Thoracic osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease affecting the intervertebral discs;As the pathology progresses, the surrounding structures also become involved in the process.The symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are diverse and often resemble the manifestations of other diseases.To diagnose this pathology, various methods are used to detect changes in the intervertebral structures.Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis includes both the use of medication and non-drug therapy in the form of physiotherapy and massage.Many are also interested in how to cure thoracic osteochondrosis using traditional methods.
Risk factors
Thoracic osteochondrosis most often occurs when one or more predisposing factors are present.This includes:
- hereditary predisposition;
- spinal abnormalities;
- excessive physical activity;
- low physical activity;
- Damage to the intervertebral discs after falls on the back, blows to the spine;
- prolonged exposure to vibration, which is typical for vehicle drivers, for example;
- presence of excess body weight;
- hormonal disorders;
- Smoke;
- age over 40 years;
- Wear high heels.
Features 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 carries less load compared to the lumbar part of the lumbar column.In this regard, osteochondrosis of this section rarely occurs.
The most common symptoms of osteochondrosis of the chest are dorsalgia and dorsalgia.Dorsago is a sharp pain that occurs after lying or sitting for a long time when a person begins to stand up.The pain is often so severe that breathing is difficult.This condition can be accompanied by muscle tension in the chest, neck and lower back.
Dorsalgia is a gradually developing chest pain that lasts two to three weeks.Unpleasant sensations increase when bending over, turning, staying in one position for a long time or taking deep breaths.
Other common manifestations of thoracic osteochondrosis include:
- Pain in the stomach associated with nausea and vomiting, the occurrence of which is not related to dietary habits;
- Pain in the right hypochondrium, aggravated by coughing, sneezing or a change in posture;
- Lower back pain reminiscent of renal colic and sometimes accompanied by urinary tract disorders;
- Upper chest pain accompanied by a foreign body sensation in the throat;
- excruciating pain in the mammary glands.
Degrees of illness
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 form in the fibrous ring, into which the nucleus pulposus penetrates.Pain at the site of the lesion at this stage is a sign of osteochondrosis of the breast.They can be constant or appear suddenly in the form of lumbago.Sometimes unpleasant sensations appear in the heart area and local muscle contractions are noted.
Second
This stage is characterized by the appearance of pathological mobility between the vertebrae at the lesion site.Pain occurs when staying in one position for a long time and persists when moving.
Third
This stage is characterized by the rupture of the fibrous ring and the emergence of the nucleus pulposus beyond its boundaries.Such pathological changes are accompanied by the formation of intervertebral hernias.The latter can compress nerve fibers, blood vessels and the spinal cord.
Painful sensations occur more frequently and are accompanied by difficulty breathing and discomfort in the heart area.
Fourth
The pathological process affects the structures surrounding the intervertebral discs.The ligaments of the spine are affected andOsteophytes- Bone growths that compress nerve fibers and sometimes damage the spinal cord.
Possible complications
When thoracic osteochondrosis is accompanied by compression of the spinal nerve root, intercostal neuralgia occurs.It is characterized by acute pain attacks in one half of the chest.Unpleasant sensations spread along nerve fibers from the spine to the sternum and are stabbing in nature.
Pain from intercostal neuralgia often radiates to the stomach, scapula, arm, and retrosternal region.If the sympathetic fibers are damaged, the skin in the affected area becomes pale and red.The duration of a painful attack is a few seconds to minutes.Paresthesia (numbness, crawling) may occur in the intercostal space.This symptom is characteristic of the period between attacks.
Another complication of this disease is spondyloarthrosis.With this pathology, the joints between the vertebrae are deformed, the cartilage layer is destroyed, the ligaments are stretched, and the mobility of the vertebrae relative to each other increases.In response to inflammation, the muscles surrounding the spine spasm.
Subsequently, osteophytes are formed and against the background of the formation of such growths, the affected part of the spine loses mobility.Bone outgrowths sometimes compress nerve roots, causing pain and loss of sensation.
Diagnosis of the disease
The easiest way to detect thoracic osteochondrosis is to take an X-ray of the spine.This study shows flattening, uneven contours of the intervertebral discs, displacement of the bodies of adjacent vertebrae relative to each other and changes in their shape.
Sometimes discography is performed - an X-ray examination with contrast material.This method allows us to identify the uneven boundaries of the nucleus pulposus that are characteristic of osteochondrosis.With a pronounced pathological process, the contrast completely fills the intervertebral disc and sometimes extends beyond its boundaries.
