A sedentary lifestyle, injuries or excessive physical activity cause diseases of the musculoskeletal system. To avoid complications, it is important to start treatment early in the process. To do this, you need to know the causes and symptoms of the pathology.
Description of the disease, what is its danger
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a chronic disease in which dystrophic changes begin in the cartilage located in the intervertebral space. The pathology results in a reduction in the height of the discs and compression of the intercostal nerve endings.
Thoracic osteochondrosis goes through several stages of progression.
The first is characterized by drying out of the intervertebral disc, a decrease in its firmness and elasticity and the appearance of cracks. The pain is mild and goes away after a little rest.
At the second stage, the disc decreases in height, the niche of the vertebra is filled with the nucleus pulposus, but it does not exceed its limits. Muscles are under constant tension. The person complains of intense pain, which subsides after rest.
The third stage is characterized by the exit of the nucleus pulposus beyond the edges, the crack reaches the vertebral edge. As a result, an intervertebral hernia is formed. The pain becomes constant.
At the fourth stage, an overgrowth of connective tissue is detected, which puts pressure on neighboring vertebrae. To compensate for the reduced layer, bone tissue begins to grow. More and more growths (osteophytes) appear.
Types of thoracic osteochondrosis and complications
Depending on the nature of the pain, two types of thoracic osteochondrosis are distinguished:
- dorsago, which is characterized by sharp, sharp pain in the form of lumbago, localized in the thoracic spine. The disease is accompanied by muscle tension, movement problems in the neck and thoracic region;
- back pain, in which the pain slowly increases. Inhalations and rotations of the body, as well as prolonged stay in one position, increase discomfort. At night, the discomfort increases and disappears when walking.
In the absence of adequate treatment, nerve endings become increasingly compressed. As a result, osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can lead to complications:
- diseases of the digestive system;
- persistent pain;
- disturbances in cardiac activity;
- decreased ability to conceive;
- disruption of lung function caused by the proliferation of connective tissue.
Why does thoracic spine pathology appear?
This part of the spine experiences moderate loading and limited mobility. However, the pathology is common. The disease can be caused by any of the reasons or their combination:
- injuries and damages;
- excessive load on the department, including during childhood;
- age-related changes associated with a decrease in nutrition of the disc tissue between the vertebrae;
- endocrinological diseases, especially during menopause;
- age-related deficiency of calcium absorption;
- excess body weight;
- problems with blood vessels, atherosclerotic deposits in the vessels of the thoracic region;
- weak muscular corset.
How does the pathology manifest?
Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis include pain and increased muscle tone. The pain can be either short-lived, accompanied by shooting, or long-lasting pain. The recoil can be felt in the front of the chest, under the ribs and in the shoulder. The pain intensifies when you stay in the same position for a long time.
A characteristic sign of pathology is sensitivity to palpation of the spinous processes of the thoracic vertebrae.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are similar to other diseases and include:
- discomfort in the heart region, reminiscent of angina pain;
- pain during breathing, shortness of breath, also manifested by pneumonia, tuberculosis, obstructive pulmonary disease;
- pain in the epigastric region, under the ribs, similar to signs of gastrointestinal diseases.
Methods for treating thoracic osteochondrosis
If you have any complaints, you should contact a neurologist. Therapy includes medications, physiotherapy, exercise therapy and massage.
Doctors prescribe medications:
- means for eliminating the source of inflammation of the spine;
- medications to reduce muscle tone and the risk of compression of the sensory roots of the spinal cord;
- neuroprotectors designed to help restore nerve fibers.
The choice and dosage are determined by the doctor, who will take into account drug tolerance, concomitant pathologies and the patient's weight.
It is important to respect the recommended treatment duration to avoid relapses. You can buy prescription medicines inexpensively in the online store.
Massage should be performed carefully, using rubbing techniques. The areas below the shoulder blades and between the ribs should be carefully treated. For the effect to appear, at least 10 to 15 sessions are necessary.
During physiotherapy, the emphasis is on exercises that strengthen the muscular corset, neck and lower back.
Ointments and gels with anti-inflammatory effect, warming patches and the Kuznetsov applicator are prescribed locally.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is a degenerative pathology of the vertebrae and discs. Vlasenko Alexander Adolfovich (neurologist, manual therapy doctor with 30 years of experience) talks about osteochondrosis of the thoracic region - symptoms, diagnosis and effective treatment methods.
Why is thoracic osteochondrosis called "chameleon"?
