Thoracic osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine, in which the position of the vertebrae becomes abnormal, the intervertebral disc degenerates and, as a result, its height decreases. Osteochondrosis in the thoracic region is not as common as in the neck or lower back. It has to do with anatomy. In the central part, the vertebral column is stable and durable, in addition, it is less susceptible to stress, less mobile, there are less trauma conditions in the vertebral discs.
The risk group for this disease includes elderly people and people who lead a sedentary life. However, the pathology is increasingly diagnosed in teenagers and, at the age of 30-35 years, the number of cases increases dramatically.
Classification of thoracic osteochondrosis
The disease is classified based on the syndromic principle. Affected areas of the spine negatively affect nerve formations.
By location, these forms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are distinguished:
- compression syndrome (development is associated with nerve root tension, deformation, or compression; areas of the spinal cord or blood vessels may be affected; spinal, vascular, or radicular syndromes may result as a result);
- reflex syndrome (effect occurs reflexively, straining innervated muscles; dystrophic and vascular disturbances occur);
- myoadaptive syndrome (muscle damage in the thoracic segment due to constant overload).
Etiology of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
The causes of thoracic osteochondrosis are a consequence of low physical activity, back injuries, heavy physical exertion, metabolic disorders, overweight, insufficient immunity, frequent colds, infections, smoking, stress. In women, among other things, the development of the disease can be triggered by walking in high heels and carrying a child.
In addition, the causes of breast osteochondrosis are:
- poorly distributed load on intervertebral discs;
- degenerative changes in intervertebral disc tissues;
- lack of minimal physical activity;
- scoliosis;
- permanent abnormal position of the spine in a sitting position.
disease pathogenesis
Mild discomfort, muscle tension, and "tolerable" pain when breathing in and bending over are early signs of thoracic osteochondrosis. A person usually sees a doctor when the pain becomes acute and does not allow them to lead a normal life. Therapy for thoracic osteochondrosis is long-term, which requires constant attention. If left untreated, dystrophic changes lead to limited mobility and even incapacity for the patient.
Clinical manifestations of osteochondrosis
The symptoms of breast osteochondrosis present different manifestations, depending on the location of the process. Furthermore, the disease deftly "adjusts" to other problems.
The most typical symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- pain in the interscapular region;
- chest discomfort;
- headache and headache;
- pain when bending over;
- movement restriction;
- tingling sensation in the neck, abdomen, chest, and arms;
- dizziness, tinnitus, flashing flies before the eyes;
- pain sensations that increase with inhalation.
Decreased sensitivity, impaired motor function, and muscle atrophy add to the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis as the pathology progresses.
Characteristics of the course of breast osteochondrosis during pregnancy
The development of pain during pregnancy is associated with weight gain. At the same time, the shift in the center of gravity changes posture. Low physical activity in combination with a sedentary lifestyle causes disturbance in the elasticity of the discs. Increased pressure in the chest region leads to pain. During pregnancy, osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is mainly treated without the use of specialized medications, as they can damage the health of the fetus. Therefore, Kuznetsov applicators, massages and special exercises are used.
Disease characteristics in children
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can present from 8 to 17 years of age. An unprepared spine undergoes pathological changes under heavy loads. After correct diagnosis, treatment is started. As a rule, during this period, a treatment process started in a timely manner leads to excellent results. It is necessary to strengthen the muscles, improve the condition of the cartilage and undergo physical therapy.
Pathological complications
Most patients with thoracic osteochondrosis attempt to delay treatment, which in turn leads to significant complications.
Consequences of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- Formation of an intervertebral hernia
- spinal cord injury
- The onset of hypertension
- The risk of stroke and heart attack
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of thoracic osteochondrosis, including differential, includes:
- digital radiography;
- ECG;
- Ultrasound of the heart, kidneys and abdominal organs;
- CT.
Your doctor will determine the exact image on the x-ray, where you will see the vertebral body grow and the discs shift. Thoracic osteochondrosis, characterized by symptoms similar to other diseases, requires differential diagnosis with spinal lesions, spinal tumors and neoplasms, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, coxarthrosis, and a host of other conditions.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
The treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis involves the use of complex therapy, the aim of which is to interrupt and prevent further destruction of the discs or restore their structure, improve spinal biomechanics and eliminate central nervous system disorders.
The first thing to start with treatment is pain and inflammation relief through drug therapy.
The patient is recommended medications from the following groups:
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- glucocorticosteroids;
- diuretics;
- chondroprotective.
When the pain subsides, they move on to the next stage of treatment for thoracic osteochondrosis. A course of massage therapy, acupuncture, physical therapy exercises are prescribed. Also, physical therapy is highly effective. If indicated, manual therapy may be recommended.
Cure control
Convalescence is supervised by the GP or specialist who has observed the patient during the course of the illness. The absence of recurrences throughout the year indicates the normalization of the musculoskeletal system function.
Prophylaxis
Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis requires the following rules:
- postural control;
- work hygiene (hand position control, presence of a chair with a high flat back);
- breaks every 2 hours for specific exercises;
- sleeping on a hard surface;
- absence of irregular physical activity (including carrying heavy loads);
- wear a backpack instead of a shoulder bag;
- regular exercise therapy classes.
tips and tricks
Thoracic osteochondrosis requires long-term rehabilitation. Moderate physical activity is recommended to strengthen back muscles and reduce spinal stress. In addition, physical therapy gradually eliminates the pain.
In addition, with exercise and sports therapy, the following tasks are performed:
- decompression of the spinal nerve endings;
- develop a correct posture stereotype;
- giving elasticity to the spine;
- improved blood circulation;
- normalization of the metabolism of the intervertebral disc.
The article is for informational purposes only. Remember: self-medication can be unhealthy.