Osteochondrosis is called damage to the bones and cartilage of various parts of the spine. In this article we will consider the features of this defect in a situation where it appears in the chest region, its main symptoms and treatment.
Thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine is the progression of damage to the degenerative-dystrophic nature of the tissue structures of the vertebrae, due to which they, as well as intervertebral discs and cartilaginous tissues, are gradually destroyed. There are also other osteochondrosis, for example, cervical or lumbar. In comparison, the manifestations of thoracic pathology are less common, since the spine in this part is less mobile and is additionally fixed by the ribs. However, in some cases, the disease even ends with disability, which is due to the formation of intervertebral hernias. The only effective treatment in this case is surgery. Most often, the disease affects people aged 35-40 years.
Due to the peculiarities of placement, osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is less pronounced symptoms and occurs less often due to external influences. The main risk of developing a pathology is a sedentary lifestyle, which is why the muscular skeleton of the back is much weaker. The main causes of the disease are:
- Back strain, which can occur both from lifting heavy objects and wearing heels, and from special physiological conditions such as pregnancy or congenital foot defects - flat feet.
- Inactivity, sedentary work, insufficient physical activity
- Scoliosis and other types of curvature of the spine in the chest area
- back injury
- have bad attitude
- hereditary factors
- severe stress
Thoracic osteochondrosis ends with severe thinning of the intervertebral discs, the formation of intervertebral hernias, the formation of proliferations from the connective tissue, and the wear and tear of the cartilaginous structures that form the vertebral joints.
The consequences of the pathology are often associated with additional symptoms, for example, when there is a compression of the spinal canals or blood arteries. As well as various other manifestations that require additional complex treatment.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the chest region
With the chest manifestation of the disease, the symptoms often appear when there is a load on the spine, as well as with sudden movements - when turning or tilting the body.
Most often there is a feeling of aching dull pain localized between the shoulder blades, accompanied by a feeling that the sternum is being squeezed. With a displacement of the lower ribs, they speak of a posterior costal syndrome, in which pain is manifested in the lower zone of the chest and shoulder blades. Also, pain often appears when you try to feel the spine, where there is a pathology.
Such painful manifestations are usually attributed to one of two types:
- Strong, piercing and sharp pains in the interscapular zone, as well as in the ribs. It is called Dorsago and is characterized by an increase in twists and changes in body position. Usually such pains are characteristic during exacerbations, symptomatic treatment is required to relieve them.
- Dorsalgia is called a gradual pain syndrome that lasts 7-20 days. The nature of the pain in this case is dull and mild, the place of manifestation is in the spine at chest level. An increase in intensity is noted when taking deep breaths or bending over. In addition, shortness of breath may be felt, as well as cramps in the muscles around the affected area. The appearance of a symptom is usually provoked during a long stay in one position, for example, after a night's rest.
Additional pathological conditions accompanying thoracic osteochondrosis depend on the depth of their manifestation. In a situation where, for example, the nerve endings passing through the vertebrae are severely compressed, there is a loss of sensitivity, which can affect tendon reflexes. In addition, with osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, pinching of the nerve endings responsible for the liver, heart, kidneys, lungs and gastrointestinal organs often occurs, as a result of which some loss of functionality of these organs and systems is likely the appearance of corresponding symptoms of severity, tightness, pain.
Among the additional manifestations of the disease there are often problems with normal breathing, localized pain sensations:
- In the chest and on the left side of the heart
- Under the ribs on the right or left, which can raise suspicions of cholecystitis and other diseases
- In the throat, esophagus, stomach and intestines
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis
With osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, symptomatic treatment is prescribed, that is, it depends on which symptoms are most pronounced. For this purpose, the doctor prescribes the following drugs:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- analgesics
- Local anesthetics, which are creams, ointments, patches
- Muscle relaxation in severe spasms
- vitamins
- antidepressants
In order to stop the progression of the disease, various physiotherapeutic procedures as well as dietary changes and vitamin intake are used. Some doctors supplement treatment with drugs called chondroprotectors. They are credited with the ability to restore destroyed cartilage and bone. However, the effectiveness of such funds has no serious evidence, at the same time their course lasts from 6 months and can be quite expensive. Based on this, the intake of these drugs must be discussed with the doctor, but it is better to seek advice from several specialists.
As an additional treatment aimed at preventing pathologies in the future, physiotherapy is used to promote the treatment of osteochondrosis of the chest region. Most commonly used:
- Shock wave, laser and magnetic therapy, as well as ultraviolet and electrophoresis
- Complex physiotherapeutic exercises. Osteochondrosis is treated very effectively with the help of gymnastic exercises. Usually, the entire set of exercises is repeated several times a day, which helps strengthen the muscles of the back and chest regions and restore vertebral mobility. With the help of gymnastics, both treatment and prevention of the disease are carried out, a specific complex is selected by the attending physician. It is worth remembering that you can start exercises only after the pain symptoms have stopped, and if there is pain during the procedure, its intensity should be reduced.
- Massages that help stretch the spine intensify metabolism in the vertebrae and their surrounding elements
- Special diets to compensate for the lack of substances necessary for the restoration of cartilaginous tissue structures.
What to do in the event of an exacerbation?
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is a chronic disease, so it is characterized by periods when it worsens. This usually happens after heavy physical exertion in the gym or at work, severe stress and accumulated fatigue. At this point, additional symptoms are likely:
- Headaches bordering on migraines
- nausea and vomiting
- dizziness
- strong weakness
- difficulty breathing
- Restricted Movement
Severe pain in the spine associated with dorsago with an exacerbation is almost impossible to stop on its own. In addition, the independent choice of a strong painkiller is fraught with serious side effects, additional complications and treatment. Therefore, it is important to seek medical help at such a time. If it is not possible to visit a neurologist yourself, then you need to call an ambulance. Symptoms of pain are well removed in a hospital with intramuscular injection of analgesics and the simultaneous use of local anesthesia.
If osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is in the acute stage, then the following treatment rules should be observed:
- You need to stay in bed and take the load off your spine as much as possible
- Medication should only be taken as prescribed by a doctor.
- You can go to physical therapy only with the permission of the doctor.
- Diet needs to be adjusted
In the presence of a herniated disc, in addition to wearing a corset, additional drug therapy is prescribed. If the hernia is large, the only effective method of therapy is to perform an operation, which is prescribed individually, based on the diagnostic results.
prevention
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is common in people of certain professions, so all those who, on the one hand, are engaged in heavy work related to lifting weights, and on the other hand, are very inactive during the labor process, should pay attention to their posture, regularly strengthen their back muscles and lendthe vertebrae a useful motor activity. Therefore, the prevention of osteochondrosis involves physical training several times a day. Do not be superfluous and independent massage.
In addition, it is important to change the diet in order to exclude products, the components of which lead to degenerative processes and increased wear and tear of cartilage and bones. Diet should minimize the amount of salty, sweet, spicy, hot, fried. Natural foods should be chosen that do not contain preservatives or colorings. The priority is vegetables, fruits, grains, lean meat and fish, and dairy products. To speed up salt metabolism, adults should drink at least two liters of fluids a day. It is better to refuse alcohol and coffee. In addition, it is important to prevent the occurrence of excess body weight, which increases the load on the vertebrae.
Another factor that helps prevent osteochondrosis of the chest region is healthy sleep. By "healthy" in this case we mean the position in which the body is located. To minimize discomfort during sleep, it is better to use an individually selected pillow and an orthopedic mattress.
The implementation of these measures will help avoid the appearance of symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis and avoid long-term treatment.