Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.

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

Osteochondrosis can be diagnosed both at 20 years old and in middle-aged patients.

The disease is less common than other forms of osteochondrosis: cervical and lumbar. This is explained by less mobility of the thoracic region, as well as the protection of the muscular corset and ribs.

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

Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine include:

• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Increased pain when breathing deeply.
• Increased fatigue
• Unstable gait
• Sensation of tightness in the chest area.
• Flexible
• The appearance of difficulty breathing.
• Cold feet
• Pain in the esophagus
• Cough

Pain due to thoracic osteochondrosis is divided according to its characteristics into back pain or back pain.

Dorsago: sharp pain in the chest area. It happens when you stay in one position for a long time. The pain can make it difficult to breathe.

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 the development of thoracic osteochondrosis.

The causes of the appearance 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 sitting 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 a sitting position increases.

The occurrence of thoracic osteochondrosis can also be affected by previous injuries to the spine, excess weight and weakened immunity.

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

Exacerbation of thoracic osteochondrosis is possible with an uncomfortable sleeping position, smoking, attending a 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, causing decreased sensation in the abdomen, back, and chest.
• Kyphosis is a curvature of the spine.
• Spinal protrusion and hernia 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.

• Degree: mild pain appears that quickly disappears in a comfortable position. Moisture is lost in the intervertebral disc and the nucleus pulposus moves slightly. Attention is not always paid to this stage, 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 causes spasms and 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 are constantly tense.
• III degree: a protrusion of the central part of the intervertebral disc, the nucleus pulposus, occurs. Due to this, an intervertebral hernia occurs. The pain becomes constant and the cartilage begins to thin.
• Grade IV: The annulus fibrosus tissue is replaced by bone. Bone tissue begins to break down.

Diagnosis of thoracic osteochondrosis.

If you suspect osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, you should make an appointment with a therapist or neurologist. During the examination, the patient talks about his complaints and the doctor performs a physical examination. During the examination, attention is paid to the relationship between the levels of the shoulder and pelvic girdle, posture, the shape of the chest and the state of the muscular system.

The doctor then issues a referral for a diagnostic test. Based on the studies, the patient can be prescribed:

• X-ray: X-rays are taken of problem areas of the spine, showing changes in the discs.
• Computed tomography - allows you to assess 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
• Take 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: stroking, squeezing, kneading, rubbing and vibrating. 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 best results, special oils can be used when massaging.

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

Physiotherapy

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

What effect does exercise therapy have on thoracic osteochondrosis?

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

Exercises for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.

Before starting gymnastics, it is necessary to warm up. It can warm up and prepare muscles for physical activity. To warm up, you can use limb swings, rotations and twists of the torso, neck and pelvis.

Below are some exercises suitable for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis:

• "Boat" - you need to lie face down, stretch your arms above your head and keep your legs straight. In this position, you should gently and simultaneously bend your chest and raise your arms and legs.
• Shoulder Raise: While standing with your arms relaxed along your body, you should raise each shoulder in turn.
• Leaning over a chair - you should sit on a chair so that your back is firmly pressed against the backrest. Hands must be lowered. In this position, while inhaling, you need to put your hands behind your back and lean back. As you exhale, you should lean forward. You can also lean to one side.
• Back arch: Standing on all fours, you should arch your back and hold this position for several seconds. Then you must return to the starting position. It is recommended to perform the exercise on a special mat.

The exercises should be done regularly for several months. Therapeutic gymnastics should last no more than 30 minutes and should be performed in comfortable shoes and clothing. If acute pain occurs, it is necessary to stop exercising.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is suitable for complex treatments. It can be used as additional 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 blood circulation to be normalized, restore the affected tissue and improve the mobility of the lumbar region.
• Laser therapy is the effect of laser rays on the affected area. Helps improve immunity, provides analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. There is no pain during the procedure.
• Shock wave 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 to eliminate pain and improve nutrition of affected tissues. Electrodes and pads containing medicinal substances are fixed on 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 medications. The duration of the course and the list of specific medications is determined by the doctor depending on the clinical manifestations of osteochondrosis. The list of medications may include, for example, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, vitamins and special ointments or gels.

Nutrition for thoracic osteochondrosis.

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

As part of the diet you can eat:

• Bread
• Milk
• soups
• Lean meat: it is advisable to eat it every day.
• Pasta
• Vegetables, both fresh and in salads or cooked.
• Eggs
• Fresh fruits
• fresh blackberries
• Many types of sweets
• Butter and vegetable oils

Allowed drinks include weak coffee, tea, juices and kvass.

What not to eat:

• Puff pastries
• Dishes with fatty meats 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.
• Regular warm-up when working in front of a computer for a long time
• Maintain a sitting posture: your back should be straight and your shoulders stretched.
• Avoid hypothermia of the back.
• Regular exercise therapy

Additionally, attention should be paid to the choice of bedding. An inadequate mattress and pillow will prevent your back and neck from being relaxed while you sleep. For this reason, for a comfortable stay with osteochondrosis, it is recommended to purchase special orthopedic accessories.