Thoracic osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine in which the condition of the vertebrae becomes abnormal, the intervertebral disc degenerates, resulting in reduced height. Osteochondrosis in the thoracic region is not as common as in the neck or lumbar region. 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, 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 diagnosed in adolescents, and the number of cases increases sharply between the ages of 30-35.
Classification of thoracic osteochondrosis
The disease is classified according to the principle of syndrome. Affected areas of the spine have a negative effect on nerve formations.
Depending on the location, 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; resulting in spinal, vascular or radical syndromes);
- reflex syndrome (the effect occurs reflexively, tense the innervated muscles; dystrophic and vascular disorders occur);
- myoadaptive syndrome (muscle damage in the thoracic segment due to constant overload).
Etiology of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
Causes of thoracic osteochondrosis are the result of low physical activity, back injuries, heavy physical load, metabolic disorders, overweight, weak 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 thoracic osteochondrosis are:
- poorly distributed load on intervertebral discs;
- degenerative changes in the tissues of the intervertebral disc;
- 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 "tolerable" pain when breathing and bending are the first signs of thoracic osteochondrosis. A person usually seeks medical attention when the pain worsens and does not allow him to lead a normal life. Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis is long-term, which requires constant attention. When left untreated, dystrophic changes can lead to limited mobility and even disability.
Clinical manifestations of osteochondrosis
Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis have different manifestations depending on the localization of the process. In addition, the disease skillfully "regulates" other problems.
The most typical symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- pain in the interscapular region;
- chest discomfort;
- headache and heart pain;
- pain when bending;
- restriction of movement;
- tingling sensation in the neck, abdomen, chest and arms;
- dizziness, tinnitus, flickering of flies in front of the eyes;
- increased pain sensations with inhalation.
Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis include decreased sensitivity, impaired motor function, and muscle atrophy as the pathology progresses.
Features 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, the displacement in the center of gravity changes the posture. Low physical activity combined with a sedentary lifestyle leads to a violation of the elasticity of the discs. Increased pressure in the thoracic region causes pain. Osteochondrosis of the breast during pregnancy is usually treated without the use of special drugs, as they can harm the health of the fetus. Therefore, Kuznetsov's applicators, massages and special exercises are used.
Features of the disease in children
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can manifest itself between the ages of 8 and 17 years. An untrained spine is subject to pathological changes under heavy loads. Once the correct diagnosis is made, treatment is started. As a rule, the process of treatment, which begins on time during this period, leads to excellent results. It is necessary to strengthen the muscles, improve the condition of the cartilage and carry out physiotherapy.
Complications of pathology
Most patients with thoracic osteochondrosis try to delay treatment, which in turn leads to significant complications.
Outcomes of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- Formation of intervertebral hernia
- Spinal cord injury
- Appearance of hypertension
- Risk of stroke and heart attack
Diagnostics
Diagnosis of thoracic osteochondrosis includes differential:
- digital radiography;
- ECG;
- Ultrasound of the heart, kidneys and abdominal organs;
- CT.
The doctor will order an accurate X-ray, where he will see the growth of the vertebral body and the displacement of the discs. Thoracic osteochondrosis, characterized by similar symptoms of other diseases, requires differential diagnosis with spinal cord injuries, tumors and neoplasms, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, coxarthrosis and a number 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 or restore further destruction of the discs, improve the biomechanics of the spine and eliminate disorders of the central nervous system.
The first thing to start with treatment is to relieve pain and inflammation through medication.
The patient is recommended the following groups of drugs:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- glucocorticosteroids;
- diuretics;
- chondroprotectors.
When the pain subsides, they move on to the next stage of treatment for thoracic osteochondrosis. Therapeutic massage course, acupuncture, physiotherapy exercises are prescribed. In addition, physiotherapy is very effective. If indicated, manual therapy may be recommended.
Healing control
Recovery is managed by a family doctor or a specialist who has observed the patient during the course of the disease. The absence of recurrences 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 condition of the hands, the presence of a chair with a straight back);
- breaks every 2 hours for special exercises;
- sleep on a hard surface;
- lack of irregular physical activity (including transportation of heavy loads);
- wear a shoulder bag 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 the back muscles and reduce stress on the spine. In addition, physical therapy gradually relieves pain.
In addition to exercise therapy and sports, the following tasks are performed:
- decompression of the nerve endings of the spine;
- to develop the correct posture stereotype;
- give elasticity to the spine;
- improved blood circulation;
- normalization of intervertebral disc metabolism.
This article is for informational purposes only. Please note: self-medication can damage your health.