Thoracic osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease that affects the thoracic spine. The disease of this section is not common, such as the cervical and lower back, 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 spine. Statistics show that this disease is getting younger, if the older people earlier suffered from this pathology, today more and more the disease is diagnosed in the younger generation. This disease has become the third most common disease after cardiovascular and oncological pathologies.
Reasons
- Injury;
- Excessive physical activity;
- Age-related changes in the spine;
- Hereditary predisposition to degenerative changes;
- metabolic disorders;
- Excessive completeness;
- Lifestyle in which a person moves little;
- Scoliosis - curvature of the spine;
- Concomitant severe illnesses.
As a result of changes in the thoracic spine, the nerve roots are pinched, and the function of internal organs is disturbed.
Osteochondrosis is able to disguise itself as many cardiovascular diseases, so a person may experience shortness of breath and tachycardia, and they cannot immediately recognize this disease.
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 breastbone, worse with hypothermia, turning, bending, at night;
- Interscapular pain;
- Numbness in arm and interscapular region;
- Pain on strong exhalation and inhalation;
- Feeling of tightness in the chest;
- Tension of the muscles of the upper half of the back and chest;
- In severe cases, pelvic dysfunction.
In the event that thoracic osteochondrosis occurs in association with the cervix, dizziness and nausea are added to the symptoms.
There are three types of pain:
- Dorsagois a very severe sudden pain that constrains movement. Such pain can occur when straightening the back after being in the same position for a long time and can last for several weeks.
- Back painis moderate pain that does not go away for a long time, often accompanied by stiffness of movement. Such pain cannot be recognized immediately, as it develops over time and can rarely appear with mild pain.
- pectalgiais a slight pain in the front of the chest.
Diagnostics
The most common method for diagnosing chest osteochondrosis is an x-ray. This method is less expensive financially, but it cannot always give a full picture of the disease, and X-rays also emit ionizing radiation on the human body.
It is advisable to take an x-ray on an empty stomach and to follow a diet for some time before the examination (do not use gaseous products).
Contraindications to X-rays are: pregnancy (radiation negatively affects the development of the fetus), conditions in which the patient cannot be still in one position, with obesity, the diagnosis is also difficult, because the images are blurry. X-rays are taken while lying on your back or on your side.
However, medicine does not stop and specialists are increasingly using new technologies to diagnose osteochondrosis, such as:
- CT (computed tomography)
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
Computed tomography
This is a type of diagnostic using x-rays, while scans are done at different depths and the results are processed using a computer. If the CT scan is performed 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 examination. All jewelry and hairpins should be removed prior to the exam.
Contraindications of the scanner:
- Pregnancy;
- Mental disorders;
- Allergy to a substance injected as a contrast medium (if computed tomography is performed using it);
Magnetic resonance imaging
A very informative diagnostic method that uses a magnetic field and radio frequency radiation. This is a relatively new diagnostic method, but it has taken its rightful place in medicine because it is harmless and very informative.
Such an examination does not require any preparation, however, a specialist should be warned about the features of the body, allergies, if the examination is carried out with the use of contrast agents. All metal objects are removed prior to diagnosis.
The procedure is performed lying on your back, it does not cause any painful sensations, except for a slight discomfort due to the sound of the device.
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.
Processing
The methods used in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are complex and are prescribed individually by the doctor, depending on the medical history and concomitant diseases.
These include:
- Drugs;
- Physiotherapy exercises;
- Massage and manual therapy;
- Physiotherapy;
- Traditional methods of treatment.
Drugs
Treatment is aimed at eliminating inflammation and reducing pain. Specialists prescribe special ointments, pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs to the patient.
After using drugs aimed at eliminating pain, doctors prescribe the patient a drug that helps normalize microcirculation and blood circulation, as well as vitamin complexes.
exercise therapy
Physical therapy exercises can help reduce muscle spasms and pain. Exercise helps increase muscle tone and improve blood circulation. All exercises should be done gently 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 combination with other processing methods. Massage gives a rapid 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 better to entrust the massage to a qualified massage therapist 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
- ; osteoarthritis
- ;
- injuries to the spine;
- increased blood pressure;
- tumors;
- severe stage of scoliosis;
- inflammatory processes.
Manual therapy should only be performed in the early 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 rapid effect. During treatment, magnetotherapy, amplipulse, ultrasound, electrophoresis, iontophoresis, diadynamic currents are used.
In each case, the doctor individually selects the procedure. Contraindications: oncology, pregnancy, skin diseases, serious cardiovascular diseases.
Traditional medicine
Consists of tinctures, rubs, ointments, baths.
Before starting treatment with folk remedies, you should consult your doctor and remember the possibility of allergic reactions to various herbal ingredients.
Prevention
The main element in the prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis 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 neither too soft nor too hard. It is advisable to eat foods with a high content of calcium and magnesium, consume vitamin complexes.