Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a common disease, which is manifested by a variety of symptoms and affects professional activities.Clinical signs of the disease are associated with dystrophic changes in the thoracic vertebrae, intervertebral discs and ligaments.The disease is often combined with cervical chondrosis and, without treatment, reduces the quality of life.
Causes of thoracic osteochondrosis.
The causes are related to metabolic disorders, vascular and endocrine diseases and congenital pathologies.Disorders negatively affect the nutrition of the intervertebral discs, disrupt their structure and normal functioning.The resulting disorder in the discs leads to the growth of cartilaginous tissue in the vertebrae, changes in the ligaments and joints.The spine stops functioning normally during flexion, extension, and other movements, causing compression of the spinal cord, blood vessels, and nerve endings.
The following conditions can provoke the appearance of osteochondrosis:
- Incorrect posture, lateral curvature of the spine;
- Back injuries;
- physical inactivity;
- Inheritance;
- Bad habits;
- Nervousness, physical tension, stress;
- Overload of the back and spine when wearing high-heeled shoes, during pregnancy, flat feet;
- I work physically hard.
Osteochondrosis of the cervicothoracic spine occurs due to hypothermia, prolonged exposure to a forced uncomfortable position, and infectious diseases.The disease is often recorded in areas with poor ecology and unfavorable climatic conditions.
The intervertebral discs of the thoracic vertebrae are equally affected by sedentary lifestyle and physical activity, which increases the likelihood of injury.The shock absorption capacity of the discs is lost;They do not protect the vertebrae from contact with each other.The result is the growth of cartilage tissue and complete degeneration of the discs.
An exacerbation of the disease is observed in cases of non-compliance with the work and rest regime, colds and nervous overstrain.Preventive treatment given twice a year reduces the likelihood of exacerbations.
Common osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine often disguises itself as other diseases.To make an accurate diagnosis, it is advisable to perform additional examinations.
Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic vertebrae disguises itself as other diseases: angina, gastritis, neuralgia, pancreatitis.As a result of disturbances in the functioning of the thoracic vertebrae, the nerve endings going to these organs are pinched, which affects the appearance of pain in them.If pain occurs in these organs, it is worth carrying out a complete examination;A correct diagnosis will help cure the disease.
Osteochondrosis manifests itself in symptoms:
- Intense pain in the back, between the shoulder blades, in the thoracic spine;
- Exhalation and inhalation are accompanied by pain;
- Heartache: oppressive, painful, oppressive;
- Numbness of body parts;
- Pain when bending or doing physical work.
The difference between pain in osteochondrosis and angina is that pain in heart disease is diffuse, while in osteochondrosis it is punctual.Imaging of the thoracic spine, ultrasound of internal organs and ECG will help differentiate diseases during diagnosis.Signs of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine resemble diseases of the pancreas, liver and lungs.If they present pain, it is advisable to consult a neurologist who will determine the presence or absence of osteochondrosis.
Osteochondrosis treatment
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine requires complex drug therapy, lifestyle changes and special exercises.In the acute phase of the disease, bed rest for several days with limited movement is prescribed.Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used as medications.The drugs have a moderate analgesic effect.To reduce pain, injectable and tablet analgesics are used, sometimes novocaine blocks are indicated.
It is possible to relieve muscle tension, numbness and pain by using anti-inflammatory medicated ointments.During the recovery period, it is important to perform a massage correctly, which relaxes the muscles and improves blood supply to the spinal cord, spine and internal organs.
Gymnastics is indicated during the interictal period: it returns mobility to the vertebrae and helps to improve the functioning of the ligaments.The neurologist will recommend a course of individual sessions, focusing on the symptoms of the disease, the stage of vertebral destruction, age and the presence of other diseases.When performing gymnastics, it is important not to cause additional damage to the spine.
The exercises are performed daily under wellness control.After eliminating signs of the disease, it is important to remember that it can return.Therefore, a balanced diet, the absence of bad habits and moderate physical activity should become the norm of life.