Osteochondrosis affects the bone and cartilage tissue of the vertebrae of the cervical, lumbar or thoracic spine. The pathology often leads to damage and in advanced cases, for example when an intervertebral hernia is formed, requires surgical intervention. In this material, we will describe in detail the osteochondrosis of the chest, its symptoms and treatment.
Thoracic osteochondrosis - what is it?
Thoracic osteochondrosis is degenerative-dystrophic changes in the vertebrae of the chest with destruction of joints, intervertebral discs and cartilage. Compared to the cervical and lumbar regions, the thoracic region is not as mobile, but due to its connection with the ribs, it is more durable.
As a result, it is less susceptible to external influences. However, with sedentary work, weak spinal muscles, accompanying injuries, the risk of developing osteochondrosis in the chest is high.
The risk factors are:
- high loads on the back - lifting weights, pregnancy, wearing high heels, flat feet;
- sedentary way of life;
- rachiocampsis;
- back injury;
- incorrect posture;
- hereditary predisposition;
- nervous tension.
The development of thoracic osteochondrosis leads to thinning of the discs between the vertebrae, the appearance of intervertebral hernia, abrasion of the cartilaginous membrane of the joints of the spine, pathological growth of bone tissue, growths - osteophytes are formed on it.
As a result of such changes, compression of blood vessels and nerve fibers, damage to the spinal cord (myeloischemia, myelopathy) may occur. Another serious complication of the disease is intervertebral hernia.
Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis, photo
With osteochondrosis of the chest, the symptoms often appear and intensify under the influence of loads, during sudden movements, for example, when turning the torso, tilting.
This can be a dull or aching pain that occurs between the shoulder blades, accompanied by a feeling of tightness in the chest. If the lower ribs are displaced, then there is a posterior rib syndrome, when a sharp pain is felt in the shoulder blade and the lower part of the chest.
When probing the spine in the area of the affected vertebrae, local pain is felt - at the site of exposure.
The compression of the nerve fibers causes symptoms such as impaired sensitivity in the endings of the pinched nerves, changes in tendon reflexes (knee and heel).
There may be a malfunction in the functioning of the internal organs, since the nerve roots located in the vertebrae of the thoracic region are responsible for the functioning of the liver, heart, kidneys, lungs, pancreas and intestines.
Other possible manifestations of osteochondrosis are sexual dysfunction, difficulty breathing, as well as pain localized in the area:
- mammary glands;
- chest and heart;
- hypochondrium - left or right;
- stomach and intestines;
- esophagus and pharynx.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic vertebrae is manifested by two types of pain:
- Dorsago - pronounced, piercing, sharp pain between the shoulder blades and in the ribs, worse when trying to turn or change the position of the body. This symptomatology appears during an exacerbation of the disease.
- Dorsalgia - appears gradually and lasts 1-3 weeks. The pain is dull, unexpressed and localized in the spine at the level of the chest, its intensity increases with a deep breath, tilting. It is accompanied by muscle spasm above and below the painful area, a feeling of lack of air.
Dorsalgia often worsens at night and when the body is in one position for a long time.
What to do during an exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the chest?
Exacerbation of osteochondrosis can provoke physical overload (sports, hard work), hypothermia, severe stress or fatigue, lifting heavy objects. Acute pain may be accompanied by:
- headache reminiscent of the intensity of migraine attacks;
- nausea;
- vertigo;
- severe weakness;
- loss of mobility;
- difficulty breathing.
Pain in the spine that occurs during an exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the chest is difficult to eliminate on your own. You should not choose painkillers without visiting a specialist, as self-medication can cause serious complications.
The first action in case of acute pain is to call an ambulance or contact a neurologist. When a person is aggravated, they are hospitalized and in the hospital they eliminate the pain syndrome and control the further condition. Analgesics and local anesthetics (injections, tablets, ointments) are used to relieve pain.
General measures for therapyand the rules for the deterioration period are as follows:
- compliance with bed rest and minimal activity;
- taking only medicines prescribed by the doctor;
- Physical therapy and light self-massage;
- physical therapy;
- balanced diet.
If the dorsago is caused by an intervertebral hernia, medical treatment, wearing a corset, physical therapy is indicated, and for large sizes, the only treatment is surgery. It is performed after a thorough diagnosis and exclusion of other pathologies with similar symptoms.
Tactics for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the chest
In lesions of the chest, as in osteochondrosis of the cervico-thoracic spine, the treatment is symptomatic. Of the medicines, the following are prescribed:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- Analgesics, which can also be from the group of NSAIDs;
- Topical pain relievers in the form of gels, creams, ointments and patches;
- Muscle relaxants for back muscle spasm;
- Vitamin and mineral complexes that help restore ligaments and bone tissue;
- Antidepressants.
An important component of the treatment are chondroprotectors - preparations based on glucosamine or chondroitin - they contribute to the restoration of cartilage tissue and are taken for a long time, in courses of six months or more.
The most effective means that include both of these compounds.
AdditionalMethods of treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- physiotherapy - shock wave, laser, magnetic, ultraviolet exposure, electrophoresis;
- physical therapy;
- massage has a warming effect, increases the intensity of metabolism in paravertebral and joint tissues, reduces increased muscle tone;
- acupuncture - acupuncture;
- acupressure - tactile impact on biologically active points;
- healthy food.
In case of osteochondrosis of the chest, therapeutic exercises are performed 2-3 times a day. The exercise program is drawn up individually by the attending physician. Gymnastics can be both preventive and curative, designed to strengthen the spinal and shoulder muscles, restore the natural curves of the spine and help form posture.
You can start doing it only after overcoming the pain syndrome. All exercises basically have movements reminiscent of those that a person performs in everyday life, so that the muscles gradually strengthen during training without overexertion.
Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis
The nature of the profession often creates conditions for the development of osteochondrosis. It is important for people who engage in heavy physical labor or spend the entire working day in a sitting position to monitor their posture and regularly perform exercises to strengthen the back muscles.
It is useful to warm up several times during the working day, as well as self-massage.
To prevent osteochondrosis of the chest, excess salt, sugar, spices, sweet carbonated drinks, spicy and fried foods should be excluded from the diet.
Preference is given to natural food without preservatives and dyes, vegetables, fruits, cereals and other cereals, lean meat and lean fish, dairy products, enough water. It is necessary to maintain a normal weight, do not forget about moderate physical activity and do not abuse coffee and alcoholic beverages.
The position of the body during sleep is important - you should sleep on your back, on a dense hard mattress. The discomfort that occurs initially disappears as soon as the vertebrae return to the correct position.
Compliance with all preventive recommendations will allow the back to remain healthy, beautiful and live without pain.