stomach ulcer or gastritis.
Dorsago
Dorsago is one of the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, which is manifested by acute pain.Typically, this symptom occurs in people who sit in one position or in an uncomfortable position for a long time during monotonous work.
Pain can occur in the spine in the chest area, the muscles become tense and breathing is often difficult.Intercostal neuralgia can occur.
Dorsalgia
The exacerbation phase lasts 2-3 weeks.At the same time, the pain gradually increases.Mild pain occurs in the affected part of the spine.As a rule, pain is particularly noticeable when breathing deeply and when bending forward, back or sideways.
The type of pain caused by dorsalgia can vary greatly.The pain may be aching, burning, aching or cutting and may radiate to the leg, arm, buttocks or shoulder blade.The location of the pain is no less diverse.They can occur below, above, in the middle, on the right, on the left, between the shoulder blades.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
When drawing up a treatment plan that determines how to treat osteochondrosis in the chest area, diagnostic data based on an X-ray examination will help.Such an examination gives a clear idea of how to treat thoracic osteochondrosis, since X-ray findings indicating the proliferation of vertebral bodies and the presence of changes in the intervertebral distance (reduced height) are a characteristic symptom of this disease.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine depends on the stage of the disease and is mainly based on conservative therapy.Surgery is extremely rare for spina bifida.
Drug treatment
Drug therapy is based on the following principles:
- Using a special medication that allows you to retain fluid in the intervertebral disc.
- Vitamins.Most often, complete vitamin complexes or preparations with B group elements are prescribed.
- Antispasmodics and muscle relaxants that reduce spasms of the muscles surrounding the spine.
- Painkillers.NSAIDs and analgesics based on drug combinations.
- Chondroprotectors.Necessary to catalyze the process of repairing damaged cartilage.
After eliminating acute phenomena, massage of the back muscles and lower extremities is used.Manual therapy is indicated for osteochondrosis grades 1-3 in the development of functional blockages.It includes various options for gentle and rough effects on the back muscles.
The duration of treatment for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine depends on the severity of the disease and the degree of age-related changes, as well as the patient's diligence in following the attending physician's prescriptions.
Gymnastics for thoracic osteochondrosis
With osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, patients are prescribed therapeutic exercises, the main goal of which is to increase the mobility of the rib and intervertebral joints.Exercise therapy (provided the exercises are performed regularly and correctly) can eliminate even very severe muscle spasms.Moderate physical activity helps relieve spinal stiffness that occurs with a weak muscle corset.
Daily exercises performed under the supervision of an experienced trainer have a positive effect on the entire body and especially on the bronchopulmonary system.Patients' pulmonary ventilation improves and they can breathe deeply in and out without pain.
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
Manual therapy is used to eliminate muscle hypertonicity and spasms, as well as to restore back mobility.Thanks to manual therapy, it is possible to unblock blood vessels, improve nutrition and oxygen supply to the intervertebral disc tissue.
Correct position when resting and sleeping
For the prevention of osteochondrosis and during the treatment period, it is necessary to maintain the correct rest and sleeping position.It is best to sleep on a flat and hard bed, but this should be done without fanaticism;If the bed does not meet the requirements, it is not recommended to sleep on the floor as it may cause a cold.This measure is absolutely necessary so that the spine can quickly return to its normal shape.
However, quite severe pain can initially occur, which lasts until the vertebrae assume a physiological position.To relieve pain and discomfort, you can place a roller under the sore spot.
Exercises
The most effective treatment for muscle spasms is physical therapy.Correctly selected exercises relax and strengthen and train the back muscles at the same time.This stabilizes the thoracic spine and releases the pinched spinal nerves.
A set of exercises for breast osteochondrosis is performed as follows:
- Starting position: While inhaling, stand straight, legs together, arms down.Stretch your arms up - exhale, then bend back - take a deep breath.Lower your arms, bend forward, round your back and lower your shoulders and head - exhale.Perform 8 – 10 repetitions.
- Starting position: sitting on a chair.Slowly place your hands behind your head - inhale, bend backwards five times, lean on the back of the chair with your shoulder blades - exhale.
- Starting position – Stand on all fours and arch your back as much as possible, hold the position for 3 seconds and keep your head straight for three seconds.Perform 5 – 7 repetitions.
- Starting position – lie comfortably on your stomach and place your hands on the floor.At the same time, bend back forcefully and try to lift your body off the floor.Perform 5 – 8 repetitions.
- Starting position: lying on your stomach, arms stretched along your body.Bend your chest forward and try to raise your head and legs as much as possible.Perform 5 – 8 repetitions.
If you follow all the doctor's instructions, you can slowly but surely achieve a significant improvement in your condition.
Prevention
The health of the thoracic spine and other parts of the spine can be affected by:
- long static loads (sitting in front of the television, computer);
- lifting weights;
- habit of lying down;
- Hypothermia and frequent colds.
Office workers who spend longer periods of time at work due to their job have to change their posture, get up and do physical activity more often.Even simple stretching brings benefits.