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 chest area is not as common as in the neck or lower back. It has to do with anatomy. In the middle part, the spine is stable and durable, in addition, it is less prone to stress, less mobile, there are fewer conditions for trauma to the intervertebral discs.
The risk group for this disease includes the elderly and those who lead a sedentary lifestyle. However, pathology is increasingly being diagnosed in adolescents, and by the age of 30-35 the number of cases increases sharply.
Classification of thoracic osteochondrosis
The disease is classified according to the syndromic principle. The affected areas of the spine have a negative effect on the nerve formations.
By localization, such forms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are distinguished:
- Compression syndrome (development is associated with tension, deformation, or compression of the nerve root; areas of the spinal cord or blood vessels may be affected; the result is spinal, vascular, or radicular syndromes);
- Reflex syndrome (the effect occurs reflexively, strains the innervated muscles; dystrophic and vascular disorders appear);
- myoadaptive syndrome (muscle damage in the chest area due to constant overload).
Etiology of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
The causes of breast osteochondrosis are a consequence of low physical activity, back injuries, intense physical exertion, metabolic disorders, obesity, immune deficiency, frequent colds, infections, smoking, stress. In women, the development of the disease can be triggered, among other things, by walking in high heels and carrying a child.
In addition, the causes of breast osteochondrosis are:
- poorly distributed load on the intervertebral discs;
- degenerative changes in the tissue of the intervertebral disc;
- Lack of minimal physical activity;
- Scoliosis;
- permanent misalignment of the spine while sitting.
Pathogenesis of the disease
Mild discomfort, muscle tension, and "bearable" pain on inhalation and stooping are the first signs of thoracic osteochondrosis. A person usually see a doctor when the pain becomes acute and unable to lead a normal life. Therapy for thoracic osteochondrosisis long-term and requires constant attention. If left untreated, dystrophic changes lead to reduced mobility and even handicap of the patient.
Clinical manifestations of osteochondrosis
Symptoms of chest osteochondrosis have different manifestations depending on the localization of the process. In addition, the disease skillfully "adapts" to other problems.
The most typical symptoms of breast osteochondrosis:
- pain in the interscapular region;
- Chest discomfort;
- Headache and heartache;
- Pain when stooping;
- Restricted mobility;
- Tingling in the neck, stomach, chest, and arms;
- Dizziness, tinnitus, flies in front of the eyes;
- Pain sensations that increase with inhalation.
In addition to the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis, as the pathology progresses, decreased sensitivity, impaired motor skills and muscular atrophy are added.
Features of the course of breast osteochondrosis during pregnancy
The development of pain during pregnancy is associated with weight gain. At the same time, the shift in the center of gravity changes the posture. Little physical activity in combination with a sedentary lifestyle leads to a disruption of the elasticity of the intervertebral discs. The increase in pressure on the chest leads to pain. During pregnancy, breast osteochondrosis is treated mainly without the use of specialized drugs because they can harm the health of the fetus. Therefore, Kuznetsov's applicators, massages and special exercises are used.
Features of the disease in children
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can manifest between the ages of 8 and 17 years. An unprepared spine experiences pathological changes under heavy stress. After a correct diagnosis, treatment is started. As a rule, a treatment process started on time leads to excellent results during this period. It is necessary to strengthen the muscles, improve the condition of the cartilage and conduct physical therapy.
Complications of 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 occurrence of high blood pressure
- Stroke and heart attack risk
diagnosis
Diagnosis of thoracic osteochondrosis, including the differential, includes:
- digital radiography;
- EKG;
- Ultrasound of the heart, kidneys and abdominal organs;
- CT.
On the X-ray, the doctor determines the exact image on which he sees the growth of the vertebral bodies and the displacement of the intervertebral discs. Thoracic osteochondrosis, characterized by similar symptoms of other diseases, requires differential diagnosis with spinal injuries, tumors and neoplasms of the spine, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, coxarthrosis and a number of other diseases.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis involves the use of complex therapy, the aim of which is to stop and prevent further destruction of the intervertebral discs or restore their structure, improve the biomechanics of the spine and eliminate disorders of the central nervous system.
The first thing to start treatment is to relieve pain and inflammation with drug therapy.
Drugs of the following groups are recommended to the patient:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- Glucocorticosteroids;
- Diuretics;
- Chondroprotectors.
When the pain subsides, move on to the next stage of breast osteochondrosis treatment. A course of therapeutic massage, acupuncture and physical therapy exercises is prescribed. Physiotherapy is also very effective. Manual therapy can be recommended if indicated.
Healing control
Convalescence is monitored by the family doctor or the specialist who observed the patient as the disease progressed. The absence of relapses during the year indicates a normalization of the functioning of the musculoskeletal system.
prophylaxis
Prevention of breast osteochondrosis requires the following rules:
- Posture control;
- Industrial hygiene (control of the position of the hands, the presence of a chair with a flat high back);
- Breaks every 2 hours for certain exercises;
- sleep on a hard surface;
- Lack of irregular physical activity (including carrying heavy loads);
- Wearing a backpack instead of a shoulder bag;
- regular exercise therapy courses.
Tips
Thoracic osteochondrosis requires long-term rehabilitation. Moderate physical activity is recommended to strengthen the back muscles and reduce stress on the spine. In addition, physiotherapy gradually eliminates the pain.
The following tasks are also performed in exercise therapy and sport:
- Decompression of the nerve endings of the spine;
- Developing a stereotype of correct posture;
- give elasticity to the spine;
- improved blood circulation;
- Normalization of the metabolism of the intervertebral disc.
The article is for informational purposes only. Please remember: self-medication can be harmful to your health.