Thoracic osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease affecting the intervertebral discs;as the pathology progresses, the surrounding structures are involved in the process.Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are different, often similar to the manifestations of other diseases.To diagnose this pathology, numerous methods are used to detect changes in intervertebral structures.Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis includes the use of drugs and non-drug therapy in the form of physical therapy and massage.Many are also interested in how to cure thoracic osteochondrosis with traditional methods.
Risk factors
Thoracic osteochondrosis most often occurs if there is one or more predisposing factors.This includes:
- hereditary predisposition;
- spine abnormalities;
- excessive physical activity;
- low physical activity;
- damage to the intervertebral discs after falling on the back, blows to the spine;
- prolonged exposure to vibrations, which is, for example, typical for vehicle drivers;
- the presence of excess body weight;
- hormonal disorders;
- smoking;
- age over 40 years;
- wearing high heels.
Characteristics 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 bears less load compared to the lumbar part of the lumbar column.In this regard, osteochondrosis of this part rarely occurs.
The most common symptoms of osteochondrosis of the chest are dorsago, dorsalgia.Dorsago is a sharp pain that occurs after a long stay in a lying position, sitting, when a person starts to stand up.Often the pain is so severe that breathing becomes difficult.This condition can be accompanied by muscle tension in the chest, neck and lower back.
Dorsalgia is chest pain that develops gradually and lasts 2-3 weeks.Unpleasant sensations become stronger when bending, turning, staying in one position for a long time or taking a deep breath.
Other common manifestations of thoracic osteochondrosis include:
- stomach pain, combined with nausea, vomiting, their appearance is not related to eating habits;
- pain in the right hypochondrium, aggravated by coughing, sneezing or changing the position of the body;
- pain in the lower back, reminiscent of renal colic, sometimes accompanied by urination disorders;
- pain in the upper part of the chest, accompanied by the sensation of a foreign object in the throat;
- nagging pain in mammary glands.
Degrees of disease
Depending on the severity of the pathological process and the manifestations of the disease, there are 4 stages of osteochondrosis.
First
In this phase, cracks appear in the fibrous ring into which the nucleus pulposus penetrates.Pain at the site of the lesion is a sign of osteochondrosis of the chest at this stage.They can be constant or appear suddenly, in the form of lumbago.Sometimes unpleasant sensations appear in the area of the heart, and local muscle contractions are also observed.
Second
This phase is characterized by the appearance of pathological mobility between the vertebrae at the site of the lesion.The pain occurs when staying in one position for a long time and lasts when moving.
Third
This phase is characterized by the rupture of the fibrous ring and the exit of the nucleus pulposus beyond its borders.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 often and are accompanied by breathing problems and discomfort in the heart area.
Fourth
The pathological process involves the structures surrounding the intervertebral discs.The ligamentous apparatus of the spine is affected, iosteophytes- bony growths that compress nerve fibers, sometimes damaging the spinal cord.
Possible complications
When thoracic osteochondrosis is accompanied by spinal nerve root compression, intercostal neuralgia occurs.It is characterized by attacks of acute pain in one half of the chest.Unpleasant sensations spread from the spine to the sternum along the nerve fibers and burst in nature.
Intercostal neuralgia pain often radiates to the abdomen, scapula, arm, and retrosternal region.When the sympathetic fibers are damaged, pallor and redness of the skin in the affected area is observed.The duration of a painful attack is from a few seconds to a minute.In the intercostal space, a person may experience paresthesia (a feeling of numbness, crawling), this symptom is characteristic of the time between attacks.
Another complication of this condition is spondyloarthrosis.With this pathology, the joints between the vertebrae are deformed, the cartilage layer is destroyed, the ligaments are stretched, and there is increased mobility of the vertebrae in relation to each other.In response to inflammation, the muscles surrounding the spine spasm.
After that, osteophytes are formed, and against the background of the formation of such growths, the affected part of the spine loses its mobility.Bony growths sometimes compress nerve roots, causing pain and sensory disturbances.
Disease diagnosis
The simplest way to detect thoracic osteochondrosis is radiography of the spine.This research reveals flattening, uneven contours of the intervertebral discs, displacement of the bodies of adjacent vertebrae relative to each other and changes in their shape.
Sometimes a discography is performed - an X-ray examination using a contrast agent.This method allows us to identify the uneven borders of the nucleus pulposus, characteristic of osteochondrosis.With a pronounced pathological process, the contrast completely fills the intervertebral disc, sometimes extending beyond its borders.
