Thoracic osteochondrosis

Thoracic osteochondrosis is a degenerative disease of the thoracic spine. First, the disease affects the spinal discs, causing back pain and uncomfortable symptoms. Another characteristic of the disease is the premature "aging" of the cartilage tissue in the intervertebral discs.Osteochondrosis can be diagnosed in patients as young as 20 years old and in middle-aged patients.This disease is less common than other forms of osteochondrosis (cervical and lumbar spine). This is due to less mobility in the chest area and the protection of the muscular corset and ribs.There are 12 vertebrae in the thoracic spine - from T1 to T12. Most commonly the lowest vertebrae - T10, T11, T12 are affected.

Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis

Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis include:

• chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Pain that worsens when taking deep breaths
• increased fatigue
• unsteady pace
• Tightness in the chest
• slouch
• the onset of shortness of breath
• Get cold feet
• Esophageal pain
• cough

Pain caused by thoracic osteochondrosis is classified as back pain or backache depending on its characteristics.Dorsago - Severe pain in the chest area. This happens when you stay in one position for a long time. The pain may cause difficulty breathing.Back pain is moderate pain in the affected disc area. The pain worsens when you take deep breaths. The unpleasant feeling gradually begins.

Causes of thoracic osteochondrosis

The causes of occurrence and development of thoracic osteochondrosis are often related to the patient's lifestyle and uneven spinal load. For example, people who sit for long periods of time are at risk: working remotely or in the office in front of a computer, driving frequently.A sedentary lifestyle disrupts the function of the circulatory and lymphatic systems, and lack of exercise weakens muscle tissue. At the same time, the load on the spine will also increase when sitting.The development of thoracic osteochondrosis may also be influenced by previous spinal injury, excess weight, and compromised immunity.Women who frequently wear high heels or are pregnant may also develop osteochondrosis.Chest osteochondrosis may be exacerbated by uncomfortable sleeping positions, smoking, receiving poor quality massage, or hypothermia.

complication

Degenerative processes in the thoracic spine may lead to the development of the following pathologies:

• Spinal cord compression is compression of the spinal cord, resulting in decreased sensation in the abdomen, back, and chest.
• Kyphosis is a curvature of the spine.
• Spinal herniation, a herniation of the disc center, affects the function of the pancreas and intestines.
• Intercostal neuralgia - acute pain between the ribs.

The organs that may be affected by the complication depend on which vertebrae are affected.

The degree of development of thoracic osteochondrosis

• Degree I - Mild pain occurs that quickly returns to a comfortable position. The intervertebral disc loses water and the nucleus pulposus moves slightly. This stage is not always taken seriously, as the pain does not cause severe discomfort and passes quickly.
• Degree II - Cracks in the discs that hold the spine in a stable position, causing cramping and back and chest pain. The intervertebral discs begin to lose their elasticity and their height begins to decrease. The muscles in the affected area become constantly tight.
• Degree III - herniation of the central part of the disc - the nucleus pulposus. As a result, an intervertebral hernia occurs. The pain becomes constant and the cartilage begins to thin.
• Grade IV - the annulus fibrosus tissue is replaced by bone. Bone tissue begins to break down.

Diagnosis of thoracic osteochondrosis

If you suspect thoracic osteochondrosis, you must make an appointment with a therapist or neurologist. During the examination, the patient tells his or her main complaint and the doctor conducts a physical examination. During the examination, attention should be paid to the relationship between the level of the shoulder girdle and pelvic girdle, posture, chest shape, and the state of the musculature.Thereafter, the doctor will make a referral for diagnostic testing. Based on research, patients may be prescribed:

• X-rays – X-rays of problem areas of the spine are taken to show changes in the discs.
• CT scan – allows you to assess the condition of the diseased area and examine the condition of the discs.
• Electrocardiogram – recommended if cardiovascular disease is suspected.

