Thoracic osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disorder that affects the thoracic spine. The disease of this section is not as widespread as the cervical and lumbar, this is due to the fact that the thoracic department is not as mobile and more protected than the rest of the spine. 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 getting younger, if earlier the elderly suffered from this pathology, today the disease is increasingly diagnosed in the younger generation. This disease became the third most common after cardiovascular and oncological pathologies.
Causes
- Injury;
- Excessive physical activity;
- Adult changes in the spine;
- Hereditary predisposition to degenerative changes;
- metabolic disorders;
- Excessive fullness;
- A lifestyle in which a person moves a little;
- Scoliosis - curvature of the spine;
- Severe comorbidities.
As a result of changes in the thoracic spine, the nerve roots are pinched and the function of the internal organs is impaired.
Osteochondrosis is able to disguise itself as many cardiovascular diseases, due to which a person may experience shortness of breath and tachycardia and may not immediately recognize this disease.
The disease can be confused with various pathologies of the respiratory system and pathologies of the abdominal cavity. None of the signs is specific and depends on the severity and location of the process.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are:
- Pain in the sternum, aggravated by hypothermia, inversion, bending, at night;
- Interscapular pain;
- Numbness of the arm and interscapular area;
- Pain on strong exhalation and inhalation;
- Feeling of tightness in the chest;
- Muscle tension in the upper half of the back and in the chest area;
- In severe cases, pelvic dysfunction.
In the case when thoracic osteochondrosis occurs in combination with cervical, dizziness and nausea are added to the symptoms.
There are three types of pain:
- Dorsagois a very strong, sudden pain that restricts movement. Such pain can occur when straightening the back after being in one position for a long time and can last up to several weeks.
- Dorsalgiais a moderate pain that does not go away for a long time, often accompanied by stiffness. Such pain may not be immediately recognizable, as it develops over time and mild pain may rarely occur.
- Pectalgiais a moderate pain in the front of the chest.
Diagnostics
The most common method for diagnosing thoracic osteochondrosis is radiography. This method is cheaper financially, but can not always reveal the full picture of the disease, and X-rays also have ionizing radiation on the human body.
It is recommended that an X-ray be taken on an empty stomach and that a diet be followed for some time before the test (do not use gas-forming products).
Contraindications to X-rays are: pregnancy (radiation adversely affects the development of the fetus), conditions in which the patient can not be still in one position, with obesity, diagnosis is also difficult because the images are blurred. X-rays are done while lying on your back or side.
However, medicine does not stand still and specialists are increasingly using newer technologies to diagnose osteochondrosis, such as:
- CT (computed tomography)
- MRI (nuclear magnetic resonance)
Computed tomography
This is a type of X-ray diagnostics in which the scan is performed at different depths and the results are processed using a computer. If a CT scan is done without a contrast agent, no preparation is required, but if a CT scan is done with the introduction of a contrast agent, you should refuse to eat 4 hours before the test. All jewelry and hairpins must be removed before the examination.
Contraindications for CT scan:
- Pregnancy;
- Mental disorders;
- Allergy to a substance that is injected as a contrast (if a CT scan is performed with it);
Magnetic resonance imaging
Highly informative diagnostic method that uses magnetic field and radio frequency radiation. This is a relatively new diagnostic method, but it takes its rightful place in medicine because it is harmless and very informative.
Such an examination does not require any preparation, however, the specialist must be warned about the characteristics of the body, allergies, if the examination is performed using contrast agents. All metal objects are removed before diagnosis.
The procedure is performed lying on your back, it does not cause any painful sensations, except for slight discomfort from the sound of the device.
Contraindications for MRI:
- Chronic renal failure;
- Allergy to a substance used as a contrast agent;
- Pregnancy;
- The presence of metal elements in the human body (pacemaker, etc. );
- Claustrophobia.
Treatment
The methods used in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the chest are complex and are prescribed by the doctor individually, depending on the history of the disease and concomitant diseases.
These include:
- Medicines;
- Physiotherapy exercises;
- Massage and manual therapy;
- Physiotherapy;
- Traditional methods of treatment.
Medicine
Treatment is aimed at reducing inflammation and pain. Specialists prescribe the patient special ointments, analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs.
After using drugs aimed at eliminating pain, doctors prescribe the patient a drug that helps to normalize microcirculation and blood circulation, as well as vitamin complexes.
exercise therapy
Physiotherapy exercises can help reduce muscle spasms and pain. Exercise helps to increase muscle tone and improve blood circulation. All exercises should be performed smoothly so as not to cause severe pain. In thoracic osteochondrosis, the complex also includes exercises that help maintain the muscles of the back.
Massage
Used in combination with other treatments. Massage gives a quick effect during treatment, relieves pain, improves blood circulation, tones muscles, eliminates spasms. Massage courses can only begin when the stage of exacerbation subsides.
It is best to entrust the massage to a qualified masseur 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;
- hernia;
- arthrosis;
- spinal injuries;
- high blood pressure;
- tumors;
- severe stage of scoliosis;
- inflammatory processes.
Manual therapy should be performed only in the initial stages of osteochondrosis of the chest, 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 quick effect. During treatment, magnetic therapy, amplipulse, ultrasound, electrophoresis, iontophoresis, diadynamic currents are used.
In each case, the doctor chooses the procedure individually. Contraindications: oncology, pregnancy, skin diseases, severe cardiovascular diseases.
Traditional medicine
Consists of tinctures, rubs, ointments, 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 the prevention of thoracic spinal osteochondrosis is an active lifestyle, which contributes to keeping the spine in good shape and maintaining proper posture. It is also important that the sleeping area is not too soft or hard. It is recommended to eat foods high in calcium and magnesium, to consume vitamin complexes.