Thoracic osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine, in which the position of the vertebrae becomes unnatural, the intervertebral disc degenerates, as a result of which its height decreases. Osteochondrosis in the thoracic region is not as common as in the neck or lower back. It has to do with anatomy. In the central part, the spine is stable and durable, in addition, it is less susceptible to stress, less mobile, there are fewer conditions for trauma to the vertebral discs.
The risk group for this disease includes the elderly and those who lead a sedentary lifestyle. However, the pathology is increasingly diagnosed in adolescents, and by the age of 30-35 years, the number of cases increases dramatically.
Classification of thoracic osteochondrosis.
The disease is classified on the basis of the syndromic principle. The affected areas of the spine adversely affect nerve formations.
By localization, such forms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are distinguished:
- compression syndrome (the development is associated with tension, deformation or compression of the nerve root; areas of the spinal cord or blood vessels may be affected; as a result, spinal, vascular or root syndromes appear);
- reflex syndrome (the effect occurs reflexively, tightening the innervated muscles; dystrophic and vascular disorders occur);
- myoadaptive syndrome (muscle damage in the thoracic segment due to constant overload).
Etiology of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region.
The causes of thoracic osteochondrosis are a consequence of poor physical activity, back injuries, intense physical exertion, metabolic disorders, being overweight, poor immunity, frequent colds, infections, smoking, stress. In women, among other things, the development of the disease can be triggered by walking in high heels and carrying a child.
Also, the causes of breast osteochondrosis are:
- poorly distributed load on the intervertebral discs;
- degenerative changes in the tissues of the intervertebral disc;
- lack of minimal physical activity;
- scoliosis;
- permanent abnormal position of the spine in a sitting position.
Pathogenesis of the disease
Slight discomfort, muscle tension, and "tolerable" pain when inhaling and bending over are the first signs of thoracic osteochondrosis. A person usually seeks a doctor when the pain becomes severe and does not allow him to lead a normal life. Therapy for thoracic osteochondrosis is long-term, requiring constant care. If left untreated, dystrophic changes lead to limited mobility and even disability of the patient.
Clinical manifestations of osteochondrosis.
Symptoms of breast osteochondrosis have different manifestations, depending on the location of the process. In addition, the disease cleverly "adjusts" to other problems.
The most typical symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- pain in the interscapular region;
- chest discomfort;
- headache and anguish;
- pain when bending over;
- movement restriction;
- tingling sensation in the neck, abdomen, chest and arms;
- dizziness, tinnitus, flickering of flies before the eyes;
- pain sensations that increase with inhalation.
The symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are compounded by decreased sensation, impaired motor function, and muscle atrophy as the pathology progresses.
Features of the course of breast osteochondrosis during pregnancy
The development of pain during pregnancy is associated with weight gain. At the same time, shifting the center of gravity changes posture. The little physical activity in combination with a sedentary lifestyle causes an alteration of the elasticity of the discs. Increased pressure on the thoracic region causes pain. During pregnancy, osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is mainly treated without the use of specialized drugs, as they can harm the health of the fetus. Therefore, special Kuznetsov applicators, massages and exercises are used.
Characteristics of the disease in children
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can manifest itself from 8 to 17 years. An unprepared column undergoes pathological changes under heavy loads. After a correct diagnosis, treatment is started. As a rule, in this period, a treatment process started on time leads to excellent results. It is necessary to strengthen the muscles, improve the condition of the cartilage and carry out physiotherapy.
Complications of the pathology.
Most patients with thoracic osteochondrosis try to postpone treatment, which, in turn, leads to significant complications.
Consequences of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- Formation of an intervertebral hernia.
- Spinal cord injury
- The appearance of hypertension.
- The risk of stroke and heart attack.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of thoracic osteochondrosis, including differential, includes:
- digital radiography;
- ECG;
- Ultrasound of the heart, kidneys, and abdominal organs;
- CONNECTICUT.
The doctor will determine the exact image on the x-ray, where he will see the growth of the vertebral body and the displacement of the discs. Thoracic osteochondrosis, characterized by similar symptoms of other diseases, requires a differential diagnosis with spinal injuries, tumors and neoplasms in the spine, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, coxarthrosis, and a number of other conditions.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis involves the use of complex therapy, the purpose of which is to stop and prevent further destruction of the discs or restore their structure, improve the biomechanics of the spine, and eliminate disorders of the central nervous system.
The first thing to start with treatment is to relieve pain and inflammation through drug therapy.
Medications of the following groups are recommended to the patient:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- glucocorticosteroids;
- diuretics;
- chondroprotectors.
When the pain subsides, they move on to the next stage of thoracic osteochondrosis treatment. A course of therapeutic massage, acupuncture, physiotherapy exercises is prescribed. Also, physical therapy is very effective. If indicated, manual therapy may be recommended.
Curative control
Convalescence is supervised by the family doctor or specialist who observed the patient during the course of the disease. The absence of relapses during the year indicates the normalization of the function of the musculoskeletal system.
Prophylaxis
Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis requires the following rules:
- posture control;
- occupational hygiene (control of the position of the hands, presence of a chair with a flat high back);
- breaks every 2 hours for specific exercises;
- sleeping on a hard surface;
- absence of irregular physical activity (including carrying heavy loads);
- carry a backpack instead of a shoulder bag;
- regular exercise therapy classes.
tips and tricks
Thoracic osteochondrosis requires long-term rehabilitation. Moderate physical activity is recommended to strengthen the back muscles and reduce stress on the spine. Also, physical therapy gradually eliminates pain.
In addition, with exercise therapy and sports, the following tasks are performed:
- decompression of the nerve endings of the spine;
- develop a stereotype of correct posture;
- giving elasticity to the spine;
- better blood circulation;
- normalization of the metabolism of the intervertebral disc.
The article is for informational purposes only. Remember: self-medication can be detrimental to your health.