Thoracic osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease affecting the intervertebral discs;As the pathology progresses, the surrounding structures take part in the process.Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are different, often similar to the manifestations of other diseases.To diagnose this patria, a number of methods are used to detect changes in intervertebral structures.Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis includes the use of drugs in the form of physical therapy and massage, as well as non-drug therapy.Many are interested in how to treat thoracic osteochondrosis using traditional methods.
Risk factors
Thoracic osteochondrosis most often occurs when there are one or more predisposing factors.These include:
- hereditary tendency;
- abnormalities of the spine;
- excessive physical activity;
- low physical activity;
- After falling on the back, damage to the intervertebral discs, blows to the back;
- For example, the vibration that is typical for vehicle drivers is long.
- Being overweight;
- hormonal disorders;
- smoking;
- Age over 40 years;
- wear high heels.
Features of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
Due to the features of the anatomical structure, the thoracic spine is less mobile than the cervical spine, which carries less load than the lumbar part of the lumbar spine.In this regard, osteochondrosis of this part rarely occurs.
The most common symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are Dorsago, Dorsalgia.Dorsago is a sharp pain that appears when a person starts to stand up, after staying in a long position.Often the pain is so severe that it becomes difficult to breathe.This condition can be accompanied by muscle tension in the chest, neck and lower back.
Dorsalgia is a gradually developing chest pain that lasts 2-3 weeks.Staying in one position for a long time, turning, unpleasant sensations intensify when turning or taking a deep breath.
Other common manifestations of thoracic osteochondrosis are:
- Pain in the stomach, along with nausea, vomiting, the occurrence of which is not related to dietary habits;
- pain in the right hypochondrium, aggravated by coughing, sneezing or changing body position;
- Back pain reminiscent of renal colic, sometimes accompanied by urinary disorders;
- Pain in the upper chest is accompanied by the sensation of a foreign body in the throat;
- aching pain in the mammary glands.
Degrees of disease
Depending on the severity of the pathological process and the manifestations of the disease, 4 degrees of osteochondrosis are distinguished.
First
At this stage, it is in the form of a crack in the fibrous ring penetrated by the nucleus pulposus.Pain at the site of the lesion is a sign of osteochondrosis of the chest at this stage.They can be permanent or appear suddenly, in the form of lumbago.Sometimes unpleasant sensations appear in the heart region and local muscle contractions are noted.
Second
This stage is characterized by the appearance of pathological mobility between the vertebrae at the site of the lesion.Pain occurs when staying in a position for a long time and continuing with movement.
Third
This stage is characterized by the rupture of the annulus fibrosus and the protrusion of the nucleus pulposus.Such pathological changes are accompanied by the formation of intervertebral hernias.The latter can compress nerve fibers, blood vessels and the spinal cord.
Painful sensations occur more often and are accompanied by problems and discomfort in the heart area.
Fourth
The pathological process involves the structures surrounding the intervertebral discs.The ligamentous apparatus of the spine is affected andosteophytes- Bone growths that damage nerve fibers, sometimes the spinal cord.
Possible complications
When thoracic osteochondrosis is accompanied by spinal nerve root compression, intercostal neuralgia occurs.It is characterized by attacks of sharp pain in half of the chest.Unpleasant sensations spread from the spine along the nerve fibers to the sternum and are shooting in nature.
With intercostal neuralgia, pain often spreads to the stomach, shoulder blade, arm and retrosternal region.When the sympathetic fibers are damaged, it is noted that there is a skin rash and redness in the affected area.The duration of a painful attack is from a few seconds to a minute.In the intercostal space, a person can feel paresthesia (numbness, crawling), this symptom is characteristic of the time between attacks.
Another complication of this condition is spondyloarthrosis.With this pathology, the joints between the vertebrae are deformed, the cartilage layer is destroyed, the ligaments are stretched, and the mobility of the vertebrae relative to each other increases.In response to inflammation, a spasm of the muscles around the waist occurs.
Subsequently, osteophytes appear, and against the background of the formation of such growths, the affected part of the spine loses mobility.Bone growth sometimes compresses nerve roots, causing pain and sensation disorders.
Diagnosis of the disease
The simplest way to detect thoracic osteochondrosis is X-ray of the spine.This study reveals flattening of the intervertebral discs, uneven contours, interconnection of the bodies of adjacent vertebrae and changes in their shape.
Sometimes discography is performed - an X-ray examination using a contrast agent.This method allows us to determine the uneven boundaries of the nucleus pulposus, which is characteristic of osteochondrosis.With a presented pathological process, the contrast completely fills the intervertebral disc, which is sometimes excessively stretched.
More accurate images of the spine can be obtained using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.These methods make it possible to evaluate the severity of the degenerative process in more detail, to determine the presence, location and size of the tear.
If symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis appear, the doctor may also recommend a general blood test as an auxiliary diagnostic method.This disease is often accompanied by a slight increase in the number of leukocytes and an increase in ESR.When testing blood for electrolytes, a decrease in calcium levels is sometimes noted.
