An inactive lifestyle, injuries or excessive physical activity cause diseases of the musculoskeletal system. To avoid complications, it is important to start treatment early in the process. To do this, you need to know about the causes and symptoms of pathology.
Description of this disease, what is the danger
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a chronic disease in which dystrophic changes begin in the cartilage located in the intervertebral space. Pathology is expressed by a decrease in the height of the disc and compression of the intercostal nerve endings.
Thoracic osteochondrosis goes through several stages of development.
The first is characterized by the drying of the intervertebral disc, a decrease in firmness and elasticity, and the appearance of cracks. The pain is mild and goes away after the person gets some rest.
In the second stage, the disc decreases in height, the recess in the vertebra is filled with the nucleus pulposus, but it does not go beyond its borders. Muscles are under constant tension. The person complained of severe pain, which subsided after rest.
The third stage is characterized by the exit of the nucleus pulposus outside the edge, the crack reaches the edge of the vertebra. As a result, an intervertebral hernia is formed. The pain becomes constant.
In the fourth stage, the proliferation of connective tissue is detected, which puts pressure on the nearby vertebrae. To compensate for the reduced layer, bone tissue begins to grow. More and more growths (osteophytes) appear.
Types of thoracic osteochondrosis and complications
Based on the nature of the pain, two types of thoracic osteochondrosis are distinguished:
- dorsago, which is characterized by acute sharp pain in the form of lumbago, localized in the thoracic spine. This condition is accompanied by muscle tension, problems with movement in the neck and thoracic region;
- dorsalgia, where the pain increases slowly. Inhalation and turning of the body, as well as staying in one position for a long time, increase the discomfort. At night, the discomfort deepens and disappears when walking.
In the absence of adequate therapy, nerve endings are increasingly depressed. As a result, osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can cause complications:
- diseases of the digestive system;
- persistent pain;
- disturbances in cardiac activity;
- decreased ability to conceive;
- disorders in lung function caused by the proliferation of connective tissue.
Why does thoracic spine pathology occur?
This part of the spine experiences moderate loads and limited mobility. However, pathology is common. This disease can be caused by one or a combination of reasons:
- injury and damage;
- excessive burden on the department, including in childhood;
- age-related changes associated with a decrease in nutrition of intervertebral disc tissue;
- endocrinological diseases, especially during menopause;
- age-related decline in calcium absorption;
- overweight;
- problems with blood vessels, atherosclerotic deposits in the vessels of the thoracic region;
- weak muscle corset.
How does the pathology manifest itself?
Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis include pain and increased muscle tone. The pain can be either short-term with shooting or long-term pain. Recoil can be felt in the front of the chest, under the ribs and in the shoulders. Pain increases when in one position for a long time.
A characteristic sign of pathology is sensitivity to palpation of the spinous process of the thoracic vertebrae.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are similar to other diseases and include:
- discomfort in the heart area, reminiscent of angina pain;
- pain when breathing, shortness of breath, also shown in pneumonia, dry cough, obstructive pulmonary disease;
- pain in the epigastric region, under the ribs, similar to signs of gastrointestinal disease.
Methods of treatment for thoracic osteochondrosis
If you have complaints, you should contact a neurologist. Therapy includes medication, physical therapy, exercise therapy, and massage.
The doctor prescribes medicine:
- means to eliminate the source of inflammation in the spine;
- drugs to reduce muscle tone and the risk of spinal cord sensory root compression;
- neuroprotectors are designed to help restore nerve fibers.
The choice and dosage is chosen by the doctor, who will take into account drug tolerance, concomitant pathology and the patient's weight.
It is important to follow the recommended treatment period to avoid recurrence. You can buy prescribed drugs cheaply in online stores.
Massage should be done carefully, using a rubbing technique. The area below the shoulder blades and between the ribs should be carefully treated. For the effect to appear, at least 10-15 sessions are required.
During physical therapy, emphasis is placed on exercises that strengthen the muscular core, neck and lower back.
Ointments and gels with anti-inflammatory effects, heating patches, and Kuznetsov applicators are prescribed locally.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is a degenerative pathology of the vertebrae and discs. Vlasenko Alexander Adolfovich (neurologist, doctor of manual therapy with 30 years of experience) talks about osteochondrosis of the thoracic region - symptoms, diagnosis and effective methods of treatment.
Why is thoracic osteochondrosis called a "chameleon"?