The thoracic spine has a particularity: the ribs are attached to it. Thanks to this, it is less mobile than the neck and lower back. Therefore, osteochondrosis in the thoracic region develops less frequently, according to the principle: "less mobility - less wear". But it develops less often – that doesn't mean it goes any easier. And that is indeed the case. We are talking about chest pain. Since the painful area of the thoracic spine coincides with the area of the heart, symptoms are often confused with angina or myocardial infarction. It is not for nothing that thoracic osteochondrosis is said to be a "chameleon". After all, he can claim not only to have heart disease, but also disease of the lungs, liver, stomach, gallbladder or pancreas. And here you cannot be mistaken and ignore a heart attack or other serious illness, for example, pathology of the mammary glands in women. Such mistakes are costly, even if everything works out in the end. After all, this can "lead" a person to severe stress. That is why it is very important to find an experienced and competent doctor who will be able to understand everything and distinguish the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis from other pathologies. Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region are usually divided into two categories: radicular and reflex.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis
The manifestations of osteochondrosis will depend on the location and severity of the lesion in the movement segment of the spine. At the initial stage, patients complain of dull, aching back pain, discomfort, slight limitation of spinal movements, periodic numbness of the arms or legs, headaches and fatigue. By starting treatment and changing your lifestyle during this period, the result will not be long in coming and recovery will come quickly.
In cases of severe damage to the intervertebral disc, severe pain, persistent numbness and/or weakness of the arm or leg occur (depending on the level of damage). These signs may indicate destruction of the intervertebral disc and the presence of a herniation, and it is necessary to immediately consult a doctor and start treatment.
In more severe cases, the pain syndrome can be extremely severe, with possible dysfunction of the pelvic organs, severe weakness and numbness of the arm or leg. If these signs are present, urgent hospitalization in a hospital is necessary to resolve the question of surgical treatment.
With cervical osteochondrosis, pain occurs in the neck, can radiate to the shoulder, arm or head, numbness or weakness in the arm, headache, dizziness.
With osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, pain occurs in the chest, radiates to the sternum or scapula, intensifies with breathing and movement, and sometimes there is a feeling of lack of air. Patients often confuse this pathology with heart pain.
When the lumbosacral spine is affected, the pain is localized in the lower back, intensifies with movement, radiates to the leg or perineum, and numbness or weakness of the leg may occur.
It is necessary to remember that our body is a whole and the division of osteochondrosis into cervical, thoracic and lumbar is arbitrary. As a rule, the disease develops throughout the spine, but manifests itself in the most stressed part.
Root symptoms
They occur due to impact on the nerves leaving the spine.
Spinal nerves
Many nerves exit the spine. They are called spinal nerves. Each of these nerves gradually branches out and follows a specific area of the body with clearly defined boundaries. This area is called the segmental innervation zone. Each vertebra, disc, nerve and area are numbered and correspond strictly to each other. If a nerve is exposed, symptoms will appear in the area of segmental innervation corresponding to that nerve, and not just anywhere, at an arbitrary location.
Radicular symptoms include:
- Diminished or lost reflexes;
- Impaired sensitivity;
- Muscular weakness;
- Radicular pain.
Innervation zones of the thoracic segments
Osteochondrosis D1 – D2- Causes pain in the shoulders, collarbone and armpits.
Osteochondrosis D3–D6- causes belt-like pain in the upper chest. Simulates heart pain, angina attack. In women, this causes pain in the mammary glands.
Osteochondrosis D7–D8- causes girdle pain in the solar plexus. Simulates pain in the stomach, liver, gallbladder or pancreas. Reduces upper abdominal reflexes.
Osteochondrosis D9–D10- causes pain in the hypochondrium and upper abdomen. Sometimes it mimics what is called "acute" abdomen - sharp pain in the abdomen. Reduces mid-abdominal reflexes.
Osteochondrosis D11-D12- causes pain in the groin. Simulates pain associated with female illnesses, appendicitis and intestinal diseases. Reduces lower abdominal reflexes.
Reflex symptoms
Unlike radicular symptoms, reflex symptoms do not have clear boundaries. These may include: difficulty breathing, lack of air, pain when inhaling and exhaling, chills and "goosebumps" on the skin, intercostal neuralgia, girdling chest pain. Dyspepsia is often observed - appetite deteriorates, nausea, heartburn, bloating and intestinal dysfunction occur. Due to pain, sleep is disturbed, insomnia appears and the feeling of not getting enough sleep appears. It is difficult to move, especially in the morning. Coordination of movements is impaired - this is reflected in gait. General weakness, weakness. Sexual disorders. Irritability. Rapid fatigue. Various pains occur. Pressing pain in the chest area. Pain between the shoulder blades. Pain in the hypochondrium. Pain when raising the arms. Pain when bending over or trying to get up. Pain between the shoulder blades. In general, pain related to osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is usually divided into two types.
