A sedentary lifestyle, injuries or excessive physical activity cause diseases of the musculoskeletal system. To avoid complications, it is important to start treatment early in the process. To do this, you need to know the causes and symptoms of the pathology.
Description of the disease, what is its danger.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a chronic disease in which dystrophic changes begin in the cartilage located in the intervertebral space. Pathology is expressed by a decrease in the height of the discs and compression of the intercostal nerve endings.
Thoracic osteochondrosis goes through several stages of progression.
The first is characterized by desiccation of the intervertebral disc, decreased firmness and elasticity, and the appearance of cracks. The pain is mild and goes away after the person gets some rest.
At the second stage, the disc decreases in height, the niche in the vertebra is filled with the nucleus pulposus, but does not go beyond its edges. Muscles experience constant tension. A person complains of severe pain, which goes away after resting.
The third stage is characterized by the outflow of the nucleus pulposus beyond the borders, the fissure reaches the vertebral border. As a result, an intervertebral hernia is formed. The pain becomes constant.
In the fourth stage, an overgrowth of connective tissue is found, which puts pressure on the nearby vertebrae. To compensate for the reduced layer, the growth of bone tissue begins. More and more growths (osteophytes) appear.
Types of thoracic osteochondrosis and complications.
Depending on the nature of the pain, there are two types of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- dorsago, which is characterized by a sharp sharp pain in the form of lumbago, localized in the thoracic spine. The condition is accompanied by muscle tension, problems with movement in the neck and thoracic region;
- dorsalgia, in which the pain slowly increases. Inhalations and twists of the torso, as well as a long stay in one position, increase discomfort. At night, the discomfort deepens and disappears during the walk.
In the absence of adequate therapy, the nerve endings are increasingly compressed. As a result, osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can lead to complications:
- kidney pathology;
- Diseases of the digestive system;
- immobility;
- persistent pain;
- interruptions in cardiac activity;
- intervertebral hernia;
- decreased ability to conceive;
- violation in the work of the lungs, caused by the growth of connective tissue.
Why does the pathology of the thoracic spine occur?
This section of the spine experiences medium load and limited mobility. However, the pathology is common. The disease can be provoked by one of the reasons or a combination of them:
- injuries and damages;
- excessive load on the department, including in childhood;
- age-related changes associated with a decrease in the nutrition of the tissues of the discs between the vertebrae;
- diseases of the endocrinological profile, especially during menopause;
- age-related violation of calcium absorption;
- excess body weight;
- problems with blood vessels, atherosclerotic deposits in the vessels of the thoracic region;
- weak muscle corset.
How the pathology manifests itself.
Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are represented by pain and increased muscle tone. The pain can be of short duration with lumbago and long-term pain. The recoil can be felt in the front of the chest, below the ribs, and in the shoulder. The pain is aggravated by prolonged stay in one position.
A characteristic sign of pathology is tenderness on palpation of the spinous processes of the thoracic vertebrae.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are similar to those of other diseases and include:
- discomfort in the region of the heart, reminiscent of pain in angina pectoris;
- pain during breathing, shortness of breath, also manifested in pneumonia, tuberculosis, obstructive pulmonary disease;
- pain in the epigastric region, under the ribs, similar to signs of gastrointestinal diseases.
Methods of treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis.
If he complains, you should contact a neurologist. Therapy includes medication, physical therapy, exercise therapy, and massage.
Of the drugs, doctors prescribe:
- means for eliminating the focus of inflammation in the spine;
- medications to reduce muscle tone and the risk of squeezing the sensitive roots of the spinal cord;
- neuroprotectors designed to help restore nerve fibers.
The choice and dosage are selected by the doctor, who will take into account tolerance to the drug, comorbidities and the weight of the patient.
It is important to observe the recommended duration of treatment to avoid relapse. You can buy prescription drugs at low cost in the online store. Information about the price, drugs in stock, current promotions and discounts are available 24 hours a day on the site.
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Physiotherapy includes:
- diadynamic therapy, that is, treatment with electric current to relax the muscles and reduce pain;
- electrophoresis with analgesics;
- magnetotherapy to relieve discomfort and swelling.
Massage should be done carefully, using rubbing techniques. The area below the shoulder blades and between the ribs should be treated carefully. For the appearance of the effect, at least 10-15 sessions are required.
During physical therapy exercises, the emphasis is on exercises that strengthen the muscle brace, neck, and lower back.
Locally prescribed ointments and gels with anti-inflammatory action, heating patches, needle applicator.