A sedentary lifestyle, injuries or excessive physical activity cause diseases of the musculoskeletal system. To avoid complications, it is important to start treatment early in the process. To do this, you need to know about the causes and symptoms of the pathology.
Description of the disease, what is its danger
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a chronic disease in which dystrophic changes begin in the cartilage located in the intervertebral space. The pathology is expressed by a decrease in the height of the discs and compression of the intercostal nerve endings.
Thoracic osteochondrosis goes through several stages of progression.
The first is characterized by the drying out of the intervertebral disc, a decrease in strength and elasticity, and the appearance of cracks. The pain is mild and disappears after the person rests for a while.
In the second stage, the disc decreases in height, the niche in the vertebra is filled with the nucleus pulposus, but does not go beyond its limits. Muscles experience constant tension. The person complains of severe pain, which subsides after resting.
The third stage is characterized by the exit of the nucleus pulposus outside the edges, the crack reaches the edge of the vertebra. As a result, an intervertebral hernia is formed. The pain becomes constant.
In the fourth stage, the proliferation of connective tissue is detected, which puts pressure on the nearby vertebrae. In order to compensate for the reduced layer, bone tissue begins to grow. More and more growths (osteophytes) appear.
Types of thoracic osteochondrosis and complications
Based on the nature of the pain, two types of thoracic osteochondrosis are distinguished:
- dorsago, which is characterized by acute sharp pain in the form of lumbago, localized in the thoracic spine. The condition is accompanied by muscle tension, problems with movement in the neck and thoracic region;
- dorsalgia, in which the pain slowly increases. Breathing and turning the body, as well as prolonged stay in one position increase the discomfort. At night, the discomfort deepens and disappears when walking.
In the absence of adequate therapy, the nerve endings are increasingly compressed. As a result, osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can cause complications:
- diseases of the digestive system;
- persistent pain;
- disorders in cardiac activity;
- reduced ability to conceive;
- lung dysfunction caused by the proliferation of connective tissue.
Why does thoracic spine pathology occur?
This part of the spine experiences moderate stress and limited mobility. However, pathology is common. The disease can be caused by one of the reasons or their combination:
- injuries and damages;
- excessive workload of departments, including childhood;
- age-related changes associated with reduced nutrition of the disc tissue between the vertebrae;
- endocrinological diseases, especially during menopause;
- age-related impairment of calcium absorption;
- excess body weight;
- problems with blood vessels, atherosclerotic deposits in the vessels of the thoracic region;
- weak muscle corset.
How is the pathology manifested?
Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis include pain and increased muscle tone. The pain can be short-term with shooting or long-lasting pain. Twitching can be felt in the front of the chest, under the ribs and in the shoulder. The pain intensifies when staying in one position for a long time.
A characteristic sign of pathology is sensitivity to palpation of the spinous processes of the thoracic vertebrae.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are similar to symptoms of other diseases and include:
- discomfort in the region of the heart, reminiscent of angina pain;
- pain when breathing, difficulty breathing, also manifests itself in pneumonia, tuberculosis, obstructive pulmonary disease;
- pain in the epigastric region, under the ribs, similar to signs of gastrointestinal diseases.
Methods of treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis
If you have complaints, consult a neurologist. Therapy includes medication, physical therapy, exercise therapy, and massage.
Doctors prescribe medicines:
- means to remove the source of inflammation in the spine;
- drugs to reduce muscle tone and the risk of compression of the sensory roots of the spinal cord;
- neuroprotectors designed to help restore nerve fibers.
The choice and dosage is chosen by the doctor, who will take into account the tolerance of the drug, accompanying pathologies and the weight of the patient.
It is important to adhere to the recommended duration of treatment to avoid relapses. You can buy prescribed medicines cheaply in the online store.
Massage should be done carefully, using rubbing techniques. The areas under the shoulder blades and between the ribs should be treated thoroughly. For the effect to appear, at least 10-15 sessions are needed.
During physical therapy, the emphasis is on exercises that strengthen the muscular corset, neck and lower back.
Ointments and gels with anti-inflammatory effects, heating patches and Kuznets' applicator are prescribed locally.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is a degenerative pathology of the vertebrae and discs. Vlasenko Alexander Adolfovich (neurologist, doctor of manual therapy with 30 years of experience) talks about osteochondrosis of the thoracic region - symptoms, diagnosis and effective methods of treatment.
Why is thoracic osteochondrosis called a "chameleon"?
