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 discs. Complications of the disease include the appearance of protrusion and degenerative changes in adjacent tissues. Osteochondrosis is difficult to identify due to symptoms that "mask" such as gastritis, heart disease or gastric ulcer.

Characteristics of the disease

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

According to ICD-10, this disease falls into the group "Dorsopathy" with the code M-42, localization.

At an early stage of the disease, examination and treatment can be prescribed by a local doctor. If the disease is in an advanced stage, the patient is referred to a highly qualified specialist (neurologist). Often a professional masseur relieves the patient of the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis. In case of complications, you cannot do without the help of a surgeon.

Causes

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

The development of the disease is provoked by various reasons:

• excessive physical activity;
• work involving heavy lifting;
• prolonged forced uncomfortable positions;
• congenital curvature of the spine and acquired postural disorders;
• incorrect 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 pathologies and possible complications, it is necessary to eliminate the cause. Experts say that this problem in most cases is the result of an unhealthy lifestyle.

Degrees and symptoms

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is characterized by special symptoms. The patient suffers from muscle spasms and intercostal neuralgia. The pain may be localized to one point in the chest and then quickly spread throughout the chest. Because of this, a person has difficulty breathing, he has to sit or lie down only in a certain position.

The pain intensifies when you turn your head, move your neck, raise your arms, and bend over. Any movement of the neck causes discomfort (especially at night). A painful contraction of the muscles of the shoulder girdle and lower back is possible.

Considering the level of deformation of the intervertebral discs, the following degrees of development are distinguished:

• First degree

  In the first stage, the elasticity (firmness) of the discs and their height decrease. Possible manifestation of protrusion (swelling) of the fibrous ring (hard shell for the semi-liquid nucleus). The cartilaginous tissue of the vertebra becomes denser. Pain in the form of "low back pain" is likely during sudden movements or after remaining in the same position for a long time.

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

  Dorsalgia- mild and acute pain. It appears gradually and usually lasts 2 to 3 weeks. It may worsen with sudden bends or after physical exertion. Back pain is accompanied by muscle tension and limited movement. The pain disappears 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. dysfunctions of the gastrointestinal tract.

• Second degree

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

  Painful sensations:

  1. in the chest after overwork or during physical exertion;
  2. in the upper back;
  3. when you raise your arms;
  4. during breathing (inhalation and exhalation).

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

• Third grade

  The formation of the intervertebral hernia continues. Pain in the abdomen and back, intercostal neuralgia is felt (may intensify with inhalation, sudden movements and cough).

  One of the symptoms of osteochondrosis is cough. The overall mobility of the spine decreases, the diaphragm is pinched and a lack of air is felt. A 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 degree

  In the fourth stage the intervertebral discs cease to function as shock absorbers. The spine loses mobility. Possible pinching of blood vessels and nerves. Bone tissue is susceptible to destruction.

Diagnostics

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

To make an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to conduct a series of studies:

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

Traditional treatment

To eliminate pain and inflammation in the chest, drug treatment is used. To relieve pain during a flare-up, injections are given into a vein or intramuscularly. Treatment of osteochondrosis occurs with the help of drugs containing an enzyme of plant origin - papain. This substance helps 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 the active ingredients: glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.
2. Antispasmodics and muscle relaxants.Drugs that weaken muscle tone. By acting on the receptors in this way, they relieve unhealthy muscle tension, which causes pain and spasms.
3. Painkillers.Reduces the symptoms of the disease: inflammation and pain. The principle of action of such drugs is to block the synthesis of certain enzymes.
4. Vitamin therapy.Most often, vitamins A, B, D, C, E are prescribed, which restore cartilage tissue, strengthen the immune system and have an anti-inflammatory effect.
5. Massage.Patients with this disease need to undergo a course of restorative massage at least 2 times a year. During an 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, the method is effective.
7. Physical therapy.The disease is characterized by underdeveloped muscle corset and joint stiffness. A set of specially selected exercises (physical therapy) will help eliminate these manifestations. The first lessons should be carried out under the supervision of an experienced instructor, then gymnastics is performed independently. Regular training is of great importance.

Treatment at home

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

• Nutrition

  To improve the condition it is necessary to eat well: 6-7 meals a day, reducing the amount of salt, introducing fruits and vegetables into the diet, natural chondroprotectors (gelatin, jellied meat). Furthermore, it is important to lead an active lifestyle, avoiding any type of overload.

• Berry tea

  Thoracic osteochondrosis can be reduced by systematically drinking berry tea and wild strawberry leaf tea. 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 per 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, increase your body's defenses and include plenty of plant foods in your diet. If the presented recommendations are followed, the therapeutic effect manifests itself more quickly, the risk of complications and remissions decreases.