Thoracic osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease affecting the intervertebral discs;as the pathology progresses, the surrounding structures are involved in the process.The symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are different, often similar to the manifestations of other diseases.To diagnose this pathology, a number of methods are used to detect changes in the intervertebral structures.Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis includes both the use of drugs and non-drug therapy in the form of physical therapy and massage.Many are also interested in how to cure thoracic osteochondrosis using traditional methods.
Risk factors
Thoracic osteochondrosis most often occurs if there are one or more predisposing factors.These include:
- hereditary predisposition;
- abnormalities of the spine;
- excessive physical activity;
- low physical activity;
- damage to the intervertebral discs after a fall on the back, a blow to the spine;
- prolonged exposure to vibrations, which, for example, is typical for vehicle drivers;
- the presence of excess body weight;
- hormonal disorders;
- smoking;
- age over 40 years;
- wearing high heels.
Characteristics of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
Due to the peculiarities of the anatomical structure, the thoracic spine is less mobile compared to the cervical spine and also bears less load compared to the lumbar part of the lumbar spine.In this regard, osteochondrosis of this section rarely occurs.
The most common symptoms of osteochondrosis of the chest are dorsago, dorsalgia.Dorsago is a sharp pain that appears after a long stay in a lying, sitting position, when a person starts to stand up.Often the pain is so strong that breathing becomes difficult.This condition can be accompanied by muscle tension in the chest, neck and lower back.
Dorsalgia is a chest pain that develops gradually and lasts for 2-3 weeks.Unpleasant sensations become stronger when you bend, turn, stay in one position for a long time or take a deep breath.
Other common manifestations of thoracic osteochondrosis include:
- stomach pain, combined with nausea, vomiting, their appearance is not associated with dietary habits;
- pain in the right hypochondrium, aggravated by coughing, sneezing or changing the position of the body;
- pain in the lower back, reminiscent of renal colic, sometimes accompanied by urinary disorders;
- pain in the upper part of the chest, accompanied by a sensation of a foreign object in the throat;
- annoying pain in the mammary glands.
Disease rates
Depending on the severity of the pathological process and the manifestations of the disease, 4 degrees of osteochondrosis are distinguished.
First
At this stage, cracks are formed in the fibrous ring, into which the nucleus pulposus penetrates.Pain at the site of the lesion is a sign of osteochondrosis of the chest at this stage.They can be constant or appear suddenly, in the form of lumbago.Sometimes unpleasant sensations appear in the area of the heart and local muscle contractions are observed.
Secondly
This stage is characterized by the appearance of pathological mobility between the vertebrae at the site of the lesion.The pain appears when you stay in one position for a long time and continues with movement.
Thirdly
This stage is characterized by the rupture of the fibrous ring and the exit of the nucleus pulposus beyond its limits.Such pathological changes are associated with the formation of intervertebral hernias.The latter can compress nerve fibers, blood vessels and the spinal cord.
Painful sensations appear more often and are accompanied by breathing problems and discomfort in the heart area.
Fourthly
The pathological process involves the structures surrounding the intervertebral discs.The ligamentous apparatus of the spine is affected, andosteophytes- bone growth that presses on nerve fibers, sometimes damaging the spinal cord.
Possible complications
When thoracic osteochondrosis is accompanied by compression of the spinal nerve root, intercostal neuralgia appears.It is characterized by attacks of acute pain in half of the chest.Unpleasant sensations spread from the spine to the sternum along nerve fibers and are shooting in nature.
Pain with intercostal neuralgia often radiates to the stomach, shoulder blade, arm and retrosternal region.When the sympathetic fibers are damaged, pallor and redness of the skin in the affected area is observed.The duration of a painful attack is from a few seconds to minutes.In the intercostal space, a person may experience paresthesia (a feeling of numbness, crawling), this symptom is characteristic of the time between attacks.
Another complication of this condition is spondyloarthrosis.With this pathology, the joints between the vertebrae are deformed, the cartilage layer is destroyed, the ligaments are stretched and there is an increase in the mobility of the vertebrae in relation to each other.In response to inflammation, a spasm of the muscles surrounding the spine occurs.
Then, osteophytes are formed, and against the background of the formation of such growths, the affected part of the spine loses mobility.Bony growths sometimes press on nerve roots, causing pain and sensory disturbances.
Diagnosis of the disease
The simplest way to detect thoracic osteochondrosis is X-ray of the spine.This study reveals flattening, uneven contours of the intervertebral discs, displacement of adjacent vertebral bodies relative to each other and changes in their shape.
Sometimes discography is performed - an X-ray examination using a contrast agent.This method allows us to identify the uneven boundaries of the nucleus pulposus, characteristic of osteochondrosis.With a pronounced pathological process, the contrast completely fills the intervertebral disc, sometimes extending beyond its borders.
More accurate images of the spine can be obtained using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.These methods make possible a more detailed assessment of the severity of the degenerative process, determining the presence of a hernia, its location and size.
If symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis appear, the doctor may also recommend a general blood test as an auxiliary diagnostic method.This disease is often accompanied by a slight increase in the number of leukocytes and an increase in ESR.During blood testing for electrolytes, a drop in calcium levels is sometimes noted.