How to treat thoracic osteochondrosis

To treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, a conservative approach is adopted. Their purpose is to eliminate pain, relieve spasms and normalize blood circulation. These include:

• massage
• physiotherapy
• physiotherapy
• Take vitamins and medications

Massage for chest osteochondrosis

Massaging the cervicothoracic area will help relieve pain and inflammation and strengthen the muscles that maintain the stability of the vertebrae.The following massage techniques are used during massage: stroking, squeezing, kneading, friction and vibration. The direction of the effects of osteochondrosis depends on the location of the lesion. Massage must be performed by an expert for the procedure to be truly effective. For better results, special oils can be used during massage. However, before attending a massage session, you need to ensure that the patient has no contraindications. For this, you should consult your doctor. Contraindications include cardiovascular disease, elevated body temperature, tuberculosis, and dermatoses.

physiotherapy

Chest osteochondrosis gymnastics consists of a series of exercises that strengthen the spinal muscles and create strong muscle bundles. In the initial stages, gymnastics will help you avoid taking medications.What role does exercise therapy play in thoracic osteochondrosis?

• Deep breathing becomes correct
• The correct posture has been formed
• Reduce the load on the spine
• Deep back muscles become less stiff
• Increase chest mobility

Exercises for thoracic osteochondrosis

Before starting gymnastics, you need to warm up. It warms up and prepares muscles for physical activity. To warm up, you can use limb swings, rotations, and rotations of the trunk, neck, and pelvis.Here are some exercises suitable for treating osteochondrosis of the chest:

• "Boat" - You need to lie on your stomach with your arms stretched above your head and your legs straight. In this position, you need to bend your chest - smoothly raising your arms and legs at the same time.
• Shoulder Lifts – While standing with your arms relaxed against your body, you need to lift each shoulder in turn.
• Bend over the chair – You need to sit on the chair with your back firmly against the back of the chair. Hands should be lowered. In this pose, while inhaling, you need to place your hands behind your back and bend back. When you exhale, you need to bend forward. You can also bend to one side.
• Back Arch – Standing on all fours, you need to arch your back and hold this position for a few seconds. Then you need to return to the starting position. It is recommended to practice on a special mat.

These exercises should be done regularly for several months. Therapeutic gymnastics should not last longer than 30 minutes and should be performed while wearing comfortable shoes and clothing. If severe pain occurs, you need to stop exercising.

physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is available for complex treatments. It can be used as an add-on or stand-alone therapy. For osteochondrosis of the chest, your doctor may do the following:

• Magnetic therapy is the application of magnetic fields to the affected area, which normalizes blood circulation, restores affected tissue and improves mobility in the lumbar area.
• Laser therapy is the application of laser beams to the affected area. Helps improve immunity and provides analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. There is no pain during the procedure.
• Shockwave therapy is exposure to infrasound waves. They promote resorption for bone growth, stimulate collagen production, and improve blood circulation.
• Medicinal electrophoresis is an effective technique for eliminating pain and improving nutrition of affected tissues. Drug-containing electrodes and pads are affixed to the patient's skin.

All of these procedures will help relieve the unpleasant sensations of osteochondrosis symptoms in the chest.

Drug treatment of osteochondrosis

With medication, patients often take multiple medications. The doctor determines the duration of the course of treatment and the list of specific medications based on the clinical manifestations of osteochondrosis. The list of medications may include, for example, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, vitamins, and special ointments or gels.

Nutrition for thoracic osteochondrosis

As an additional therapeutic measure, patients can be prescribed a "Table 15" diet. This diet doesn't require giving up most popular foods, but what makes it unique is a diet high in vitamins.As part of your diet, you can eat:

• bread
• milk
• Soup
• Lean meat - recommended to eat every day
• spaghetti
• Vegetables – fresh, salad or cooked
• Egg
• fresh fruits
• fresh berries
• There are many types of candies
• Butter and vegetable oil

Permitted beverages include weak coffee, tea, juice and kvass.What not to eat:

• pastry pastry
• Dishes containing fatty meat or fish
• chocolate products

As for drinks, strong coffee, strong tea or alcoholic beverages are not recommended.

Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis

Recommended precautions include:

• Swimming or other water sports
• Warm up regularly when working at the computer for long periods of time
• Stay seated - back straight, shoulders straight
• Avoid back hypothermia
• regular exercise therapy

In addition, pay attention to the choice of bedding. An ill-fitting mattress and pillow can prevent your back and neck from relaxing while you sleep. Therefore, to keep patients with osteochondrosis comfortable, it is recommended to purchase special orthopedic accessories.