Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

Thoracic osteochondrosis is a degenerative disease of the thoracic spine. First of all, the disease affects the intervertebral discs, which leads to back pain and unpleasant symptoms. Also specific to the disease is premature "aging" of the cartilage tissue of the disc.

Osteochondrosis can be diagnosed both at the age of 20 and in middle-aged patients.

The disease is less common than other forms of osteochondrosis - cervical and lumbar. This is explained by less mobility of the thoracic region, as well as protection by the muscular corset and ribs.

There are 12 vertebrae in the thoracic region - from T1 to T12. Most often the lowest vertebrae are affected - T10, T11, T12.

Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis

Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine include:

• Chest pain
• Labored breathing
• Increasing pain when breathing deeply
• Increased fatigue
• Unsteady gait
• Feeling of tightness in the chest area
• Slouch
• The appearance of shortness of breath
• Cold feet
• Pain in the esophagus
• Cough

Pain due to thoracic osteochondrosis is divided according to its characteristics into dorsago or dorsalgia.

Dorsago - sharp pain in the chest area. It occurs when staying in one position for a long time. Pain may make breathing difficult.

Dorsalgia is moderate pain in the area of the affected discs. When breathing deeply, the pain intensifies. Unpleasant sensations begin gradually.

Causes of development of thoracic osteochondrosis

The causes of the occurrence and development of thoracic osteochondrosis are often related to the patient’s lifestyle and uneven load on the spine. For example, people who spend a long time in a sitting position are at risk: remote or office work at the computer, frequent driving.

A sedentary lifestyle disrupts the functioning of the circulatory and lymphatic systems, and insufficient exercise weakens muscle tissue. At the same time, the load on the spine in a sitting position increases.

The occurrence of thoracic osteochondrosis can also be affected by previous spinal injuries, excess weight and weakened immunity.

Osteochondrosis can also develop in women who frequently wear high heels or who are pregnant.

Exacerbation of thoracic osteochondrosis is possible with an uncomfortable sleeping position, smoking, attending a poor-quality massage, or hypothermia.

Complications

Degenerative processes in the thoracic spine can cause the development of the following pathologies:

• Spinal cord compression is compression of the spinal cord, which leads to decreased sensation in the abdomen, back and chest.
• Kyphosis is a curvature of the spine.
• Protrusion and herniation of the spine is a protrusion of the center of the intervertebral disc, which affects the functionality of the pancreas and intestines.
• Intercostal neuralgia - acute pain in the intercostal space.

The organs that may be affected by the complication depend on the affected vertebra.

Degree of development of thoracic osteochondrosis

• I degree - mild pain appears, which quickly passes in a comfortable position. Moisture is lost in the intervertebral disc, and the nucleus pulposus moves slightly. This stage is not always paid attention to, because the pain does not cause severe discomfort and passes quickly.
• II degree – cracks appear in the intervertebral disc, keeping the spine in a stable position leads to spasms, pain in the back and chest. The disc begins to lose its elasticity, and its height begins to decrease. The muscles in the affected area become constantly tense.
• III degree - protrusion of the central part of the intervertebral disc - the nucleus pulposus - occurs. Because of this, an intervertebral hernia occurs. The pain becomes constant, and the cartilage begins to thin out.
• IV degree – the tissue of the fibrous ring is replaced by bone. Bone tissue begins to break down.

Diagnosis of thoracic osteochondrosis

If you suspect osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, you must make an appointment with a therapist or neurologist. During the examination, the patient talks about his complaints, and the doctor conducts a physical examination. During the examination, attention is paid to the relationship between the levels of the shoulder and pelvic girdles, posture, shape of the chest, and the state of the muscular system.

After this, the doctor issues a referral for a diagnostic test. From the studies, the patient may be prescribed:

• X-ray – X-rays are taken of the problem areas of the spine, which show changes in the discs.
• CT scan – allows you to assess the condition of the lesion site and examine the condition of the discs.
• ECG – recommended if cardiovascular disease is suspected.

How to treat thoracic osteochondrosis

To treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, conservative methods are used. They are aimed at eliminating pain, relieving spasms and normalizing blood circulation. These include:

• Massage
• Physiotherapy
• Physiotherapy
• Taking vitamins and medications

Massage for thoracic osteochondrosis

Massage of the cervicothoracic area will help relieve pain and inflammation, as well as strengthen the muscles that maintain the vertebrae in a stable condition.

