Thoracic osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease affecting the thoracic spine. Diseases of this part, such as the cervix and spine, are common because the thoracic region is more mobile and less protected than the rest of the spine. After the age of 30, people are more susceptible to this pathology.
Osteochondrosis is a degenerative change that occurs in different parts of the spine. Statistics show that the disease is getting younger, if in the past the elderly suffered from this pathology, today the younger generation is diagnosed more often. It is the third most common disease after cardiovascular and oncological pathologies.
Reasons
- injuries;
- Excessive physical activity;
- Age-related changes in the spine;
- Hereditary predisposition to degenerative changes;
- metabolic diseases;
- extreme completeness;
- A lifestyle in which a person moves less;
- Scoliosis - curvature of the spine;
- Serious concomitant diseases.
As a result of changes in the thoracic region of the spine, nerve roots are compressed and the function of internal organs is impaired.
Osteochondrosis is able to disguise itself as many cardiovascular diseases, so a person may experience shortness of breath and tachycardia and may not be able to recognize the disease immediately.
The disease can be confused with various pathologies of the respiratory system and pathologies of the abdominal cavity. None of the signs is specific and depends on the severity and localization of the process.
symptoms
The main symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are:
- Pain in the sternum aggravated by hypothermia, rotation, bending;
- Black pain;
- alignment of the arm and intercostal space;
- Severe exhalation and pain during respiration;
- feeling of tightness in the chest;
- Density of the muscles of the upper back and chest;
- In severe cases, pelvic dysfunction.
Dizziness and nausea are added to the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis combined with cervical.
There are three types of pain:
- Dorsagois a very strong, sudden pain that restricts movement. Such pain can occur when the spine is straightened after being in one position for a long time and can last up to several weeks.
- Dorsalgiais a mild to moderate pain that is often accompanied by stiffness. This type of pain is not immediately recognizable, as it develops over time and can rarely be seen with mild pain.
- Pectalgiais moderate pain in the front of the chest.
Diagnostics
The most common method for diagnosing thoracic osteochondrosis is radiography. This method is less expensive, but does not always give a complete picture of the disease, and X-rays also contain ionizing radiation in the human body.
Before the examination, it is recommended to do an X-ray on an empty stomach and diet for a while (do not eat gas-producing foods).
Contraindications to X-rays are: pregnancy (radiation adversely affects the development of the fetus), the inability of the patient to move in one position, and the diagnosis of obesity is difficult because the images are blurred. X-rays are taken while lying on your back or side.
However, medicine still does not stop, and specialists are increasingly using new technologies to diagnose osteochondrosis:
- CT (computed tomography)
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
Computed tomography
This is a type of diagnostics using X-rays, in which scans are performed at different depths and the results are processed by a computer. No preparation is required if the CT scan is performed without a contrast agent, but if a CT scan is performed with a contrast agent, you must abstain from food for 4 hours before the examination. All jewelry and hairpins should be removed before examination.
CT contraindications:
- Pregnancy;
- Mental disorders;
- Allergy to a contrast agent (if CT is used);
Magnetic resonance imaging
A well-informed diagnostic method that uses magnetic field and radio frequency radiation. This is a relatively new diagnostic method, but because it is harmless and very informative, it has taken its rightful place in medicine.
Such an examination does not require any preparation, but if the examination is performed using contrast agents, a specialist should be warned about the characteristics of the body, allergies. All metal objects are removed before diagnostics.
The procedure is performed lying on your back, does not cause painful sensations, except for a slight discomfort from the sound of the device.
Contraindications to MRI:
- Chronic renal failure;
- Allergy to a substance used as a contrast;
- Pregnancy;
- presence of metal elements in the human body (pacemaker, etc. );
- Claustrophobia.
Treatment
The methods used to treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are complex and are determined individually by the physician depending on the history of the disease and the accompanying diseases.
These include:
- medicines;
- Physiotherapy exercises;
- Massage and manual therapy;
- Physiotherapy;
- Traditional treatments.
Medication
Treatment aims to eliminate inflammation and reduce pain. Specialists prescribe special ointments, analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs to the patient.
After taking painkillers, doctors prescribe a drug that helps the patient to normalize microcirculation and blood circulation, in addition to vitamin complexes.
exercise therapy
Physiotherapy exercises can help reduce muscle spasms and pain. Exercise helps increase muscle tone and improve blood circulation. All exercises should be done smoothly so as not to cause severe pain. Complex with thoracic osteochondrosis also includes exercises that help support the back muscles.
Massage
Used in conjunction with other treatments. Massage has a rapid effect during treatment, relieves pain, improves blood circulation, tones muscles, eliminates spasms. Massage courses can be started only when the ignition phase is reduced.
It is best to entrust massage to a qualified massage therapist and combine it with manual therapy and physiotherapy exercises.
Manual therapy
Treatment is the effect of the therapist's hands on the spine.
Contraindications to manual treatment:
- pregnancy;
- hernia;
- arthrosis;
- spinal injuries;
- increased blood pressure;
- tumors;
- severe stage of scoliosis;
- inflammatory processes.
Manual therapy should be performed only in the early stages of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, as prescribed by a doctor and prescribed by a specialist, otherwise this procedure can lead to serious complications.
Physiotherapy
The advantage of physical therapy is to achieve minimal side effects and a rapid effect. Magnetotherapy, amplipulse, ultrasound, electrophoresis, iontophoresis, diadynamic currents are used during treatment.
In each case, the doctor chooses the procedure individually. Contraindications: oncology, pregnancy, skin diseases, severe cardiovascular disease.
Traditional medicine
Consists of tinctures, rubs, ointments, baths.
Before starting treatment with folk remedies, you should consult your doctor and remember about the possibility of allergic reactions to various herbal substances.
Prevention
A key component in the prevention of osteochondrosis of the spine is an active lifestyle that helps keep the spine in good condition and maintain proper posture. It is also important that the sleeping area is not too soft or hard. It is recommended to eat foods high in calcium and magnesium, use vitamin complexes.