Manifestations of thoracic osteochondrosis are similar to the signs of many diseases;if they occur, it is necessary to consult a doctor for examination and clarification of the diagnosis.If left untreated, the disease progresses, often leading to complications.
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis: gymnastics and exercise therapy
Gymnastics increases mobility in the intervertebral and costovertebral joints of the chest region, reduces the feeling of stiffness and eliminates muscle spasm.
Before treating thoracic osteochondrosis at home with exercise therapy, you should make sure that there are no contraindications.Gymnastics classes are prohibited when:
- deterioration of osteochondrosis;
- early recovery period after surgical treatment of osteochondrosis;
- neurological pathology associated with impaired coordination of movements;
- high blood pressure, heart rhythm disorders;
- exacerbations of any chronic disease, acute inflammatory and infectious processes.
Massage
Massage improves blood circulation in the tissues surrounding the spine, eliminates muscle spasms, simultaneously increasing their tone.Against this background, pain and discomfort in the back area are reduced.
For thoracic osteochondrosis, the following types of massage can be used:
- Classic.
- Point (impact on certain points).
- Segmental (back massage in the chest region, aimed at improving local blood circulation).
- Cup (exposure to vacuum affected areas).
Classic massage includes rubbing, caressing, stirring, vibrating movements and squeezing.
Drug treatment
Drug therapy for thoracic osteochondrosis aims to:
- reduction of inflammatory processes;
- elimination of pain;
- reduction of muscle spasm;
- improving the condition of cartilage and nerve tissue.
The most commonly used medications to treat the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.These drugs suppress the inflammatory reactions that occur in the nerve fibers, resulting in a decrease in pain.These funds are used in the form of:
- Tablets.
- Ointment, gel.
- Injections.
For exacerbation of the disease, injections of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used.
The most common side effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs include damage to the mucosa of the digestive tract with the formation of ulcers, decreased blood coagulation, kidney damage, and allergic reactions.
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis with drugs from the group of muscle relaxants can reduce the spasm of the muscles surrounding the spine, suppressing nerve endings and blood vessels, resulting in a decrease in pain intensity.
Chondroprotectors normalize metabolic processes in cartilage tissue and prevent its destruction.The composition of such products includes chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, they participate in the synthesis of connective tissue.
Preparations containing B vitamins improve metabolism in damaged nerve fibers, which leads to the suppression of inflammatory reactions.
Folk remedies for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis at home includes the use of ointments, compresses and ingestion of various infusions and decoctions.They help reduce the severity of inflammation, improve metabolic processes in the affected areas of the spine and reduce pain.
Ointments, compresses with natural composition
Before treating thoracic osteochondrosis with these drugs, it is important to prepare them correctly.To get the oil with egg vinegar, you need to mix one chicken egg with the same volume of table vinegar, add 100 grams of soft butter and bring the mixture to a homogeneous consistency.This ointment is applied to the affected area at night in a thin layer.
To make another product, you need to mix 2 tablespoons of sage leaves and crushed plantain leaves.Add 40 grams of melted petroleum jelly and 50 milliliters of olive oil to the herbs.All the ingredients are thoroughly mixed, the resulting oil is applied to the affected area with rubbing movements and a warm cloth is applied on top.The procedure can be repeated 2-3 times a day.
To prepare one of the most effective compresses, you need to prepare 50 grams of aloe leaves, 100 milliliters of vodka, 100 grams of honey.Aloe is crushed using a grater and the remaining ingredients are added.The composition is injected for 5 days.The product is applied to the area where the pain is felt, the polyethylene is placed over the skin of the back and a towel or scarf is wrapped over the chest.The compress is left for 2 hours.
Infusions, tinctures, decoctions
To prepare an anti-inflammatory decoction, you need to mix a tablespoon of dry chamomile and mint.300 milliliters of hot water is added to the plant material, then the composition is boiled for 10 minutes using a water bath.The composition is taken 2 tablespoons three times a day.
To get an infusion with pronounced anti-inflammatory properties, you need to take 2 tablespoons of strawberry and birch leaves, 3 tablespoons of chamomile flowers, calendula, one tablespoon of St. John's wort, 10 grams of oak bark.The listed ingredients are mixed, 2 tablespoons of this composition are poured with a liter of boiling water and left for 4 hours.This infusion should be drunk 100 milliliters 3 times a day.
To obtain arnica solution, 25 grams of plant flowers are poured with half a liter of vodka.The product is placed for a month in a dark and cool place.The tincture is taken 20 drops three times a day, after dissolving in a small amount of water.This drug improves metabolic processes in the affected areas of the spine and reduces the severity of inflammatory reactions.
Preventing
To prevent the development of thoracic osteochondrosis, it is recommended:
- stop smoking and abuse of alcoholic beverages;
- normalizing nutrition, reducing the content of fatty, fried foods in the diet;
- maintaining optimal body weight;
- Avoid heavy lifting and physical exertion.
Complex treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis, consisting of drug therapy, massage, exercise therapy, aims to reduce inflammation, muscle spasms and eliminate pain.Traditional methods serve as an auxiliary measure, helping to increase the effect of other ongoing activities.