Thoracic osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease affecting the thoracic spine. The disease of this section is not common, like the cervical and lumbar, this is due to the fact that the thoracic region is not as mobile and more protected than the rest of the spine. People after 30 years are more susceptible to this pathology.
Osteochondrosis is degenerative changes that occur in different parts of the spinal column. Statistics show that this disease is becoming younger, if people of old age suffered from this pathology, today more and more the disease is diagnosed in the younger generation. This disease has become the third most common after cardiovascular and oncological pathologies.
Reasons
- Accident;
- Excessive physical activity;
- Age-related changes in the spine;
- Hereditary predisposition to degenerative changes;
- metabolic disorders;
- Excessive completeness;
- A lifestyle in which a person moves little;
- Scoliosis - curvature of the spine;
- Serious concomitant diseases.
As a result of alterations in the thoracic spine, the nerve roots are pinched and the function of the internal organs is disturbed.
Osteochondrosis can disguise itself as many cardiovascular diseases, so a person can experience shortness of breath and tachycardia and cannot recognize this disorder immediately.
The disease can be confused with various pathologies of the respiratory system and pathologies of the abdominal cavity. None of the signs are specific and depend on the severity and location of the process.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are:
- Pain in the sternum, aggravated by hypothermia, rotation, flexion, at night;
- Interscapular pain;
- Numbness of the arm and interscapular region;
- Pain during a strong exhalation and inhalation;
- Feeling of tightness in the chest;
- Stiffness of the muscles of the upper half of the back and in the chest region;
- In severe cases, pelvic dysfunction.
In the event that thoracic osteochondrosis occurs in combination with cervical, dizziness and nausea add to the symptoms.
There are three types of pain:
- Dorsagois a sudden and very intense pain that restricts movement. Such pain can occur when straightening your back after being in one position for a long time and can last up to several weeks.
- Back painis a moderate pain that does not go away for a long time, it is often accompanied by stiffness of movement. Such pain cannot be recognized immediately, as it develops over time, and rarely mild painful sensations may appear.
- Pectalgiais moderate pain in the front of the chest.
Diagnostics
The most common method of diagnosing thoracic osteochondrosis is x-ray. This method is economically less expensive, but it cannot always reveal the full picture of the disease, and X-rays also have ionizing radiation on the human body.
It is recommended to take an x-ray on an empty stomach and follow a diet for some time before the examination (do not consume gas-forming foods).
Contraindications to X-rays are: pregnancy (radiation negatively affects the development of the fetus), conditions in which the patient cannot be motionless in one position, with obesity, diagnosis is also difficult, as the images are blurred. X-rays are taken while lying on your back or side.
However, medicine does not stand still and specialists are increasingly using the latest technologies for the diagnosis of osteochondrosis, such as:
- CT (computed tomography)
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
Computed tomography
This is a type of diagnostics that uses X-rays, while scans are performed at different depths and the results are processed using a computer. If a CT scan is done without a contrast agent, no preparation is required, but if a CT scan is performed with the introduction of a contrast agent, you should refuse to eat 4 hours before the exam. All jewelry and hair pins must be removed prior to the exam.
Contraindications to CT:
- Pregnancy;
- Mental disorders;
- Allergy to a substance that is injected as a contrast (if CT is done using it);
Magnetic Resonance
A highly informative diagnostic method using a magnetic field and radiofrequency radiation. This is a relatively new diagnostic method, but it has taken its rightful place in medicine, as it is harmless and very informative.
Such an examination does not require any preparation, however, a specialist should be warned about the characteristics of the body, allergies, if the examination is carried out with the use of contrast agents. All metal objects are removed before diagnostics.
The procedure is performed lying on the back, does not cause painful sensations, except for a slight discomfort due to the sound of the apparatus.
Contraindications for MRI:
- Chronic renal failure;
- Allergy to a substance used as a contrast agent;
- Pregnancy;
- The presence of metallic elements in the human body (pacemaker, etc. );
- Claustrophobia.
Treatment
The methods used in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are complex and are prescribed by the doctor individually, depending on the medical history and concomitant diseases.
These include:
- Medicines;
- Physiotherapy exercises;
- Massage and manual therapy;
- Physiotherapy;
- Traditional treatment methods.
Medication
Treatment is aimed at eliminating inflammation and reducing pain. Specialists prescribe special ointments, analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs to the patient.
After using medicines aimed at eliminating pain, doctors prescribe the patient a medicine that helps normalize microcirculation and blood circulation, as well as vitamin complexes.
physical therapy
Physiotherapy exercises can help reduce muscle spasms and pain. Exercise helps increase muscle tone and improve blood circulation. All exercises must be performed smoothly so that they do not cause severe pain. With thoracic osteochondrosis, the complex also includes exercises that help support the back muscles.
Massage
Used in conjunction with other treatment methods. Massage has a quick effect during treatment, relieves pain, improves blood circulation, tones muscles, eliminates spasms. Massage courses can be started only when the stage of exacerbation has subsided.
It is preferable to entrust the massage to a qualified masseur and combine it with manual therapy and physiotherapy exercises.
Manual therapy
Treatment is the effect of the therapist's hands on the spine.
Contraindications for manual therapy:
- pregnancy;
- hernia;
- arthrosis;
- spinal injuries;
- increased blood pressure;
- tumors;
- severe stage of scoliosis;
- inflammatory processes.
Manual therapy should only be carried out in the initial stages of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, as prescribed by a doctor and strictly by a qualified specialist, otherwise this procedure can lead to serious complications.
Physiotherapy
The advantage of physiotherapy is the minimum of side reactions and the achievement of a quick effect. During the treatment, magnetotherapy, amplipulse, ultrasound, electrophoresis, iontophoresis, diadynamic currents are used.
In each case, the doctor selects the procedure individually. Contraindications: oncology, pregnancy, skin diseases, severe cardiovascular diseases.
Traditional medicine
Consists of tinctures, rubs, ointments, baths.
Before starting treatment with folk remedies, you should consult with your doctor and remember the possibility of allergic reactions to various herbal ingredients.
Prevention
The main component of thoracic osteochondrosis prevention of the spine is an active lifestyle, which helps to keep the spine in good shape and maintain correct posture. It is also important that the sleeping area is not too soft or hard. It is recommended to eat foods with a high content of calcium and magnesium, to use vitamin complexes.