Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

Thoracic osteochondrosis is a degenerative disease of the thoracic spine. First of all, the disease attacks the intervertebral discs, which causes back pain and unpleasant symptoms. Also specific for this disease is the premature "aging" of the disc cartilage tissue.

Osteochondrosis can be diagnosed at the age of 20 years and in middle-aged patients.

This disease occurs less frequently than other forms of osteochondrosis - cervical and lumbar. This is due to reduced mobility of the thoracic region, as well as protection by the muscle corset and ribs.

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

Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis

Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine include:

• Chest pain
• Hard to breathe
• Increased pain when breathing deeply
• Increased fatigue
• Unsteady gait
• Feeling of tightness in the chest area
• Bow
• Shortness of breath appears
• Cold feet
• Pain in the esophagus
• Cough

Pain resulting from thoracic osteochondrosis is divided according to its characteristics into dorsago or dorsalgia.

Dorsago - sharp pain in the chest area. It occurs when being in one position for a long time. The pain may make breathing difficult.

Dorsalgia is moderate pain in the area of the affected disc. When breathing deeply, the pain gets worse. Unpleasant sensations 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 load on the spine. For example, people who spend a long time in a sitting position are at risk: remote or office work at the computer, frequent driving.

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

The occurrence of thoracic osteochondrosis can also be influenced by previous spinal injuries, excess weight and weakened immunity.

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

Exacerbation of thoracic osteochondrosis is possible with an uncomfortable sleeping position, smoking, attending a poor-quality massage, or hypothermia.

Complications

Degenerative processes in the thoracic spine can lead to the development of the following pathologies:

• Spinal cord compression is compression of the spinal cord that causes decreased sensation in the abdomen, back and chest.
• Kyphosis is a curvature of the spine.
• Spinal protrusion and herniation is a protrusion of the middle part of the intervertebral disc, which affects the function of the pancreas and intestines.
• Intercostal neuralgia - acute pain in the intercostal spaces.

The organs that may be affected depend on the vertebrae affected.

Rates of development of thoracic osteochondrosis

• Grade I - mild pain appears, which quickly disappears in a comfortable position. Moisture is lost in the intervertebral disc, and the nucleus pulposus moves slightly. This stage is not always noticed, because the pain does not cause severe discomfort and passes quickly.
• Grade II – cracks appear in the intervertebral discs, keeping the spine in a stable position causing spasms, pain in the back and chest. The disc begins to lose its elasticity, and its height begins to decrease. The muscles in the affected area become constantly tense.
• III degree - there is protrusion of the central part of the intervertebral disc - the nucleus pulposus. Because of this, an intervertebral hernia occurs. The pain becomes constant, and the cartilage begins to wear away.
• Grade IV – the fibrous ring tissue 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 tells his complaints, and the doctor performs a physical examination. During the examination, attention is paid to the relationship between the level of the shoulder girdle and pelvis, body posture, chest shape, and the state of the muscular system.

After that, the doctor issues a referral for diagnostic tests. From the research carried out, the patient may be prescribed:

• X-ray – An X-ray is taken of the problematic area of the spine, which shows changes in the discs.
• CT scan – allows you to assess the condition of the lesion site and check the condition of the disc.
• ECG – recommended if cardiovascular disease is suspected.

How to treat thoracic osteochondrosis

To treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, conservative methods are used. They are aimed at eliminating pain, eliminating spasms and normalizing blood circulation. These include:

• Massage
• Physiotherapy
• Physiotherapy
• Take vitamins and medicine

Massage for thoracic osteochondrosis

Massage of the cervicothoracic area will help relieve pain and inflammation, as well as strengthen the muscles that keep the spine stable.

During the session, the following massage techniques are used: stroking, squeezing, kneading, rubbing and vibration. The direction of impact in osteochondrosis depends on the location of the lesion. Massage should be performed by a specialist who will make the procedure truly effective. For better results, special oils can be used while massaging.

However, before taking a massage course, you need to make sure that it is not contraindicated for the patient. To do this, you must consult your doctor. The list of contraindications includes cardiovascular pathology, fever, tuberculosis and skin diseases.

Physiotherapy

Thoracic osteochondrosis gymnastics consists of a set of exercises to strengthen the spinal muscles and form a strong muscle corset. In the initial stages, gymnastics will help you avoid taking medications.

What effect does exercise therapy have on thoracic osteochondrosis?

• Deep breathing becomes correct
• Correct posture is formed
• Reduces load on the spine
• The deep back muscles become less stiff
• Increases thoracic mobility

Exercises for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

Before starting gymnastics, you need to warm up. Can warm and prepare muscles for physical activity. To warm up, you can use swings of the limbs, rotations and turns of the torso, neck and pelvis.

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 - gently and simultaneously raise your arms and legs.
• Shoulder Raises – While standing and with your arms relaxed along your body, you need to lift each shoulder in turn.
• Slouching in a chair - You should sit in a chair so that your back is tightly pressed against your back. Hands should be lowered. In this position, while inhaling, you should put your hands behind your back and bend backwards. As you exhale, you should bend forward. You can also bend to the side.
• Back arch – standing on all fours, you need to arch your back and maintain this position for a few seconds. Then you have to return to the starting position. It is recommended to do the exercises on a special mat.

This exercise should be done regularly for several months. Therapeutic gymnastics should not last more than 30 minutes, and should be performed in comfortable shoes and clothing. If acute pain occurs, you should stop exercising.

Physiotherapy

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

• Magnetotherapy is the effect of a magnetic field on the affected area, which allows you to normalize blood circulation, restore affected tissues and increase the mobility of the lumbar region.
• Laser therapy is the exposure of laser light to the affected area. Helps increase immunity, provides analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. There is no pain during the procedure.
• Shockwave therapy is exposure to infrasound acoustic waves. They encourage resorption of bone growth, stimulate collagen production, and improve blood circulation.
• Medicinal electrophoresis is an effective technique for eliminating pain and improving the nutrition of affected tissues. Electrodes and pads containing medicinal ingredients are attached to the patient's skin.

All these procedures will help relieve the unpleasant sensations of thoracic osteochondrosis symptoms.

Drug treatment of osteochondrosis

With drug treatment, patients are often prescribed a complex of drugs. The doctor determines the duration of the course and the specific list of drugs depending on the clinical manifestations of osteochondrosis. The list of medications may include, for example, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, vitamins, as well as special ointments or gels.

Nutrition for thoracic osteochondrosis

As an additional treatment measure, the patient may be prescribed the "Table No. 15" diet. This diet does not require you to give up most of the popular foods, but its peculiarity lies in a diet with a high vitamin content.

As part of the diet, you can eat:

• Bread
• milk
• Soup
• Lean meat - it is recommended to eat it every day
• Pasta
• Vegetables – fresh and in salads or cooked
• Egg
• Fresh fruit
• fresh berries
• Many types of sweets
• Butter and vegetable oil

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

What not to eat:

• Puff pastry cake
• Dishes with fatty meat or fish
• Chocolate products

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

Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis

Recommended precautions include:

• Swimming or other water sports
• Regular warm-up when working at the computer for a long time
• Maintain the posture in a sitting position - your back should be straight and your shoulders extended
• Avoid hypothermia of the back
• Regular exercise therapy

In addition, attention should be paid to the choice of bed. An unsuitable mattress and pillow will prevent your back and neck from relaxing while sleeping. Therefore, for a comfortable stay for people with osteochondrosis, it is recommended to purchase special orthopedic accessories.