Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

By osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, doctors mean the corresponding degenerative-dystrophic processes in this area, which result in pathological deformations of cartilage and bone tissue, destruction of ligaments, joints and intervertebral discs.

Reasons for appearance

The thoracic spine is less mobile than the cervical and lumbar spine, therefore pathological processes in this area appear less noticeably, mainly due to the strong design of the connections of the ribs, sternum and vertebrae.However, it occurs no less frequently than other types of osteochondrosis.Most people who are constantly in a sitting position at home or at work are predisposed to weakness of the spinal muscles, scoliosis, injuries to this area, poor posture and, as a result, thoracic osteochondrosis.

As mentioned above, the main cause of the disease is considered to be pathological deformations in the intervertebral discs and joints of the structure.The cartilaginous surfaces are destroyed, the discs become thinner, osteophytes, protrusions, hernias form, the nucleus pulposus is significantly reduced and ultimately the radicular structures of the spinal nerves are damaged, compressive myelopathy and vascular myeloschaemia occur.

Symptoms and first signs of thoracic osteochondrosis

The signs of osteochondrosis are not as pronounced as in other types of this disease, and unqualified doctors periodically confuse them with the symptoms of other diseases.The above problem induces the development of pain in the thoracic and interscapular region, which significantly intensifies with movement and physical work.Pinched nerve fibers provoke conductive unpleasant sensations in the heart and even the liver, and also form pathologies in the functioning of a number of other organs.

There are two types of pain associated with osteochondrosis of the thoracic region.

1. Dorsalgia is a long-term moderate pain syndrome in the affected area, accompanied by unpleasant sensations.
2. Dorsago - paroxysmal severe pain, intense and, as a rule, short-term.In this case, the patient may have difficulty breathing and motor abilities in the affected area.

Common symptoms

1. Painful sensations in the interscapular area.They are accompanied by “shooting” of the intercostal nerves in the affected area and corresponding neuralgia.
2. Pain syndrome in the left side of the chest, similar to ischemia.
3. Girdle pain in the chest, significantly increasing with high physical activity.
4. Limited thoracic activity/mobility.This symptom, characteristic of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, is often confused with manifestations of scoliotic deformity, as well as ankylosing spondylitis/Forestier/Scheerman-Mao diseases.
5. “Remitting” pain in the gastrointestinal tract, heart and liver.
6. Sexual dysfunction.
7. Partial numbness of the chest.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is treated exclusively with complex long-term therapy, which includes sets of exercises, a variety of physical and manual procedures, as well as medications.

How to treat?

The treatment process consists of several stages.The very first is the elimination of pain symptoms.Along with this, restorative and preventive therapy is used, which includes a number of techniques and approaches - from acupuncture to physical therapy.The last stage is maintenance therapy.The duration of treatment for the disease varies widely and depends both on the medical techniques used and on the current condition of the patient, as well as the stage of osteochondrosis itself.

Popular drugs for thoracic osteochondrosis

1. Painkillers.NSAIDs and analgesics based on various combinations.
2. Hodroprotectors.Necessary to catalyze the process of restoration of damaged cartilage.
3. Vitamins.Most often, complete vitamin complexes or preparations with B-group elements are prescribed.
4. External means.Creams or ointments based on glucocorticosteroids.In addition, local agents are used to relieve inflammation in the affected area and alleviate the symptoms of the disease.
5. Injections and injections.Most often they are performed in a hospital setting and are complexes of paravartebral blockade with a long-acting anesthetic.In addition, such drugs improve blood circulation and also promote the restoration of cartilage tissue.

Massage

Massage not only reduces the severity of the symptoms of the disease, but also helps a person recover, resulting in positive effects from other elements of complex therapy.It is prescribed individually based on the clinical picture of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, the presence of chronic diseases and contraindications.

Manual therapy relieves pain syndromes of various etiologies, prevents atrophy of the spine, normalizes blood circulation and nutrition of the intervertebral discs, relaxes static muscles in the affected area, and triggers the natural processes of cartilage tissue regeneration.

The main types of massage for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine:

1. Spot.
2. Medicinal.
3. Hardware-canned.
4. Reflex-priosteal.
5. Connective tissue.

Gymnastics and exercise therapy

Therapeutic physical training and sets of gymnastic exercises are one of the most important stages in the restoration of the spine after osteochondrosis.Naturally, it should be prescribed taking into account the stage of the disease and the patient’s condition by a purely professional doctor.

The basic task of exercise therapy/gymnastics is the systematic development of cartilage, as well as strengthening of the spinal muscles.With an appropriate diagnosis, the author’s set of exercises is often prescribed: the system includes both general strengthening procedures and methods of direct impact on the most problematic area, as well as indicator exercises that make it easy to track the effectiveness of treatment.

In private practice they also use variable sets of exercises using a different method using special devices.Stages of treatment in this case:

1. Relieving spasms and fighting sensations.
2. Therapeutic load on the short dorsal muscles.
3. Normalization of circulation in intervertebral discs.
4. Restoration of the basic structure of the spine.

Physiotherapy and alternative therapy

This method of treating osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine may include hardware and alternative therapy, as well as various physical procedures.The most famous and popular methods:

1. Electrophoresis.A well-known non-operative method of influencing the spine, used since the 70s of the last century.
2. Direct stretch.This method is a relatively safe and effective method of straightening the spine, if, of course, it is carried out by a qualified specialist.It is carried out on a massage-traction couch.
3. Vacuum therapy.A type of active influence on the affected area using vacuum cans.
4. Acupuncture.Classic acupuncture is performed with special thin needles that plunge to a certain depth of the epithelium at acupuncture points on the back.
5. Laser puncture.An activity similar to acupuncture, but performed using a laser beam.
6. Magnetopuncture.Impact on problem areas with an alternating magnetic field.
7. Osteopathy.A complex method that includes elements of massage, chiropractic and orthopedic techniques.
8. Electrical stimulation.Using electric current to normalize the functioning of the spine.
9. Shock wave therapy.The technique is based on the use of infrasound acoustic waves in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.
10. Traction machine decompression.Automated analogue of direct stretching.

Prevention

The rules for preventing this disease are simple and unambiguous:

1. Regular exercise under the supervision of an orthopedist.
2. Normalization of weight.
3. Consumption of foods and medications rich in magnesium and calcium.
4. Correct posture when working in a sitting position.
5. Quitting bad habits.

Question - answer

What kind of pain occurs with osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine?

With osteochondrosis of this type, patients experience two types of pain syndromes.

1. Dorsago is a severe short-term pain of high intensity, which periodically manifests itself against the background of decreased motor activity in the affected area and difficulty breathing.
2. Dorsalgia is a long-term background pain of moderate or low intensity that increases with physical activity.

Localization of the above pain sensations:

1. Interscapular region.
2. Girdle chest pain with partial numbness.
3. Painful “shootings” in the left upper chest, similar to ischemia.
4. Referring pain in the liver, heart and gastrointestinal tract.

Is gymnastics useful for thoracic osteochondrosis?

Gymnastics and exercise therapy are one of the main elements of complex therapy for the disease.With its help, you can strengthen your back muscles, improve blood microcirculation and develop cartilage/intervertebral discs.Naturally, the gymnast itself, as a separate type of therapy, will not help get rid of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine: to consolidate the positive effect, it is necessary to take appropriate medications, as well as regularly attend physical procedures.