During the session, the following massage techniques are used: stroking, squeezing, kneading, rubbing and vibration. The direction of impact in osteochondrosis depends on the location of the lesion. The massage must be performed by a specialist who will make the procedure truly effective. For greater results, special oils can be used when massaging.

However, before attending a massage course, you need to make sure that it is not contraindicated for the patient. To do this, you should consult your doctor. The list of contraindications includes cardiovascular pathologies, elevated body temperature, tuberculosis and skin diseases.

Physiotherapy

Gymnastics for thoracic osteochondrosis consists of a set of exercises to strengthen the spinal muscles and form a strong muscle corset. In the initial stages, gymnastics will help you avoid taking medications.

What effect does exercise therapy have on thoracic osteochondrosis?

• Deep breathing becomes correct
• Correct posture is formed
• Reduces the load on the spine
• The deep back muscles become less stiff
• Increases thoracic mobility

Exercises for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

Before starting gymnastics, you need to warm up. It can warm up and prepare the muscles for physical activity. To warm up, you can use limb swings, rotations and turns of the torso, neck and pelvis.

Here are a few exercises that are suitable for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis:

• "Boat" - you need to lie on your stomach, stretch your arms above your head and keep your legs straight. In this position, you need to bend your chest - smoothly and simultaneously raise your arms and legs.
• Shoulder Raise – While standing and with your arms relaxed along your body, you need to lift each shoulder in turn.
• Bends on a chair - you need to sit on a chair so that your back is pressed tightly against the back. Hands should be lowered. In this position, while inhaling, you need to put your hands behind your back and bend back. As you exhale, you need to bend forward. You can also bend to the side.
• Back arch – standing on all fours, you need to arch your back and maintain this position for several seconds. Then you need to return to the starting position. It is recommended to perform the exercise on a special mat.

The exercises should be performed regularly for several months. Therapeutic gymnastics should not last more than 30 minutes, and it should be done in comfortable shoes and clothes. If acute pain occurs, you need to stop exercising.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is suitable for complex treatment. It can be used as an additional or independent therapy. For thoracic osteochondrosis, the doctor may prescribe the following procedures:

• Magnetotherapy is the effect of a magnetic field on the affected area, which allows you to normalize blood circulation, restore affected tissue and improve mobility of the lumbar region.
• Laser therapy is the effect of laser beams on the affected area. Helps improve immunity, provides analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. There is no pain during the procedure.
• Shock wave therapy is exposure to infrasonic acoustic waves. They promote the resorption of bone growths, stimulate collagen production, and improve blood circulation.
• Medicinal electrophoresis is an effective technique for eliminating pain and improving nutrition of affected tissues. Electrodes and pads containing medicinal substances are fixed on the patient's skin.

All these procedures will help relieve the unpleasant sensations of the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis.

Drug treatment of osteochondrosis

With drug treatment, the patient is often prescribed a complex of drugs. The doctor determines the duration of the course and the list of specific medications depending on the clinical manifestations of osteochondrosis. The list of drugs may include, for example, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, vitamins, as well as special ointments or gels.

Nutrition for thoracic osteochondrosis

As an additional treatment measure, the patient may be prescribed the "Table No. 15" diet. The diet does not require giving up most of the popular foods, but its peculiarity is in a diet with a high content of vitamins.

As part of the diet you can eat:

• Bread
• Milk
• Soups
• Lean meat - it is advisable to eat it every day
• Pasta
• Vegetables – both fresh and in salad or cooked
• Eggs
• Fresh fruits
• Fresh berries
• Many types of sweets
• Butter and vegetable oils

Drinks allowed include weak coffee, tea, juices and kvass.

What not to eat:

• Puff pastry pastries
• Dishes with fatty meat or fish
• Chocolate products

As for drinks, it is not recommended to drink strong coffee, strong tea, or alcoholic beverages.

Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis

Recommended preventive measures include:

• Swimming or other water sports
• Regular warm-up when working at a computer for a long time
• Maintaining posture in a sitting position - the back should be straight and shoulders straightened
• Avoiding hypothermia of the back
• Regular exercise therapy

In addition, attention should be paid to the choice of bedding. An unsuitable mattress and pillow will prevent your back and neck from being relaxed while you sleep. For this reason, for a comfortable stay with osteochondrosis, it is recommended to buy special orthopedic accessories.