Symptoms and treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine

It is rarely possible to diagnose thoracic spine osteochondrosis (GO), unlike cervical and lumbar spine, which is found in 2-3 patients aged 18 years and older. This phenomenon is explained by the peculiar structure of the thoracic part - the presence of a greater number of discs, which in turn have a finer structure. This part of the spine has low mobility and, therefore, its load is not high, since the main "blow" is struck by the breastbone with the ribs.

The main reason for the development of chest pathology begins is an increased load on the intervertebral discs and, as a result, a violation of metabolic processes, as well as their structure.. . . In the presence of such a disease, the shock-absorbing properties of the disc are lost, the fibrous ring becomes thinner, dries up, after this process, the nerve endings become inflamed, the person experiences constant pain, adiscomfort and motor activity decreases. With the rapid progression of the disease, it affects the ligaments of the spine and the joints.

Now, many experts took a rule to classify osteochondrosis not by stages of development, but by degrees, which are further distinguished by the peculiarities of symptoms.

If we take into account the general symptomatology, then osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is not so pronounced, unlike its other types, nevertheless, there is a characteristic clinical picture. So, the patient may complain about the presence of the following signs:

• pain in the chest area, often worsened by prolonged exposure to one position or at night;
• painful sensation between the shoulder blades, as it increases with lifting of the arm or after physical exertion;
• discomfort, pain when trying to breathe deeply, this symptom is also noted when you breathe out;
• when walking, there is pain in the ribs and a feeling of tightness in the chest.

Such manifestations can accompany a person for several weeks, which should be considered an exacerbation of the disease.

What other symptoms can be seen with HO? In addition to the main clinical picture, in some cases the following manifestations are possible:

• numbness in the upper limbs, a feeling of "goosebumps" passing through the skin;
• disruption of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract;
• feeling cold in the legs, inability to warm them.

In addition, the characteristic signs of such a disease are dorsago - the appearance of sharp pain between the shoulder blades and back pain - a slow pain syndrome that does not have a pronounced image.

It should be noted that, like any other type of osteochondrosis, lung diseases often affect people with inactive lives. Constant sitting in front of the computer, bending, heavy physical exertion, also becomes a provoking factor in the development of the disease.

How does the disease manifest itself in women and men

The development of degenerative-dystrophic processes in the thoracic region in patients is considered a diagnosis - thoracic osteochondrosis. With this disease there is the destruction of the intervertebral discs and malnutrition in the structures of connective tissue. In addition, the process of blood circulation is disturbed, as the chest area is inactive. And the pain syndrome itself is due to the pinching of the nerve endings during the progression of the pathology.

As the statistical data indicate, HO is diagnosed in women sometimes more often than in men, and at the same time at a younger age. The main reason for this is the change in hormonal levels at the start of the menopause phase. The impetus for the development of the disease is also osteoporosis, which is often detected in women at the onset of menopause.

Therapeutic measures are developed taking into account the clinical picture of the pathology. Severe symptoms do not appear immediately, it often takes a long time to suspect the presence of the disease. More precisely, it is possible to establish a diagnosis already during a pronounced image, when the symptoms have become evident. When it comes to pronounced periods, we must then distinguish between two types of symptoms:

1. Development of painful sensations. . . Here we are talking about the appearance of pain in the chest region, between the shoulder blades, radiating to the area of the solar plexus. The pain syndrome can migrate to the neck area, mimicking osteochondrosis in the cervical and in the arm. Often women observe pain in the mammary glands, mistaking them for breast pathologies. As a rule, pain sensations are not permanent, they are painful, but at the same time they have no intensity.
2. Blood pressure disorder. . . With breast osteochondrosis in women, there is a hypertensive syndrome, which is characterized by increased pressure and can cause hypertensive crisis. A distinctive feature of normal hypertension may be the presence of a minimal effect from the use of drugs that lower blood pressure. In case you have had similar situations, you should additionally consult a vertebrologist.

