A sedentary lifestyle, injuries or excessive physical activity cause 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 in the cartilage located in the intervertebral space begin. 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 of the intervertebral disc, a decrease in firmness and elasticity, and the appearance of cracks. The pain is mild and goes away after the person has rested 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 borders. Muscles experience 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 cleft reaches the vertebral edge. As a result, an intervertebral hernia is formed. The pain becomes constant.
At the fourth stage, there is an overgrowth of connective tissue, which puts pressure on the neighboring vertebrae. To compensate for the reduced layer, bone growth begins. More and more growths (osteophytes) appear.
Types of thoracic osteochondrosis and complications
Based on the nature of the pain, there are two types of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- dorsago, which is characterized by acute acute pain in the form of low back pain, localized in the thoracic spine. The condition is accompanied by muscle tension, movement problems in the neck and thoracic region;
- back pain, in which pain slowly increases. Inhalations and twists of the torso, as well as a long stay in one position, increase the discomfort. At night, the discomfort deepens and disappears when hiking.
In the absence of adequate therapy, the 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;
- interruptions 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 section of the spine experiences medium load and limited mobility. However, the pathology is common. The disease can be provoked by one of the reasons or a combination of them:
- injuries and damage;
- excessive load on the department, including in childhood;
- age-related changes associated with a decrease in nutrition of the tissues of the discs between the vertebrae;
- diseases of the endocrinological profile, especially during menopause;
- age-related violation of calcium absorption;
- 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. The pain can be short-lived with low back pain and long-term pain. Recoil can be felt in the front of the chest, under the ribs and in the shoulder. The pain is aggravated by staying in one position for a long time.
A characteristic sign of the pathology is the sensitivity to 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 in angina pectoris;
- pain when breathing, shortness of breath, also manifested 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, you should contact a neurologist. Therapy includes medications, physiotherapy, physical therapy, and massage.
Of the medicines, doctors prescribe:
- means of eliminating the focus of inflammation in the spine;
- drugs to reduce muscle tone and the risk of crushing the sensitive roots of the spinal cord;
- neuroprotectors designed to help restore nerve fibers.
The choice and dosage are chosen by the doctor, who will take into account the tolerance to the drug, the comorbidities and the weight of the patient.
It is important to observe the recommended duration of treatment to avoid relapse. You can buy cheap prescription drugs in the online store. Information on price, drugs 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.
The massage should be done carefully, using rubbing techniques. The area under the shoulder blades and between the ribs must be treated with care. At least 10-15 sessions are required for the effect to appear.
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.