Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

Thoracic osteochondrosis is a degenerative disease of the thoracic spine. First of all, the disease affects the intervertebral discs, which leads to back pain and unpleasant symptoms. The disease is also characterized by the premature "aging" of the disc.

Osteochondrosis can be diagnosed in 20-year-old and middle-aged patients.

The disease is less common than other forms of osteochondrosis - cervical and lumbar. This is due to the lower mobility of the chest region and the protection of the muscular corset and ribs.

There are 12 vertebrae in the thoracic region - from T1 to T12. The lowest vertebrae are most often affected - T10, T11, T12.

Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis

Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are as follows:

• Chest pain
• Tired breathing
• Pain increases with deep breathing
• Increased fatigue
• Unsteady gait
• Tightness in the chest area
• Drive down
• The appearance of shortness of breath
• Cold feet
• Pain in esophagus
• Cough

Pain caused by thoracic osteochondrosis is divided into dorsago or dorsalgia according to its characteristics.

Dorsago - sharp pain in the chest area. This happens when you stay in one position for a long time. The pain can make breathing difficult.

Dorsalgia is moderate pain in the area of the affected discs. The pain intensifies with deep breathing. Unpleasant feelings begin gradually.

Causes of the development of thoracic osteochondrosis

The causes of the occurrence and development of thoracic osteochondrosis are often related to the patient's lifestyle and uneven loading of the spine. For example, people who spend a long time in a sitting position are at risk: remote or office work on the computer, frequent driving.

A sedentary lifestyle disrupts the functioning of the circulatory and lymphatic systems, and insufficient movement weakens muscle tissue. At the same time, the load on the spine increases when sitting.

The incidence of thoracic osteochondrosis can be influenced by previous spinal injuries, overweight and weakened immunity.

Osteochondrosis can also develop in women who often wear high heels or are pregnant.

Aggravation of thoracic osteochondrosis is possible in the event of an uncomfortable sleeping position, smoking, poor-quality massage or hypothermia.

Complications

Degenerative processes of the thoracic spine can cause the development of the following pathologies:

• Spinal cord compression is compression of the spinal cord that reduces sensation in the abdomen, back, and chest.
• Kyphosis is the curvature of the spine.
• Spinal protrusion and herniation is the protrusion of the center of the intervertebral disc, which affects the functioning of the pancreas and intestines.
• Intercostal neuralgia - acute pain in the intercostal space.

The organs affected by the complication depend on the affected vertebra.

The degree of development of thoracic osteochondrosis

• Grade I - mild pain occurs, which quickly disappears in a comfortable position. The moisture content of the intervertebral disc is lost, the nucleus pulposus moves slightly. This stage is not always paid attention to, because the pain does not cause severe discomfort and passes quickly.
• II. degree - cracks appear in the intervertebral disc, keeping the spine in a stable position leads to spasms, back and chest pain. The disc begins to lose its elasticity, and its height begins to decrease. The muscles in the affected area are constantly tensed.
• Grade III - protrusion of the central part of the intervertebral disc - the nucleus pulposus - occurs. Because of this, an intervertebral hernia occurs. The pain becomes constant, the cartilage thins.
• IV degree – the tissue of the fibrous ring is replaced by bone. Bone tissue begins to break down.

Diagnosis of thoracic osteochondrosis

If you suspect osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, you should make an appointment with a therapist or neurologist. During the examination, the patient states his complaints, and the doctor performs a physical examination. During the examination, attention is paid to the relationship between the level of the shoulder and pelvic girdle, the posture, the shape of the chest and the state of the muscular system.

After that, the doctor issues a referral for a diagnostic test. Based on the tests, the patient may be prescribed:

• X-ray – X-rays are taken of problem areas of the spine to show changes in the discs.
• CT scan - allows you to assess the condition of the injury site and examine the condition of the discs.
• ECG – recommended in case of suspected cardiovascular disease.

How to treat thoracic osteochondrosis

Conservative methods are used to treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. Their goal is to eliminate pain, relieve spasms and normalize blood circulation. These include:

• Massage
• Physiotherapy
• Physiotherapy
• Taking vitamins and medicines

Massage for thoracic osteochondrosis

Massage of the neck and chest area helps relieve pain and inflammation, and strengthens the muscles that keep the vertebrae in a stable state.

