Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

Thoracic osteochondrosis is a degenerative disease of the thoracic spine. The disease initially affects the intervertebral discs, causing back pain and unpleasant symptoms. The premature "aging" of the cartilage tissue of the intervertebral disc is also disease-specific.

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 due to the reduced mobility of the chest region and the protection provided by the muscular corset and ribs.

There are 12 vertebrae in the thoracic region - from T1 to T12. The lowest vertebrae are most commonly affected – T10, T11, T12.

Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis

Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine include:

• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Increasing pain when breathing deeply
• Increased fatigue
• Unsteady gait
• Tightness in the chest area
• idleness
• The appearance of shortness of breath
• Cold feet
• Pain in the esophagus
• Cough

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

Dorsago – stabbing pain in the chest area. It occurs when staying in one position for a long time. Pain can make breathing difficult.

Dorsalgia is moderate pain in the area of the affected intervertebral discs. When you breathe deeply, the pain increases. Unpleasant sensations begin gradually.

Causes of development of thoracic osteochondrosis

The causes of the appearance and development of thoracic osteochondrosis are often associated with the patient's lifestyle and uneven load on the spine. For example, people who spend long periods of time sitting 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 strain on the spine increases when sitting.

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

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

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

Complications

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

• Spinal cord compression is compression of the spinal cord that results in decreased sensation in the abdomen, back, and chest area.
• Kyphosis is a curvature of the spine.
• Spinal bulge and herniation is a bulging of the center of the intervertebral disc that affects the functionality of the pancreas and intestines.
• Intercostal neuralgia – acute pain in the intercostal space.

Which organs can be affected by the complication depends on the vertebra affected.

Degree of development of thoracic osteochondrosis

• I graduate - slight pain appears, which quickly passes in a comfortable position. Moisture is lost in the 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, a stable position of the spine leads to spasms, pain in the back and chest. The intervertebral disc begins to lose its elasticity and its height begins to decrease. The muscles in the affected area are constantly tense.
• III. Degree - there is a bulging of the central part of the intervertebral disc - the nucleus pulposus. For this reason, an intervertebral hernia occurs. The pain becomes constant and the cartilage begins to thin.
• Grade IV – 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 definitely make an appointment with a therapist or neurologist. During the examination, the patient talks about his complaints and the doctor carries out a physical examination. During the examination, attention is paid to the connection between the height of the shoulder and pelvic girdle, posture, breast shape and the condition of the muscles.

The doctor will then issue a referral for a diagnostic test. From the studies the patient can be prescribed:

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

How to treat thoracic osteochondrosis?

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

• massage
• physical therapy
• physical therapy
• Taking vitamins and medications

Massage for thoracic osteochondrosis

Massage of the cervicothoracic area helps relieve pain and inflammation and strengthens the muscles that keep the vertebrae in a stable condition.

The following massage techniques are used during the session: stroking, pressing, kneading, rubbing and vibration. The direction of action 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 better results, special oils can be used during the massage.

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

physical therapy

Gymnastics for thoracic osteochondrosis consists of a set of exercises aimed at strengthening the spinal muscles and forming 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
• The right posture is created
• Reduces the load on the spine
• The deep back muscles become less stiff
• Increases chest mobility

Exercises for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

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

Here are some exercises suitable for treating 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 at the same time raise your arms and legs.
• Shoulder Raises – While standing and with your arms relaxed along your body, you need to raise each shoulder one at a time.
• Bends over in a chair – You need to sit on a chair so that your back is pressed firmly against the backrest. 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 a few seconds. Then you need to return to the starting position. It is advisable to carry out the exercise on a special mat.

The exercises should be carried out regularly over several months. Remedial gymnastics should last no longer than 30 minutes and should be performed in comfortable shoes and clothing. If acute pain occurs, you must stop exercising.

physical therapy

Physiotherapy is suitable for complex treatment. It can be used as an additional or standalone therapy. With 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 of the lumbar region.
• Laser therapy involves the exposure of laser beams to the affected area. Contributes to improving immunity, has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. There is no pain during the procedure.
• Shock wave therapy involves the exposure to acoustic infrasound waves. They promote the resorption of bone growths, stimulate collagen production and improve blood circulation.
• Medical electrophoresis is an effective technique for relieving pain and improving nutrition of the affected tissues. Electrodes and pads with medical active ingredients are attached to the patient's skin.

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

Drug treatment of osteochondrosis

During drug treatment, the patient is often prescribed a complex of drugs. Depending on the clinical manifestations of osteochondrosis, the doctor determines the duration of the course and the list of specific medications. The list of medications 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 can be prescribed the "Table No. 15" diet. The diet does not require giving up most popular foods, but its peculiarity 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 – both fresh and in salads or cooked
• Eggs
• Fresh fruits
• fresh berries
• Many types of sweets
• Butter and vegetable oils

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

What not to eat:

• Puff 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 the computer for a long time
• Maintain posture while sitting - your back should be straight and your shoulders square
• Avoid hypothermia of the back
• Regular exercise therapy

In addition, attention should be paid to the choice of bed linen. An unsuitable mattress and pillow will prevent your back and neck from relaxing while sleeping. For this reason, for a comfortable stay with osteochondrosis, it is recommended to purchase special orthopedic accessories.