Osteochondrosis is referred to as damage to the bones and cartilage in various parts of the spine. In this article, we will consider the characteristics of this defect, in cases where it occurs in the chest area, its main symptoms and treatments.
Thoracic vertebral osteochondrosis of the spine is a progression of damage to the degenerative dystrophic nature of the vertebral tissue structures, whereby they, as well as the intervertebral discs and cartilage tissue, are progressively destroyed. There are other osteochondrosis, such as cervical or lumbar spine. Compared to them, thoracic lesions are more rare because of the less mobility of the spine at this site and additional immobilization due to the ribs. However, in some cases, the disease even ends in disability, which occurs due to the formation of intervertebral hernias. In this case, the only effective treatment is surgery. Mostly, the disease affects people over the age of 35-40.
Osteochondrosis symptoms in the thoracic region are less pronounced and less likely to occur due to external influences due to the specificity of the placement. The main risk for pathology is a sedentary lifestyle, which is why the musculoskeletal muscles of the back are weaker. The main causes of the disease are:
- Back overload can occur either from lifting heavy objects and wearing high heels, or from specific physiological conditions such as pregnancy or a congenital foot defect called flat feet.
- Inactivity, sedentary work, lack of physical activity
- Scoliosis and other types of curvature of the thoracic spine
- back injury
- bad posture
- genetic factors
- severe stress
Thoracic vertebral osteochondrosis culminates in intense thinning of the intervertebral discs, formation of intervertebral hernias, growth of connective tissue, and wear and tear of the cartilaginous structures that form the vertebral joints.
The consequences of the pathology often bring additional symptoms, for example, when compression of the spinal canal or blood arteries occurs. and various other manifestations that require additional complex treatment.
Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis
Along with the thoracic manifestations of the disease, the onset of symptoms usually occurs when the spine is bearing weight and as a result of sudden movements - when turning or tilting the body.
Most of the time, there is a dull, throbbing feeling between the shoulder blades, accompanied by a feeling of the sternum being squeezed. In the case of lower rib displacement, they speak of posterior rib syndrome, in which pain manifests in the lower chest and scapular area. Also, if you try to touch the spine where the disease is present, pain is usually present.
This painful manifestation is usually attributed to one of two types:
- Severe, penetrating, and sharp pain in the interscapular region and ribs. It's called the Dorsago, and it features increased cornering and changes in body position. Often, this pain is characteristic of acute attacks; symptomatic treatment is required for relief.
- Back pain is known as a gradual onset pain syndrome that lasts 7-20 days. In this case, the pain is dull and mild in nature and manifests itself in the spine at the level of the chest. If you take a deep breath or bend over, you will notice an increase in intensity. Additionally, shortness of breath may be felt, as well as muscle spasms around the affected area. The onset of symptoms is usually caused when one position is held for an extended period of time, for example, after a night's sleep.
Other pathological conditions that accompany thoracic osteochondrosis will depend on the depth of its presentation. For example, there is a loss of sensitivity in situations where the nerve endings passing through the vertebrae are strongly compressed, which can affect tendon reflexes. In addition, due to osteochondrosis in the thoracic region, nerve endings in the organs of the liver, heart, kidneys, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract are often squeezed, so the function of these organs and systems may be accompanied by corresponding heaviness, tightness, and pain. symptom.
Among other manifestations of the disease, there is often a problem of normal breathing and a localized pain sensation:
- on the left side of the chest and heart
- Below the left and right ribs, suspected cholecystitis and other diseases
- in the throat, esophagus, stomach and intestines
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis
With thoracic osteochondrosis, symptomatic treatment is required, in other words, it depends on which symptoms are most pronounced. For this, doctors prescribe the following drugs:
- NSAIDs
- pain reliever
- local anesthetics, i. e. creams, ointments, patches
- relax muscles during severe cramps
- vitamins
- Antidepressants
To stop the progression of the disease, various physical therapy procedures are used, as well as dietary modifications and vitamin intake. Some doctors supplement the treatment with drugs called chondroprotectants. They are believed to have properties that restore damaged cartilage and bone. However, there is no evidence of the effectiveness of such funds, and at the same time, their courses are 6 months in duration and can be quite expensive. Based on this, the intake of these drugs must be agreed with a doctor, but it is best to consult the advice of several experts.
As an additional treatment aimed at preventing pathology in the future, physiotherapy is used to facilitate the treatment of osteochondrosis in the thoracic region. Most commonly used:
- Shockwave, laser and magnetic therapy, as well as UV light and electrophoresis
- A complex of physiotherapy exercises. With the help of gymnastics, osteochondrosis is treated very effectively. Typically, the entire set of exercises, repeated several times a day, helps strengthen the muscles of the back and chest and restore mobility to the vertebrae. With the help of gymnastics, the treatment and prevention of diseases is carried out, a specific complex is selected by the attending physician. It's worth remembering that the practice should only be started after the symptoms of pain have stopped, and that the intensity should be reduced if any pain occurs during the procedure.
- Massage that helps to stretch the spine and strengthen the metabolism of the vertebrae and surrounding elements
- Special diets to compensate for the lack of substances needed for the recovery of cartilage tissue structure.
What should I do if my condition worsens?
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is a chronic disease, so it is characterized by a period of deterioration. This usually occurs after intense physical exertion at the gym or at work, severe stress, and accumulated fatigue. At this point, other symptoms may appear:
- headache close to migraine
- nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- strong or weak
- Difficulty breathing
- limited movement
Severe spinal pain associated with the back that gets worse and can hardly stop on its own. In addition, the independent option of strong painkillers is fraught with serious side effects, additional complications, and treatments. Therefore, it is important to seek medical help during this time, and if you cannot see a neurologist in person, you will need to call an ambulance. Painful symptoms can be well relieved in the hospital by intramuscular injection of analgesics and simultaneous use of local anesthesia.
If thoracic osteochondrosis is in the acute phase, the following principles of treatment should be followed:
- You need to stay in bed and remove your spine as much as possible
- The medicine to be taken should only be taken as prescribed by the doctor.
- You should only have physical therapy with your doctor's permission.
- diet needs to be adjusted
In the presence of a herniated disc, additional medication is required, as well as wearing a corset. If the hernia is large, the only effective treatment is surgery, which is prescribed separately based on the diagnosis.
prevention
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is often seen in people in certain occupations, so those who, on the one hand, do heavy lifting related to weight lifting, and on the other hand, are very inactive during the work process, should pay attention to their posture and strengthen their backs regularlymuscles and provide useful motor activity to the vertebrae. Therefore, prevention of osteochondrosis requires physical activity several times a day. Do not do redundant independent massages.
In addition, it is important to modify the diet to exclude products whose components contribute to degenerative processes and increased cartilage and bone wear. Diet should try to eat less salty, sweet, fragrant, spicy, fried. Food should be natural, free of preservatives and dyes. Prioritize vegetables, fruits, grains, lean meats and fish, and dairy products. To speed up salt metabolism, adults should drink at least two liters of fluids per day. It is best to refuse alcohol and coffee. In addition, it is important to prevent excess body weight, which can increase the load on the vertebrae.
Another factor that helps prevent thoracic osteochondrosis is healthy sleep. "Healthy" in this context refers to where the body is. To minimize discomfort during sleep, it is best to use individually selected pillows and orthopaedic mattresses.
The implementation of these measures will help to avoid the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis and avoid long-term treatment.