Thoracic osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine, in which the position of the vertebrae becomes unnatural, the intervertebral disc degenerates, which leads to a decrease in its height. 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 sensitive to stress, less mobile, there are less conditions of trauma of the spinal discs.
The risk group for this disease includes the elderly and those who lead sedentary lives. However, the pathology is increasingly diagnosed in adolescents, and by the age of 30-35 years the number of cases increases sharply.
Classification of thoracic osteochondrosis
The disease is classified on the basis of the syndromic principle. Affected areas of the spine negatively affect nerve formations.
By localization, such 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 appear);
- reflex syndrome (the effect occurs by reflex, stressing the innervated muscles; dystrophic and vascular disorders occur);
- myoadaptive syndrome (muscle damage to 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, poor immunity, frequent colds, infections, smoking, stress. In women, among others, 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 the intervertebral discs;
- degenerative changes in the tissues of the intervertebral disc;
- lack of minimal physical activity;
- scoliosis;
- permanent abnormal position of the spine when sitting.
Pathogenesis of the disease
Mild discomfort, muscle tension, and "tolerable" pain on inspiration and flexion are the first signs of chest osteochondrosis. A person usually seeks a doctor when the pain becomes severe and does not allow them to lead a normal life. Treatment for thoracic osteochondrosis is long term, which requires constant attention. If left untreated, dystrophic changes lead to limited mobility and even disability of the patient.
Clinical manifestations of osteochondrosis
Symptoms of breast osteochondrosis have different manifestations, depending on the location of the process. In addition, the disease skillfully "adjusts" to other problems.
The most typical symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- pain in the interscapular region;
- chest discomfort;
- headaches and heartache;
- pain when bending over;
- restriction of movement;
- tingling sensation in the neck, abdomen, chest and arms;
- dizziness, tinnitus, flash of flies in front of the eyes;
- pain sensations that increase with inhalation.
Decreased sensitivity, impaired motor skills, and muscle atrophy are added to the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis as the condition progresses.
Features of the course of breast osteochondrosis during pregnancy
The development of pain during pregnancy is associated with weight gain. At the same time, shifting the center of gravity changes posture. Low physical activity in combination with a sedentary lifestyle causes disruption of the elasticity of the discs. The increased pressure on the chest area causes pain. During pregnancy, osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is treated mainly without the use of specialized drugs, as they can adversely affect the health of the fetus. Therefore, applicators, massages and special Kuznetsov exercises are used.
Features of the disease in children
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can develop from 8 to 17 years of age. An unprepared spine undergoes pathological changes under heavy loads. After a correct diagnosis, treatment is started. As a rule, during this period, a timely started treatment process leads to excellent results. It is necessary to strengthen muscles, improve the condition of cartilage and perform physiotherapy.
Complications of the pathology
Most patients with thoracic osteochondrosis try to postpone 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
Diagnostic
Diagnosis of thoracic osteochondrosis, including differential, 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 they will see the growth of the vertebral body and the displacement of the discs. Thoracic osteochondrosis, characterized by symptoms similar to other diseases, requires differential diagnosis with lesions of the spine, tumors and neoplasms of the spine, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, coxarthrosis and anumber of other conditions.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis involves the use of complex therapy, the purpose of which is to stop and prevent further destruction of discs or restore their structure, improve the biomechanics of the spine and d'' eliminate disorders of the central nervous system.
The first thing to do is to relieve the pain and inflammation with drug treatment.
The patient is recommended drugs of the following groups:
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- glucocorticoids;
- diuretics;
- chondroprotectors.
When the pain subsides, they move on to the next stage of treatment for chest osteochondrosis. A course of therapeutic massage, acupuncture, physiotherapy exercises are prescribed. In addition, physiotherapy is very effective. If indicated, manual therapy may be recommended.
Control of healing
The convalescence is supervised by the family doctor or the specialist who observed the patient during the illness. The absence of relapses during the year indicates the normalization of the function of the musculoskeletal system.
Prophylaxis
Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis requires the following rules:
- posture control;
- work hygiene (control of the position of the hands, presence of a chair with a high flat backrest);
- breaks every 2 hours for specific exercises;
- sleeping on a hard surface;
- lack of irregular physical activity (including carrying heavy loads);
- carry a backpack instead of a shoulder bag;
- regular exercise therapy classes.
Tips & 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, physiotherapy gradually eliminates the pain.
In addition, with exercise and sports therapy, the following tasks are performed:
- decompression of nerve endings in the spine;
- develop a stereotype of correct posture;
- give 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 harmful to your health.