Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a common disease that manifests itself with various symptoms and affects professional activity.Clinical signs of the disease are associated with dystrophic changes in the thoracic vertebrae, intervertebral discs and ligaments.The disease is often combined with cervical chondrosis and reduces the quality of life without treatment.
Causes of thoracic osteochondrosis
The reasons are related to metabolic disorders, vascular, endocrine diseases, congenital pathologies.Disorders adversely affect the nutrition of the intervertebral discs, disrupting their structure and normal functioning.Disruption in the discs leads to the growth of cartilage tissue in the vertebrae, changes in ligaments and joints.During bending, stretching and other movements, the spine ceases to function normally, which causes compression of the spinal cord, blood vessels and nerve endings.
The following conditions can lead to the formation of osteochondrosis:
- Incorrect posture, lateral curvature of the spine;
- Back injuries;
- Physical inactivity;
- heredity;
- Bad habits;
- Nerve, physical tension, stress;
- Overloading of the back and spine when wearing high-heeled shoes, during pregnancy, on flat feet;
- Physical hard work.
Osteochondrosis of the cervicothoracic spine occurs due to hypothermia, prolonged exposure to a forced uncomfortable state, and infectious diseases.The disease is often recorded in areas with poor ecology and unfavorable climatic conditions.
The intervertebral discs of the thoracic vertebrae are equally negatively affected by a sedentary lifestyle and physical activity, which increases the likelihood of injury.Discs lose their ability to absorb shock;they do not protect the vertebrae from contact with each other.The result is the growth of cartilage tissue, complete degeneration of the discs.
Exacerbation of the disease is observed in cases of non-observance of the work and rest regime, colds, nervous tension.Preventive treatment twice a year reduces the likelihood of exacerbation.
General osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is often masked as other diseases.It is worth conducting additional examinations to make an accurate diagnosis.
Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic vertebrae is disguised as other diseases - angina pectoris, gastritis, neuralgia, pancreatitis.As a result of disorders in the work of the thoracic vertebrae, the nerve endings leading to these organs are compressed, which affects the occurrence of pain in them.If pain occurs in these organs, it is worth conducting a full examination;correct diagnosis will help to treat the disease.
Osteochondrosis is manifested by the following symptoms:
- Severe pain in the back - between the shoulder blades, in the thoracic spine;
- Exhalation and inhalation are accompanied by pain;
- Heartache: pressure, pain, squeezing;
- Numbness of body parts;
- Pain when bending or doing physical work.
The difference between pain in osteochondrosis and angina pectoris is that in heart diseases, the pain is diffuse, and in osteochondrosis, it is point-like.Images of the thoracic spine, ultrasound of internal organs and EKG will help to differentiate diseases during diagnosis.Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are similar to diseases of the pancreas, liver and lungs.If they have 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 treatment, lifestyle changes and special exercises.In the acute stage of the disease, bed rest is prescribed for several days with limited movement.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used as medicine.Medicines have a moderate analgesic effect.To reduce pain, injection and tablet analgesics are used, sometimes novocaine blockades are indicated.
It is possible to relieve muscle tension, numbness and pain using anti-inflammatory medicinal ointments.During the recovery period, a properly controlled massage course 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 to the vertebrae, helps to improve the work of ligaments.The neurologist will recommend a course of individual sessions, paying attention to 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.
Exercises are carried out every day under the supervision of welfare.It is necessary to remember that after eliminating the symptoms of the disease, it may return.Therefore, balanced nutrition, absence of bad habits, moderate physical activity should become the norm of life.