More accurate images of the spinal column can be obtained with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.These methods allow for a more detailed assessment of the severity of the degenerative process, 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 auxiliary 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 decrease in calcium levels is sometimes noted.
Manifestations of thoracic osteochondrosis are similar to the signs of many diseases;if they appear, it is necessary to consult a doctor for an examination and clarification of the diagnosis.If left untreated, the disease progresses, often leading to complications.
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis: gymnastics and exercise therapy
Gymnastics increases mobility in the intervertebral and costovertebral joints of the thoracic region, reduces the feeling of stiffness and eliminates muscle spasm.
Before treating thoracic osteochondrosis at home with exercise therapy, you must make sure that there are no contraindications.Gymnastics classes are prohibited when:
- exacerbations of osteochondrosis;
- early recovery period after surgical treatment of osteochondrosis;
- neurological pathology accompanied by impaired movement coordination;
- high blood pressure, heart rhythm disorders;
- exacerbation of any chronic diseases, acute inflammatory and infectious processes.
Massage
Massage improves blood circulation in the tissues surrounding the spine, removes muscle spasms, and at the same time increases their tone.Accordingly, pain and discomfort in the back area are reduced.
The following types of massage can be used for thoracic osteochondrosis:
- Classic.
- Point (impact on specific points).
- Segmental (back massage in the thoracic region, aimed at improving local blood circulation).
- Cupping (exposing affected areas to a vacuum).
Classic massage includes rubbing, caressing, kneading, vibrating movements and pinching.
Drug treatment
Drug therapy for thoracic osteochondrosis is aimed at:
- reduction of inflammatory processes;
- pain relief;
- reduction of muscle spasm;
- improvement of cartilage and nerve tissue.
The most common drugs for the treatment of symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.These drugs suppress the inflammatory reactions that occur in the nerve fibers, resulting in a reduction in pain.These funds are used in the form of:
- Tablets.
- Ointments, gels.
- Injections.
Injections of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used for exacerbations of the disease.
The most common side effects of NSAIDs include damage to the lining 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 the spasm of the muscles surrounding the spine, compressing nerve endings and blood vessels, which results in a reduction in pain intensity.
Chondroprotectors normalize metabolic processes in cartilage tissue and prevent its destruction.The composition of such products includes chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, they participate in the synthesis of connective tissue.
Preparations containing B vitamins improve metabolism in damaged nerve fibers, which leads to suppression of inflammatory reactions.
Folk remedies for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis at home includes the use of ointments, poultices and ingestion of various infusions and decoctions.They help to reduce the intensity of inflammation, improve metabolic processes in the affected areas of the spine and reduce pain.
Fats, coatings of natural composition
Before treating thoracic osteochondrosis with these drugs, it is important to prepare them properly.To get egg fat, you need to mix a chicken egg with the same amount of table vinegar, add 100 grams of soft butter and bring the mixture to a homogeneous consistency.This ointment is applied to the affected area overnight in a thin layer.
To make 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 obtained ointment is applied to the affected area with rubbing movements, and a warm cloth is applied on top.The procedure can be repeated 2-3 times a day.
To prepare one of the most effective poultices, you need to prepare 50 grams of aloe leaves, 100 milliliters of vodka, and 100 grams of honey.Aloe is crushed using a grater, and the remaining ingredients are added.The composition is infused for 5 days.The agent is applied to the area where pain is felt, 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 spoonful of dried chamomile and mint.300 milliliters of hot water is added to the plant material, and then the composition is boiled for 10 minutes in a water bath.The composition is taken 2 tablespoons three times a day.
To get 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 spoon of St. John's wort, 10 grams of oak bark.The mentioned 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 3 times a day.
To obtain arnica tincture, 25 grams of the flowers of the plant are poured with half a liter of vodka.The product is placed for a month in a dark, cool place.The tincture is taken 20 drops three times a day, after it is dissolved in a small amount of water.This drug 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 to:
- stop smoking and abusing alcoholic beverages;
- normalize the diet, reduce the content of fatty, fried food in the diet;
- maintain optimal body weight;
- Avoid heavy lifting and physical overexertion.
Complex treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis, which consists of drug therapy, massage, and exercise therapy, aims to reduce inflammation, muscle spasms, and eliminate pain.Traditional methods serve as an auxiliary measure, helping to enhance the effect of other ongoing activities.