Thoracic osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine, in which the position of the vertebrae becomes unnatural, the intervertebral disc degenerates, as a result of which its height decreases. Osteochondrosis in the thoracic region is not as common as in the neck or lower back. It has to do with anatomy. In the central part, the spine is stable and durable, in addition, it is less susceptible to stress, less mobile, there are fewer conditions for trauma to the vertebral discs.
The risk group for this disease includes older people and those who lead a sedentary lifestyle. However, pathology is increasingly diagnosed in adolescents, and at the age of 30-35 years the number of cases increases sharply.
Classification of thoracic osteochondrosis
The disease is classified on the basis of the syndromic principle. The affected areas of the spine negatively affect the nerve formations.
By localization, such forms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are distinguished:
- compression syndrome (development is associated with tension, deformation or compression of the nerve root; areas of the spinal cord or blood vessels may be affected; as a result, spinal, vascular or radicular syndromes appear);
- reflex syndrome (the effect occurs reflexively, straining the innervated muscles; dystrophic and vascular disorders occur);
- myoadaptive syndrome (muscle damage in the thoracic segment due to constant overload).
Etiology of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
The causes of chest osteochondrosis are a consequence of low physical activity, back injuries, heavy physical exertion, metabolic disorders, overweight, poor immunity, frequent colds, infections, smoking, stress. In women, among other things, the development of the disease can be triggered by walking in high heels and carrying a child.
In addition, the causes of breast osteochondrosis are:
- poorly distributed load on the intervertebral discs;
- degenerative changes in the tissues of the intervertebral disc;
- lack of minimal physical activity;
- scoliosis;
- permanent abnormal position of the spine in a sitting position.
Pathogenesis of the disease
Slight discomfort, muscle tension and "tolerable" pain when inhaling and bending over are the initial signs of chest osteochondrosis. A person usually seeks a doctor when the pain becomes acute and does not allow him to live a normal life. Therapy for thoracic osteochondrosis is long-term, which requires constant attention. If untreated, dystrophic changes lead to limited mobility and even disability of the patient.
Clinical manifestations of osteochondrosis
Symptoms of breast osteochondrosis have different manifestations, depending on the localization of the process. Moreover, the disease skillfully "adjusts" to other problems.
The most typical symptoms of breast osteochondrosis:
- pain in the interscapular region;
- chest discomfort;
- headache and heartache;
- pain when bending over;
- restriction of movement;
- tingling sensation in the neck, abdomen, chest, and arms;
- dizziness, tinnitus, flashing of flies before the eyes;
- pain sensations that increase with inhalation.
Decreased sensitivity, impaired motor function and muscle atrophy are added to the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis as the pathology progresses.
Features of the course of breast osteochondrosis during pregnancy
The development of pain during pregnancy is associated with weight gain. At the same time, the shift in the center of gravity changes the posture. Low physical activity in combination with a sedentary lifestyle causes disruption of the elasticity of the discs. The increase in pressure on the thoracic region leads to pain. During pregnancy, osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is treated mainly without the use of specialized drugs, since they can harm the health of the fetus. Therefore, Kuznetsov's applicators, massages and special exercises are used.
Features of the disease in children
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can manifest itself from 8 to 17 years. An unprepared spine undergoes pathological changes under heavy loads. After correct diagnosis, treatment is started. As a rule, in this period, a timely started treatment process leads to excellent results. It is necessary to strengthen muscles, improve the condition of cartilage and carry out physiotherapy.
Complications of pathology
Most patients with thoracic osteochondrosis try to postpone treatment, which, in turn, leads to significant complications.
Consequences of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- Formation of an intervertebral hernia
- Spinal cord injury
- The appearance of hypertension
- The risk of stroke and heart attack
Diagnostics
Diagnostics for thoracic osteochondrosis, including differential, includes:
- digital radiography;
- ECG;
- Ultrasound of the heart, kidneys and abdominal organs;
- CT.
The doctor will determine the exact picture on the X-ray, where he will see the growth of the vertebral body and the displacement of the discs. Thoracic osteochondrosis, characterized by similar symptoms of other diseases, requires differential diagnosis with spinal injuries, tumors and neoplasms on the spinal column, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, coxarthrosis and a number of other conditions.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis involves the use of complex therapy, the purpose of which is to stop and prevent further destruction of discs or restore their structure, improve the biomechanics of the spine, and eliminate disorders of the central nervous system.
The first thing to start with treatment is to relieve pain and inflammation through drug therapy.
The patient is recommended drugs of the following groups:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- glucocorticosteroids;
- diuretics;
- chondroprotectors.
When the pain subsides, they move on to the next stage of treatment of chest osteochondrosis. A course of therapeutic massage, acupuncture, physiotherapy exercises are prescribed. Also, physiotherapy is highly effective. If indicated, manual therapy may be recommended.
Healing control
The convalescence is supervised by the family doctor or the specialist who observed the patient during the course of the illness. The absence of relapses during the year indicates the normalization of the function of the musculoskeletal system.
Prophylaxis
Prevention of chest osteochondrosis requires the following rules:
- posture control;
- hygiene of work (control of the position of the hands, the presence of a chair with a flat high back);
- breaks every 2 hours for specific exercises;
- sleeping on a hard surface;
- absence of irregular physical activity (including carrying heavy loads);
- wearing a backpack instead of a one shoulder bag;
- regular exercise therapy classes.
Tips & Tricks
Chest osteochondrosis requires long-term rehabilitation. Moderate physical activity is recommended to strengthen the back muscles and reduce stress on the spine. In addition, physical therapy gradually eliminates pain.
Also, with exercise therapy and sports, the following tasks are performed:
- decompression of the nerve endings of the spine;
- developing a stereotype of correct posture;
- giving elasticity to the spine;
- improved blood circulation;
- normalization of the metabolism of the intervertebral disc.
The article is for informational purposes only. Please remember: self-medication can be harmful to your health.