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 causes back pain and unpleasant symptoms. Also specific to the disease is the premature "aging" of the cartilaginous tissue of the disc.

Osteochondrosis can be diagnosed 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 reduced mobility of the thoracic region, in addition to the protection of 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
• Difficult breathing
• Increased pain when breathing deeply
• Increased fatigue
• Unstable gait
• Feeling of tightness in the chest area
• Slovenliness
• The appearance of shortness of breath
• Apprehensive
• Pain in the esophagus
• Cough

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

Dorsago - sharp pain in the chest area. It occurs when we remain in the same position for a long time. The pain can make breathing difficult.

Dorsalgia is moderate pain in the area of the affected discs. When breathing deeply, the pain intensifies. Unpleasant sensations begin gradually.

Causes of the development of thoracic osteochondrosis

The causes of the occurrence and development of thoracic osteochondrosis are often related to the patient's lifestyle and uneven load on the spine. For example, people who spend a lot of time sitting are at risk: remote or office work at the computer, 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 occurrence 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 heels or who are pregnant.

Exacerbation of thoracic osteochondrosis is possible with an uncomfortable sleeping position, smoking, poor-quality massage or hypothermia.

Complications

Degenerative processes in the thoracic spine can cause the development of the following pathologies:

• Spinal cord compression is 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 hernia 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 can be affected by the complication depend on the affected vertebra.

Degree of development of thoracic osteochondrosis

• Grade I - mild pain appears, which quickly passes in a comfortable position. Moisture is lost from the intervertebral disc and the nucleus pulposus moves slightly. Attention is not always paid to this stage, as the pain does not cause great discomfort and passes quickly.
• Grade II – fissures appear in the intervertebral disc, keeping the spine in a stable position leads to spasms, back and chest pain. The disc begins to lose elasticity and its height begins to decrease. The muscles in the affected area are constantly tense.
• Grade III - protrusion of the central part of the intervertebral disc - the nucleus pulposus - occurs. Because of this, an intervertebral hernia occurs. The pain becomes constant and the cartilage begins to become thinner.
• Grade IV – the fibrous ring tissue is replaced by bone. Bone tissue begins to decompose.

Diagnosis of thoracic osteochondrosis

If you suspect osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, 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 girdles, posture, the shape of the chest and the state of the muscular system.

After that, the doctor issues a referral for a diagnostic examination. Based on the studies, the patient may be prescribed:

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

How to treat thoracic osteochondrosis

To treat 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 medications

Massage for thoracic osteochondrosis

Massage of the cervicothoracic region will help relieve pain and inflammation, as well as strengthen the muscles that keep the vertebrae in a stable condition.

During the session, the following massage techniques are used: stroking, squeezing, kneading, rubbing and vibrating. The direction of impact in osteochondrosis depends on the location of the lesion. The massage must be performed by a specialist who will make the procedure truly effective. For best results, special oils can be used during the massage.

However, before taking a massage course, you need to make sure that it is not contraindicated for the patient. To do this, you must consult your doctor. The list of contraindications includes cardiovascular pathologies, high 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 muscular corset. In the initial stages, gymnastics will help you avoid taking medications.

What is the effect of exercise therapy on thoracic osteochondrosis?

• Deep breathing becomes correct
• Correct posture is formed
• Reduces the load on the spine
• Deep back muscles become less rigid
• Increases thoracic mobility

Exercises for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

Before starting gymnastics, you need to warm up. It can warm up and prepare your muscles for physical activity. To warm up, you can use limb movements, rotations and turns of the trunk, neck and pelvis.

Here are some exercises 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 Raises – Standing with your arms relaxed at your sides, you need to raise each shoulder in turn.
• Bends on a chair - you need to sit on a chair so that your back is tightly pressed against the back. Hands must be lowered. In this position, when inhaling, you need to put your hands behind your back and bend back. As you exhale, you need to lean forward. You can also bend to the side.
• Back arch – getting on all fours, you need to arch your back and maintain this position for a few seconds. Then you need to return to the starting position. It is recommended to perform the exercise on a special mat.

Exercises must be performed regularly for several months. Therapeutic gymnastics should not last more than 30 minutes and should be done with comfortable shoes and clothing. If sharp pain occurs, you need to stop exercising.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is suitable for complex treatments. It can be used as an additional or independent therapy. 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 mobility in the lower back.
• Laser therapy is the effect of laser beams on the affected area. Helps improve immunity, provides analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. There is no pain during the procedure.
• Shockwave therapy is exposure to infrasonic acoustic waves. They promote the resorption of bone growth, 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 of these procedures will help alleviate the discomfort of symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis.

Drug treatment of osteochondrosis

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

Nutrition for thoracic osteochondrosis

As an additional measure of treatment, the patient can be prescribed the "Table No. 15" diet. The diet does not require giving up most popular foods, but its peculiarity lies in a diet rich in vitamins.

As part of the diet you can eat:

• Bread
• Milk
• Soups
• Lean meat - it is advisable to eat it every day
• Pasta
• Vegetables – fresh and in salad or cooked
• Eggs
• Fresh fruit
• Fresh blackberries
• Many types of sweets
• Butter and vegetable oils

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

What not to eat:

• Puff pastry
• Dishes with fatty meat or fish
• Chocolate products

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

Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis

Recommended preventative measures include:

• Swimming or other water sports
• Regular heating when working at a computer for a long time
• Maintain a sitting posture - your back should be straight and your shoulders stretched
• Avoiding back hypothermia
• Regular exercise therapy

Additionally, attention should be paid to choosing bedding. An inadequate mattress and pillow will prevent your back and neck from relaxing while you sleep. Therefore, for a comfortable stay in osteochondrosis, it is recommended to purchase special orthopedic accessories.