Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a common disease that is manifested by a variety of symptoms and affects professional activity.Clinical signs of the disease are accompanied by dystrophic changes in the thoracic vertebrae, intervertebral discs and ligaments.The disease is often accompanied by cervical chondrosis and, without treatment, affects the quality of life.
Causes of thoracic osteochondrosis
The causes are related to metabolic disorders, vascular diseases, endocrine diseases and congenital pathologies.Disturbances have a negative effect on the nutrition of the intervertebral discs, disrupting their structure and normal function.The resulting disruption of the intervertebral discs leads to the growth of cartilage tissue on the vertebrae as well as changes to the ligaments and joints.The spine no longer functions normally during flexion, extension, and other movements, resulting in compression of the spinal cord, blood vessels, and nerve endings.
The following conditions can provoke the appearance of osteochondrosis:
- Incorrect posture, lateral curvature of the spine;
- back injuries;
- Physical inactivity;
- heredity;
- Bad habits;
- Nervous, physical strain, stress;
- Overload on the back and spine when wearing high-heeled shoes, during pregnancy, flat feet;
- Physically hard work.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine occurs due to hypothermia, prolonged exposure to a forced uncomfortable position, and infectious diseases.The disease often occurs in areas with poor ecology and unfavorable climatic conditions.
The intervertebral discs of the thoracic vertebrae are affected by a sedentary lifestyle and physical activity, which increases the risk of injury.The shock absorbing ability of the discs is lost;They do not protect the vertebrae from contact with each other.The result is the growth of cartilage tissue and the complete degeneration of the intervertebral discs.
With non-compliance with the work and rest regime, colds and nervous overstrain, an exacerbation of the disease is observed.Preventative treatment performed twice a year reduces the likelihood of exacerbations.
Common osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is often disguised as another disease.To make an accurate diagnosis, it is worth conducting additional examinations.
Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic vertebrae is disguised as other diseases - angina, gastritis, neuralgia, pancreatitis.As a result of dysfunction of the thoracic vertebrae, the nerve endings leading to these organs are pinched, which affects the appearance of pain in them.If pain occurs in these organs, a comprehensive examination is worthwhile;A correct diagnosis helps to cure the disease.
Osteochondrosis is manifested by the following symptoms:
- Severe pain in the back – between the shoulder blades, in the thoracic spine;
- Breathing out and in is accompanied by pain;
- Heart pain: pressure, pain, pressure;
- numbness of body parts;
- Pain when bending over or doing physical work.
The difference between pain in osteochondrosis and angina is that in heart disease the pain is diffuse, while in osteochondrosis it is point-like.Images of the thoracic spine, ultrasound of internal organs and ECG help diagnose diseases.Signs of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are similar to diseases of the pancreas, liver and lungs.If you experience pain, 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 with limited exercise for several days is prescribed.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used as medications.The drugs have a moderate analgesic effect.To relieve pain, injection and tablet analgesics are used, sometimes novocaine blocks are indicated.
Medicated anti-inflammatory ointments can be used to relieve muscle tension, numbness and pain.During the recovery period, a properly performed massage is important, which relaxes the muscles and improves blood supply to the spinal cord, spine and internal organs.
Gymnastics is indicated in the interictal period - it restores mobility of the vertebrae and helps to improve the functioning of the ligaments.The neurologist will recommend a series of individual sessions focusing on the symptoms of the disease, the stage of vertebral destruction, age and the presence of other diseases.When doing gymnastics, it is important not to cause additional damage to the spine.
The exercises are carried out daily under the control of well-being.After eliminating the signs of the disease, it is important to remember that the disease can recur.Therefore, a balanced diet, avoiding bad habits and moderate physical activity should become the norm of life.