Why does thoracic osteochondrosis occur 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 "masked" symptoms such as gastritis, heart disease or gastric ulcers.

Characteristics of the disease.

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

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

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

Causes

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

The development of the disease is provoked by several reasons:

• excessive physical activity;
• jobs that involve lifting heavy loads;
• prolonged forced uncomfortable positions;
• congenital curvature of the spine and acquired postural disorders;
• incorrect diet;
• over weight;
• age-related changes;
• metabolic problems.

Other factors in the development of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region include chronic diseases and hereditary factors. To avoid pathology and possible complications, it is necessary to get rid of the cause. Experts say that this problem in most cases is 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 location in the chest and then spread rapidly 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 intensifies when turning the head, moving the neck, raising the arms, and bending. Any movement of the neck causes discomfort (especially at night). A 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 grade

  In the first stage, the elasticity (firmness) of the discs and their height decrease. Possible manifestation of protrusion (bulging) of the annulus fibrosus (hard shell of the semi-liquid nucleus). The cartilaginous tissue of the vertebrae becomes denser. Pain in the form of "lumbago" is likely to occur during sudden movements or after staying in one position for a long time.

  Dorsago- a characteristic symptom at this stage. Expressed in sharp and sudden pain in the chest. It often appears when a person stands up (shortness of breath).

  Back pain- mild and not very sharp pain. It appears gradually and usually lasts 2 to 3 weeks. It may worsen with sudden bends or after physical exertion. Back pain is accompanied by muscle tension and limited movement. The pain goes away 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 in certain areas of the skin;
  3. dysfunctions of the gastrointestinal tract.

• Second grade

  There is a further decrease 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 working too hard or during physical exertion;
  2. in the upper back;
  3. when raising arms;
  4. when breathing (inhalation and exhalation).

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

• Third degree

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

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

• fourth grade

  In the fourth stage, the intervertebral discs stop functioning as shock absorbers. The spine loses mobility. Possible pinching of blood vessels and nerves. Bone tissue is susceptible to destruction.

Diagnosis

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

To make an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to carry out a series of studies:

• Ultrasound;
• Bone scan;
• magnetic resonance;
• 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 occurs with the help of drugs containing an enzyme of plant origin - papain. This substance helps improve the structure of cartilage tissue.

1. Chondroprotectors. This is a group of drugs used to restore articular cartilage. The basis of most products are active ingredients: glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.
2. Antispasmodics and muscle relaxants.Medications that weaken muscle tone. By acting on the receptors in this way, they relieve harmful muscle tension, which causes pain and spasms.
3. Analgesics.Reduces the 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 should undergo a 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 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 muscle corset and joint stiffness. A specially selected set of exercises (physiotherapy) will help eliminate these manifestations. The first classes should be carried out 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 additional means to the main conservative therapy:

• Nutrition

  To improve the condition, it is necessary to eat well: 6-7 meals a day, reducing the amount of salt intake, introducing vegetables and fruits, natural chondroprotectors (gelatin, 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 wild strawberry leaf tea. Place a tablespoon of the plant in a glass, add hot water and let it rest. It is recommended to drink at least two glasses of this drink a 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 abundant plant foods in your diet. If the presented recommendations are followed, the therapeutic effect occurs faster and the risk of complications and remissions decreases.