Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

Thoracic osteochondrosis is a degenerative disease of the thoracic spine. First of all, the disease affects the intervertebral discs, which leads to back pain and unpleasant symptoms. Also specific to the disease is the premature "aging" of the cartilage tissue of the disc.

Osteochondrosis can be diagnosed both at the age of 20 and in middle-aged patients.

The disease is less common than other forms of osteochondrosis - cervical and lumbar. This is explained by less mobility of the chest, as well as protection by the muscular corset and ribs.

There are 12 vertebrae in the thoracic region - from T1 to T12. The lowest vertebrae are most often affected - T10, T11, T12.

Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis

Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine include:

• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Increased pain with deep breathing
• Increased fatigue
• Unsteady gait
• A feeling of tightness in the chest area
• Slouch
• The appearance of shortness of breath
• Cold feet
• Pain in esophagus
• Cough

Pain due to thoracic osteochondrosis is divided into dorsago or dorsalgia according to its characteristics.

Dorsago - sharp pain in the chest area. It occurs when staying in one position for a long time. Pain can make breathing difficult.

Dorsalgia is moderate pain in the area of the affected discs. When breathing deeply, the pain intensifies. Unpleasant sensations begin gradually.

Causes of the development of thoracic osteochondrosis

The causes of the occurrence and development of thoracic osteochondrosis are often related to the patient's lifestyle and uneven loading of the spine. For example, people who spend a long time in a sitting position are at risk: remote or office work at the computer, frequent driving.

A sedentary lifestyle disrupts the functioning of the circulatory and lymphatic systems, and insufficient exercise weakens muscle tissue. At the same time, the load on the spine increases in the sitting position.

The appearance of thoracic osteochondrosis can also be influenced by previous injuries to the spine, excess weight and weakened immunity.

Osteochondrosis can also develop in women who often wear high heels or who are pregnant.

Aggravation of thoracic osteochondrosis is possible with an uncomfortable sleeping position, smoking, attending low-quality massage or hypothermia.

Complications

Degenerative processes in the thoracic spine can cause the development of the following pathologies:

• Spinal cord compression is compression of the spinal cord, leading to decreased sensation in the abdomen, back, and chest.
• Kyphosis is a curvature of the spine.
• Spinal protrusion and hernia is a protrusion of the center of the intervertebral disc, which affects the functionality of the pancreas and intestines.
• Intercostal neuralgia - acute pain in the intercostal space.

The organs that can be affected by the complication depend on the affected vertebra.

The degree of development of thoracic osteochondrosis

• I degree - mild pain occurs, which quickly passes in a comfortable position. Moisture is lost in the intervertebral disc, and the nucleus pulposus moves slightly. Attention is not always paid to this stage, because the pain does not cause severe discomfort and passes quickly.
• II degree - cracks occur on the intervertebral disc, keeping the spine in a stable position leads to spasms, back and chest pain. The disc begins to lose its elasticity, and its height decreases. The muscles in the affected area become constantly tense.
• III degree - there is a protrusion of the central part of the intervertebral disc - nucleus pulposus. Because of this, an intervertebral hernia occurs. The pain becomes constant, and the cartilage begins to thin.
• IV degree – the tissue of the fibrous ring is replaced by bone. Bone tissue begins to break down.

Diagnosis of thoracic osteochondrosis

If you suspect osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, you must make an appointment with a therapist or neurologist. During the examination, the patient talks about his complaints, and the doctor performs a physical examination. During the examination, attention is paid to the relationship between the level of the shoulder and pelvic girdle, the posture, the shape of the chest and the state of the muscular system.

After that, the doctor issues a referral for a diagnostic test. Based on studies, the patient may be prescribed:

• X-ray - X-rays are taken of problem areas of the spine, which show changes in the discs.
• CT scan - allows you to assess the condition of the lesion site and examine the condition of the discs.
• ECG - recommended if cardiovascular disease is suspected.

How to treat thoracic osteochondrosis

Conservative methods are used to treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. They are aimed at removing pain, relieving spasms and normalizing blood circulation. This includes:

• Massage
• Physiotherapy
• Physiotherapy
• Taking vitamins and medicines

Massage for thoracic osteochondrosis

Massage of the cervicothoracic area will help relieve pain and inflammation, as well as strengthen the muscles that keep the vertebrae in a stable state.