The manifestations of thoracic osteochondrosis are similar to the symptoms of many diseases;If it happens, it is necessary to consult a doctor for examination and clarification of the diagnosis.If left untreated, the disease often leads to complications.
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis: gymnastics and exercise therapy
Gymnastics increases mobility in the intervertebral and costoneural joint of the thoracic region, reduces the feeling of stiffness and eliminates muscle spasm.
Before treating Thooracic osteochondrosis at home, you should make sure that there are no contraindications.Gymnastics classes are prohibited:
- complications of osteochondrosis;
- early recovery period after surgical treatment of osteochondrosis;
- neurological pathology accompanied by impaired coordination of movements;
- High blood pressure, heart rhythm disorders;
- Exacerbation of any chronic diseases, acute inflammation and infectious processes.
Massage
Massage improves blood circulation in the tissues around the spine, and at the same time relieves muscle spasm while increasing their tone.Against this background, pain and discomfort in the back region decreases.
The following types of massage can be used for thoracic osteochondrosis:
- Classic.
- Point (effect on certain points).
- Segmental (back massage in the thoracic region aimed at improving local blood circulation).
- Kubp (exposure to vacuum affected areas).
Classic massage includes rubs, strokes, kneading, vibration movements and pinches.
Drug treatment
Drug treatment for thoracic osteochondrosis is aimed at:
- Reduction of inflammatory processes;
- pain relief;
- reducing muscle spasm;
- Improving the condition of cartilage and nerve tissue.
The most commonly used drugs to treat the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.These drugs suppress the inflammatory reactions occurring in the nerve fibers, resulting in pain reduction.These funds are used in the following form:
- Tablets.
- Ointments, gels.
- Injections.
Injections of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used for complications of the disease.
The most common side effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs include ulcers, blood clots, kidney damage, and damage to the lining of the digestive system with reduced allergic reactions.
Treatment of closed thoracic osteochondrosis with drugs from the group of muscle relaxants reduces spasm of the muscles around the extrudate, compresses nerve endings and blood vessels, and results in a decrease in pain intensity.
Chondroprotectors normalize metabolic processes in cartilage tissue and prevent its destruction.The composition of such products includes chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, which is involved in the synthesis of connective tissue.
Preparations with B vitamins improve metabolism in damaged nerve fibers, which leads to the suppression of inflammatory reactions.
Folk remedies for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis at home includes the use of ointments, compresses and taking various infusions and receptions.It helps to reduce the severity of inflammation, improve metabolic processes in the affected areas of the spine and reduce pain.
Ointments, compresses with natural ingredients
Before treating intestinal osteochondrosis with these drugs, it is important to prepare them correctly.To get egg vinegar ointment, you need to mix one chicken egg with the same volume of table vinegar, add 100 grams of soft butter to them and bring the mixture to a homogeneous consistency.This ointment is applied in a thin layer to the affected area overnight.
To prepare another product, you need to mix 2 tablespoons of crushed sage and plantain leaves.Add 40 grams of melted petroleum jelly and 50 milliliters of olive oil to the plants.All components are thoroughly mixed, applied to the affected area in the resulting ointment, and a warm cloth is applied on top.The procedure can be repeated 2-3 times a day.
To prepare one of the most effective compresses, you need to prepare 50 grams of aloe leaves, 100 milliliters of vodka, and 100 grams of honey.Aloe is crushed using a grater and the rest of the ingredients are added.The composition was infused for 5 days.The product is applied to the area where pain is felt, polyethylene is placed on the back skin and a towel or scarf is wrapped over the chest.The compress remains for 2 hours.
Infusions, tinctures, receptions
To prepare an anti-inflammatory decoction, you need to mix a spoonful of dried chamomile and mint.300 milliliters of hot water is added to the plant material, then the composition is boiled for 10 minutes using a water bath.The composition is taken 2 tablespoons three times a day.
To get an infusion with anti-inflammatory properties, 2 tablespoons of strawberry and birch leaves, 3 tablespoons of chamomile flowers, calendula, one tablespoon, one tablespoon, 10 grams of oak bark.The listed components are mixed, 2 tablespoons of this composition are poured with a liter of boiling water and left for 4 hours.This infusion should be drunk 100 milliliters 3 times a day.
To obtain Arnica tincture, 25 grams of plant flowers are poured with half a liter of vodka.The product is placed in a dark, cool place for a month.After dissolving the tincture in a small amount of water, take 20 drops three times a day.This tool improves metabolic processes in the affected areas of the spine and reduces the severity of inflammatory reactions.
Prevention
To prevent the development of thoracic osteochondrosis, it is recommended:
- stop smoking and abusing alcohol;
- normalize nutrition, reduce the content of fat and fried foods in the diet;
- maintain optimal body weight;
- Avoid heavy lifting and physical overload.
Complex treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis, consisting of drug therapy, massage, and exercise therapy, aims to reduce inflammation, muscle spasms, and relieve pain.Traditional methods serve as an auxiliary measure that helps to increase the effect of other ongoing activities.