The thoracic spine has a special feature - ribs are attached to it. Thanks to this, it is less mobile than the neck and lower back. Consequently, osteochondrosis in the thoracic region develops less often, according to the principle: "less mobility - less wear and tear". But it develops less often - this does not mean that it occurs more easily. And it really is. We are talking about chest pain. Since the painful areathoracic spine coincides with the area of the heart, the symptoms are often confused with angina pectoris or myocardial infarction. Thoracic osteochondrosis is not called a "chameleon" for nothing. After all, it can pretend not only to have a heart disease, but also a disease of the lungs, liver, stomach"force" into serious stress. That is why it is very important to find an experienced and educated doctor who will understand everything and distinguish the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis from other pathologies. Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region are usually divided into two categories - radicular and reflex.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis
Manifestations of osteochondrosis will depend on the location and severity of the lesion in the spinal movement segment. In the initial stage, patients complain of dull pain in the back, discomfort, slight limitation of movement in the spine, periodic numbness in the arms or legs, headache and fatigue. By starting treatment and changing your lifestyle in this period, the result will not take long and recovery will come quickly.
Severe damage to the intervertebral disc causes severe pain, permanent numbness and/or weakness in the arm or leg (depending on the degree of damage). These signs may indicate the destruction of the intervertebral disc and the presence of a hernia, and it is necessary to immediately consult a doctor and start treatment.
In the most severe cases, the pain syndrome can be extremely strong, dysfunction of the pelvic organs, marked weakness and numbness in the arm or leg are possible. If these signs are present, urgent hospitalization in a hospital is necessary to resolve the issue of surgical treatment.
Cervical osteochondrosis causes pain in the neck, which may radiate to the shoulder, arm or head, numbness or weakness in the arm, headache, dizziness.
With osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, pain occurs in the chest, radiates to the sternum or shoulder blade, intensifies when breathing and moving, and sometimes there is also a feeling of shortness of breath. Patients often confuse this condition with heart pain.
When the lumbosacral spine is affected, the pain is localized in the lower back, intensifies during movement, radiates to the leg or perineum, and numbness or weakness in the leg may occur.
It is necessary to remember that our body is a unique whole, and the division of osteochondrosis into cervical, thoracic and lumbar is arbitrary. As a rule, the disease develops in the entire spine, but it manifests itself in the part that experiences the greatest load.
Radicular symptoms
They are caused by an impact on the nerves coming out of the spine.
Spinal nerves
Many nerves exit the spine. They are called spinal nerves. Each such nerve gradually branches and follows a specific area of the body with clearly defined boundaries. This area is called the zone of segmental innervation. Each vertebra, disc, nerve and zone is numbered, strictly interconnected. If a nerve is exposed, the symptoms will appear in the zone of segmental innervation corresponding to that nerve, not anywhere - in an arbitrary place.
Radicular symptoms include:
- Reduced or lost reflexes;
- Reduced sensitivity;
- Muscle weakness;
- Radicular pain.
Zones of innervation of thoracic segments
Osteochondrosis D1–D2- Causes pain in the shoulder, collarbone and armpit area.
Osteochondrosis D3–D6- causes pain of a girdling nature in the upper part of the chest. Simulates heart pain, angina attack. In women, it causes pain in the mammary glands.
Osteochondrosis D7–D8- causes pain in the belt at the level of the solar plexus. Simulates pain in the stomach, liver, gall bladder or pancreas. It reduces the reflexes of the upper abdomen.
Osteochondrosis D9–D10- causes pain in the hypochondrium and upper abdomen. Sometimes it imitates the so-called "acute" abdomen - a sharp pain in the abdomen. Reduces mid-abdominal reflexes.
Osteochondrosis D11–D12- causes groin pain. Simulates pain in women's diseases, appendicitis and intestinal diseases. It reduces the reflexes of the lower abdomen.
Reflex symptoms
Unlike radicular symptoms, reflex symptoms do not have clear boundaries. These can be: difficulty breathing, lack of air, pain when inhaling and exhaling, chills and "hedgehogs" on the skin, intercostal neuralgia, throbbing pain in the chest. Dyspepsia is often observed - appetite worsens, nausea, heartburn, flatulence andintestinal dysfunction. Due to pain, sleep is disturbed, insomnia occurs and the feeling that you do not get enough sleep. It is difficult to move, especially in the morning. Movement coordination is disturbed - this is reflected in the gait. General weakness, weakness. Sexual disorders. Irritability. Fatigue quickly. Various pains occur. Pain from pressure in the chest area. Pain between the shoulder blades. Pain in the hypochondrium. Pain when raising the arms. Pain when bending down or trying to stand up. Pain between the shoulder blades. In general, pain in osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is usually divided intotwo types.
