Thoracic osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine, in which the position of the vertebrae becomes unnatural, the intervertebral disc degenerates, as a result of which its height decreases. Osteochondrosis in the chest region is not as common as in the neck or lower back. It has to do with anatomy. In the central part, the spine is stable and stable, in addition, it is less sensitive to stress, less mobile, there are fewer conditions for trauma to the vertebral discs.
The risk group for this disease includes the elderly and those who lead a sedentary lifestyle. However, the pathology is increasingly diagnosed in adolescents, and at the age of 30-35 the number of cases increases significantly.
Classification of thoracic osteochondrosis
The disease is classified on the basis of the syndromic principle. Affected areas of the spine negatively affect nerve formations.
According to localization, such forms of thoracic spine osteochondrosis are distinguished:
- compression syndrome (development is accompanied by tension, deformity or compression of the nerve root; areas of the spinal cord or blood vessels may be affected; as a result, spinal, vascular or radicular syndromes appear);
- reflex syndrome (the effect occurs reflexively, straining the innervated muscles; dystrophic and vascular disorders occur);
- myoadaptive syndrome (muscle damage in the chest segment due to constant overload).
Etiology of osteochondrosis of the chest region
Causes of osteochondrosis of the chest are a consequence of low physical activity, back injuries, heavy physical exertion, metabolic disorders, overweight, weak immunity, frequent colds, infections, smoking, stress. In women, among other things, the development of the disease can be stimulated by walking in high heels and holding a child.
In addition, the causes of breast osteochondrosis are:
- poorly distributed load on the intervertebral discs;
- degenerative changes in intervertebral disc tissues;
- lack of minimal physical activity;
- scoliosis;
- permanent abnormal position of the spine in a sitting position.
Pathogenesis of the disease
Mild discomfort, muscle tension, and "tolerable" pain during sucking and bending are the initial signs of osteochondrosis of the chest. A person usually seeks a doctor when the pain becomes acute and does not allow him to live a normal life. Therapy for thoracic osteochondrosis is long-term, which requires constant attention. If left untreated, dystrophic changes lead to limited movement and even disability of the patient.
Clinical manifestations of osteochondrosis
The symptoms of breast osteochondrosis have different manifestations, depending on the localization of the process. Moreover, the disease "adapts" skillfully to other problems.
The most typical symptoms of osteochondrosis of the chest:
- pain in the intercapular region;
- chest discomfort;
- headache and heartache;
- pain during flexion;
- movement restriction;
- tingling sensation in the neck, abdomen, chest and arms;
- dizziness, tinnitus, flies in front of the eyes;
- sensations of pain that increase with absorption.
Decreased sensitivity, impaired motor function, and muscle atrophy add to the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis as the pathology progresses.
Characteristics of the course of osteochondrosis of the breast during pregnancy
The development of pain during pregnancy is associated with weight gain. At the same time, shifting to the center of gravity changes posture. Low physical activity in combination with a sedentary lifestyle causes disc herniation. Increased pressure in the chest region leads to pain. During pregnancy, osteochondrosis of the chest region is mainly treated without the use of specialized drugs, as they can harm the health of the fetus. Therefore, applicators, Kuznetsov special massages and exercises are used.
Characteristics of the disease in children
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can appear from 8 to 17 years. An unprepared spine undergoes pathological changes under heavy loads. After the correct diagnosis, treatment begins. As a rule, in this period, a timely treatment process leads to excellent results. It is necessary to strengthen the muscles, improve the condition of the cartilage and perform physiotherapy.
Complications of pathology
Most patients with thoracic osteochondrosis try to delay treatment, which, in turn, leads to significant complications.
Consequences of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- Formation of an intervertebral hernia
- Spinal cord injury
- The appearance of hypertension
- Risk of stroke and heart attack
Diagnosing
Diagnosis of thoracic osteochondrosis, including differential, includes:
- digital radiography;
- EKG;
- Ultrasound of the heart, kidneys and abdominal organs;
- CT.
The doctor will determine the exact X-ray picture, where he will see the growth of the vertebral body and the displacement of the discs. Thoracic osteochondrosis, characterized by similar symptoms to other diseases, requires differential diagnosis with spinal cord injuries, tumors and neoplasms of the spine, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, coxarthrosis and a range of other conditions.
Treatment of thoracic spine osteochondrosis
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis involves the use of complex therapy, the purpose of which is to stop and prevent further destruction of the discs or restore their structure, improve the biomechanics of the spine and eliminate disorders of the central nervous system.
The first thing to start with treatment is to relieve pain and inflammation through medication therapy.
The patient is recommended drugs of the following groups:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- glucocorticosteroids;
- diuretics;
- chondroprotectors.
When the pain subsides, they move on to the next stage of treatment of chest osteochondrosis. A course of therapeutic massage, acupuncture, physiotherapy exercises are described. Also, physiotherapy is very effective. If indicated, manual therapy may be recommended.
Healing control
Convalescence is supervised by the family doctor or specialist who has observed the patient during the course of the disease. The lack of recurrences during the year indicates the normalization of the function of the musculoskeletal system.
Prophylaxis
Prevention of osteochondrosis of the chest requires the following rules:
- stay control;
- occupational hygiene (control of hand position, presence of a chair with a high flat back);
- breaks every 2 hours for specific exercises;
- sleeping on a hard surface;
- lack of irregular physical activity (including carrying heavy loads);
- wearing a backpack instead of a one-shoulder bag;
- regular exercise therapy classes.
Tips and tricks
Thoracic osteochondrosis requires long-term rehabilitation. Moderate physical activity is recommended to strengthen the back muscles and reduce stress on the spine. In addition, physiotherapy gradually eliminates the pain.
Also, with exercise therapy and sports, the following tasks are performed:
- decompression of spinal nerve endings;
- developing a correct attitude stereotype;
- giving elasticity to the spine;
- improved blood circulation;
- normalization of intervertebral disc metabolism.
The article is for informational purposes only. Please note: self-medication can be harmful to your health.