The thoracic spine has a special feature - the ribs are attached to it. Thanks to this, it is less mobile than the neck and lower back. As a result, osteochondrosis in the thoracic region develops less often, according to the principle: "less mobility - less wear. "But it develops less often - this does not mean that it runs more easily. And so it is. We are talking about chest pain. Because the area of thoracic spine pain coincides with the area of the heart, the symptoms are often confused with angina pectoris or myocardial infarction. It is not without reason that they say about thoracic osteochondrosis that it is a "chameleon". After all, he can pretend not only to have a heart disease, but also a disease of the lungs, liver, stomach, gall bladder or pancreas. And here you can not make a mistake and ignore a heart attack or other serious diseases, for example, mammary gland pathology in women. Such mistakes are costly, even if everything works out in the end. After all, this can "drive" a person into severe stress. That is why it is very important to find an experienced and knowledgeable doctor who will understand everything and distinguish the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis from other pathologies. Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region are usually divided into two categories - radicular and reflex.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis
Manifestations of osteochondrosis will depend on the location and severity of the lesion in the segment of spinal motion. In the early stages, patients complain of dull back pain, back pain, discomfort, slight limitation of movement in the spine, periodic numbness in the arms or legs, headaches, and fatigue. By starting treatment and changing your lifestyle during this period, the results will not be long in coming and recovery will come quickly.
With severe damage to the intervertebral disc, severe pain, persistent numbness and/or weakness in the arms or legs occurs (depending on the extent of the damage). These signs may indicate the destruction of the intervertebral disc and the presence of a hernia, and it is necessary to immediately see a doctor and start treatment.
In the worst cases, the pain syndrome can be very severe, possible dysfunction of the pelvic organs, severe weakness and numbness in the arms or legs. If these signs are present, immediate hospitalization in a hospital is necessary to resolve the issue of surgical treatment.
With cervical osteochondrosis, pain occurs in the neck, can radiate to the shoulder, arm or head, numbness or weakness in the arm, headache, dizziness.
With osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, pain occurs in the chest, radiating to the sternum or scapula, increases with breathing and movement, and sometimes there is a feeling of lack of air. Patients often confuse this condition with heart disease.
When the lumbosacral spine is affected, pain is localized in the lower back, intensifies with movement, radiates to the legs or perineum, and numbness or weakness in the legs may occur.
It should be remembered that our body is one whole, and the division of osteochondrosis into cervical, thoracic, and lumbar is arbitrary. As a rule, the disease develops throughout the spine, but manifests itself in the part that experiences the greatest load.
Radicular symptoms
It occurs because of an effect on the nerves that leave the spine.
Spinal nerves
There are many nerves that come out of the spine. They are called spinal nerves. Each of these nerves gradually branches and follows a specific area of the body with clear boundaries. This area is called the segmental innervation zone. Each vertebra, disc, nerve and zone is numbered, corresponding to each other. If the nerve is exposed, the symptoms will appear in the zone of segmental conservation corresponding to that nerve, and not anywhere - in an arbitrary place.
Radicular symptoms include:
- Reflexes are reduced or lost;
- Impaired sensitivity;
- Muscle weakness;
- Radicular pain.
Zone of innervation of the thoracic segment
Osteochondrosis D1–D2- Causes pain in the shoulder, collarbone and armpit.
Osteochondrosis D3-D6- causes a girdle-like pain in the upper part of the chest. Simulates pain in the heart, angina attacks. In women, it causes pain in the mammary glands.
Osteochondrosis D7–D8- causes girdle pain at the level of the solar plexus. Simulates pain in the stomach, liver, gallbladder or pancreas. Reduces upper abdominal reflexes.
Osteochondrosis D9–D10- causing pain in the hypochondrium and upper abdomen. Sometimes it imitates the so-called "acute" stomach - a sharp pain in the stomach. Decreased mid-abdominal reflexes.
Osteochondrosis D11–D12- causes pain in the groin. Simulates pain in women's diseases, appendicitis, and intestinal diseases. Reduces lower abdominal reflexes.
Reflex symptoms
Unlike radicular symptoms, reflex symptoms do not have clear boundaries. This is possible: difficulty breathing, lack of air, pain when inhaling and exhaling, shivering and "chilling" on the skin, intercostal neuralgia, circular chest pain. Dyspepsia is often observed - appetite worsens, nausea, heartburn, flatulence, and intestinal dysfunction occur. Because of pain, sleep is disturbed, insomnia occurs and the feeling of not getting enough sleep occurs. It is difficult to move, especially in the morning. Impaired movement coordination - this is reflected in gait. General weakness, weakness. Sexual harassment. Irritation. Rapid fatigue. Various pains arise. Pressing pain in the chest area. Pain between the shoulder blades. Pain in the hypochondrium. Pain when raising the hand. Pain when bending or trying to stand. Pain between the shoulder blades. In general, pain in osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is usually divided into two types.