Dorsalgia- moderately strong, long-lasting pain in the back and chest with periods of intensification and weakening.
Dorsago- acute painful "lumbago" in this area.
- Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region depend on the stage of osteochondrosis.
- They get worse when they stoop or try to stand up.
- Symptoms often appear after 35-45 years.
- They occur approximately 3 times more often in women than in men.
You have, of course, noticed that the radicular symptoms are quite clearly defined, while the reflex symptoms are very vague and non-specific. And as you know, anything that does not have a clear definition serves as a convenient cover for professional helplessness. This refers, among other things, to reflex symptoms and such a favorite concept among doctors as "age-related changes". Surely many of you are familiar with the situation when the doctor explained the problem as "reflex" or "age-related" processes. Most peopleat such moments he rightly believes that the doctor simply cannot understand what is happening and tries to hide his incompetence in the fog of these "magic words".
There used to be a popular phrase: "Every misfortune has a name, a surname and a position". Therefore, every disease has its own unique symptoms. And it is the doctor's duty to know them clearly. And then there will be no need to obfuscate and blame everything on osteochondrosis of the thoracic regionNow you understand how important it is to find an experienced and knowledgeable doctor, the correct diagnosis and good treatment results will depend on it.
Stages of the disease
| Internship | Changes | Symptoms |
| First | Dehydration of the discs, which causes loss of elasticity. Their height decreases, but the width increases - the intervertebral disc is gradually flattened. | The pain occurs directly in the damaged ring. It can be a pull or a shoot. |
| A second | The annulus fibrosus begins to disintegrate. The nerve roots are compressed, causing pain. | There is pain when moving. Discomfort occurs when holding the pose for a long time. |
| Third | The annulus fibrosus ruptures, causing a herniated disc to form. Scoliosis or pathological kyphosis develops. | There is pain when moving. Discomfort occurs when holding the pose for a long time. |
| Fourth | The vertebrae rub against each other, causing the intervertebral joints to move. The tissue surrounding the vertebrae becomes inflamed. Cartilage tissue is replaced by bone tissue, which reduces motor functions. Fibrosis appears. | There is pain when moving. Discomfort occurs when holding the pose for a long time. |
Phases of exacerbation and remission can be observed. The latter is often observed in stage 4.
Degrees of disease
This is a more modern classification of symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis, used by experts.
| Degrees | Changes and symptoms |
| First | Rupture of an intervertebral disc caused by sudden movement or overexertion. Sharp pain, similar to the passage of an electric current along the spinal column. Muscle strain. |
| A second | It is characterized by instability of the spinal column. Pain when moving. Protrusion. |
| Third | The pain becomes constant. Loss of sensation. Change on the fly. Severe headaches. Difficulty breathing. tachycardia. |
| Fourth | The spine is unstable: the vertebrae slide and twist. Osteophytes grow, pinching spinal nerves and putting pressure on the spinal cord. |
Thoracic osteochondrosis can cause serious diseases that will be difficult to cure.
Diagnosis is the key to proper treatment
Today, there are a number of modern methods for hardware diagnostics of osteochondrosis. The most accurate of them are MRI and CT. But the main method is still clinical diagnosis - this is when an experienced doctor compares data from at least three sources - from the patient's complaints, magnetic resonance imaging results and symptoms identified during the examination. This allows you to diagnose as accurately as possible and create an effective individual treatment program.
Who to contact, methods of examining osteochondrosis
As a rule, in case of pain in the spine, patients turn to a neurologist, who, based on complaints and a neurological examination, can make a preliminary diagnosis, prescribe additional examination methods (x-ray of the spine, magnetic resonance, CT, general urinalysis). , general blood test) and develop a treatment regimen.
Treatment
Treatment should be comprehensive, aimed at:
- elimination of pain syndrome;
- elimination of disturbed function of spinal roots;
- preventing the progression of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spinal structures.
During the acute period, with severe paindrug treatment is prescribed: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, B vitamins, chondroprotectors or blockade.
Physiotherapyis the main method of conservative treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Exercise therapy is aimed at forming, correcting and strengthening the muscular corset; increased range of motion in the spine and joints; development of motor stereotype and proper posture; reducing the load on the spine.
Regular exercise, joint exercises, yoga or swimming improves blood supply and tissue nutrition, normalizes metabolism, increases intervertebral space, which leads to recovery.