During the session, we use the following massage techniques: stroking, squeezing, kneading, rubbing and vibration. In osteochondrosis, the direction of action depends on the location of the injury. The massage should be performed by a professional who makes the procedure really effective. For better results, special oils can be used during the massage.

However, before taking a massage course, you need to make sure that it is not contraindicated for the patient. You should consult your doctor for this. The list of contraindications includes cardiovascular pathologies, elevated body temperature, tuberculosis and skin diseases.

Physiotherapy

Chest osteochondrosis consists of a series of gymnastic exercises to strengthen the spinal muscles and form a strong muscle ligament. In the initial stage, gymnastics helps to avoid taking medicines.

What is the effect of exercise therapy on thoracic osteochondrosis?

• Deep breathing becomes correct
• Correct posture develops
• It reduces the load on the spine
• The deep back muscles are less rigid
• Increases the mobility of the chest

Exercises for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

You need to warm up before starting the tournament. It can warm up and prepare your muscles for physical activity. You can use limb swings, trunk, neck and pelvic twists and turns to warm up.

Here are some exercises that are suitable for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis:

• "Boat" - you need to lie on your stomach, stretch your arms above your head and keep your legs straight. In this position, you need to bend your chest - raise your arms and legs smoothly and simultaneously.
• Shoulder Raise – Standing with your arms relaxed along your body, raise each shoulder.
• Bending on a chair - you need to sit on a chair with your back pressed tightly against your back. Hands must be lowered. In this position, while inhaling, put your hands behind your back and lean back. When exhaling, you must lean forward. You can also lean to the side.
• Back arch – while standing on all fours, arch your back and hold this position for a few seconds. Then you need to return to the starting position. It is recommended to perform the exercise on a special mat.

The exercises should be done regularly over several months. Physiotherapy should not last more than 30 minutes and must be done in comfortable shoes and clothes. If acute pain occurs, you should stop training.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is suitable for complex treatment. It can be used as an additional or independent therapy. In the case of thoracic osteochondrosis, the doctor may prescribe the following procedures:

• Magnetotherapy is the effect of a magnetic field on the affected area, which makes it possible to normalize blood circulation, restore affected tissues and improve the mobility of the lumbar region.
• Laser therapy is the effect of laser beams on the affected area. It helps improve immunity, has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. There is no pain during the procedure.
• Shock wave therapy is exposure to infrasound acoustic waves. They promote the absorption of bone growths, stimulate collagen production and improve blood circulation.
• Medical electrophoresis is an effective method for eliminating pain and improving the nutrition of affected tissues. Electrodes and pads containing medicinal substances are attached to the patient's skin.

All these procedures help to relieve the discomfort of the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis.

Drug treatment of osteochondrosis

During drug treatment, the patient is often prescribed a drug complex. The doctor determines the duration of the course and the list of individual drugs depending on the clinical manifestations of osteochondrosis. The list of medications may include, for example, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, vitamins, and special ointments or gels.

Nutrition for thoracic osteochondrosis

As an additional treatment measure, the patient can be prescribed "15. "table" diet. The diet does not require you to give up most of the popular foods, but it is characterized by a high vitamin content diet.

As part of the diet you can eat:

• Bread
• Milk
• Soups
• Lean meat - it is advisable to eat it every day
• Pasta
• Vegetables – fresh, in a salad or cooked
• Egg
• Fresh fruits
• Fresh berries
• A variety of sweets
• Butter and vegetable oils

Allowed drinks include weak coffee, tea, juices and kvass.

What not to eat:

• Puff pastry
• Foods made with fatty meat or fish
• Chocolate products

As for drinks, it is not recommended to drink strong coffee, strong tea or alcoholic beverages.

Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis

Recommended preventive measures are:

• Swimming or other water sports
• Regular warm-up if you work on a computer for a long time
• Maintaining posture while sitting - the back should be straight and the shoulders straightened
• Avoiding hypothermia of the back
• Regular exercise therapy

In addition, attention should be paid to the choice of bedding. The wrong mattress and pillow prevent your back and neck from relaxing while you sleep. For this reason, it is recommended to buy special orthopedic accessories for a comfortable stay in osteochondrosis.