Dorsalgia- moderately severe, prolonged pain in the back and chest with periods of intensification and attenuation.
Dorsago- acutely painful "lumbago" in this area.
- Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region depend on the stage of osteochondrosis.
- They get worse when bending over or trying to stand.
- Symptoms often appear after 35-45 years.
- It occurs about 3 times more often in women than in men.
You, of course, realize that radicular symptoms are clearly defined, while reflex symptoms are very vague and non-specific. And as you know, everything that does not have a clear definition serves as a convenient cover for professional incompetence. This applies, among other things, to reflex symptoms and the favorite concept among doctors as "age-related changes. "Surely many of you are familiar with situations when doctors explain the problem as a "reflex" or "age-related" process. Most people at such moments really believe that the doctor cannot know what is going on and tries to hide his incompetence in the fog of these "magic words".
At one time there was a popular expression: "Every accident has a name, a surname and a position. "So every disease has its own symptoms. And it is the doctor's job to know them clearly. And then there is no need to make a fog and blame osteochondrosis of the thoracic region for everything. Now you understand how important it is to find an experienced and knowledgeable doctor. Both a correct diagnosis and a good treatment result will depend on this.
Disease stage
| Stage | Change | symptoms |
| First | Disc dehydration, which causes loss of elasticity. Their height decreases, but their width increases - the intervertebral discs gradually become flat. | Pain appears directly on the damaged ring. It can pull or shoot. |
| Second | The annulus fibrosus begins to disintegrate. The nerve root is compressed, causing pain. | There is pain when moving. When maintaining the pose for a long time, discomfort appears. |
| Third | The fibrous ring ruptures, causing a herniated disc to form. Pathological scoliosis or kyphosis develops. | There is pain when moving. When maintaining the pose for a long time, discomfort appears. |
| Fourth | Vertebral friction against each other appears, which causes displacement of the intervertebral joints. The tissue around the vertebrae becomes inflamed. Cartilage tissue is replaced by bone tissue, which reduces motor function. Fibrosis appears. | There is pain when moving. When maintaining the pose for a long time, discomfort appears. |
The degree of exacerbation and remission can be observed. The latter is often observed at stage 4.
Disease stage
This is a more modern classification of symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis, used by specialists.
| Degree | Changes and symptoms |
| First | Intervertebral disc rupture is caused by sudden movement or too much force. Sharp pain, similar to the passage of an electric current along the spinal column. Muscle tension. |
| Second | Characterized by instability of the spinal column. Pain when moving. Prominence. |
| Third | The pain becomes constant. Loss of sensation. Changes in gait. Severe headache. Hard to breath. Tachycardia. |
| Fourth | The spine is unstable: the vertebrae slip and twist. Osteophytes grow, pinching the spinal nerves and putting pressure on the spinal cord. |
Thoracic osteochondrosis can cause serious diseases that are difficult to cure.
Diagnosis is the key to proper treatment
Today, there are several modern methods for hardware diagnostics of osteochondrosis. The most accurate are MRI and CT. But the main method is still clinical diagnosis - this is when an experienced doctor compares data from at least three sources - from patient complaints, MRI results and symptoms identified during the examination. This allows you to make the diagnosis as accurate as possible and create an effective individual treatment program.
Who to contact, how to check osteochondrosis
As a rule, with pain in the spine, the patient turns to a neurologist, who, based on complaints and neurological examination, can make a preliminary diagnosis, prescribe additional examination methods (x-ray of the spine, MRI, CT, general urinalysis , general blood tests)and develop a treatment regimen.
Treatment
Treatment should be comprehensive, aiming to:
- elimination of pain syndrome;
- elimination of impaired function of spinal roots;
- prevention of the development of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the structure of the spine.
During the acute period, with severe painprescribed drug treatment: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, B vitamins, chondroprotectors, or restrictions are performed.
Physiotherapyis the main method of conservative treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Exercise therapy is aimed at the formation, correction and strengthening of the muscle corset; increased range of motion in the spine and joints; development of motor stereotypes and correct posture; reduce the load on the spine.
With regular exercise therapy, joint exercises, yoga or swimming, blood supply and tissue nutrition are improved, metabolism is normalized, and the intervertebral space is increased, which leads to recovery.
