Thoracic osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disorder that affects the thoracic spine. The disease of this section is not common, as the cervical and lumbar, this is because the thoracic region is not so mobile and is more protected than the rest of the spine. People after the age of 30 are more susceptible to this pathology.
Osteochondrosis is a degenerative change that occurs in different parts of the spine. Statistics show that this disease is getting younger, if elderly people suffered from this pathology, nowadays more and more the disease is diagnosed in the younger generation. This disease became the third most common after cardiovascular and oncological pathologies.
Reasons
- Injury;
- Excessive physical activity;
- Age-related column changes;
- hereditary predisposition to degenerative changes;
- metabolic disorders;
- Excessive integrity;
- A lifestyle in which a person moves little;
- Scoliosis: curvature of the spine;
- Serious concomitant diseases.
As a result of changes in the thoracic spine, nerve roots are pinched and the function of internal organs is disturbed.
Osteochondrosis is capable of masquerading as many cardiovascular diseases, therefore, a person can experience shortness of breath and tachycardia and cannot immediately recognize this ailment.
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 location of the process.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are:
- Pain in the sternum, aggravated by hypothermia, turning, bending, at night;
- Interscapular pain;
- Numbness of the arm and the interscapular region;
- Pain when exhaling and inhaling forcefully;
- Feeling of tightness in the chest;
- Tension of the muscles of the upper half of the back and in the chest region;
- In severe cases, pelvic dysfunction.
In the case of thoracic osteochondrosis in combination with cervical, dizziness and nausea are added to the symptoms.
There are three types of pain:
- Dorsagois a sudden and very severe pain that restricts movement. Such pain can occur when straightening the back after being in one position for a long time and can last up to several weeks.
- Back painis a moderate pain that does not go away for a long time, often accompanied by stiffness of movements. Such pain cannot be recognized immediately, as it develops over time and can rarely appear with mild pain.
- Pectalgiais mild pain in the front of the chest.
Diagnosis
The most common method of diagnosing thoracic osteochondrosis is radiography. This method is less expensive economically, but it cannot always reveal the complete picture of the disease, and X-rays also have ionizing radiation in the human body.
It is advisable to take a fasting X-ray and to follow a diet for some time before the exam (do not use gas-forming products).
Contraindications to radiography are: pregnancy (radiation negatively affects the development of the fetus), conditions in which the patient cannot be immobile in one position, with obesity, the diagnosis is also difficult, since the images areblurred. X-rays are taken while you are lying on your back or on your side.
However, medicine does not stand still and specialists are increasingly using newer technologies to diagnose osteochondrosis, such as:
- CT (computed tomography)
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
Computed tomography
This is a type of diagnosis that uses X-rays, whereas the scans are performed at different depths and the results are processed using a computer. If a CT scan is performed without a contrast agent, no preparation is required, but if a CT scan is performed with the introduction of a contrast agent, you should refuse to eat 4 hours before the examination. All jewelry and hairpins must be removed prior to the exam.
Contraindications of computed tomography:
- Pregnancy;
- Mental disorders;
- Allergy to a substance that is injected as contrast (if a CT is performed with it);
Magnetic resonance imaging
A highly informative diagnostic method that uses a magnetic field and radio frequency radiation. This is a relatively new diagnostic method, but it has taken its rightful place in medicine as it is harmless and very informative.
Such an examination does not require any preparation, however, a specialist should be warned about the characteristics of the body, allergies, if the examination is carried out with the use of contrast agents. All metal objects are removed prior to diagnosis.
The procedure is carried out lying on your back, it does not cause any painful sensation, except for a slight discomfort due to the sound of the device.
Contraindications for MRI:
- Chronic kidney failure;
- Allergy to a substance used as a contrast;
- Pregnancy;
- The presence of metallic elements in the human body (pacemakers, etc. );
- Claustrophobia.
Treatment
The methods used in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are complex and are prescribed individually by the doctor, depending on the history of the disease and concomitant diseases.
These include:
- Medications;
- Physiotherapy exercises;
- Massage and manual therapy;
- Physiotherapy;
- Traditional treatment methods.
Medications
Treatment aims to eliminate inflammation and reduce pain. Specialists prescribe the patient special ointments, analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs.
After using drugs aimed at eliminating pain, doctors prescribe the patient a drug that helps to normalize microcirculation and blood circulation, as well as vitamin complexes.
exercise therapy
Physical therapy exercises can help reduce muscle spasms and pain. Exercise helps increase muscle tone and improve blood circulation. All exercises should be done gently so that they do not cause severe pain. With thoracic osteochondrosis, the complex also includes exercises that help maintain the muscles of the back.
Massage
Used in combination with other treatment methods. The massage gives a quick effect during the treatment, relieves pain, improves blood circulation, tones the muscles and eliminates spasms. Massage courses can be started only when the stage of exacerbation has subsided.
It is best to entrust the massage to a qualified masseur and combine it with manual therapy and physical therapy exercises.
Manual therapy
Treatment is the effect of the therapist's hands on the spine.
Contraindications for manual therapy:
- pregnancy;
- hernia;
- osteoarthritis;
- spinal injuries;
- increased blood pressure;
- tumors;
- severe stage of scoliosis;
- inflammatory processes.
Manual therapy should be carried out only in the initial stages of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, as prescribed by a doctor and strictly by a qualified specialist; otherwise, this procedure can lead to serious complications.
Physiotherapy
The advantage of physiotherapy is the minimum of side reactions and the achievement of a quick effect. During treatment, magnetotherapy, amplipulse, ultrasound, electrophoresis, iontophoresis, diadynamic currents are used.
In each case, the doctor individually selects the procedure. Contraindications: oncology, pregnancy, skin diseases, serious cardiovascular diseases.
Traditional medicine
Consists of tinctures, rubs, ointments, baths.
Before starting treatment with home remedies, you should consult your doctor and remember the possibility of allergic reactions to various herbal ingredients.
Prevention
The main component of preventing thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine is an active lifestyle, which helps to keep the spine in good shape and maintain a correct posture. It is also important that the sleeping area is not too soft or hard. It is advisable to eat foods high in calcium and magnesium, to use vitamin complexes.