Osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine, characterized by the development of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the bone and cartilage tissue in one or more of its sections. The development of thoracic osteochondrosis is much rarer than similar manifestations in the cervical and lumbar spine. This is due to the peculiarities of the anatomical structure of the middle part of the human back, where the mobility of the vertebrae is somewhat limited. This greatly reduces the chance of injury. A few decades ago, this type of osteochondrosis was more common in the elderly. Today, the disease also affects younger men and women. Children are no exception.
Description
Osteochondrosis of the chest is a disease of the skeletal system, characterized by damage to the intervertebral discs, vertebrae and their degenerative changes. In the first stage of the disease, the manifestations are mild, which is an obstacle to early diagnosis. However, over time, the disease progresses.
Gradually, the ligament apparatus is also involved in the process. A little less often complications develop, manifested in the form of atrophy of muscle tissue and accompanied by a decrease in sensitivity and functional disorders of internal organs.
In advanced cases, with thoracic osteochondrosis, cartilage and bones begin to break down. At the same time, premature aging of the musculoskeletal system is noted.
Against the background of this disease, diseases such as:
- prostatitis;
- pneumosclerosis;
- atrophy of the organs of the reproductive system, often leading to infertility;
- atherosclerosis;
- cancerous tumors.
According to medical statistics, thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine occurs equally in men and women.
Symptoms of the disease
Osteochondrosis of the chest has a number of specific characteristics, among which are:
- chest pain that occurs when the body is often and for a long time in one position;
- pain syndrome with increased physical exertion, for example, when lifting weights;
- the appearance of difficulty inhaling and exhaling, accompanied by a feeling of pressure in the middle part of the back;
- constant pain in the shoulder blades;
- numbness of certain parts of the body;
- periodically occurring prolonged feeling of cold, accompanied by chills;
- decrease in body temperature in the legs;
- itching and burning in the lower limbs.
With impaired functions of the vascular system of the chest, patients have a number of characteristic signs:
- peeling of the skin;
- thinning and brittle nails;
- abdominal pain, flatulence;
- stool disorders, in which bouts of diarrhea can be replaced by constipation;
- nausea, heartburn;
- symptoms of intercostal neuralgia;
- decreased sexual activity.
With thoracic osteochondrosis, there are two types of pain syndrome:
- Dorsalgia (dorsalgia).
- Dorsago (dorsag).
The first is characterized by prolonged pain in the areas of damage to the vertebrae and intervertebral discs. The second is an intense paroxysmal pain of a sharp character, accompanied by a feeling of stiffness in the muscles and difficulty breathing.
One of the complications that accompany osteochondrosis of the chest is gastritis, or rather its exacerbations, characterized by pain in the epigastric region.
Causes of osteochondrosis
The development of osteochondrosis of the chest is due to pathological changes occurring in the intervertebral discs. The causes of this disease can be:
- hereditary predisposition;
- hernia, disc deformities;
- formation of osteophytes;
- destruction of cartilage;
- insufficient blood supply to the spinal canal, which has developed as a result of compression of conducting vessels and arteries;
- degeneration of bones, cartilage and muscle tissue caused by improperly distributed load on the spine;
- metabolic disorders caused by calcium deficiency in the body.
The factors that act as a cause of the pathological changes are:
- lifting heavy objects;
- sedentary work;
- long stay in one position;
- uneven load on the spine;
- spinal cord injury;
- scoliosis.
Thoracic osteochondrosis is often diagnosed in professionals engaged in strength sports.
Diagnosis
Thoracic osteochondrosis requires mandatory diagnosis and differentiation from other diseases that have similar symptoms. Through a comprehensive review, the following are excluded:
- angina pectoris;
- myocardial infarction;
- lung inflammation;
- pathology with gastric symptoms.
In this way, a misdiagnosis can be avoided. The assessment of the patient's condition is carried out based on the history, taking into account all the symptoms of the disease and the patient's complaints.
To confirm the diagnosis, clarify the location of the affected areas, identify benign neoplasms and cancerous tumors, progressive instrumental methods are used:
- radiography;
- CT;
- MRI.
To determine the degree of the inflammatory process in osteochondrosis, blood and urine tests are prescribed.
Treatment
The treatment scheme for thoracic osteochondrosis is developed individually. Chondrosis refers to those diseases that can provoke a violation of the work of internal organs, so it must be treated.
In this case, an integrated approach is needed. Drug therapy is mandatory.