In addition to the above, other signs of degenerative-dystrophic disorders of the thoracic spine should be distinguished:

• Pain on the left side of the thoracic region,not associated with heart damage. . . In medical terminology, this phenomenon is called cardialgia. It is not difficult to diagnose it, because with the development of such a symptom, it cannot be stopped by the use of heart drugs.
• Disruption of the functioning of the digestive system. . . Often, with the onset of progression of osteochondrosis, problems begin with the internal organs, more often with the gastrointestinal tract. The most prominent example is the formation of heartburn, increased acidity and a feeling of constant bloating (gas). Among other things, there may be problems with digestion of food - nausea after eating, heaviness, bloating. Against the background of all of the above, chair work is also disturbed - frequent constipation or diarrhea.
• Respiratory problems. . . Since the dystrophic process takes place in the chest area, cases of violations of the respiratory system are not uncommon. All of this is accompanied by unreasonable dizziness, general weakness, shortness of breath, and other signs that may indirectly resemble heart pathology or pressure problems (arterial / intracranial).

As for therapy, it largely depends on the signs of the pathological process. To relieve pain, pain relievers are prescribed, including NSAIDs in the form of ointments or gels. During the period of exacerbation, muscle relaxants are more effective, they reduce spasms of smooth muscles, relax muscles, relieve pain syndrome, reviews on their use are positive. When the pain becomes completely unbearable, blockage with pain relievers is used.

Thoracic treatment

How exactly GO will manifest itself depends on the pathological changes that take place in the intervertebral discs. It is customary to distinguish four stages in the course of degenerative-dystrophic disorders of the breast:

• The first one. . . The symptoms are not particularly pronounced, however, the process of dehydration of the discs of the thoracic spine has already started. As a result, they lose their elasticity, begin to acquire a more flattened appearance, but, at the same time, they can still withstand certain loads. Sometimes pain-like pain sensations are disturbed, but not mild and often do not require taking pain relievers.
• The second. . . At this stage, negative changes affected the fibrous ring, various types of damage are observed - cracks, loss of stability. There are changes in the pain syndrome, it becomes more intrusive, palpable, intensifies with an increase in motor activity - bends, turns.
• The third. . . On x-rays, the rupture of the fibrous ring is clearly visible and a hernia begins to form. Pain sensations become clearer, from a whiny character can transform into a more lively one, intensify with movement and even at rest.
• Fourth. . . Spondylarthrosis is actively developing, against the background of convergence of the vertebrae and erasure of the discs. As a result, the connective tissue of the fibrous ring is replaced by bone tissue, which significantly limits motor skills.

The clinical picture of thoracic osteochondrosis is such that it is more likely to be diagnosed:

• Pain. . . Almost always, its localization is done in a precise place, often on the left. After a while, it spreads throughout the chest, breathing becomes difficult, it becomes difficult to climb stairs or exercise.
• Increased pain. . . Strengthening occurs when rotating or tilting, in general with any physical activity the same is seen when trying to breathe deeply.
• Muscle spasms. . . Muscle spasms in addition to the above symptoms, the contraction falls mainly on the upper back. In more rare cases, such a symptom is present in the lumbar region.

Separately, it is worth noting intercostal neuralgia, which tends to last for several weeks and then go away on its own. During this time, a person is accompanied by chest discomfort, which is aggravated by movement, discomfort when trying to breathe in / out deeply. Women may feel like they have problems with the mammary glands, which will make them think about treating them, and in men, a foreign body sensation behind the breastbone.

It should also be noted that the entire clinical picture described above intensifies at night or after hypothermia. The next morning, as a rule, it becomes easier, but towards the evening everything repeats itself.

How to treat, what methods exist, what to take? Regarding therapeutic measures, they must be initiated as soon as possible. Often in the very early stages it is possible to do without even the use of drugs, but only with regular gymnastics - exercise therapy.

The later stages of the development of pathology, at 2 degrees, involve the use of drugs. This includes various groups of drugs, the most popular are shown in the table below.

