Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

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

Reasons for appearance

The thoracic spine is less mobile than the cervical and lumbar spine, therefore pathological processes in this area appear less noticeably, mainly due to the strong structure of the connections of the ribs, sternum and vertebrae.However, it occurs no less frequently than other types of osteochondrosis.Most people who are constantly in a sitting position 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, the main cause of the disease is pathological deformations of the intervertebral discs and joints of the structure.The cartilaginous surfaces are destroyed, the discs become thinner, osteophytes, protrusions, hernias are formed, the nucleus pulposus is significantly reduced and finally the root structures of the spinal nerves are damaged, compressive myelopathy and vascular myeloschemia occur.

Symptoms and first signs of thoracic osteochondrosis

The signs of osteochondrosis are not as pronounced as in other types of this disease, and unqualified doctors periodically confuse them with the 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 work.Pinched nerve fibers cause unpleasant conductive sensations in the heart and even the liver, and also form pathologies in the functioning of numerous other organs.

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

1. Dorsalgia is a long-term moderate pain syndrome in the affected area, accompanied by unpleasant sensations.
2. Dorsago - severe, intense and, as a rule, short-term paroxysmal pain.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 a "shooting" of the intercostal nerves in the affected area and corresponding neuralgia.
2. Pain syndrome in the left side of the chest, similar to ischemia.
3. Belly pain in the chest, which increases significantly 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 ankylosing spondylitis/Forestier/Scheerman-Mao disease.
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 sets of exercises, a variety of physical and manual procedures, as well as medications.

How to treat?

The treatment process consists of several stages.The 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 physical therapy.The last phase is maintenance therapy.The duration of treatment of the disease varies widely and depends both on the medical techniques used, and on the patient's current condition, as well as on the stage of the osteochondrosis itself.

Popular drugs for thoracic osteochondrosis

1. Painkillers.NSAIDs and analgesics based on various combinations.
2. Hodroprotectors.Necessary to catalyze the process of restoring damaged cartilage.
3. Vitamins.Very often, complete vitamin complexes or preparations with elements of group B are prescribed.
4. External means.Creams or ointments based on glucocorticosteroids.In addition, local agents are used to relieve inflammation in the affected area and relieve the symptoms of the disease.
5. Injections and injections.Most often they are performed in a hospital setting and are complexes of paravartebral block with a long-acting anesthetic.In addition, such drugs improve blood circulation and also contribute to the restoration of cartilage tissue.

Massage

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

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

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

1. Spot.
2. Medicinal.
3. Stored in hardware.
4. Reflexo-priosteus.
5. Connective tissue.

Gymnastics and physical therapy

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

The fundamental task of physical therapy/gymnastics is the systematic development of cartilage and strengthening of spinal muscles.With an appropriate diagnosis, a set of author's 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 facilitate monitoring the effectiveness of treatment.

In private practice they also use variable sets of exercises using a different method using special devices.Stages of treatment 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 treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine may include hardware and alternative therapy, as well as various physical procedures.The most famous and popular methods:

1. Electrophoresis.A well-known non-operative method of influencing the spine, which has been used since the 70s of the last century.
2. Direct line.This method is a relatively safe and effective method of straightening the spine, if, of course, it is performed by a qualified specialist.It is carried out on a traction massage table.
3. Vacuum therapy.A type of active influence on the affected area using vacuum cans.
4. Acupuncture.Classical acupuncture is performed with special thin needles that are immersed 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 of electric current to normalize the functioning of the spine.
9. Shock wave therapy.The technique is based on the use of infrasonic acoustic waves in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.
10. Decompression of the traction machine.Automated analogue of direct stretching.

Prevention

The rules for preventing this disease are simple and unambiguous:

1. Regular physical exercise under the supervision of an orthopedist.
2. Weight normalization.
3. Consumption of foods and drugs rich in magnesium and calcium.
4. Correct posture when working in a sitting position.
5. Abandon bad habits.

Question - answer

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

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

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

Localization of the above pain sensations:

1. Interscapular region.
2. Belly chest pain with partial numbness.
3. Painful "shooting" in the upper left chest, similar to ischemia.
4. Pain referred to the liver, heart and gastrointestinal tract.

Is gymnastics useful for thoracic osteochondrosis?

Gymnastics and physical therapy are one of the main elements of complex therapy for the disease.With its help you can strengthen the back muscles, improve blood microcirculation and develop cartilage and intervertebral discs.Of course, the gymnast 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 the appropriate medications and regularly attend physical procedures.