More detailed images of the spine can be obtained using computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.These methods allow a more detailed assessment of the severity of the degenerative process, as well as 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 additional diagnostic method.This disease is often accompanied by a slight increase in the number of leukocytes and an increase in ESR.When testing blood for electrolytes, a drop in calcium levels is sometimes detected.
The manifestations of thoracic osteochondrosis are similar to the signs of many diseases;If they occur, a consultation with a doctor is necessary to examine and clarify the diagnosis.If left untreated, the disease progresses and often leads to complications.
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis: gymnastics and exercise therapy
Gymnastics increases the mobility of the intervertebral and costal joints of the thoracic region, reduces the feeling of stiffness and eliminates muscle spasms.
Before treating thoracic osteochondrosis at home with exercise therapy, you need to make sure that there are no contraindications.Gymnastics classes are prohibited if:
- exacerbations of osteochondrosis;
- early recovery period after surgical treatment of osteochondrosis;
- neurological pathology, accompanied by impaired coordination of movements;
- high blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias;
- Exacerbations of chronic diseases, acute inflammatory and infectious processes.
massage
The massage improves blood circulation in the tissues surrounding the spine, eliminates muscle spasms and at the same time increases their tone.Against this background, pain and discomfort in the back area decrease.
The following types of massage can be used for thoracic osteochondrosis:
- Classic.
- Point (impact on specific points).
- Segmental (back massage in the chest area to improve local blood circulation).
- Cupping (exposing the affected areas to vacuum).
Classic massage includes rubbing, stroking, kneading, vibration movements and pinching.
Drug treatment
Drug therapy for thoracic osteochondrosis is aimed at:
- reduction of inflammatory processes;
- elimination of pain;
- reducing muscle spasms;
- Improving the condition of cartilage and nerve tissue.
The most commonly used medications to treat the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.These medications suppress inflammatory reactions that occur in nerve fibers, thereby providing pain relief.These funds are used in the form of:
- Tablets.
- Ointments, gels.
- Injections.
In case of exacerbations 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 mucous membrane of the digestive tract with the formation of ulcers, reduced blood clotting, kidney damage and allergic reactions.
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis with drugs from the group of muscle relaxants can reduce spasms of the muscles surrounding the spine, compress nerve endings and blood vessels, which leads to a reduction in pain intensity.
Chondroprotectors normalize metabolic processes in cartilage tissue and prevent its destruction.The composition of such products includes chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine, they are involved 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 taking various infusions and decoctions.They help reduce the severity of inflammation, improve metabolic processes in the affected areas of the spine and relieve pain.
Ointments, compresses with natural composition
Before treating thoracic osteochondrosis with these drugs, it is important to prepare them properly.To obtain an egg-vinegar ointment, you need to mix a chicken egg with the same amount of vinegar, add 100 grams of softened butter and bring the mixture to a homogeneous consistency.This ointment is applied in a thin layer to the affected area overnight.
To prepare another product, you need to mix 2 tablespoons of crushed sage and plantain leaves.Add 40 grams of melted petroleum jelly and 50 milliliters of olive oil to the plants.All components are thoroughly mixed, the resulting ointment is applied to the affected area with rubbing movements and a warm cloth is placed on top.The process can be repeated 2-3 times a day.
To make one of the most effective compresses, you need to prepare 50 grams of aloe leaves, 100 milliliters of vodka and 100 grams of honey.The aloe is chopped with a grater and added to the remaining ingredients.The composition is infused for 5 days.The product is applied to the site of pain, polyethylene is placed on 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 dried chamomile and mint.300 milliliters of hot water are added to the planting material, then the composition is boiled in a water bath for 10 minutes.The composition is taken 2 tablespoons three times a day.
To obtain an infusion with pronounced anti-inflammatory properties, you need to take 2 tablespoons of strawberry and birch leaves, 3 tablespoons of chamomile flowers, calendula, a tablespoon of St. John's wort and 10 grams of oak bark.The listed components 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 three times a day.
To obtain arnica tincture, 25 grams of plant flowers are poured with half a liter of vodka.The product is stored in a dark, cool place for a month.The tincture is taken 20 drops three times a day after dissolving it in a small amount of water.This remedy improves metabolic processes in the affected areas of the spine and reduces the severity of inflammatory reactions.
Prevention
To prevent the development of thoracic osteochondrosis it is recommended:
- Stop smoking and abusing alcoholic beverages;
- normalize the diet, reduce the content of fatty, fried foods in the diet;
- maintaining optimal body weight;
- Avoid heavy lifting and physical overexertion.
Complex treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis, consisting of drug therapy, massage and exercise therapy, is aimed at relieving inflammation, muscle spasms and pain.Traditional methods serve as an auxiliary measure and help to enhance the impact of other ongoing activities.