During the session, the following massage techniques are used: caressing, squeezing, kneading, rubbing and vibration. The direction of influence in osteochondrosis depends on the location of the lesion. The massage must be performed by a specialist who will make the procedure really effective. Special oils can be used for better massage results.

However, before attending a massage course, you must make sure that it is not contraindicated for the patient. To do this, you should consult your doctor. The list of contraindications includes cardiovascular pathologies, elevated body temperature, tuberculosis and skin diseases.

Physiotherapy

Gymnastics for thoracic osteochondrosis consists of a set of exercises for strengthening the muscles of the spine and forming a strong muscular corset. In the initial stages, gymnastics will help you avoid taking medication.

What effect does exercise therapy have on thoracic osteochondrosis?

• Deep breathing becomes correct
• Proper posture is formed
• It reduces the load on the spine
• The deep back muscles become less rigid
• Increases chest mobility

Exercises for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

Before you start gymnastics, you need to warm up. It can warm up and prepare the muscles for physical activity. To warm up, you can use swings of the limbs, rotations and turns of the trunk, neck and pelvis.

Here are some exercises that are suitable for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis:

• "Boat" - you need to lie on your stomach, stretch your arms above your head and keep your legs straight. In this position, you need to bend your chest - smoothly and at the same time raise your arms and legs.
• Shoulder Raise – While standing and with your arms relaxed by your body, you should raise each shoulder in turn.
• Bending on the chair - you need to sit on the chair so that your back is firmly pressed against the back. Hands should be lowered. In this position, while inhaling, you must put your hands behind your back and bend back. As you exhale, you must bend forward. You can also bend to the side.
• Back arch – standing on all fours, you need to arch your back and hold this position for a few seconds. Then you must return to the starting position. It is recommended to perform the exercise on a special mat.

Exercises should be performed regularly for several months. Therapeutic gymnastics should not last longer than 30 minutes, and should be performed in comfortable shoes and clothes. If acute pain occurs, you must stop exercising.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is suitable for complex treatment. It can be used as an additional or independent therapy. For thoracic osteochondrosis, the doctor may prescribe the following procedures:

• Magnetotherapy is the effect of a magnetic field on the affected area, which allows you to normalize blood circulation, restore the affected tissue and improve the mobility of the lumbar region.
• Laser therapy is the action of laser beams on the affected area. It helps improve immunity, provides analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. There is no pain during the procedure.
• Shock wave therapy is exposure to infrasound acoustic waves. They promote the resorption of bone growths, stimulate collagen production and improve blood circulation.
• Medical electrophoresis is an effective technique for relieving pain and improving the nutrition of affected tissues. Electrodes and pads containing medicinal substances are fixed on the patient's skin.

All these procedures will help alleviate the unpleasant sensations of the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis.

Treatment of osteochondrosis with drugs

In addition to drug treatment, the patient is often prescribed a complex of drugs. The doctor determines the duration of the course and the list of specific drugs depending on the clinical manifestations of osteochondrosis. The list of drugs may include, for example, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, vitamins, as well as special ointments or gels.

Nutrition for thoracic osteochondrosis

As an additional measure of treatment, the patient can be prescribed the "Table no. 15". The diet does not require giving up most of the popular foods, but its specialty is a diet with a high vitamin content.

As part of the diet you can eat:

• Bread
• Milk
• Soups
• Lean meat - it is recommended to eat it every day
• So what
• Vegetables – fresh and in salad or cooked
• Eggs
• Fresh fruit
• Fresh berries
• Many kinds of sweets
• Butter and vegetable oils

Allowed drinks include weak coffee, tea, juices and kvass.

What not to eat:

• Puff pastry pastries
• Dishes with fatty meat or fish
• Chocolate products

As for drinks, it is not recommended to drink strong coffee, strong tea, or alcoholic beverages.

Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis

Recommended preventive measures include:

• Swimming or other water sports
• Regular heating during prolonged work at the computer
• Maintaining the posture in the sitting position - the back should be straight and the shoulders should be straight
• Avoiding hypothermia of the back
• Regular exercise therapy

In addition, attention should be paid to the choice of bedding. The wrong mattress and pillow will prevent your back and neck from being relaxed while you sleep. For this reason, for a pleasant stay with osteochondrosis, it is recommended to purchase special orthopedic accessories.