Drug group	The main action of the drug
Analgesics, analgesics	They relieve the pain syndrome, reduce its manifestation.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)	Eliminates inflammation, relieves pain, swelling.
Chondroprotectors	They increase the production of intra-articular secretions, slow down the process of destruction of cartilage and reduce the manifestation of the inflammatory process.
Muscle relaxants	They reduce the tone of skeletal muscles, have a relaxing effect and help fight back pain effectively.
Sedatives, calming	For more effective therapy, because severe pain can cause stress, which worsens the effect of treatment.

In addition to essential drugs, a course of vitamin drugs is recommended.

In the event that the entire clinical picture is worsened, the main aim of treatment will be to relieve the symptoms. For a more pronounced and faster action, analgesic drugs are prescribed in the form of injections, as well as steroid type.

After eliminating the exacerbation and achieving the stability of the condition, it is necessary to start basic treatment. A fairly wide range of drugs can be prescribed, since only a complex effect on the disease can give positive results.

The main drugs are described in the table above, and then in more detail about them. So, the basic treatment will include the appointment of such drugs:

• Chondroprotectors.They are used in the form of tablets and in local therapy, in the form of ointments or gels. It is impossible to exclude the use of such drugs, they form the basis of a comprehensive treatment. Their action is aimed at inhibiting the process of destruction of cartilage tissue and the subsequent progression of dystrophic changes. In addition, they increase the regenerative capacity of cartilage. However, it is impossible to completely get rid of the pathology with the help of such a drug, it should not be considered a panacea.
• Vasodilator. . . They are needed to improve blood circulation and hence nutrition in the affected area. Most often, a fairly effective drug is prescribed that improves blood microcirculation, helps to cope with pain that occurs while resting.
• Local therapy. . . For the best effect, ointments or gels are prescribed. So, good results can only be achieved with the help of a complex effect. Therefore, when prescribing NSAIDs and chondroprotectors, it is customary to recommend in addition ointments of the same pharmacological groups. Also popular are creams based on bee or snake venom, they have a pronounced analgesic effect and are a good addition to the main therapy.
• Vitamins. . . In particular, group B vitamins are prescribed. They have analgesic properties, help to cope with inflammatory processes and violation of nerve endings.
• Without fail, with the effect of the drug, a course of physiotherapy, therapeutic massage and exercise therapy is prescribed.

What other therapeutic methods should be included in the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis? An experienced professional will strongly recommend the following techniques:

• magnetotherapy, electrophoresis, therapeutic mud;
• physiotherapy exercise complex;
• acupuncture, acupressure.

It is also recommended to follow a certain diet, you should exclude the consumption of alcohol, spicy foods, reduce the intake of salt.

Special attention should be paid to therapeutic exercises, they should be performed daily, and preferably several times a day. Please note that the set of exercises is developed individually by the attending physician - an orthopedist or a traumatologist. Physical education is carried out in the absence of exacerbation, when there is no pronounced pain, with acute pain syndrome, maximum rest should be observed.

Sport with osteochondrosis is not the last thing. With this pathology, it is important to regularly perform all prescribed exercises that will strengthen the muscles and positively affect the result of treatment.

We must also mention traditional medicine. On the Internet you can find a lot of recipes based on natural raw materials. It is not recommended to get carried away with folk remedies as an independent method, since their effectiveness will be minimal, and in many cases, none. However, in addition to traditional therapy, folk remedies can be recommended. The following homemade recipes are known:

• Ingredients for the first: 3 tablespoons of rye flour, 1 tablespoon of turpentine and a teaspoon of iodine and garlic. Mix everything well and use as an ointment in the evening.
• For the second: 5 tablets of sodium metamizole and 5 ml of camphorated alcohol. Bring the tablets to a powder state, then pour in alcohol and apply overnight in the form of applications.

A needle applicator is considered another alternative therapy. Its action is aimed at reducing the pain syndrome by needle massage.

In the event that all of the therapeutic methods described have not given the desired result or have proved to be not very durable, the question of the prescription of an operation is decided. Surgery is necessary when it is not possible to eliminate the pain syndrome, the degenerative-dystrophic process continues to develop, at the same time negative changes in the functioning of internal organs are observed. If the doctor still recommends that you perform the operation, then you should not immediately refuse. Timely intervention will allow you to get rid of such a problem, completely restore the work of organs and exclude the further development of complications.