Back pain- moderate and prolonged pain in the back and chest with periods of intensification and attenuation.
Dorsago- acute painful "lumbago" in this area.
- Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region depend on the stage of osteochondrosis.
- They get worse when you slouch or try to get up.
- Symptoms often appear after age 35 to 45.
- They occur approximately 3 times more often in women than in men.
You have of course noticed that radicular symptoms are quite clearly defined, while reflex symptoms are very vague and non-specific. And as you know, everything that does not have clear definitions serves as a convenient cover for professional impotence. This applies, among other things, to reflex symptoms and to a concept so popular with doctors as "age-related changes". Surely many of you are familiar with the situation in which the doctor explained the problem as "reflex" or "age-related" processes. At such moments, most people rightly believe that the doctor simply cannot understand what is happening and is trying to veil his incompetence in the fog of these "magic words".
At one time, there was a popular expression: "Every accident has a name, a first name and a function". Each disease therefore has its own symptoms. And it is the duty of the doctor to know them clearly. And then there will be no need to throw a fog and blame osteochondrosis of the thoracic region for everything. Now you understand how important it is to find an experienced and competent doctor. The correct diagnosis and good treatment results will depend on this.
Stages of the disease
Depending on the ongoing pathological processes, there are 4 stages of development of thoracic osteochondrosis:
| Scene | Changes | Symptoms |
| First of all | Dehydration of the discs, which leads to loss of elasticity. Their height decreases, but their width increases - the intervertebral disc gradually flattens. | The pain appears directly in the damaged ring. It can be pulling or tugging. |
| Second | The annulus fibrosus begins to disintegrate. Nerve roots are compressed, causing pain. | There is pain when moving. When holding a pose for a long time, discomfort appears. |
| Third | The annulus fibrosus ruptures, causing a herniated disc to form. Scoliosis or pathological kyphosis develops. | There is pain when moving. When holding a pose for a long time, discomfort appears. |
| Fourth | The vertebrae rub against each other, causing the intervertebral joints to move. The tissues surrounding the vertebrae become inflamed. Cartilage tissue is replaced by bone tissue, which reduces motor functions. Fibrosis appears. | There is pain when moving. When holding a pose for a long time, discomfort appears. |
Stages of exacerbation and remission can be observed. The latter is often observed at stage 4.
Degrees of illness
This is a more modern classification of symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis, used by specialists.
| Degrees | Changes and symptoms |
| First of all | Rupture of the intervertebral disc caused by sudden movement or overexertion. Sharp pain, similar to the passage of an electric current along the spine. Muscle fatigue. |
| Second | Characterized by spinal instability. Pain when moving. Projection. |
| Third | The pain becomes constant. Loss of sensation. Change of approach. Severe headaches. Difficulty breathing. Tachycardia. |
| Fourth | The spine is unstable: the vertebrae slip and twist. Osteophytes grow, pinch the spinal nerves and put pressure on the spinal cord. |
Thoracic osteochondrosis can cause serious and difficult-to-cure diseases.
Diagnosis is the key to proper treatment
Today there are a number of modern methods of hardware diagnosis of osteochondrosis. The most accurate of these are MRI and CT scans. But the main method remains clinical diagnosis - that is, when an experienced doctor compares data from at least three sources - based on the patient's complaints, MRI results and symptoms identified duringof the exam. This allows you to make the most accurate diagnosis and create an effective individual treatment program.
Who to contact, methods of examining osteochondrosis
As a rule, in case of pain in the spine, patients turn to a neurologist who, on the basis of complaints and a neurological examination, can make a preliminary diagnosis, prescribe additional examination methods (x-ray ofspine, MRI, CT scan, general urinalysis, general blood test) and develop a treatment regimen.
Treatment
The treatment must be comprehensive and aim to:
- elimination of pain syndrome;
- elimination of spinal root dysfunction;
- prevention of progression of degenerative-dystrophic changes in spinal structures.
During the acute period, with severe paindrug treatment is prescribed: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, B vitamins, chondroprotectors or blocking are carried out.
Physiotherapyis the main method of conservative treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Exercise therapy is aimed at the formation, correction and strengthening of the muscular corset; increased range of motion of the spine and joints; development of a motor stereotype and correct posture; reducing the load on the spine.
With regular exercise therapy, joint exercises, yoga or swimming, blood supply and tissue nutrition improve, metabolism is normalized and the intervertebral space increases, which leads to recovery.
