Thoracic osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine, in which the position of the vertebrae becomes unnatural, the intervertebral disc degenerates, due to which 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 spine is stable and durable, in addition, it is less susceptible to stress, it is less mobile, and there are fewer conditions for trauma to the vertebral discs.
The risk group for this disease includes the elderly and those who lead a sedentary lifestyle. However, the pathology is increasingly being diagnosed in adolescents, and at the age of 30-35 the number of cases is growing rapidly.
Classification of thoracic osteochondrosis
The disease is classified on the basis of the syndrome principle. Affected areas of the spine negatively affect nerve formations.
According to the localization, the following forms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are distinguished:
- compression syndrome (development is associated with tension, deformation or compression of the nerve root; areas of the spinal cord or blood vessels may be affected; as a result, spinal, vascular or radicular syndromes occur);
- reflex syndrome (reflex effect, tension of innervated muscles; dystrophic and vascular disorders occur);
- myoadaptive syndrome (damage to the muscles in the thoracic segment due to constant overload).
Etiology of thoracic region osteochondrosis
Causes of osteochondrosis of the chest are due to low physical activity, back injuries, heavy physical exertion, metabolic disorders, overweight, weak immunity, frequent colds, infections, smoking, stress. In women, among other things, the development of the disease can encourage walking on high heels and carrying a child.
In addition, the causes of osteochondrosis of the breast 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.
Pathogenesis of the disease
Mild discomfort, muscle tension and "bearable" pain when inhaling and bending are the initial signs of osteochondrosis of the chest. A person usually seeks a doctor when the pain becomes acute and does not allow him to live a normal life. Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis is long-term and requires constant attention. If left untreated, dystrophic changes lead to limited mobility and even disability of the patient.
Clinical manifestations of osteochondrosis
The symptoms of osteochondrosis of the breast have different manifestations, depending on the localization of the process. Moreover, the disease skillfully "adapts" to other problems.
The most typical symptoms of osteochondrosis of the chest:
- pain in the interscapular region;
- chest discomfort;
- headache and heart pain;
- bending pain;
- restriction of movement;
- burning sensation in the neck, abdomen, chest and arms;
- dizziness, tinnitus, flash of flies before the eyes;
- feelings of pain that increase on inhalation.
Decreased sensitivity, impaired motor function, and muscle atrophy are added to the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis as the pathology progresses.
Characteristics of the course of osteochondrosis of the breast during pregnancy
The development of pain during pregnancy is associated with weight gain. At the same time, moving the center of gravity changes posture. Low physical activity in combination with a sedentary lifestyle causes a violation of the elasticity of the discs. Increasing pressure on the thoracic region leads to pain. During pregnancy, osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is treated mostly without the use of specialized drugs, because they can harm the health of the fetus. Therefore, Kuznetsov applicators, massages and special exercises are used.
Characteristics of the disease in children
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can manifest from 8 to 17 years of age. The unprepared spine under heavy loads undergoes pathological changes. After an accurate diagnosis, treatment is started. As a rule, in this period, starting the treatment process in time leads to excellent results. It is necessary to strengthen the muscles, improve the condition of the cartilage and conduct physiotherapy.
Complications of pathology
Most patients with thoracic osteochondrosis try to delay treatment, which in turn leads to significant complications.
Consequences of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- Intervertebral hernia formation
- Spinal cord injury
- Occurrence of hypertension
- Risk of stroke and heart attack
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of thoracic osteochondrosis, including differential osteochondrosis, includes:
- digital radiography;
- ECG;
- Ultrasound of the heart, kidneys and abdominal organs;
- CT.
The doctor will determine the exact image on the X-ray, where he will see the growth of the vertebral body and the movement of the discs. Thoracic osteochondrosis, characterized by similar symptoms to other diseases, requires a differential diagnosis with spinal cord injuries, tumors and neoplasms of the spine, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, coxarthrosis, and a number of other conditions.
Treatment of thoracic spine osteochondrosis
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis involves the application of complex therapy, the purpose of which is to stop and prevent further destruction of the discs or restore their structure, improve the biomechanics of the spine and eliminate disorders of the central nervous system.
The first thing to start with treatment is to alleviate pain and inflammation through drug therapy.
The patient is recommended drugs of the following groups:
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- glucocorticosteroids;
- diuretics;
- chondroprotectors.
When the pain subsides, it moves on to the next stage of treatment for thoracic osteochondrosis. A course of therapeutic massage, acupuncture, physiotherapy exercises is prescribed. Also, physiotherapy is very effective. If indicated, manual therapy may be recommended.
Healing control
Convalescence is monitored by a family doctor or a specialist who observed the patient during the illness. The absence of recurrence during the year indicates the normalization of the function of the musculoskeletal system.
Prophylaxis
Prevention of osteochondrosis of the chest requires the following rules:
- posture control;
- occupational hygiene (control of hand position, presence of a chair with a flat high back);
- breaks every 2 hours for certain exercises;
- sleeping on a hard surface;
- absence of irregular physical activity (including carrying heavy loads);
- carrying a backpack instead of a one-shoulder bag;
- regular exercise therapy classes.
Tips and tricks
Thoracic osteochondrosis requires long-term rehabilitation. Moderate physical activity is recommended to strengthen the back muscles and reduce stress on the spine. In addition, physical therapy gradually eliminates pain.
Also, in addition to exercise and sports therapy, the following tasks are performed:
- decompression of the nerve endings of the spine;
- developing stereotypes of proper posture;
- giving elasticity to the spine;
- improved blood circulation;
- normalization of intervertebral disc metabolism.
The article is for informational purposes only. Remember: self-medication can be detrimental to your health.