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. Premature "aging" of the cartilage tissue of the disc is also specific to the disease.

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 the 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
• Difficult breathing
• Increasing pain when breathing deeply
• Increased fatigue
• Unsteady gait
• Feeling of tightness in the chest
• Slouching
• 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 back pain.

Dorsago - sharp pain in the chest area. This happens when you stay in the same position for a long time. The pain can make breathing difficult.

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

Causes of the development of thoracic osteochondrosis

The causes of the appearance and development of thoracic osteochondrosis are often related to the patient's lifestyle and the uneven load on the spine. For example, people who sit for a long time are at risk: working remotely or in the office in front of the computer, frequent driving.

A sedentary lifestyle disrupts the functioning of the circulatory and lymphatic systems, and insufficient physical exercise weakens muscle tissues. At the same time, the load on the spine when sitting increases.

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

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

Exacerbation of thoracic osteochondrosis is possible in case of uncomfortable sleeping position, smoking, poor-quality massage or hypothermia.

Complications

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

• Spinal cord compression is a compression of the spinal cord, which causes decreased sensation in the abdomen, back and chest.
• Kyphosis is a curvature of the spine.
• Spinal protrusion and herniation is a protrusion of the center of the intervertebral disc, which affects the functionality of the pancreas and intestines.
• Intercostal neuralgia - sharp 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 - slight pain appears, which quickly passes in a comfortable position. Moisture is lost in the intervertebral disc and the nucleus pulposus moves slightly. We do not always pay attention to this stage, because the pain does not cause severe discomfort and passes quickly.
• Degree II – cracks appear in the intervertebral disc, maintaining 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 - a 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.
• Grade IV – the annulus fibrosus tissue is replaced by bone. Bone tissue begins to break down.

Diagnosis of thoracic osteochondrosis

If you suspect osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, you should 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, special attention is paid to the relationship between the levels of the shoulder and pelvic girdles, posture, chest shape and the state of the muscular system.

After that, the doctor recommends a diagnostic test for you. Based on the studies, the patient can be prescribed:

• X-ray – X-rays are taken of problem areas of the spine, which show changes in the discs.
• Computed tomography – 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
• Take 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 keep the vertebrae in a stable state.

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

However, before taking a massage course, you should 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, increased body temperature, tuberculosis and skin diseases.

Physiotherapy

Gymnastics for thoracic osteochondrosis consists of a set of exercises aimed at strengthening the muscles of the spine and forming a strong muscular corset. At first, 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
• 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 helps 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 some exercises 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 - gently and simultaneously raise your arms and legs.
• Shoulder Raise – While standing and with your arms relaxed at your sides, you should raise each shoulder in turn.
• Leans on a chair - you need to sit on a chair so that your back is firmly pressed against the back. Hands should be down. In this position, while inhaling, you need to put your hands behind your back and lean back. When you exhale, you should lean forward. You can also lean sideways.
• Back arch – standing on all fours, you should arch your back and hold 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 should be performed with comfortable shoes and clothing. If there is acute pain, you should stop exercising.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is suitable for complex treatments. It can be used as a complementary 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 tissues and improve mobility in 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 involves exposing infrasound acoustic waves. They promote the resorption of bone growths, stimulate the production of collagen 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 attached to the patient's skin.

All these procedures will help relieve the unpleasant sensations of 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 treatment and the list of specific medications based on the clinical manifestations of osteochondrosis. The list of medications may include, for example, anti-inflammatories, 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 diet "Table No. 15". The diet does not require abandoning most popular foods, but its uniqueness lies in a diet with a high vitamin content.

As part of the diet, you can eat:

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

Permitted drinks include weak coffee, tea, juices and kvass.

What not to eat:

• Puff pastry
• Dishes based on meat or fatty fish
• Chocolate products

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

Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis

Recommended preventive measures include:

• Swimming or other water sports
• Regular warming up when working at a computer for a long time
• Maintain posture while sitting - back should be straight and shoulders straightened
• Avoiding back hypothermia
• Regular exercise therapy

In addition, you must be careful when choosing bedding. An unsuitable mattress and pillow will prevent your back and neck from relaxing while you sleep. For this reason, for a comfortable stay with osteochondrosis, it is recommended to purchase special orthopedic accessories.