The surgery usually has two stages. The first is aimed at eliminating the cause - decompression, due to which the pain syndrome is eliminated. The second step is the subsequent stabilization of the spine.

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is a serious pathology that can not only disrupt the work of the musculoskeletal system, but also negatively affect systems and organs.

It is important to monitor your own health, take preventative measures, watch your diet, and be smart about physical activity. Regular exercise is an effective prevention of osteochondrosis, but remember that any load should be moderate.

Cervicothoracic type treatment

Osteochondrosis of the cervico-thoracic region is not considered an independent pathology. In this case, we are talking about a set of disorders that appear in the intervertebral discs and are able to affect muscle tissue, as well as neighboring organs.

Cervico-thoracic osteochondrosis is far from rare, more than 20% of diagnoses are attributed to this condition. The disease is very insidious, the variety of the clinical picture in many cases makes the doctor suspect other diseases not related to the spine. For example, a doctor may suggest the presence of angina, recommend taking a drug that, in the end, simply will not work, and, even worse, will negatively affect the state of the heart system. For this reason, it is very important to differentiate osteochondrosis from pathologies of internal organs. So, for dystrophic disorders of the cervico-thoracic region, the following signs are characteristic:

• frequent headaches;
• loss of strength, followed by dizziness;
• aching pain in the neck, running down the shoulders, shoulder blades, a state of muscle stiffness;
• compression of the intercostal nerve roots, hence the pain syndrome, as well as its exacerbation;
• disturbances of arterial pressure, there can be a decrease in hypertension at hypotension, more often at women;
• decreased visual acuity, problems with the hearing aid (hearing loss);
• in men, a decrease in potency with a nervous overload on the background of the disease.

An important point is the formulation of the correct diagnosis; a number of diagnostic measures will be required here, which will include: x-ray examination, ultrasound, MRI, computed tomography.

Comprehensive treatment is mandatory and should include:

• medications;
• various physiotherapy techniques;
• physiotherapy;
• non-traditional therapy (acupressure, acupuncture).

It is also important to watch out for non-drug measures, for example: reducing physical activity, which includes minimizing the load, changing the mattress, and purchasing an orthopedic-type pillow.

Atypical symptoms, sensations and pain

In addition to the typical pains that manifest in thoracic osteochondrosis, there are many atypical pains that cannot be associated with diseases of the spine. However, you should know them:

• Heartache. . . Often with such a pathology, heart pain appears, while mimicking the attacks of a heart attack. A distinguishing feature is their duration. Unlike real heart pain, with osteochondrosis the pain is prolonged, it can interfere for several weeks. In addition, the use of traditional medicines does not reduce the manifestation of pain. It is here that it is advisable to think about the presence of another pathology which is not related to the heart.
• Imitationpathologies of the mammary glands. . . This clinical picture applies directly to patients. Often times, chest osteochondrosis is reminiscent of breast diseases, as a woman can observe pain in the chest region for a long time, spreading to the glands. To identify the true cause of such a symptom, or at least to exclude problems with the mammary glands, is possible only after examination by a mammologist.
• Pain in the abdominal cavity. . . This symptom gives rise to suspicion of the presence of gastritis and other diseases of the digestive system. Wrongly, a gastroenterologist may diagnose pancreatitis or cholecystitis. It is possible to refute or confirm such diagnoses with the help of a thorough examination.
• In addition to these signs, the patient may experience achest discomfortdescribed as having a foreign object. Often difficult to breathe deeply or exhale, feeling that it is impossible to breathe in deeply, shortness of breath with little physical activity.

The process of treating degenerative-dystrophic disorders is not easy, it requires a lot of time, effort on the part of the patient, and skills of the attending physician.

Be sure to consult your doctor before treating any illnesses. This will help take into account individual tolerance, confirm the diagnosis, ensure that the treatment is correct, and rule out negative drug interactions. If you use prescriptions without consulting your doctor, it is at your own risk. All information is presented for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical aid. You are solely responsible for the application.