Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

By osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, doctors understand the corresponding degenerative-dystrophic processes in this area, which result in pathological deformations of cartilage and bone tissue, destruction of ligaments, joints and intervertebral discs.

Reasons for the appearance

The thoracic spine is less mobile than the cervical and lumbar spine, therefore pathological processes in this area appear less noticeable, mainly due to the strong design of the connections of the ribs, sternum and vertebrae.However, it occurs no less frequently than other types of osteochondrosis.Most people who constantly sit at home or at work are predisposed to weakness of the spinal muscles, scoliosis, injuries in this area, poor posture and, as a result, thoracic osteochondrosis.

As mentioned above, the main cause of the disease is considered to be pathological deformations in the intervertebral discs and joints of the structure.Cartilaginous surfaces are destroyed, discs become thinner, osteophytes, protrusions, hernias form, the nucleus pulposus is significantly reduced and, finally, the root structures of spinal nerves are damaged, compressive myelopathy and vascular myeloschemia occur.

Symptoms and first signs of thoracic osteochondrosis

The signs of osteochondrosis are not as pronounced as in other types of this disease, and unqualified doctors periodically confuse them with the symptoms of other diseases.The above problem induces the development of pain in the thoracic and interscapular region, which intensifies significantly with movement and physical work.Compressed nerve fibers cause unpleasant conductive sensations in the heart and even the liver, and also form pathologies in the functioning of several other organs.

There are two types of pain associated with osteochondrosis of the thoracic region.

1. Dorsalgia is a long-lasting moderate pain syndrome in the affected area, accompanied by unpleasant sensations.
2. Dorsago - severe, intense and, as a rule, short-lived paroxysmal pain.In this case, the patient may experience respiratory and motor difficulties in the affected area.

Common symptoms

1. Painful sensations in the interscapular area.They are accompanied by “firing” of the intercostal nerves in the affected area and corresponding neuralgia.
2. Pain syndrome on the left side of the chest, similar to ischemia.
3. Chest girdle pain, significantly increasing with high physical activity.
4. Limited chest activity/mobility.This symptom, characteristic of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, is often confused with manifestations of scoliotic deformity, as well as with ankylosing spondylitis/Forestier/Scheerman-Mao diseases.
5. “Remitting” pain in the gastrointestinal tract, heart and liver.
6. Sexual dysfunction.
7. Partial numbness of the chest.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is treated exclusively with long-term complex therapy, which includes sets of exercises, various physical and manual procedures, as well as medications.

How to treat?

The treatment process consists of several steps.The first is the elimination of pain symptoms.Along with this, restorative and preventive therapy is used, which includes various techniques and approaches - from acupuncture to physiotherapy.The last step is maintenance therapy.The duration of treatment for the disease varies greatly and depends both on the medical techniques used and on the patient's current condition, as well as the stage of osteochondrosis itself.

Popular medicines for thoracic osteochondrosis

1. Painkillers.NSAIDs and analgesics based on various combinations.
2. Hydroprotectors.Necessary to catalyze the process of restoring damaged cartilage.
3. Vitamins.Most often, complete vitamin complexes or preparations with group B elements are prescribed.
4. External means.Glucocorticosteroid-based creams or ointments.Additionally, local agents are used to alleviate inflammation in the affected area and alleviate symptoms of the disease.
5. Injections and injections.Most of the time, they are performed in a hospital environment and are complex paravertebral blocks with long-acting anesthetics.In addition, these drugs improve blood circulation, and also promote the restoration of cartilaginous tissue.

Massage

Massage not only reduces the severity of the symptoms of the disease, but also helps a person recover, resulting in positive effects from other elements of complex therapy.It is prescribed individually based on the clinical picture of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, the presence of chronic diseases and contraindications.

Manual therapy relieves pain syndromes of various etiologies, prevents spinal atrophy, normalizes blood circulation and nutrition of intervertebral discs, relaxes static muscles in the affected area and triggers the natural processes of cartilage tissue regeneration.

The main types of massage for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine:

1. Location.
2. Medicinal.
3. Canned by hardware.
4. Priosteal reflex.
5. Connective tissue.

Gymnastics and exercise therapy

Therapeutic physical training and series of gymnastic exercises are one of the most important stages in restoring the spine after osteochondrosis.Naturally, it must be prescribed taking into account the stage of the disease and the patient's condition, by a purely professional doctor.

The basic task of exercise/gymnastics therapy is the systematic development of cartilage as well as strengthening of the spinal muscles.With an adequate diagnosis, the author's set of exercises is often prescribed: the system includes general strengthening procedures and methods of direct impact on the most problematic area, as well as indicator exercises that make it easier to monitor the effectiveness of treatment.

In private practice, they also use variable series of exercises using a different method using special devices.Treatment stages in this case:

1. Relieving spasms and combating sensations.
2. Therapeutic load on the short dorsal muscles.
3. Normalization of circulation in intervertebral discs.
4. Restoration of the basic structure of the spine.

Physiotherapy and alternative therapy

This method of treating osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine may include hardware and alternative therapy, as well as various physical procedures.The most famous and popular methods:

1. Electrophoresis.A well-known non-operative method of influencing the spine, used since the 70s of the last century.
2. Direct stretching.This method is a relatively safe and effective method of straightening the spine, unless, of course, it is carried out by a qualified specialist.It is performed on a massage-traction table.
3. Vacuum therapy.A type of active influence on the affected area using vacuum cans.
4. Acupuncture.Classical acupuncture is performed with special thin needles that plunge to a certain depth of the epithelium at acupuncture points on the back.
5. Laser puncture.Activity similar to acupuncture, but performed with a laser beam.
6. Magnetopuncture.Impact on problem areas with an alternating magnetic field.
7. Osteopathy.A complex method that includes elements of massage, chiropractic and orthopedic techniques.
8. Electrical stimulation.Using electric current to normalize the functioning of the spine.
9. Shock wave therapy.The technique is based on the use of infrasound acoustic waves in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.
10. Decompression of the traction machine.Automated analogue of direct stretching.

Prevention

The rules for preventing this disease are simple and unambiguous:

1. Exercise regularly under the supervision of an orthopedist.
2. Weight normalization.
3. Consumption of foods and medicines rich in magnesium and calcium.
4. Correct posture when working while sitting.
5. Giving up bad habits.

Question - answer

What type of pain occurs in osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine?

With osteochondrosis of this type, patients experience two types of pain syndromes.

1. Dorsago is an intense pain of short duration and high intensity, which manifests itself periodically against a background of decreased motor activity in the affected area and difficulty breathing.
2. Dorsalgia is long-lasting pain, of moderate or low intensity, which increases with physical activity.

Location of the above pain sensations:

1. Interscapular region.
2. Chest pain with partial numbness.
3. Painful “shots” in the upper left part of the chest, similar to ischemia.
4. Referring pain in the liver, heart and gastrointestinal tract.

Is gymnastics useful for thoracic osteochondrosis?

Gymnastics and exercise therapy are one of the main elements of complex therapy of the disease.With its help, you can strengthen your back muscles, improve blood microcirculation and develop intervertebral cartilage/discs.Naturally, the gymnast itself, as a separate form of therapy, will not help eliminate osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine: to consolidate the positive effect, it is necessary to take appropriate medications, as well as regularly attend physical procedures.