A sedentary lifestyle, injuries or excessive physical activity cause diseases of the musculoskeletal system. To avoid complications, it is important to start treatment early. 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 intervertebral disc and compression of the intercostal nerve endings.
Thoracic osteochondrosis goes through several stages of progression.
The first is characterized by dehydration of the intervertebral disc, a decrease in strength and elasticity, and the appearance of cracks. The pain is mild and goes away after the person gets some rest.
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. A person complains of severe pain, which subsides after rest.
The third stage is characterized by the emergence of the nucleus pulposus beyond the edges, the tear reaches the edge of the vertebra. As a result, an intervertebral hernia is formed. The pain becomes constant.
In the fourth stage, an overgrowth of connective tissue is noted that puts pressure on nearby vertebrae. To compensate for the reduced layer, bone tissue begins to grow. 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, problems moving the neck and chest;
- Dorsalgia, in which the pain slowly increases. Inhaling and rotating the upper body as well as staying in one position for a long time increase the symptoms. At night, the discomfort deepens and disappears when hiking.
In the absence of adequate therapy, 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;
- disorders of cardiac activity;
- intervertebral hernia;
- decreased ability to conceive;
- violation in the work of the lungs, caused by the growth of connective tissue.
Why does the pathology of the thoracic spine occur?
This section of the spine experiences moderate stress 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 damages;
- excessive load on the department, including in childhood;
- age-related changes associated with a decrease in nutrition of the tissues of the intervertebral discs between the vertebrae;
- Diseases of the endocrine profile, especially during menopause;
- age-related violation of calcium absorption;
- overweight;
- problems with blood vessels, atherosclerotic deposits in the vessels of the chest region;
- weak muscular corset.
How pathology manifests itself
Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are represented by pain and increased muscle tone. The pain from lumbago can be both short-lived and long-lasting. Recoil can be felt in the front 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 other diseases and include:
- Discomfort in the heart area, reminiscent of pain in angina pectoris;
- Pain when breathing, shortness of breath, also manifested in pneumonia, tuberculosis, obstructive pulmonary disease;
- Pain in the epigastrium, under the ribs, similar to signs of gastrointestinal diseases.
Methods of treating thoracic osteochondrosis
If you complain, you should contact a neurologist. Therapy includes medication, physical therapy, 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 squeezing the delicate roots of the spinal cord;
- Neuroprotectors to restore nerve fibers.
The selection and dosage is made by the doctor, who takes into account drug tolerance, comorbidities and the patient's weight.
It is important to adhere to the recommended duration of treatment to avoid relapse. In the online shop you can buy prescription drugs cheaply. Information about the price, stock of medicines, current promotions and discounts is available 24/7 on the site.
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Physiotherapy includes:
- diadynamic therapy, ie electrical current treatment for muscle relaxation and pain relief;
- 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 treated carefully. At least 10-15 sessions are required for the effect to appear.
In physical therapy exercises, the emphasis is on exercises that strengthen the muscular corset, neck, and lower back.
Locally prescribed ointments and gels with anti-inflammatory effects, heat patches, needle applicator.