Thoracic osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disorder that affects the thoracic spine. The disease of this section is not common, like the cervix and lumbar, this for the fact that the thoracic region is not as mobile and more protected than the rest of the back. People after 30 years are more susceptible to this pathology.
Osteochondrosis is a degenerative change that occurs in different parts of the spine. Statistics show that this disease is becoming younger, if earlier people of old age suffered from this pathology, then today more and more the disease is diagnosed in the younger generation. This disease became the third most common after cardiovascular and oncological pathologies.
Reasons
- Injury;
- Excessive physical activity;
- Age-related changes in the spine;
- Hereditary predisposition to degenerative changes;
- metabolic disorders;
- Excessive completeness;
- The lifestyle in which a person moves little;
- Scoliosis - curvature of the spine;
- Severe comorbidities.
As a result of changes in the thoracic spine, the nerve roots are compressed and the function of the internal organs is disturbed.
Osteochondrosis is capable of disguising itself as many cardiovascular diseases, so a person may experience shortness of breath and tachycardia and may not immediately recognize the disease.The disease can be confused with various pathologies of the respiratory system and pathologies of the abdominal cavity. None of the signs are specific and depend on the severity and localization of the process.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are:
- Pain in the sternum, aggravated by hypothermia, turning, bending, at night;
- Intercapsular pain;
- Arm numbness and intercapsular region;
- Pain during strong exhalation and suction;
- Feeling of tightness in the chest;
- Tightening of the muscles of the upper half of the back and in the chest region;
- In severe cases, pelvic dysfunction.
In case of osteochondrosis of the chest in combination with cervix, dizziness and nausea are added to the symptoms.
There are three types of pain:
- Dorsagois a very severe sudden pain that restricts movement. Such pain can occur when you straighten your back after being in a position for a long time and can last up to several weeks.
- Dorsalgiais moderate pain that does not go away for a long time, often accompanied by stiffness of movements. Such pain may not be immediately recognizable, as it develops over time and can rarely present with mild pain.
- Pectalgiais a slight pain in the front of the chest.
Diagnosis
The most common method for diagnosing osteochondrosis in the chest is radiography. This method is less costly financially, but can not always detect the full picture of the disease and X-rays also have ionizing radiation in the human body.
It is advisable to perform X-rays on an empty stomach and follow a diet for some time before the examination (do not consume foods that form gas).
Contraindications to radiography are: pregnancy (radiation adversely affects fetal development), conditions in which the patient can not be immobile in one position, with overweight, diagnosis is also difficult, as the images are blurred. X-rays are done when you are lying on your back or arm.
However, medicine is not standing still and specialists are increasingly using newer technologies to diagnose osteochondrosis, such as:
- CT (computed tomography)
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
Computed tomography
This is a type of diagnostics using X-rays, as scans are performed at different depths and the results are processed using a computer. If the CT is done without a contrast agent, no preparation is required, but if a CT scan is performed with the introduction of a contrast agent, you should refuse to eat 4 hours before the examination. All jewelry and hairpins should be removed before the examination.
Contraindications to CT scan:
- Pregnancy;
- Mental disorders;
- Allergy to a substance injected as a contrast (if CT is performed using it);
Magnetic resonance imaging
A highly informative diagnostic method that uses a magnetic field and radio frequency radiation. This is a relatively new diagnostic method, but it has taken its rightful place in medicine as it is harmless and very informative.
Such an examination does not require any preparation, however, a specialist should be warned about the characteristics of the body, allergies, if the examination is performed with the use of contrast agents. All metal objects are removed before diagnosis.
The procedure is performed lying on your back, does not cause painful sensations, except for slight disturbance from the noise of the apparatus.
Contraindications to MRI:
- Chronic kidney failure;
- Allergy to a substance used as a contrast;
- Pregnancy;
- Presence of metallic elements in the human body (pacemakers, etc. );
- Claustrophobia.
Treatment
The methods used to treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are complex and are prescribed by a physician individually, depending on medical history and concomitant diseases.
These include:
- Medication;
- Physiotherapy exercises;
- Massage and manual therapy;
- Physiotherapy;
- Traditional methods of treatment.
Medications
Treatment aims to eliminate inflammation and reduce pain. Specialists prescribe the patient special oils, analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs.
After using medications aimed at eliminating pain, doctors prescribe a medication to the patient that helps normalize microcirculation and blood circulation, as well as vitamin complexes.
exercise therapy
Physiotherapy exercises can help reduce muscle spasms and pain. Exercises help to increase muscle tone and improve blood circulation. All exercises should be performed normally so as not to cause severe pain. With thoracic osteochondrosis, the complex also includes exercises that help support the back muscles.
Massage
Used in combination with other treatment methods. Massage gives a quick effect during treatment, relieves pain, improves blood circulation, tones muscles, eliminates spasms. Massage courses can only begin when the deterioration phase has subsided.
It is best to entrust the massage to a qualified massage therapist and combine it with manual therapy and physiotherapy exercises.
Manual therapy
Treatment is the effect of the therapist's hands on the spine.
Contraindications to manual therapy:
- pregnancy;
- hernie;
- osteoarthritis;
- spinal cord injuries;
- increases blood pressure;
- tumors;
- severe stage of scoliosis;
- inflammatory processes.
Manual therapy should be performed only in the initial stages of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, as prescribed by a doctor and strictly by a qualified specialist, otherwise this procedure can lead to serious complications.
Physiotherapy
The advantage of physiotherapy is the minimum of side effects and the achievement of a rapid effect. During treatment, magnetotherapy, amplipulse, ultrasound, electrophoresis, ionophosis, diadynamic currents are used.
In each case, the doctor chooses the procedure individually. Contraindications: oncology, pregnancy, skin diseases, severe cardiovascular disease.
Traditional medicine
Consists of tinctures, rubs, oils, baths.
Before starting treatment with folk remedies, you should consult your doctor and remember about the possibility of allergic reactions to various herbal ingredients.
Prevention
The main component of preventing thoracic spine osteochondrosis is an active lifestyle, which contributes to keeping the spine in good shape and maintaining correct posture. It is also important that the sleeping area is not too soft or hard. It is advisable to eat foods high in calcium and magnesium, to consume vitamin complexes.