Thoracic osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine, in which the position of the vertebrae becomes unnatural, the intervertebral disc deteriorates, as a result of which its height decreases. Osteochondrosis in the thoracic region is not as common as in the neck or lower back. It has to do with anatomy. In the middle, the spine is stable and durable, in addition, it is less prone to stress, less mobile, there are fewer conditions for trauma to the vertebral disc.
The risk group for this disease includes older people and those who lead an inactive lifestyle. However, pathology is increasingly being diagnosed in adolescents, and at the age of 30-35 years the number of cases increases dramatically.
Classification of thoracic osteochondrosis
The disease is classified on the basis of syndromic principles. The affected area of the spine has a negative impact on nerve formation.
By localization, forms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are distinguished:
- compression syndrome (development associated with tension, deformation or compression of nerve roots; areas of the spinal cord or blood vessels may be affected; as a result, spinal, vascular or radicular syndromes appear);
- reflex syndrome (the effect occurs reflexively, tensing the muscles of the substrate; dystrophic and vascular disorders occur);
- myoadaptive syndrome (muscle damage in the thoracic region due to constant overload).
Etiology of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
Causes of chest osteochondrosis are a result of low physical activity, back injuries, heavy physical exercise, metabolic disorders, overweight, weakened immunity, frequent colds, infections, smoking, stress. In women, among other things, the development of the disease can be triggered by walking in high heels and carrying a child.
In addition, the causes of breast osteochondrosis are:
- undistributed load on the intervertebral disc;
- degenerative changes in intervertebral disc tissue;
- minimal lack of physical activity;
- scoliosis;
- abnormal spinal position remains in a sitting position.
Pathogenesis of the disease
Slight discomfort, muscle tension and "acceptable" pain when inhaling and bending are early signs of chest osteochondrosis. A person usually seeks a doctor when the pain becomes acute and does not allow him to lead a normal life. Therapy for thoracic osteochondrosis is long -term, requiring constant attention. If left untreated, dystrophic changes lead to limited mobility as well as disability of the patient.
Clinical manifestations of osteochondrosis
Symptoms of breast osteochondrosis have different manifestations, depending on the localization of the process. Moreover, the disease skillfully "adapts" to other problems.
The most typical symptoms of chest osteochondrosis:
- pain in the interscapular area;
- chest discomfort;
- headache and liver pain;
- pain when bending;
- restriction of movement;
- tingling sensation in the neck, abdomen, chest, and arms;
- dizziness, tinnitus, flashes of flies in front of eyes;
- pain that increases with inhalation.
Decreased sensitivity, impaired motor function and muscle atrophy are added to the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis as the pathology progresses.
Characteristics of the course of breast osteochondrosis during pregnancy
The development of pain during pregnancy is associated with weight gain. At the same time, the shift of the center of gravity changes the posture. Low physical activity in combination with an inactive lifestyle causes disruption of disc elasticity. Increased pressure on the thoracic area leads to pain. During pregnancy, osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is treated mainly without the use of specific medications, as it can endanger the health of the fetus. Therefore, Kuznetsov applicators, massages and special exercises are used.
Characteristics of the disease in children
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can manifest from 8 to 17 years. The unprepared spine undergoes pathological changes under heavy load. After proper diagnosis, treatment is started. As a rule, during this period, the treatment process started in a timely manner leads to excellent results. It is necessary to strengthen muscles, improve cartilage condition and carry out physiotherapy.
Pathological complications
Most patients with thoracic osteochondrosis try to delay treatment, which in turn, leads to significant complications.
Consequences of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- Intervertebral hernia formation
- Spinal cord injury
- The emergence of hypertension
- Risk of stroke and heart attack
Diagnostics
Diagnostics for thoracic osteochondrosis, including differentiation, include:
- digital radiography;
- ECG;
- Ultrasound of the heart, kidneys and abdominal organs;
- CT.
The doctor will determine the exact picture on the X-ray, where he or she will see the growth of the vertebral body and the displacement of the disc. Thoracic osteochondrosis, which is characterized by symptoms of other similar diseases, requires a differential diagnosis with spinal injuries, tumors and neoplasms of the spine, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, coxarthrosis and several other conditions.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis involves the use of complex therapies, the purpose of which is to stop and prevent further disc destruction or restore its structure, improve the biomechanics of the spine, and eliminate central nervous system disorders.
The first thing to start with treatment is to relieve pain and inflammation through drug therapy.
Patients are recommended drugs of the following groups:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- glucocorticosteroids;
- diuretics;
- chondroprotector.
When the pain subsides, they move on to the next stage of treatment of chest osteochondrosis. Courses of therapeutic massage, acupuncture, physiotherapy exercises are prescribed. Also, physiotherapy is very effective. If indicated, manual therapy may be recommended.
Healing control
Recovery is supervised by a family physician or specialist who observes the patient during the course of the disease. The absence of recurrence in that year indicated normalization of the function of the musculoskeletal system.
Prophylaxis
Prevention of chest osteochondrosis requires the following rules:
- posture control;
- work hygiene (control of hand position, the presence of a chair with a flat high back);
- breaks every 2 hours for specific exercises;
- sleeping on a hard surface;
- absence of irregular physical activity (including carrying heavy loads);
- wear a backpack instead of a shoulder bag;
- regular exercise therapy classes.
Tips & Tricks
Thoracic osteochondrosis requires long -term rehabilitation. Moderate physical activity is recommended to strengthen the back muscles and reduce stress on the spine. In addition, physical therapy gradually relieves pain.
Also, with exercise and sports therapy, the following tasks are performed:
- decompression of spinal nerve endings;
- develop correct posture stereotypes;
- gives elasticity to the spine;
- better blood circulation;
- normalization of intervertebral disc metabolism.
The article is for informational purposes only. Please remember: self-medication can endanger your health.