Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

By osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, doctors mean the corresponding degenerative-dystrophic processes in this area, which lead to pathological deformations of cartilage and bone tissue, destruction of ligaments, joints and intervertebral discs.

Reasons for the appearance

The thoracic spine is less mobile than the cervical and lumbar spine, so pathological processes in this area appear less visible, mainly due to the solid design of the connections of the ribs, sternum and vertebrae.However, it is no less common than other types of osteochondrosis.Most people who constantly sit at home or at work are predisposed to weakness of the spinal muscles, scoliosis, injuries in this area, poor posture and, as a result, thoracic osteochondrosis.

As mentioned above, pathological deformations of the intervertebral discs and joints of the structure are considered the main cause of the disease.The cartilaginous surfaces are destroyed, the discs become thinner, osteophytes, protrusions, hernias are formed, the nucleus pulposus is significantly reduced and ultimately the root structures of the spinal nerves are damaged, compressive myelopathy and vascular myeloschemia appear.

Symptoms and first signs of thoracic osteochondrosis

Signs of osteochondrosis are not as pronounced as in other types of this disease, and unqualified doctors periodically confuse them with symptoms of other diseases.The above problem induces the development of pain in the thoracic and interscapular region, which significantly intensifies with movement and physical labor.Pinched nerve fibers cause conductive unpleasant sensations in the heart and even the liver, and also form pathologies in the functioning of several other organs.

There are two types of pain associated with osteochondrosis of the thoracic region.

1. Back pain is a long-term moderate pain syndrome in the affected area, accompanied by unpleasant sensations.
2. Dorsago - severe paroxysmal pain, intense and, as a rule, short-lived.In this case, the patient may have breathing and motor difficulties in the affected area.

Common symptoms

1. Painful sensations in the interscapular area.They are accompanied by “shooting” of the intercostal nerves in the affected area and corresponding neuralgia.
2. Pain syndrome on the left side of the chest, similar to ischemia.
3. Belt pain in the chest, significantly increasing with high physical activity.
4. Limited thoracic activity/mobility.This symptom, characteristic of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, is often confused with manifestations of scoliotic deformity, as well as with ankylosing spondylitis/Forestier/Scheerman-Mao diseases.
5. “Remitting” pain in the gastrointestinal tract, heart and liver.
6. Sexual dysfunction.
7. Partial numbness of the chest.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is treated exclusively with long-term complex therapy, which includes a set of exercises, a variety of physical and manual procedures, as well as medications.

How to treat?

The treatment process includes several stages.The very first is the elimination of pain symptoms.Along with this, restorative and preventive therapy is used, which includes a number of techniques and approaches - from acupuncture to physiotherapy.The final stage is maintenance treatment.The duration of treatment of the disease varies significantly and depends both on the medical techniques used and on the current condition of the patient, as well as on the stage of osteochondrosis itself.

Popular drugs for thoracic osteochondrosis

1. Painkillers.NSAIDs and painkillers based on various combinations.
2. Hydroprotectors.Necessary to catalyze the process of restoring damaged cartilage.
3. Vitamins.Most often, complete vitamin complexes or preparations containing group B elements are prescribed.
4. External means.Glucocorticoid-based creams or ointments.Additionally, local agents are used to relieve inflammation in the affected area and alleviate the symptoms of the disease.
5. Injections and injections.Most often, they are carried out in a hospital setting and are complexes of paravartebral blockade with a long-acting anesthetic.In addition, these drugs improve blood circulation and also promote the restoration of cartilage tissue.

Massage

Massage not only reduces the severity of symptoms of the disease, but also helps a person recover, which leads to the positive effects of other elements of complex therapy.It is prescribed individually depending on the clinical picture of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, the presence of chronic diseases and contraindications.

Manual therapy relieves pain syndromes of various etiologies, prevents spinal atrophy, normalizes blood circulation and nutrition of intervertebral discs, relaxes static muscles in the affected area and triggers natural processes of regeneration of cartilaginous tissue.

The main types of massage for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine:

1. Spot.
2. Medicinal.
3. Canned material.
4. Reflex-prioste.
5. Connective tissue.

Gymnastics and exercise therapy

Therapeutic physical training and sets of gymnastic exercises are one of the most important stages in the restoration of the spine after osteochondrosis.Of course, it should be prescribed taking into account the stage of the disease and the condition of the patient by a purely professional doctor.

The fundamental task of exercise/gymnastics therapy is the systematic development of cartilage as well as the strengthening of the spinal muscles.With proper diagnosis, the author's set of exercises is often prescribed: the system includes both general strengthening procedures and methods of direct impact on the most problem area, as well as indicator exercises that make it easy to track the effectiveness of the treatment.

In private practice, they also use varying sets of exercises using a different method and special devices.Processing stages in this case:

1. Relieve spasms and combat sensations.
2. Therapeutic load on the short back muscles.
3. Normalization of circulation in the intervertebral discs.
4. Restoration of the basic structure of the spine.

Physiotherapy and alternative therapy

This method of treating osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine may include hardware and alternative therapy, as well as various physical procedures.The best known and most popular methods:

1. Electrophoresis.A well-known non-operative method of influencing the spine, used since the 70s of the last century.
2. Direct stretch.This method is a relatively safe and effective method of straightening the spine, if, of course, it is carried out by a qualified specialist.It is carried out on a massage-traction sofa.
3. Vacuum therapy.A type of active influence on the affected area using vacuum cans.
4. Acupuncture.Classic acupuncture is performed with special thin needles that plunge to a certain depth of the epithelium at the acupuncture points on the back.
5. Laser puncture.An activity similar to acupuncture, but performed using a laser beam.
6. Magnetopuncture.Impact on problem areas with an alternating magnetic field.
7. Osteopathy.A complex method that includes elements of massage, chiropractic and orthopedic techniques.
8. Electrical stimulation.Use electric current to normalize spinal function.
9. Shock wave therapy.The technique is based on the use of infrasound acoustic waves in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.
10. Traction machine decompression.Automated analogue of direct stretching.

Prevention

The rules for preventing this disease are simple and unambiguous:

1. Regular exercise under the supervision of an orthopedist.
2. Weight normalization.
3. Consumption of foods and medications rich in magnesium and calcium.
4. Correct posture when working in a seated position.
5. Give up bad habits.

Question - answer

What type of pain occurs with osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine?

With osteochondrosis of this type, patients experience two types of pain syndromes.

1. Dorsago is short-term, high-intensity severe pain, which periodically manifests itself against the background of a decrease in motor activity in the affected area and difficulty breathing.
2. Back pain is a long-lasting, background pain of moderate or low intensity that worsens with physical activity.

Location of the painful sensations above:

1. Interscapular region.
2. Belt-related chest pain with partial numbness.
3. Painful “throbbing” in upper left chest, similar to ischemia.
4. Referring to pain in the liver, heart and gastrointestinal tract.

Is gymnastics useful for thoracic osteochondrosis?

Gymnastics and exercise therapy are one of the main elements of complex therapy of the disease.With its help, you can strengthen your back muscles, improve blood microcirculation and develop intervertebral cartilage/discs.Naturally, gymnastics itself, as a separate type of therapy, will not help get rid of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine: to consolidate the positive effect, it is necessary to take appropriate medications and regularly attend physical procedures.