A sedentary lifestyle, injuries or excessive physical activity provoke 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. The pathology is manifested by a decrease in the height of the discs and compression of the intercostal nerve endings.
Thoracic osteochondrosis goes through several stages of evolution.
The first is characterized by desiccation of the intervertebral disc, a decrease in firmness and elasticity and the appearance of cracks. The pain is mild and goes away after a little rest.
At the second stage, the disc decreases in height, the niche of the vertebra is filled with the pulpy nucleus, but it does not exceed its limits. The muscles are under constant tension. A person complains of severe pain, which disappears after being at rest.
The third stage is characterized by the exit of the nucleus pulposus beyond the edges, the crack reaches the vertebral edge. 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 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 acute sharp pain in the form of lumbago, localized in the thoracic spine. The condition is accompanied by muscle tension, movement problems in the neck and chest region;
- back pain, in which the pain increases slowly. Inhales and bends of the torso, as well as a long stay in one position, increase discomfort. At night, the discomfort worsens, and disappears during the hike.
In the absence of adequate therapy, the nerve endings are increasingly compressed. As a result, osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can lead to complications:
- renal pathology;
- diseases of the digestive system;
- immobility;
- persistent pain;
- disturbances 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 pathology of the thoracic spine occur?
This section of the spine experiences an average load and limited mobility. However, pathology is common. The disease can be provoked by one of the reasons or a combination of them:
- injury and damage;
- 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;
- violation of age-related calcium absorption;
- excess body weight;
- problems with blood vessels, atherosclerotic deposits in the vessels of the chest region;
- weak muscle corset.
How pathology manifests
Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are represented by pain and increased muscle tone. The pain can be both short-lived with lumbago and long-lasting. The recoil can be felt in the front of the chest, under the ribs and in the shoulder. The pain is aggravated by a long 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 from angina pectoris;
- pain when breathing, shortness of breath, also manifested by 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, you should contact a neurologist. Therapy includes medication, physiotherapy, exercise therapy, and massage.
Of the drugs, doctors prescribe:
- means for eliminating the focus of inflammation in the spine;
- drugs to reduce muscle tone and the risk of pinching the sensitive roots of the spinal cord;
- neuroprotectors designed to help restore nerve fibers.
The choice and the dosage are chosen by the doctor who will take into account drug tolerance, comorbidities and the weight of the patient.
It is important to respect the recommended duration of treatment in order to avoid relapses. You can buy prescribed drugs inexpensively in the online store. Information on price, medicines in stock, current promotions and discounts are available 24 hours a day on the site.
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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. For the appearance of the effect, at least 10-15 sessions are necessary.
During physiotherapy exercises, the emphasis is on exercises that strengthen the muscle corset, neck and lower back.
Locally prescribed ointments and gels with anti-inflammatory action, heating patches, needle applicator.