Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a common disease, manifested by a variety of symptoms and affecting professional activities.Clinical signs of the disease are associated with dystrophic changes in the thoracic vertebrae, intervertebral discs, and ligaments.The disease is often combined with cervical chondrosis and, without treatment, reduces the quality of life.
Causes of thoracic osteochondrosis
The causes are related to metabolic disorders, vascular, endocrine diseases, and congenital pathologies.Disorders negatively affect the nutrition of intervertebral discs, disrupt their structure and normal functioning.The resulting disorder in the discs leads to the growth of cartilage tissue on the vertebrae, changes in ligaments and joints.The spine ceases to function normally during flexion, extension, and other movements, which leads to compression of the spinal cord, blood vessels, and nerve endings.
The following conditions can provoke the occurrence of osteochondrosis:
- Incorrect posture, lateral curvature of the spine;
- Back injuries;
- Physical inactivity;
- Heredity;
- Bad habits;
- Nervous, physical strain, stress;
- Overload of the back and spine when wearing high-heeled shoes, during pregnancy, flat feet;
- Physically hard work.
Osteochondrosis of the cervicothoracic spine occurs due to hypothermia, prolonged exposure to a forced uncomfortable position, and infectious diseases.The disease is often recorded in areas with poor ecology and unfavorable climatic conditions.
The intervertebral discs of the thoracic vertebrae are equally adversely affected by a sedentary lifestyle and physical activity, which increases the likelihood of injury.The shock-absorbing ability of the discs is lost; they do not protect the vertebrae from contact with each other.The result is the growth of cartilage tissue, complete degeneration of the discs.
An exacerbation of the disease is observed in cases of non-compliance with the work and rest regime, colds, and nervous overstrain.Preventative treatment given twice a year reduces the likelihood of exacerbations.
Common osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is often disguised as other diseases.To make an accurate diagnosis, it is worth conducting additional examinations.
Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic vertebrae is disguised as other diseases - angina pectoris, gastritis, neuralgia, pancreatitis.As a result of disturbances in the functioning of the thoracic vertebrae, the nerve endings going to these organs are pinched, which affects the occurrence of pain in them.If pain occurs in these organs, it is worth conducting a full examination; a correct diagnosis will help cure the disease.
Osteochondrosis manifests itself in symptoms:
- Severe pain in the back - between the shoulder blades, in the thoracic spine;
- Exhalation and inhalation are accompanied by pain;
- Heart pain: pressing, aching, squeezing;
- Numbness of body parts;
- Pain when bending over or doing physical work.
The difference between pain in osteochondrosis and angina is that the pain in heart disease is diffuse, while in osteochondrosis it is point-like.Images of the thoracic spine, ultrasound of internal organs, and ECG will help differentiate diseases during diagnosis.Signs of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine resemble diseases of the pancreas, liver, and lungs.If pain occurs in them, you should consult a neurologist who will determine the presence or absence of osteochondrosis.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine requires complex drug therapy, lifestyle changes, and special exercises.In the acute phase of the disease, bed rest is prescribed for several days with limited movement.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used as medications.The drugs have a moderate analgesic effect.To reduce pain, injection and tablet analgesics are used, sometimes novocaine blockades are indicated.
It is possible to relieve muscle tension, numbness, and soreness using medicinal anti-inflammatory ointments.During the recovery period, a properly administered course of massage is important, relaxing the muscles, improving blood supply to the spinal cord, spine, and internal organs.
Gymnastics is indicated during the interictal period - it returns mobility to the vertebrae, helps to improve the functioning of the ligaments.The neurologist will recommend a course of individual sessions, focusing on the symptoms of the disease, the stage of vertebral destruction, age, and the presence of other diseases.It is important when performing gymnastics not to cause additional harm to the spine.
Exercises are performed daily under the control of well-being.After eliminating the signs of the disease, it is important to remember that it can return.Therefore, a balanced diet, the absence of bad habits, and moderate physical activity should become the norm of life.