Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a common disease that manifests itself with various 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, endocrine diseases and congenital pathologies.Disorders negatively affect the nutrition of the intervertebral discs, disturb their structure and normal functioning.The resulting disorder in the discs leads to the growth of cartilage tissue on the vertebrae, changes in the ligaments and joints.The spine stops functioning normally during flexion, extension and other movements, which leads to compression of the spinal cord, blood vessels and nerve endings.
The following conditions can cause osteochondrosis:
- Improper posture, lateral curvature of the spine;
- Back injuries;
- physical inactivity;
- Heredity;
- Bad habits;
- Nervousness, physical exertion, stress;
- Back and spine overload when wearing high-heeled shoes, during pregnancy, flat feet;
- Physically hard work.
Osteochondrosis of the cervicothoracic spine occurs due to hypothermia, prolonged exposure to forced uncomfortable positions 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 negatively affected by a sedentary lifestyle and physical activity, which increases the likelihood of injury.The discs' ability to absorb shocks is lost;they do not protect the vertebrae from mutual contact.The result is growth of cartilage tissue, complete degeneration of discs.
Aggravation 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 is often disguised as other diseases.In order to make an accurate diagnosis, it is worth conducting additional examinations.
Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic vertebrae is hidden by other diseases - angina pectoris, gastritis, neuralgia, pancreatitis.As a result of disturbances in the work of the thoracic vertebrae, the nerve endings leading to these organs are compressed, which affects the occurrence of pain in them.If pain appears in these organs, it is worth conducting a complete examination;correct diagnosis will help cure the disease.
Osteochondrosis is manifested by symptoms:
- Severe pain in the back - between the shoulder blades, in the thoracic spine;
- Exhalation and inhalation are accompanied by pain;
- Heart pain: pressing, pain, tightness;
- Numbness of body parts;
- Pain when bending over or doing physical work.
The difference between the pain in osteochondrosis and angina is that the pain in heart diseases is diffuse, while in osteochondrosis it is point-like.Pictures of the thoracic spine, ultrasound of internal organs and ECG will help to differentiate the disease during diagnosis.Signs of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine resemble diseases of the pancreas, liver and lungs.If pain occurs in them, you should contact a neurologist who will determine the presence or absence of osteochondrosis.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine requires complex drug therapy, lifestyle changes and special exercises.In the acute phase of the disease, rest in bed for several days with limited movement is prescribed.Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used as drugs.Medicines have a moderate analgesic effect.To reduce pain, injections and analgesics in tablets are used, sometimes novocaine blockades are indicated.
It is possible to relieve muscle tension, numbness and pain with medicinal anti-inflammatory ointments.During the recovery period, a properly applied massage course is important, which relaxes the muscles, improves blood supply to the spinal cord, spine and internal organs.
Gymnastics is indicated in the interictal period - it restores mobility to the vertebrae, helps to improve the functioning of the ligaments.The neurologist will recommend the course of individual sessions, focusing on the symptoms of the disease, the stage of destruction of the vertebrae, age and the presence of other diseases.It is important not to cause additional damage to the spine when performing gymnastics.
Exercises are performed daily under well-being control.After removing the signs of the disease, it is important to remember that it can return.Therefore, a balanced diet, absence of bad habits and moderate physical activity should become the norm of life.