Listen to your body, if you notice symptoms of osteochondrosis or your lifestyle includes long-term sitting at the computer, driving a car or insufficient physical activity, seek the help of a specialist without waiting for aggravation.
As you understood, osteochondrosis is a real "entanglement" of symptoms, which, by unraveling, the doctor will relieve you of pain and suffering. But it is not possible to eliminate changes in the vertebrae and discs. Therefore, the words "treatment of osteochondrosis" must be understood correctly. If you are interested in eliminating pain and other suffering, then yes, it is possible. And if you are having an academic discussion on the topic of returning the vertebrae and discs to their original appearance, "like a newborn", then no, the past cannot be returned. You have to be realistic and then you won't fall for scammers.
Which method of treatment is considered the main one?
Gentle manual therapy is the main type of treatment for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region. It's like an antibiotic for pneumonia - you can't live without it. The remaining types - massage, medication, physiotherapy and exercise therapy - are auxiliary.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy methods relieve swelling and inflammation, improve blood flow in the affected area, reduce or stop pain.
Magnetic laser, magnetic therapy, SMT with novocaine, ultrasound with hydrocortisone, etc.
Balneotherapy: Applying mud, applications of ozokerite to affected areas, radon baths.
Exercise therapy and massage
Therapeutic exercise is the main method of treating osteochondrosis. Gymnastics is performed regularly for 10-15 minutes several times a day. In order to increase the efficiency, a course of massage is prescribed. The procedures help relax muscles, reduce pressure on the spine, improve metabolic processes and blood flow. Exercise therapy can be performed independently at home, also in the clinic (individual and group classes). The massage is performed by a qualified specialist in the clinic.
How does gentle manual therapy work?
The nutrition of the discs is directly related to the muscles that surround the spine. In addition, the back muscles themselves are one of the constitutive causes of pain in osteochondrosis of the thoracic region. Gentle manual therapy is a special method that allows the muscles to return to their natural physiology, remove spasms, muscle tension and improve the nutrition of the discs.
The intervertebral discs are the only part of the body that does not have blood vessels and is nourished by the proper functioning of the muscles.
In addition, when performing hand treatments, the chiropractor:
- will relieve the affected vertebrae and discs and distribute it properly;
- relaxes muscles and helps them return to normal;
- frees the patient from the clamps;
- improve disk power;
- will restore the motor functions of the body;
- normalizes blood circulation.
Manual influence mobilizes the body's internal forces and initiates self-healing mechanisms.
Acupuncture
The technique consists of influencing the biologically active points of the body with thin needles. The procedure reduces the occurrence of pain and inflammatory processes. Acupuncture is not painful and minor discomfort may occur.
Treatment of pathology in women
It is almost impossible to completely get rid of the already progressing thoracic osteochondrosis, but it is quite possible to slow down or even stop the creation of the pathological degenerative-dystrophic process in the tissues of the spinal movement segments using the means and methods of modern medicine. . The optimal therapeutic effect can be achieved only with an integrated approach to the treatment of this pathology using drugs, various physiotherapeutic techniques and techniques of targeted exercise therapy (physical therapy).
Symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine in women are not too different from those in men. In the acute period of osteochondrosis of the thoracic segment of the spine, the patient needs intensive treatment of the exacerbation, during which various drugs and physical procedures are used that help to eliminate, first of all, the pain syndrome, and in parallel also other negative manifestations. diseases.
During remission, the patient must be prescribed maintenance treatment, mainly based on taking drugs that restore the osteochondral structure and physical therapy. In particularly severe cases, surgical intervention is sometimes resorted to in order to stabilize the position of the spinal column.
What to do in case of deterioration?
During an exacerbation, severe pain appears that spreads along the intercostal spaces. In this phase, it is necessary to maintain rest in bed and reduce the mobility of the spine. Symptoms are eliminated with analgesics prescribed by the doctor.
The treatment is absolutely safe.
Prevention
To prevent diseases and slow down degenerative processes, it is recommended:
- weight adjustment;
- cycling, running, swimming, yoga and other sports;
- daily walks;
- taking vitamin complexes and chondroprotectors;
- reduction of stress on the back;
- timely treatment of musculoskeletal diseases.
To avoid relapses, create comfortable conditions for sleeping and working. Watch your weight and eat right. Continue with physical activity. But the main thing is not to neglect your health and not to save on it. Don't let things run their course. After recovery, try to do at least one session of gentle manual therapy every three to six months - this will reduce risk factors. Do not forget, advanced osteochondrosis leads to complications - protrusion and disc herniation. Remember: your health comes first!