Conservative treatment
Patients are prescribed painkillers and drugs with an anti-inflammatory spectrum of action. With the help of these drugs, by relieving pain and reducing inflammation, the mobility of the vertebrae in the thoracic region is ensured. Acute manifestations are quickly stopped by injection.
In parallel, to improve the condition of bones and cartilage, chondroprotectors, minerals and vitamin complexes are prescribed.
The removal of muscle spasms is provided by muscle relaxants.
To accelerate the effect, therapeutic ointments and creams for external use can be used.
Patients undergo paravertebral blocks, with the help of which it is possible to reduce pain. Injection solutions contain corticosteroids and antiseptics.
It is impossible to cure thoracic osteochondrosis with medicines alone. We are talking about such measures as lifestyle correction, proper nutrition, massage, exercise therapy and other methods. It is quite possible to speed up the recovery process if physiotherapy procedures are included in the treatment regimen: magnetic, laser, vacuum therapy, traction method, etc.
In case of ineffectiveness of drug treatment, patients may be prescribed surgery. Sometimes surgery is the only option. Absolute indications for surgery are spinal instability, canal stenosis or spinal hernia.
Organizing proper nutrition
A salt-free diet is provided for osteochondrosis. In addition, it is necessary to exclude spicy, fatty, fried foods, smoked meat, alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee; limit the use of sugar, spices and mayonnaise.
Otherwise, the diet should be as balanced as possible and contain all the vitamins and minerals aimed at improving the functioning of the musculoskeletal system.
The daily menu should include foods with a high content of calcium and phosphorus. This list includes cottage cheese, hard cheeses, milk, low-fat seafood and meat. Vegetables, fruits and any vegetables will also be useful.
exercise therapy
The complex of physiotherapy exercises contains special exercises aimed at increasing the mobility of the problem area of the spine, removing unnecessary load on some elements of the bone system and eliminating muscle spasms in the cervico-thoracic region.
To perform the exercises, you will need a gymnastic bar and a mat. Clothing should be as comfortable as possible and not restrict movement.
Before starting classes, in order to warm up the muscles, it is recommended to do a warm-up: slowly and consistently swing the legs and arms and turn the torso, pelvis and head in different directions. If body movement causes pain, it should be slowed down or stopped.
Examples of exercises for thoracic osteochondrosis:
- Starting position: lying on the stomach, hands behind the head. First you need to spread your elbows as wide as possible, then raise your shoulders and body. Hold this position for three seconds. Perform the exercise 5 times in a row.
- Starting position: similar. Put your hands behind your back, fold your palms into a lock. Bend over, trying to raise your arms up. Hold for three seconds. Perform at least 5 times.
- Position: standing on the floor, feet shoulder-width apart. Put the hands on the shoulders: the left to the left shoulder, the right to the right. Raise your shoulders in turn, pointing your head in the direction of movement. Perform 10 times.
- Lie on your stomach, stretch your arms forward. Raise the body. Perform 5 times in a row. Then place your hands along the body and also lift the body.
- Sit in a chair, holding a gymnastic bar in front of you. Take a deep breath as you straighten your body. When exhaling, the hands with the projectile kneel, the torso leans forward. Run several times.
- Standing on the floor, put your hands with a gymnastic bar above your shoulders. Make body rotations to the right, then to the left 10 times.
- Sit in a chair, lean back. Bend strongly using the chest area. Do at least 10 moves.
This exercise can be done at home. But before that, it is highly recommended to get permission from a specialist.
Methods of traditional medicine
Folk remedies will help you deal with the manifestations of thoracic osteochondrosis faster.Medicines based on active natural ingredients are successfully used as adjuvant therapy. A few effective recipes:
- Rub for external use. It is prepared as follows: in equal parts you need to take dandelion root, mint leaves, birch buds, coriander. Chop the ingredients and mix. Then mix 3 tbsp (with a slide), pour half a cup of boiling water and put on a slow fire for 5 minutes. Cool, add 75 g of butter and 75 g of sunflower oil. Let it cook for another 15 minutes. Rub the problem areas, then immediately dress or wrap.
- Gadgets. For their preparation, you can use fresh horseradish juice, stewed herb bitter wormwood or flaxseed.
- Pain reliever. It is prepared as follows: pour 2 tablespoons of chamomile flowers with 350 ml of boiling water and put on a slow fire for 5 minutes. Then cool, strain. Take 125 ml 3 times a day after meals.
- Hop rub. For cooking in equal parts take: cones of hops, ground into powder, and melted lard. The ingredients are mixed. It is used as a rub to relieve muscle tension.
All these drugs are prepared at home, but you can use them to treat the disease only after consulting a specialist.