As you know, one of the most common and most dangerous pathologies that can disrupt the work of internal organs and worsen motor activity is osteochondrosis of the chest. If a person is diagnosed with this disease, and he does not take timely measures, it is overwhelmed by the appearance of severe manifestations of pain, malfunctions of the cardiovascular system, deterioration of the gastrointestinal tract, development of inflammatory processes in the respiratory system, lack of reproductive function and other serious complications.
In this article, we will provide detailed information on osteochondrosis of the chest and discuss the key points associated with the development of this disease. You will also learn about risk factors, effective treatment measures and possible negative consequences. We hope you find the suggested material useful.
What is thoracic spine osteochondrosis?
According to statistics, osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can be noticed in different people, regardless of gender and age. If the disease manifests itself in children, their musculoskeletal system is prone to premature aging.
What is this disease that we hear about so often from others? This is one of the dangerous pathologies, which is accompanied by degenerative-dystrophic changes in the area of bones and cartilage. The lack of timely treatment is fraught with destructive processes affecting the joints, intervertebral discs and ligaments.
The following pathological processes can often occur in the background of thoracic osteochondrosis: impaired reproductive function; pathological replacement of lung tissue with connective tissue; oncological neoplasms; inflammatory prostate lesions; atherosclerosis, etc.
It should be noted that in the initial phase of the disease, the pathological changes mainly concern the bones, but the disease gradually spreads to the muscle, connective and cartilage tissues.
Stages of development of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
Currently, 4 stages of the pathological process are known:
- First. It is characterized by loss of moisture and the appearance of cracks in the area of the intervertebral disc. In this case, thoracic osteochondrosis has mild symptoms that disappear during the rest period.
- Seconds. It is also accompanied by the formation of cracks and a reduction in the size of the disc. In this case, the free part of the vertebra is filled with the nucleus pulposus, but the probability of its protrusion is minimal in this case. However, the patient feels significant tension in the muscle area. A strong pain syndrome is felt that disappears some time after rest.
- Third. The fissure reaches the end of the vertebrae, and the nucleus pulposus protrudes. This is accompanied by the appearance of a herniated disc. The patient notes the presence of constant pain.
- Fourth. It is accompanied by fibrosis. In this case, the formed connective tissue binds the nearby vertebrae. Furthermore, there is an excessive proliferation of bone tissue and the active appearance of pathological growths on it.
Causes of thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine
There are several known risk factors that can cause disease progression:
- Genetic predisposition;
- Hypodynamics;
- Scoliosis;
- Regular lifting of heavy objects;
- Thoracic region injury;
- Wearing high-heeled shoes during pregnancy;
- Alcohol and tobacco abuse;
- Deterioration of blood flow in the area of the spinal cord;
- Significant physical activity;
- Exposure to thermal factors;
- Bone dystrophy;
- Presence of disc herniation;
- Obesity;
- Disorder of metabolic processes;
- Cartilage destruction.
Symptoms of thoracic spine osteochondrosis in men and women
It is important to note that the disease described above is also characterized by a change in the composition of cartilage tissues. This pathological process is accompanied by the following manifestations:
- Feeling of tightness in the chest area, accompanied by worsening of the activity of the respiratory system;
- Regular numbness of the limbs;
- Occurrence of sensory discomfort when turning the body;
- Loss of sensitivity in the limbs;
- Brittle nails;
- Presence of teeth in the arm area;
- Defects in the work of the digestive tract;
- Reproductive dysfunction;
- Painful manifestations in the head area, which are regular;
- Vomiting, nausea, and heartburn;
- Defeat of intercostal nerves, accompanied by acute pain syndrome (neuralgia);
- Painful pains in the abdominal region;
- Significant discomfort in the left side of the chest;
- Pain syndrome on the right side of the chest;
- Tachycardia;
- Increased sweating.
Characteristic signs of subacute phase
It is felt after a period of deterioration. Manifestations and malfunctions of the respiratory system remain, but are less intense. The patient stops looking for a position to remove the discomfort. The duration of the subacute phase is up to 12-14 days. With strict adherence to expert advice, remission is possible, with a characteristic weakening of the pronounced signs. Failure to follow the recommendations can cause repeated worsening of the disease.
Remission of thoracic spine osteochondrosis
This phase is characterized by a temporary improvement in the patient's condition. In that case, the discomfort may return - in the case of exposure to thermal irritants or changes in climatic conditions. Acute pain syndrome is felt exclusively in thoracic osteochondrosis of 2-4 degrees - due to a sharp change in body position. Excessive physical exertion, stressful situations, chronic diseases in the acute phase and a sedentary lifestyle can also cause relapse.