Listen to your body, if you notice symptoms of osteochondrosis or your lifestyle involves prolonged sitting at the computer, driving a car or insufficient physical activity, seek help from a specialist without delayexacerbations.
As you understood, osteochondrosis is a real "tangle" of symptoms, which, by untangling them, the doctor will relieve you of pain and torment. But it is not possible to eliminate changes in the vertebrae and discs. Therefore, the words "osteochondrosis treatment" should be understood correctly. If you want to eliminate pain and other suffering, then yes, it is absolutely possible. And if you are leading an academic discussion on the topic of returning vertebrae and discs to their original appearance, "like a newborn, " then no, the past cannot be restored. You must be realistic and you will not fall into the trap of scammers.
Which method of treatment is considered the main one?
Gentle manual therapy is the main type of treatment for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region. It's like an antibiotic for pneumonia: you can't live without it. Other types - massage, medication, physiotherapy and exercise therapy - are auxiliary.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy methods relieve swelling and inflammation, improve blood circulation in the affected area, reduce or stop pain.
Magnetic laser, magnetic therapy, SMT with novocaine, ultrasound with hydrocortisone, etc.
Balneotherapy: Mud applications, ozokerite applications on affected areas, radon baths.
Exercise therapy and massage
Therapeutic exercise is the main method of treating osteochondrosis. Gymnastics is performed regularly for 10-15 minutes several times a day. To enhance the effectiveness, a massage course is prescribed. The procedures help to relax muscles, reduce pressure on the vertebrae, improve metabolic processes and blood circulation. Exercise therapy can be carried out independently at home, also in the clinic (individual and group classes). The massage is performed by a qualified specialist in a clinical setting.
How does gentle manual therapy work?
Disc nutrition is directly linked to the muscles surrounding the spine. In addition, the back muscles themselves are one of the constituent causes of pain in osteochondrosis of the thoracic region. Gentle manual therapy is a special method that helps bring muscles back to their natural physiology, eliminate spasms, muscle tension and improve disc nutrition.
The intervertebral discs are the only part of the body that does not have blood vessels and is nourished by the proper functioning of the muscles.
In addition, when performing a treatment with the hands, the chiropractor:
- will relieve the load on the affected vertebrae and discs and distribute it correctly;
- relaxes muscles and helps them return to normal;
- relieves the patient from clamps;
- improve disk power;
- will restore the motor functions of the body;
- normalizes blood circulation.
Manual influence mobilizes the body's internal forces and triggers self-healing mechanisms.
Acupuncture
The technique involves influencing biologically active points of the body with thin needles. The procedure reduces the manifestation of pain and inflammatory processes. Acupuncture is not painful and slight discomfort may occur.
Treatment of pathology in women
It is practically impossible to completely get rid of already progressing thoracic osteochondrosis, but it is quite possible to slow down or even stop the formation of a pathological degenerative-dystrophic process in the tissues of the motion segments of thespine using the means and methods of modern medicine. . The optimal therapeutic effect can be achieved only with an integrated approach to the treatment of this pathology using medications, various physiotherapeutic techniques and targeted exercise therapy techniques (physiotherapy).
Symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine in women are not too different from men. In the acute period of osteochondrosis of the thoracic segment of the spine, the patient needs intensive treatment of exacerbation, during which various drugs and physical procedures are used to help eliminate, first of all, the pain syndromeand, in parallel, other negative manifestations. of the disease.
During remission, the patient should be prescribed maintenance therapy, based primarily on taking medications restoring the osteochondral structure and physiotherapy. In particularly severe cases, they sometimes resort to surgery to stabilize the position of the spine.
What to do in case of exacerbation?
During an exacerbation, severe pain appears, radiating along the intercostal spaces. At this stage, it is necessary to maintain bed rest and reduce spinal mobility. Symptoms are eliminated with pain relievers prescribed by the attending physician.
The treatment is absolutely safe.
Prevention
To prevent diseases and slow down degenerative processes, it is recommended:
- weight adjustment;
- cycling, running, swimming, yoga and other sports;
- daily walks;
- take vitamin complexes and chondroprotectors;
- reduce stress on the back;
- rapid treatment of musculoskeletal diseases.
To avoid relapses, create comfortable conditions for sleeping and working. Watch your weight and eat well. Continue your physical activity. But the main thing is not to neglect your health and not to skimp on it. Don't let things take their course. After you recover, try to do at least one maintenance session of gentle manual therapy once every three to six months - this will reduce risk factors. Remember that advanced osteochondrosis leads to complications - disc protrusion and herniation. Remember: your health comes first!