Listen to your body, if you find symptoms of osteochondrosis or your lifestyle involves sitting for a long time in front of the computer, driving a car, or insufficient physical activity, seek help from a specialist without waiting for an exacerbation.
As you understand, osteochondrosis is a real "tangle" of symptoms, which, by unraveling, the doctor will relieve you of pain and torment. But it is not possible to eliminate changes in vertebrae and discs. Therefore, the word "treatment of osteochondrosis" must be understood correctly. If you are interested in eliminating pain and other suffering, then yes, it is quite possible. And if you conduct an academic discussion on the topic of returning vertebrae and discs to their original appearance, "like a newborn child, " then no, the past cannot be returned. You need to be realistic, and then you won't fall for a scammer.
What is the main treatment method?
Gentle manual therapy is the main type of treatment for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region. It's like antibiotics for pneumonia—you can't do without it. The remaining types - massage, drugs, physiotherapy and exercise therapy - are supplementary.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy methods relieve swelling and inflammation, increase blood flow in the affected area, reduce or stop pain.
Magnetic laser, magnetic therapy, SMT with novocaine, ultrasound with hydrocortisone, etc.
Balneotherapy: Application of mud, application of ozokerite on the affected area, radon bath.
Exercise and massage therapy
Therapeutic exercise is the main method of treatment for osteochondrosis. Gymnastics is done regularly for 10-15 minutes several times a day. To increase effectiveness, massage courses are prescribed. The procedure helps to relax muscles, reduce pressure on the vertebrae, improve metabolic processes and blood flow. Exercise therapy can be done independently at home, as well as in clinics (individual and group classes). Massages are performed by certified specialists in a clinic setting.
How does gentle manual therapy work?
Disc nutrition is directly related to the muscles that surround the spine. In addition, the back muscles themselves are one of the main causes of pain in osteochondrosis in the thoracic region. Gentle manual therapy is a special method that allows you to return muscles to their natural physiology, eliminate spasms, muscle tension and improve disc nutrition.
The intervertebral disc is the only part of the body that does not have blood vessels and is kept functioning properly by muscles.
In addition, when performing manual treatments, chiropractors:
- will relieve the load from the affected vertebrae and discs and distribute them correctly;
- relaxes muscles and helps them return to normal;
- relieve the patient from the clamp;
- increase disk power supply;
- will restore the motor function of the body;
- normalize blood circulation.
Manual influence mobilizes the body's internal forces and triggers self-healing mechanisms.
Acupuncture
This technique consists of influencing the body's biologically active points with thin needles. This procedure reduces the manifestation of pain and the inflammatory process. Acupuncture is painless and minor discomfort may occur.
Pathological treatment in women
It is almost impossible to completely get rid of thoracic osteochondrosis that has already developed, but it is very possible to slow down or even stop the formation of pathological degenerative-dystrophic processes in the tissues of the spinal movement segments using modern medical methods and methods. The optimal therapeutic effect can only be achieved with an integrated approach to the treatment of this pathology using drugs, various physiotherapeutic techniques and targeted exercise therapy techniques (physical therapy).
Symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine in women are not too different from men. In the acute period of osteochondrosis of the thoracic segment of the spine, patients need intensive treatment of exacerbations, in which various drugs and physical procedures are used to help eliminate, first of all, the pain syndrome, and in parallel, other negative manifestations. from the disease.
During remission, patients must be prescribed maintenance treatment, mainly based on taking drugs that restore the osteochondral structure and physical therapy. In severe cases, sometimes they use surgical intervention to stabilize the position of the spine.
What should be done in case of an aggravation?
During exacerbation, severe pain appears, radiating along the intercostal space. At this stage, it is necessary to maintain bed rest and reduce spinal mobility. Symptoms are eliminated with analgesics prescribed by the attending physician.
The treatment is completely safe.
Prevention
To prevent disease and slow down the degenerative process, it is recommended:
- weight adjustment;
- cycling, running, swimming, yoga and other sports;
- walk every day;
- take vitamin complexes and chondroprotectors;
- reduce pressure on the back;
- timely treatment of musculoskeletal diseases.
To avoid recurrence, create comfortable conditions for sleeping and working. Watch your weight and eat right. Continue your physical activity. But the main thing is not to neglect your health and not to be imprudent. Don't let things take their course. After recovery, try to do at least one maintenance session of gentle manual therapy once every three to six months - this will reduce risk factors. Do not forget, advanced osteochondrosis leads to complications - disc protrusion and herniation. Remember: your health comes first!