Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a common disease, which is manifested by various symptoms and affects professional activities.The clinical signs of the disease are associated with dystrophic changes in the thoracic vertebrae, intervertebral discs, and ligaments.This disease is often combined with cervical chondrosis and, without treatment, reduces the quality of life.
Causes of thoracic osteochondrosis
Its causes are related to metabolic disorders, vascular, endocrine diseases, and congenital pathologies.Disorders negatively affect the nutrition of the intervertebral disc, disrupting its normal structure and function.The resulting disruption in the disc leads to the growth of cartilage tissue in the vertebrae, changes in ligaments and joints.The spine stops functioning normally during flexion, extension, and other movements, leading to compression of the spinal cord, blood vessels, and nerve endings.
The following conditions can trigger the occurrence of osteochondrosis:
- Incorrect posture, lateral curvature of the spine;
- back injury;
- Physical inactivity;
- Ancestry;
- Bad habits;
- Nerves, physical tension, stress;
- Excess load on the back and spine when wearing high-heeled shoes, during pregnancy, flat feet;
- Physical hard work.
Osteochondrosis of the cervicothoracic spine occurs as a result of hypothermia, prolonged exposure to forced uncomfortable positions, and infectious diseases.This disease is often recorded in areas with poor ecology and unfavorable climatic conditions.
The intervertebral discs of the thoracic vertebrae are equally affected by a sedentary lifestyle and physical activity, which increases the likelihood of injury.The disc's ability to absorb shock is lost;they do not protect the vertebrae from touching each other.The result is the growth of cartilage tissue, complete degeneration of the disc.
The severity of the disease is observed in cases of non-compliance with the regime of work and rest, colds, and excessive nervous tension.Preventive treatment given twice a year reduces the likelihood of exacerbations.
Common osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine often disguises itself as another disease.In order to make an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to carry out additional examinations.
Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic vertebrae masquerading as other diseases - angina pectoris, gastritis, neuralgia, pancreatitis.As a result of disturbances in the function of the thoracic vertebrae, the nerve endings that go to these organs are pinched, which affects the occurrence of pain in them.If pain occurs in these organs, it is appropriate to carry out a full examination;A correct diagnosis will help cure this disease.
Osteochondrosis manifests itself in 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, squeezing;
- Numbness of body parts;
- Pain when bending over or doing physical work.
The difference between pain in osteochondrosis and angina is that the pain in heart disease is diffuse, while in osteochondrosis it is point-like.Images of the thoracic spine, ultrasound of internal organs, and ECG will help distinguish the disease during diagnosis.Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine resemble diseases of the pancreas, liver, and lungs.If pain occurs in it, you should consult 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, bed rest is prescribed for several days with limited movement.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used as medicine.Medicines have a moderate analgesic effect.To reduce pain, injections and tablet analgesics are used, sometimes novocaine blocks are indicated.
It is possible to relieve muscle tension, numbness, and pain using medicinal anti-inflammatory ointments.During the recovery period, a properly administered massage course is important, relaxing the muscles, increasing the blood supply to the spinal cord, spine, and internal organs.
Gymnastics is indicated during the interictal period - it restores mobility to the vertebrae, helps to improve the function of the ligaments.The neurologist will recommend a 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 when doing gymnastics not to cause additional harm to the spine.
Exercise is done every day under the control of well-being.After eliminating the 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 be the norm of life.