Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.

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

Reasons for appearance

The thoracic spine is less mobile than the cervical and lumbar spine, so pathological processes in this area appear less noticeable, mainly due to the strong structure of the connections of the ribs, sternum and vertebrae.However, it occurs with the same frequency as other types of osteochondrosis.Most people who are constantly sitting 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, the discs become thinner, osteophytes, protrusions, hernias form, the nucleus pulposus is significantly reduced, and ultimately the root structures of the 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 significantly intensifies with movement and physical work.Pinched nerve fibers cause unpleasant sensations in the heart and even the liver, and also form pathologies in the functioning of various other organs.

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

1. Back pain is a long-lasting moderate pain syndrome in the affected area, accompanied by unpleasant sensations.
2. Dorsago - intense, intense and, as a rule, short-lived paroxysmal pain.In this case, the patient may have difficulty breathing and motor skills in the affected area.

Common symptoms

1. Painful sensations in the interscapular area.They are accompanied by a "shooting" of the intercostal nerves in the affected area and the corresponding neuralgia.
2. Pain syndrome on the left side of the chest, similar to ischemia.
3. Waist pain in the chest, which increases significantly with intense physical activity.
4. Limited thoracic 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, including sets of exercises, a variety of physical and manual procedures, as well as medications.

How to treat?

The treatment process consists of several stages.The first is the elimination of pain symptoms.Along with this, restorative and preventive therapy is used, which includes a number of techniques and approaches, from acupuncture to physiotherapy.The last stage is maintenance therapy.The duration of treatment of the disease varies widely and depends both on the medical techniques used and the current condition of the patient, as well as on the stage of osteochondrosis itself.

Popular medications 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 elements of group B are prescribed.
4. External media.Creams or ointments based on glucocorticosteroids.In addition, local agents are used to relieve inflammation in the affected area and relieve the symptoms of the disease.
5. Injections and injections.Most often they are performed in a hospital and are complex paravartebral blocks with a long-acting anesthetic.In addition, these drugs improve blood circulation and also contribute to the restoration of cartilage tissue.

massage

Massage not only reduces the severity of the symptoms of the disease, but also helps the person recover, resulting in positive effects of other elements of complex therapy.It is prescribed individually depending 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 natural processes of regeneration of cartilage tissue.

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

1. Spot.
2. Medicinal.
3. Canned hardware.
4. Reflection priosteus.
5. Connective tissue.

Gymnastics and physiotherapy.

Therapeutic physical training and sets of gymnastic exercises are one of the most important stages in the restoration of the spine after osteochondrosis.Naturally, its prescription must be made by a purely professional doctor taking into account the stage of the disease and the condition of the patient.

The basic task of physiotherapy/gymnastics is the systematic development of cartilage, as well as the strengthening of the spinal muscles.With a proper diagnosis, the author's set of exercises is often prescribed: the system includes both general strengthening procedures and methods of direct impact on the most problem area, as well as indicator exercises that facilitate monitoring the effectiveness of treatment.

In private practice they also use variable sets of exercises using a different method using special devices.Stages of treatment in this case:

1. Relieve spasms and combat sensations.
2. Therapeutic loading on the short dorsal muscles.
3. Normalization of circulation in the 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 therapies, as well as various physical procedures.The most famous and popular methods:

1. Electrophoresis.A well-known non-surgical method of influencing the spine, used since the 70s of the last century.
2. Direct stretch.This method is relatively safe and effective in straightening the spine, if, 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 fine needles that are immersed to a certain depth of the epithelium in the acupuncture points of the back.
5. Laser puncture.An activity similar to acupuncture, but performed using 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.Use 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. Traction machine decompression.Automated analogue of direct stretching.

Prevention

The rules for preventing this disease are simple and unambiguous:

1. Regular exercise under the supervision of an orthopedist.
2. Weight normalization.
3. Consumption of foods and medications rich in magnesium and calcium.
4. Correct posture when working sitting.
5. Quit bad habits.

Question - answer

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

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

1. Dorsago is a severe, short-lived and high-intensity pain, which periodically manifests itself against the background of a decrease in motor activity in the affected area and difficulty breathing.
2. Back pain is a long-lasting background pain, of moderate or low intensity, that increases with physical activity.

Location of previous pain sensations:

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

Is gymnastics useful for thoracic osteochondrosis?

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