A sedentary lifestyle, injuries or excessive physical activity cause diseases of the musculoskeletal system. In order to avoid complications, it is important to start treatment early in the process. To do this, you need to know about 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. The 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 drying out of the intervertebral disc, reduction in strength and elasticity, and the appearance of cracks. The pain is mild and disappears after the person rests for a while.
In 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 limits. Muscles experience constant tension. The person complains of severe pain, which subsides after resting.
The third stage is characterized by the exit of the nucleus pulposus outside the edges, the crack reaches the edge of the vertebra. As a result, an intervertebral hernia is formed. The pain becomes constant.
In the fourth stage, the excessive growth of connective tissue is revealed, which exerts 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
According to the nature of the pain, there are two types of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- dorsago, which is characterized by acute 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 turns of the trunk, as well as a long stay in one position increase the discomfort. At night, the discomfort deepens, and disappears during hiking.
In the absence of adequate therapy, nerve endings are increasingly compressed. As a result, osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can give complications:
- kidney pathology;
- diseases of the digestive system;
- immobility;
- persistent pain;
- disorders in cardiac activity;
- intervertebral hernia;
- reduced ability to conceive;
- violation in the work of the lungs, caused by the growth of connective tissue.
Why does thoracic spine pathology occur?
This part of the spine experiences medium load and limited mobility. However, pathology is common. The disease can be caused by one of the reasons or a combination of them:
- injuries and damages;
- excessive workload of departments, including childhood;
- age-related changes associated with a decrease in nutrition of the tissue of the discs between the vertebrae;
- endocrinological diseases, especially during menopause;
- violation of calcium absorption associated with age;
- 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 pain and increased muscle tone. Pain can be short-term in lumbago and long-lasting. Twitching can be felt in the front of the chest, under the ribs and in the shoulder. The pain is intensified by staying in one position for a long time.
A characteristic sign of pathology is sensitivity to palpation of the spinous processes of the thoracic vertebrae.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are similar to symptoms of other diseases and include:
- discomfort in the region of the heart, reminiscent of pain in angina pectoris;
- pain when breathing, difficulty breathing, also manifests itself 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 you complain, consult a neurologist. Treatment includes medication, physiotherapy, exercise therapy and massage.
Of the medicines, doctors prescribe:
- means for removing foci of inflammation in the spine;
- drugs 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 dose is chosen by the doctor, who will take into account the tolerance of the drug, comorbidities and the weight of the patient.
It is important to adhere to the recommended duration of treatment to avoid relapses. You can buy prescribed medicines cheaply in the online store. Information about the price, medicines in stock, current promotions and discounts is available 24 hours a day on the site.
Medicines can be booked immediately, customers are offered a choice of delivery and self-delivery.
Physiotherapy includes:
- diadynamic therapy, i. e. treatment with electric current to relax muscles and reduce pain;
- electrophoresis with painkillers;
- magnetic therapy to relieve discomfort and swelling.
Massage should be done carefully, using rubbing techniques. The area under the shoulder blades and between the ribs should be carefully treated. At least 10-15 sessions are needed for the effect to appear.
During physiotherapy exercises, the emphasis is on exercises that strengthen the muscular corset, neck and lower back.
Topically prescribed anti-inflammatory ointments and gels, heating patches, needle applicator.