Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

Thoracic osteochondrosis is a degenerative disease of the thoracic spine. First of all, the disease affects the intervertebral discs, causing back pain and unpleasant symptoms. Also specific to the disease is the premature aging of the cartilaginous tissue of the disc.

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 explained by the lower mobility of the thoracic region, as well as the protection of the muscle corset and ribs.

In the thoracic region there are 12 vertebrae, from T1 to T12. Most often the lower vertebrae are affected: T10, T11, T12.

Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis

Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine include:

• Chest pain
• Labored breathing
• Increasing pain when breathing deeply
• Increased fatigue
• Unstable gait
• Sensation of tightness in the chest area
• Shocked
• The appearance of shortness of breath
• Cold feet
• Pain in the esophagus
• Cough

The pain due to thoracic osteochondrosis is divided based on its characteristics into dorsalgia or dorsalgia.

Dorsago: sharp pain in the chest. It occurs when you stay in the same position for a long time. The pain can make breathing difficult.

Back pain is moderate pain in the area of the affected discs. When you breathe deeply, the pain intensifies. Unpleasant sensations begin gradually.

Causes of development of thoracic osteochondrosis

The causes of the onset and development of thoracic osteochondrosis are often related to the patient's lifestyle and uneven load on the spine. For example, people who spend a lot of time in a sitting position 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 load on the spine in the sitting position increases.

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

Osteochondrosis can also develop in women who often wear high heels or who are pregnant.

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

Complications

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

• Spinal cord compression is compression of the spinal cord, which leads to decreased sensation in the abdomen, back and chest.
• Kyphosis is a curvature of the spine.
• Protrusion and herniation of the spine is a protrusion of the center of the intervertebral disc, which affects the functionality of the pancreas and intestines.
• Intercostal neuralgia: acute pain in the intercostal space.

The organs that can be affected by the complication depend on the affected vertebra.

Degree of development of thoracic osteochondrosis

• I degree: mild pain appears that quickly passes to a comfortable position. Moisture is lost in the intervertebral disc and the nucleus pulposus moves slightly. Attention is not always paid to this phase, because the pain does not cause serious discomfort and passes quickly.
• II degree – cracks appear in the intervertebral disc, keeping the spine in a stable position leads to spasms, pain in the back and chest. The disc begins to lose its elasticity and its height begins to decrease. The muscles in the affected area become constantly tense.
• III degree: protrusion of the central part of the intervertebral disc - the nucleus pulposus - occurs. Because of this, an intervertebral hernia occurs. The pain becomes constant and the cartilage begins to thin.
• IV degree – 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 need to make an appointment with a therapist or neurologist. During the examination, the patient talks about his complaints, and the doctor conducts a physical examination. During the examination, attention is paid to the relationship between the levels of the shoulder and pelvic girdles, the posture, the shape of the chest and the state of the muscular system.

Next, the doctor issues a referral for a diagnostic test. From studies, the patient may be prescribed:

• X-rays – X-rays are taken of problem areas of the spine, which show changes in the discs.
• CT scan: allows you to evaluate the condition of the injury site and examine the condition of the discs.
• ECG – recommended if cardiovascular disease is suspected.

How to treat thoracic osteochondrosis

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

• Massage
• Physiotherapy
• Physiotherapy
• Taking vitamins and medications

Massage for thoracic osteochondrosis

Massage of the cervicothoracic area will help relieve pain and inflammation, as well as strengthen the muscles that keep the vertebrae in a stable condition.

During the session the following massage techniques are used: caresses, squeezing, kneading, rubbing and vibrations. The direction of impact 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, you can use special oils during the massage.

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

Physiotherapy

Gymnastics for thoracic osteochondrosis consists of a series of exercises to strengthen the spinal muscles and form a strong muscle corset. In the initial stages, gymnastics will help you avoid taking medications.

What effect does physical therapy have on thoracic osteochondrosis?

• Deep breathing becomes correct
• The correct posture is formed
• Reduces the load on the spine
• The deep back muscles become less stiff
• Increases thoracic mobility

Exercises for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

Before starting gymnastics, you need to warm up. It can warm up and prepare your muscles for physical activity. To warm up you can use swings of the limbs, rotations and turns of the torso, neck and pelvis.

Here are some exercises suitable for the treatment of 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 must bend your chest, gently and simultaneously raise your arms and legs.
• Shoulder raises – While standing with your arms relaxed along your body, you need to raise each shoulder in turn.
• Bends in a chair: You need to sit in a chair so that your back is pressed firmly against the backrest. Hands should be lowered. In this position, as you inhale, you need to place your hands behind your back and bend backwards. As you exhale, you should lean forward. You can also lean to the side.
• Back arching: while standing on all fours, you need to arch your back and hold this position for several seconds. Then you need to return to the starting position. It is recommended to perform the exercise on a special mat.

The exercises should be performed regularly for several months. Therapeutic gymnastics should last no more than 30 minutes and should be performed in comfortable shoes and clothing. If sharp pain occurs, you should stop exercising.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is suitable for complex treatments. It can be used as an adjunctive or independent therapy. For 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 the affected tissue and improve the mobility of the lumbar region.
• Laser therapy is the effect of laser beams on the affected area. Helps improve immunity, provides analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. There is no pain during the procedure.
• Shockwave therapy is exposure to infrasonic acoustic waves. They promote the resorption of bone growths, stimulate collagen production and improve blood circulation.
• Medicinal electrophoresis is an effective technique for eliminating pain and improving the nutrition of the affected tissues. Electrodes and pads containing medicinal substances are fixed to the patient's skin.

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

Pharmacological treatment of osteochondrosis

With drug treatment, the patient is often prescribed a complex of drugs. The doctor determines the duration of the course and the list of specific drugs based on the clinical manifestations of osteochondrosis. The list of drugs may include, for example, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, vitamins, as well as special ointments or gels.

Nutrition for thoracic osteochondrosis

As an additional therapeutic measure, the patient can be prescribed the diet "Table No. 15". The diet does not require giving up most popular foods, but its peculiarity lies in a diet high in vitamins.

As part of the diet you can eat:

• Bread
• Milk
• Soups
• Lean meat: it is recommended to eat it every day
• Pasta
• Vegetables – whether fresh, salad or cooked
• Egg
• fresh fruit
• fresh berries
• Many types of sweets
• Butter and vegetable oils

Permitted drinks include light coffee, tea, juices and kvass.

What not to eat:

• Puff pastry pastry
• 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
• Smooth heating when working on the computer for a long time
• Maintain your posture in a sitting position: your back should be straight and your shoulders should be straightened
• Avoid hypothermia of the back
• Regular physical therapy

In addition, you need to pay attention to the choice of bedding. An unsuitable mattress and pillow prevent your back and neck from relaxing during sleep. For this reason, for a comfortable stay with osteochondrosis, it is recommended to purchase special orthopedic accessories.