Methods of diagnosing osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
For a clear diagnosis, the specialist must take into account the patient's complaints. The following symptoms and sensations in women allow the detection of thoracic osteochondrosis: when you press certain points in the chest area, a strong pain syndrome appears.
Special functional tests are performed to identify signs of impaired sensitivity. The most informative diagnostic option of instrumental methods is X-ray. However, MRI and CT are often done to thoroughly examine the spine. If diseases of the cardiovascular system are suspected, the patient is recommended to undergo an ECG procedure.
First aid for acute thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine
Manifestations of pain during the period of disease recurrence are characterized by a penetrating acute character, which implies the provision of emergency care to the patient. It must be placed on a flat surface, covered with a warm blanket. If anxiety, shortness of breath or tachycardia occur during relapse, a specialist should be called immediately. To relieve pain in the intercostal region, it is recommended to resort to the help of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine
To understand how best to treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, one needs to recall the basics of a comprehensive technique. Within it, several therapeutic measures are carried out at the same time, due to which it is possible to deal with almost all signs of pathology. Conservative therapy is used with the initial disease. With more advanced stages of the pathological process and the presence of herniated discs, surgical intervention may be required to eliminate the compression syndrome.
Physiotherapy treatment
To understand how to treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine with physiotherapeutic methods, you should remember their mechanism. Thus, the most effective in identifying the above pathology are:
- Exposure of the body to constant electric current with concomitant use of drugs;
- Methods related to the use of static magnetic field;
- Phonophoresis;
- Ultrasound therapy;
- Hydrotherapy and underwater spinal traction.
SWT for osteochondrosis of the chest
Shock wave therapy is considered to be one of the most effective ways to repair the affected parts of the spine. This physiotherapeutic method is based on the effect of sound impulses on the zones affected by the destructive-degenerative process.
In this case, special medical equipment is used. By converting electrical impulses into shock waves, it is possible to quickly deal with salt deposits, reduce the size of osteophytes and reduce the intensity of pain.
The procedure is generally effective in the case of cervical, thoracic and lumbar osteochondrosis. Its key goal is to restore the normal condition of the joints, bones and cartilage, as well as increase the elasticity of the affected vertebrae. In addition, due to the shock waves, it is possible to activate the development of new blood vessels and improve the blood supply to the muscles.
Acupuncture
This technique involves introducing small diameter needles into biologically active points. To activate the positive effect, they are rotated about an axis or subjected to heating. With the help of acupuncture, it is possible to quickly stop the pain syndrome, eliminate inflammatory and congestive manifestations, deal with swelling, relieve cramps, restore normal blood flow and improve mobility.
Pharmacopuncture
Method of drug administration through reflexogenic points. In this case, drugs are injected into the lesion.
Taking into account the purpose, the following drugs are used:
- Means for reducing skeletal muscle tone and restoring vertebral mobility;
- Drugs having analgesic and anti-inflammatory action;
- Drugs that reduce muscle tone and dilate blood vessels;
- Preparations that accelerate recovery and metabolic processes;
- Vitamin complexes that contribute to the normalization of cellular nutrition and improve the functioning of the immune system;
- Homeopathic remedies for the normalization of the immune and musculoskeletal system.
Massage for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
It should be noted that massage in this department can be performed even in the acute period. Through it, it is possible to restore blood flow, improve the condition of muscles and normalize their functionality, as well as minimize the load on the vessel that supplies the brain.
Use of drugs
If we talk about how to treat thoracic osteochondrosis with drugs, first of all we should take into account the degree of the disease, the nature of its appearance and the intensity of the pain syndrome. The following medications are most commonly used:
- Funds of non-steroidal groups. These are drugs with anti-inflammatory, analgesic action, which is desirable to use in the course, at the end of which is transferred to special ointments;
- Anesthetic drugs. They have an analgesic effect. It is used as an intravenous drip;
- Diuretics. It allows you to deal with swelling, remove signs of pathology, have a beneficial effect on the condition of the myocardium;
- Drugs that reduce skeletal muscle tone, restore spinal mobility and relieve pain.
In some situations, the patient is recommended to take hormonal drugs, anticonvulsant drugs, vitamin complexes, drugs to restore the condition of blood vessels and sedatives.
Injections for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
Patients are often interested in what to do with osteochondrosis of the chest, if it is accompanied by acute manifestations of pain. To provide a faster effect on nerve endings, they resort to injections into the spine. In this case, anesthetics and glucocorticosteroids are used. After the patient's condition normalizes, they switch to the use of gels and ointments.
