Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a common disease, which manifests itself with a variety of symptoms and affects professional activities.Clinical signs of the disease are associated with dystrophic changes in the thoracic vertebrae, intervertebral discs and ligaments.The disease is often associated with cervical chondrosis and, without treatment, reduces the quality of life.
Causes of thoracic osteochondrosis
The causes are linked to metabolic disorders, vascular and endocrine diseases and congenital pathologies.Disorders negatively affect the nutrition of the intervertebral discs, disrupt their structure and normal functioning.The resulting disorder of the discs leads to the growth of cartilaginous tissue on the vertebrae, changes in the ligaments and joints.The spine ceases to function normally during flexion, extension and other movements, which leads to compression of the spinal cord, blood vessels and nerve endings.
The following conditions can cause the onset of osteochondrosis:
- Incorrect posture, lateral curvature of the spine;
- Back injuries;
- Physical inactivity;
- Inheritance;
- Bad habits;
- Nervous, physical effort, stress;
- Overload of the back and spine when wearing high-heeled shoes, during pregnancy, flat feet;
- Physically hard work.
Osteochondrosis of the cervicothoracic spine occurs due to hypothermia, prolonged exposure to a forced uncomfortable position and infectious diseases.The disease is often recorded in areas with poor ecology and unfavorable climatic conditions.
The intervertebral discs of the thoracic vertebrae are equally negatively affected by a sedentary lifestyle and physical activity, which increases the likelihood of injury.The cushioning capacity of the discs is lost;they do not protect the vertebrae from contact with each other.The result is the growth of cartilaginous tissue, the complete degeneration of the discs.
An exacerbation of the disease is observed in case of non-compliance with the work and rest regime, colds and nervous overstrain.Preventive treatment given twice a year reduces the likelihood of flare-ups.
Common osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is often masked by other diseases.To make an accurate diagnosis, it is worth conducting additional examinations.
Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic vertebrae is masked by other diseases: angina pectoris, gastritis, neuralgia, pancreatitis.As a result of disturbances in the functioning of the thoracic vertebrae, the nerve endings going to these organs are pinched, which affects the appearance of pain in them.If pain occurs in these organs, it is worth conducting a comprehensive examination;a correct diagnosis will help cure the disease.
Osteochondrosis is manifested by symptoms:
- Severe back pain - between the shoulder blades, in the thoracic spine;
- Exhalation and inhalation are accompanied by pain;
- Heart pain: pressing, aching, crushing;
- Numbness of body parts;
- Pain when bending or doing physical work.
The difference between pain in osteochondrosis and angina is that pain in heart disease is diffuse, while in osteochondrosis it is point-like.Images of the thoracic spine, ultrasound of internal organs and ECG will help differentiate diseases during diagnosis.Signs of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine resemble diseases of the pancreas, liver and lungs.If pain occurs in them, you should consult a neurologist who will determine the presence or absence of osteochondrosis.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine requires complex drug therapy, lifestyle changes and special exercises.In the acute phase of the disease, bed rest for several days with limited movement is prescribed.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used as medications.The drugs have a moderate analgesic effect.To reduce pain, analgesics for injection and tablets are used, sometimes novocaine blocks are indicated.
You can relieve muscle tension, numbness and pain by using anti-inflammatory medicinal ointments.During the recovery period, a correctly performed massage cycle is important, which relaxes the muscles, improves blood supply to the spinal cord, spine and internal organs.
Gymnastics is indicated during the interictal period: it restores mobility to the vertebrae, helps improve the functioning of the ligaments.The neurologist will recommend a course of individual sessions, focusing on the symptoms of the disease, the stage of spinal destruction, age and the presence of other diseases.It is important when performing gymnastics not to cause additional damage to the spine.
Exercises are performed daily under the control of well-being.After eliminating the signs of the disease, it is important to remember that it can recur.Therefore, a balanced diet, the absence of bad habits and moderate physical activity should become the norm of life.