Why does thoracic osteochondrosis occur and how to treat it?

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is an inflammatory disease accompanied by the development of pathological processes in the intervertebral disc. Complications of the disease include the occurrence of protrusions and degenerative changes in adjacent tissues. Osteochondrosis is difficult to identify because the symptoms "close" as gastritis, heart disease or gastric ulcer.

Characteristics of the disease

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is a complex disorder in the intervertebral disc. They shrink and gradually lose their properties. This leads to pinched nerves.

According to ICD-10, this disease is in the "Dorsopathy" group under code M-42, localization.

In the early stages of the disease, examination and treatment can be prescribed by a local doctor. If the disease is advanced, the patient is referred to a highly qualified specialist (neurologist). Often, professional massage therapists relieve patients from symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis. In case of complications, you cannot do without the help of a surgeon.

Cause

Most often, the pathology manifests itself in the elderly. But in recent years, osteochondrosis of the thoracic region more often affects young patients.

The development of this disease is provoked by various reasons:

• excessive physical activity;
• work that involves lifting heavy loads;
• prolonged forced uncomfortable position;
• congenital curvature of the spine and acquired posture disorders;
• improper diet;
• overweight;
• age-related changes;
• metabolic problems.

Other factors in the development of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region include chronic diseases and hereditary factors. To avoid pathology and possible complications, you need to get rid of the cause. Experts say that this problem in most cases is the result of an unhealthy lifestyle.

Degree and symptoms

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is characterized by special symptoms. The patient experienced muscle spasms and intercostal neuralgia. Pain can be localized in one place of the chest, and then quickly spread to the whole chest. Because of this, a person has difficulty breathing, he has to sit or lie only in a certain position.

The pain increases when turning the head, moving the neck, raising the arms and bending over. Any movement of the neck causes discomfort (especially at night). Painful contractions of the muscles of the shoulder girdle and lower back are possible.

Considering the degree of deformation of the intervertebral disc, the following stages of development are distinguished:

• First degree

  In the first stage, the elasticity (tension) of the disc and its height decrease. Possible manifestation of protrusion (bulging) of the fibrous ring (hard shell for a semi-liquid core). Vertebral cartilage becomes denser. Pain in the form of "lumbago" may occur during sudden movement or after being in one position for a long time.

  Dorsago- characteristic symptoms at this stage. Expressed in acute and sudden pain in the chest. It often appears when a person stands up (difficulty breathing).

  Dorsalgia- mild pain and not sharp. Appears gradually and usually lasts from 2 to 3 weeks. It can be worse with sudden bends or after doing physical exercise. Dorsalgia is accompanied by muscle tension and limited movement. The pain subsides after a short walk.

  Also at this stage, neurological symptoms are identified:

  1. "pins and needles" sensation on the surface of the legs, abdomen and chest;
  2. numbness or tingling of certain areas of the skin;
  3. gastrointestinal tract dysfunction.

• second degree

  There is a further decrease in the height and elasticity of the intervertebral disc. The thoracic spine becomes unstable, cracks appear in the fibrous ring.

  Painful sensations:

  1. in the chest after overwork or during physical exercise;
  2. on the upper back;
  3. when raising your hand;
  4. during breathing (inhale and exhale).

  Phantom pain in the heart area and intestinal dysfunction are also possible.

• third degree

  Intervertebral hernia formation continues. Pain is felt in the abdomen and back, intercostal neuralgia (may increase with inhalation, sudden movements and coughing).

  One of the symptoms of osteochondrosis is a cough. The overall mobility of the spine is reduced, the diaphragm is pinched and a lack of air is felt. Severe dry cough is especially dangerous because the vertebral artery is located in the neck. If it is compressed, there is a risk of ischemia and stroke.

• Fourth grade

  In the fourth stage, the intervertebral disc no longer functions as a shock absorber. The spine loses mobility. Possible pinching of blood vessels and nerves. Bone tissue is prone to destruction.

Diagnostics

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is difficult to diagnose, because it has "camouflage" symptoms (similar) to other diseases.

To make an accurate diagnosis, you need to conduct several studies:

• Ultrasound;
• X-rays;
• MRI;
• blood analysis.

Traditional treatment

To eliminate pain and inflammation in the chest, drug treatment is used. To relieve pain during exacerbations, injections are given intravenously or intramuscularly. Treatment of osteochondrosis occurs with the help of drugs containing enzymes of plant origin - papain. This substance helps to improve the structure of cartilage tissue.

1. Chondroprotectors. This is a group of drugs used to restore articular cartilage. The basis of most products are active ingredients - glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.
2. Antispasmodic and muscle relaxant.Drugs that weaken muscle tone. By acting on receptors in this way, they relieve unhealthy muscle tension, resulting in pain and spasms.
3. Pain reliever.Reduces symptoms of disease - inflammation and pain. The principle of action of the drug is to block the synthesis of certain enzymes.
4. Vitamin therapy.Often, vitamins A, B, D, C, E are prescribed, which restore cartilage tissue, strengthen the immune system, and have an anti-inflammatory effect.
5. massagePatients with this disease need to undergo a course of rehabilitation massage at least 2 times a year. During the exacerbation of the disease, the procedure is usually not performed. This procedure improves blood circulation, relieves fatigue and muscle pain, and strengthens muscle tone. The session lasts a quarter of an hour, the duration of the course is 11-16 procedures.
6. Reflexology.Special techniques work on acupuncture points. In combination with other methods, this method is effective.
7. Exercise therapy.This disease is characterized by underdeveloped muscle corsets and joint stiffness. A specially selected set of exercises (physical therapy) will help eliminate these manifestations. The first class should be conducted under the supervision of an experienced instructor, then gymnastics is done independently. Regular exercise is very important.

Treatment at home

Home methods are used only as an additional means to the main conservative therapy:

• Nutrition

  To improve the situation, you need to eat properly: 6-7 times a day, reduce the amount of salt intake, introduce vegetables and fruits, natural chondroprotectors (jelly, jellied meat) into the diet. In addition, it is important to lead an active lifestyle, avoiding any type of load.

• berry tea

  Thoracic osteochondrosis can be reduced by systematically drinking berry tea, as well as tea from wild strawberry leaves. Place a spoonful of the plant in a glass, add hot water and let it brew. It is recommended to drink at least two glasses of this drink every day (after meals).

• Potatoes and honey

  Grated potatoes mixed with liquid honey can relieve pain and relieve inflammation. The composition is applied to the painful part for 30 minutes.

Control your weight, boost your immune system and include plenty of plant foods in your diet. If the presented recommendations are followed, the therapeutic effect occurs faster, the risk of complications and remission decreases.