Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

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

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

The disease is less common than other forms of osteochondrosis - cervical and lumbar. This is explained by the less mobility of the thoracic region, as well as protection from the muscular corset and ribs.

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

Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis

Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine include:

• Chest pain
• Labored breathing
• Increasing pain when breathing deeply
• Increased fatigue
• Unsteady gait
• Tightness in the chest area
• Slouch
• The appearance of shortness of breath
• Frozen feet
• Pain in esophagus
• Cough

Pain due to thoracic osteochondrosis is divided according to its characteristics into dorsal or dorsal.

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

Dasalgia is moderate pain in the area of the affected discs. When you breathe deeply, the pain intensifies. Unpleasant sensations begin gradually.

Causes of development of thoracic osteochondrosis

The causes of the appearance and development of thoracic osteochondrosis are often related to the patient's lifestyle and the uneven load on the spine. For example, people who spend a lot of time sitting are at risk: remote work or computer desk, 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 appearance of thoracic osteochondrosis can also be affected by previous spinal injuries, excess weight and weakened immunity.

Osteochondrosis can also develop in women who frequently wear high-heeled shoes or who 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 cause the development of the following pathologies:

• Spinal cord compression is the compression of the spinal cord, which leads to decreased sensation in the abdomen, back, and chest.
• Kyphosis is a curvature of the spine.
• Spinal protrusion and herniation is a protrusion of the center of the intervertebral disc, which affects the functionality of the pancreas and intestines.
• Intercostal neuralgia - sharp pain in the intercostal space.

The organs that may be affected by the complication depend on the affected vertebra.

Degree of development of thoracic osteochondrosis

• I degree - mild pain appears, which quickly passes in a comfortable position. Moisture is lost in the intervertebral disc and the nucleus pulposus moves slightly. This stage is not always paid attention to, because the pain does not cause serious discomfort and passes quickly.
• II degree – cracks appear in the intervertebral disc, keeping the spine in a fixed position leads to spasms, back and chest pain. The disc begins to lose its elasticity and its height begins to decrease. The muscles in the affected area become constantly tense.
• III degree - a protrusion of the central part of the intervertebral disc appears - the nucleus pulposus. Because of this, an intervertebral hernia occurs. The pain becomes constant and the cartilage begins to thin.
• IV degree – the annulus fibrosus 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 talks about his complaints and the doctor performs a physical examination. During the examination, attention is paid to the relationship between the levels of the shoulder and pelvic girdle, the posture of the body, the shape of the chest and the state of the musculature.

After that, the doctor issues a referral for a diagnostic test. From the studies, the patient can be prescribed:

• X-ray – X-rays are taken of the problem areas of the spine, which show changes in the discs.
• CT scan – allows you to assess the condition of the damage site and examine the condition of the discs.
• ECG – recommended if cardiovascular disease is suspected.

How to treat thoracic osteochondrosis

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

• Massage
• Physiotherapy
• Physiotherapy
• Taking vitamins and medicines

Massage for thoracic osteochondrosis

Massaging the cervical region will help relieve pain and inflammation, as well as strengthen the muscles that keep the vertebrae in a stable position.

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. The massage should be done by a specialist who will make the process really effective. For greater results, special oils can be used when massaging.

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

Physiotherapy

Gymnastics for thoracic osteochondrosis consists of a set of exercises to strengthen the muscles of the spine and form a strong muscle corset. In the early stages, exercise will help you avoid taking medication.

What effect does exercise therapy have on thoracic osteochondrosis?

• Deep breathing becomes correct
• Correct body posture is formed
• It reduces the load on the spine
• The deep back muscles become less rigid
• Increases chest mobility

Exercises for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

Before you start exercising, you need to warm up. It can warm up and prepare the muscles for physical activity. To warm up, you can use limb swings, twists and turns of the trunk, neck and pelvis.

Here are some exercises that are suitable for treating 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 - smoothly and simultaneously raise your arms and legs.
• Shoulder Shrug – While standing and with your arms relaxed along your body, you should shrug each shoulder in turn.
• Bends in a chair - you need to sit in a chair so that your back is pressed tightly against the back. Hands should be lowered. In this position, while inhaling, you need to put your hands behind your back and bend back. As you exhale, you should lean forward. You can also bend to the side.
• Back arch – standing on all fours, you need to bend your back and hold this position for several seconds. Then you need to return to the starting position. It is recommended to perform the exercise on a special mat.

The exercises should be performed regularly for several months. Therapeutic exercise should not last more than 30 minutes and should be done in comfortable shoes and clothes. If sharp pain occurs, you should stop exercising.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is suitable for complex treatment. It can be used as an additional or independent treatment. 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 the affected tissue and improve the mobility of the lumbar region.
• Laser therapy is the effect of laser rays on the affected area. It helps improve immunity, provides analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. There is no pain during the procedure.
• Shockwave therapy is exposure to ultrasound acoustic waves. They promote bone resorption, 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 substances are attached to the patient's skin.

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

Pharmacological treatment of osteochondrosis

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

Nutrition for thoracic osteochondrosis

As an additional measure of treatment, the patient may be prescribed the "Table No. 15" diet. The diet does not require giving up most of the popular foods, but its specialty is a high-vitamin diet.

As part of the diet you can eat:

• Bread
• Milk
• Soups
• Lean meat - it's good to eat it every day
• Pasta
• Vegetables – fresh and in salad or cooked
• Eggs
• Fresh fruits
• Fresh berries
• Many kinds of sweets
• Butter and vegetable oils

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

What you should not eat:

• Pastries
• Dishes with fatty meat or fish
• Chocolate products

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

Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis

Recommended preventive measures include:

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

In addition, attention should be paid to the choice of bed. An inappropriate mattress and pillow will prevent your back and neck from relaxing while you sleep. For this reason, for a comfortable stay with osteochondrosis, it is recommended to purchase special orthopedic accessories.