Gymnastics for the thoracic spine with osteochondrosis
Before performing exercises for the thoracic spine with osteochondrosis, warming up is recommended, which ensures the necessary warming of the muscles and increases the efficiency of future training. You can also take a shower and gently massage the spine in the thoracic region.
Warming up is especially important for those patients who are doing gymnastics with osteochondrosis in the chest for the first time at home. As part of the preliminary warming up of the muscles, the following movements can be performed: turns and rotations of the pelvis and neck, rhythmic movements of the limbs performed in different directions (swing). It should be borne in mind that gymnastics for thoracic osteochondrosis is performed without haste and smoothly. If exercise is associated with acute pain syndrome, it is better to refuse it.
Currently, gymnastics for the thoracic spine, recommended for osteochondrosis, includes performing 6 basic exercises:
- The patient is placed in a "lying" position on the floor, face down. At the same time, he puts his hands behind his head, spreading his elbows wide. Further, he gradually raises his shoulders upwards simultaneously with his body, which is followed by alternating movement of the elbows in the same direction. The number of repetitions is six times in 6 times for one exercise;
- The patient is placed on the floor, face down. He then joins his arms in a lock behind his back and tries to lift them by bending his body. All movements are very fluid;
- The person assumes a standing position and puts his hands behind his shoulders. In the future, you should lift your shoulders up (alternately);
- The patient lies on the floor, on a flat surface, leaning on his stomach. Stretch your upper limbs in front of you, lifting your body slightly;
- The patient is placed on a chair and lowers his hands to the waist area. They move further with the shoulders, with alternating lifting and slow return to the starting position. Number of repetitions - 5 times in one lesson;
- The man is sitting on a chair and trying to reach out with a gymnastic stick. Return to the starting position is performed on exhalation, with the body tilted forward. You can also perform side bends while holding the same gymnastic apparatus in your hands.
Diet for osteochondrosis of the chest
According to the expert, for people who suffer from this disease, it is better to exclude fatty foods, smoked products, marinades and preservatives from the diet. You should also reduce the amount of salt, as it can cause severe swelling. In addition, the amount of fluid consumed should not be less than 2, 5 liters per day.
Surgical intervention
Depending on the clinical manifestations of thoracic osteochondrosis, experts select the appropriate treatment. In advanced cases, surgery is performed in which:
- Intervertebral disc excision;
- Disc herniation removal;
- Surgical intervention for spinal stenosis;
- Disk replacement.
Traditional methods of treating thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine
Methods of traditional medicine are generally considered relevant after the completion of the main therapy. In that case, herbal infusions and decoctions, compresses, various ointments and gels can be used. Basically, such means are used to alleviate painful manifestations of low intensity, which are felt after physical exertion. The following recipes are most commonly used:
- Peel, grind and squeeze the juice from the celery root. The obtained raw material is mixed with celery. The main purpose of this tool is to fight salt deposits in the spine;
- The dried sunflower roots are chopped and hot water is added to the mixture. Cook over low heat for about 15 minutes, then insist and filter. Take 3 times a day.
Medicinal during pregnancy
It should be borne in mind that most anesthetics are not allowed during pregnancy. Neurologists recommend limiting the intake of gels, ointments and patches. Most often, if a pregnant woman is diagnosed with osteochondrosis of the chest, the treatment is reduced to performing physiotherapy exercises and massage, which is evidenced by the positive effectpeople's results. . .
Possible complications
If a patient is diagnosed with thoracic osteochondrosis, but does not take timely measures, it can cause malfunctions of the gastrointestinal tract, inflammation of the respiratory system, heart rhythm disturbances, as well as deterioration of reproductive function.
In case of significant compression of the nerve endings, the following can be felt:
- Pathological processes in the kidney area;
- Chronic pain syndrome;
- Deterioration of cardiac activity;
- Development of disc herniation;
- Feeling of stiffness in the spine.
Preventive actions
To eliminate the likelihood of negative consequences on the background of osteochondrosis in the chest, any experienced doctor will advise you to adhere to the following prevention rules:
- Eliminate exposure to thermal irritants;
- Refuse the use of tobacco products and alcoholic beverages;
- Perform gymnastic exercises;
- Track your posture;
- Refuse smoked meats and spicy foods;
- Sleep on a comfortable bed;
- Eliminate increased physical activity;
- 1 time in 6 months to take medications that allow cartilage tissue to regenerate;
- Visit a specialist regularly to examine the condition of your spine.
With timely detection of pathology and implementation of effective therapeutic measures, the prognosis is positive.