Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a common disease, manifested by a variety of symptoms and affecting 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 quality of life.
Causes of thoracic osteochondrosis
The causes are linked to metabolic disorders, vascular, endocrine diseases and congenital pathologies.Disorders negatively affect the nutrition of the intervertebral discs, disrupt their structure and normal functioning.The resulting disorder in the discs leads to the growth of cartilage tissue on the vertebrae, changes in ligaments and joints.The spine stops functioning 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:
- Bad posture, lateral curvature of the spine;
- Back injuries;
- Physical inactivity;
- Heredity;
- Bad habits;
- Nervous, physical tension, 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 in the thoracic vertebrae are also affected by a sedentary lifestyle and physical activity, increasing the risk of injury.The shock absorption capacity of the discs is lost;they do not protect the vertebrae from contact with each other.The result is the growth of cartilage tissue, 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 administered twice a year reduces the risk of exacerbations.
Common osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is often disguised as other diseases.To make an accurate diagnosis, additional examinations should be carried out.
Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic vertebrae is disguised as other diseases - angina, gastritis, neuralgia, pancreatitis.Due to 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 appears in these organs, it is worth carrying out a complete examination;correct diagnosis will help cure the disease.
Osteochondrosis is manifested by symptoms:
- Severe pain in the back - between the shoulder blades, in the thoracic spine;
- Exhalation and inspiration are accompanied by pain;
- Heart pain: pressure, pain, compression;
- 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 appears there, 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 treatment, lifestyle changes and special exercises.In the acute phase of the disease, bed rest is prescribed for several days with limited movements.Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used as medications.The drugs have a moderate analgesic effect.To reduce pain, injectable and tablet analgesics are used, sometimes novocaine blockades are indicated.
It is possible to relieve muscle tension, numbness and pain using medicinal anti-inflammatory ointments.During the recovery period, properly administered massage is important, as it relaxes the muscles and 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 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 spinal destruction, age and the presence of other diseases.It is important when practicing 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 reappear.Therefore, a balanced diet, the absence of bad habits and moderate physical activity should become the norm of life.