Osteochondrosis affecting the thoracic spine is often disguised as a pathology of internal organs.It manifests itself as pain in the heart, shortness of breath, a feeling of lack of air while breathing, and a panic attack.Therefore, the diagnosis of thoracic osteochondrosis is somewhat difficult.After detection, conservative treatment is carried out using drugs, physiotherapy and exercise therapy.And when the thoracic discs and vertebrae are severely damaged, surgery is required.
Brief description of the disease
Thoracic osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of the spine.In the initial stage of its development, the intervertebral discs are slowly destroyed.They are thin, brittle, and radial cracks are formed on their surface.In order to stabilize the thoracic segment affected by osteochondrosis, the bone tissue of the vertebra grows with the formation of sharp growths - osteophytes.This leads to a sharp restriction of mobility, compression of blood vessels and spinal roots.
Pathological degrees
The degree of osteochondrosis is a set of symptoms characteristic of a certain radiographic stage.The more the discs and vertebrae are deformed, the more obvious the clinical manifestations.The severity of the pathology always determines the treatment tactics and must be taken into account when choosing drugs and their methods of use.
I degree
X-rays usually show no changes.However, the intervertebral disc has already begun to deteriorate because it cannot retain the moisture needed to restore its tissues.Sometimes there is a slight discomfort in the back, which quickly disappears after a short rest.Grade 1 osteochondrosis is usually discovered incidentally during the diagnosis of other diseases.
II degree
The fibrous ring is loose and fibrous.One of the fissures on the surface of the disc grows and the nucleus pulposus moves there.Radiographs show a decrease in the distance between adjacent vertebral bodies due to a decrease in disc height.As a result of constant compensatory muscle tension, the mobility of the thoracic region is limited and moderate pain occurs.
III degree
The integrity of the annulus fibrosus is broken, so the nucleus pulposus is squeezed out of it.A hernia protrusion is formed - the main cause of severe symptoms and severe complications of thoracic osteochondrosis.Vertebral bodies are deformed, single osteophytes are formed.The chest pain stabilizes and the range of motion in the spine decreases significantly.
IV degree
Radiographic images clearly show the proliferation of connective tissues and the formation of numerous osteophytes.Adjacent vertebral bodies are blocked and immobilized.Radicular syndrome develops and discogenic myelopathy often occurs - compression of the spinal cord, dangerous due to irreversible consequences.A person has difficulty in taking care of himself in everyday life and loses the ability to perform professional duties.
Causes of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
In people older than 40-45 years, thoracic osteochondrosis develops due to the natural aging of the body: slowing down of recovery reactions, decrease in the production of collagen, which determines the elasticity and strength of ligaments.At a younger age, it occurs as a result of increased loads on the spine or against the background of pathologies already present in the body:
- rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, ankylosing spondylitis;
- endocrine and metabolic diseases, for example, diabetes, gout, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism;
- congenital and acquired anomalies, including kyphosis, scoliosis.
Premature destruction of discs can be caused by previous spinal injuries, sedentary lifestyle, lack of vitamins and trace elements in the body.
Characteristic signs and symptoms of the disease
Thoracic osteochondrosis develops gradually without showing itself at first.His danger lies precisely in this course.A person mistakes mild pain and discomfort in the back after a hard day at work, housework or gardening with banal muscle fatigue and does not consult a doctor.Therefore, patients are usually diagnosed with 2-3 degrees of severe pathology, which is difficult to treat conservatively.
At the very beginning
In the period of exacerbation, the pathology may manifest itself as pain between the shoulder blades, which occurs when bending or turning the body.Range of motion is reduced and there are many specific relapse symptoms.
Chest pain
Chest pain appears first with osteochondrosis.They are not clearly localized and may spread to the arms, collarbone or ribs.Heart pain is severe or moderate, reminiscent of an angina attack, and is not relieved by taking nitroglycerin.Sometimes they resemble the sensations that occur during an exacerbation of cholecystitis or pancreatitis.However, unlike lesions of the pancreas or gall bladder, the pain is not accompanied by increased gas formation, heartburn or bloating.
A feeling of tightness in the chest
Pain between the shoulder blades is sometimes accompanied by a feeling of lack of air when breathing.A person is afraid, as expected, he does not understand the reasons for this situation.Doctors recommend not to panic, sit down and measure your pulse.If the value obtained does not exceed 100 beats per minute, the probability of lung or heart failure is extremely low.
Other symptoms
Gradually, the symptoms of osteochondrosis are aggravated by sensitivity disorders.Numbness, tingling and crawling sensations appear.From time to time, situations similar to panic attacks occur.They are characterized by fear, increased heart rate, excessive sweating and cold sweats.If these symptoms are accompanied by chest pain, then you should take nitroglycerin and call a doctor.A similar set of symptoms may indicate a myocardial infarction.
Spinal roots located in the thoracic region innervate internal organs.When they are irritated or compressed, the activity of the gastrointestinal tract and liver is disrupted.Peristalsis is disturbed, epigastric pain, heartburn and belching occur.
Symptoms in the subacute stage
After exacerbation, the subacute stage of thoracic osteochondrosis occurs.Pain and breathing problems remain, but they are less intense.A person is no longer looking for a comfortable body position where pain is not felt for a long time.The duration of the subacute stage is up to two weeks.If all medical recommendations are followed, remission occurs, which is characterized by the absence of obvious symptoms.Violation of the regime causes a new exacerbation of osteochondrosis.
Remission
During the remission phase, mild discomfort may occur when the weather changes or during hypothermia.Sharp pain appears only with 2-4 degrees of severe osteochondrosis due to a very sharp turn or bending of the body.Exacerbation of chronic pathologies, stress, increased physical activity and prolonged stay in one body position can cause another relapse.
Principles of disease diagnosis
A neurologist makes a preliminary diagnosis based on the patient's complaints and medical history.During an external examination, it reveals points that cause pain when pressed on the breast.Conducting functional tests allows to assess the integrity of reflexes and identify sensitivity disorders.Of the instrumental methods, radiography is the most informative.However, for a detailed study of the spinal segment, CT and MRI can be performed.ECG is prescribed to patients to rule out diseases of the cardiovascular system.
First aid for exacerbation
During the recurrence of thoracic osteochondrosis, the pain can be sharp and piercing, so the person should be given first aid.It should be calmed down, put on a hard surface and covered with a warm blanket.If the relapse is accompanied by increased heart rate, shortness of breath or increased anxiety, you should consult a doctor.To relieve pain between the shoulder blades, you can take any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
How to treat thoracic osteochondrosis
Only an integrated approach to treatment will allow you to get rid of all the symptoms of osteochondrosis, slow down or completely stop its spread to healthy discs and vertebrae.For pathologies of 1-2 severity, conservative therapy methods are used.3-4 degrees of osteochondrosis is characterized by the formation of large tears.Surgery may be required to relieve compression of blood vessels and spinal roots.
Drugs
Medicines of various clinical and pharmacological groups are used in the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis.At the initial stage, agents for parenteral administration, which have a quick therapeutic effect, are usually used.After a few days, injection solutions are replaced by safer tablets, ointments and patches.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs have a pronounced analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-edema effect.Intramuscular administration of solutions allows to relieve acute pain.Topical application products are used to relieve mild discomfort between the shoulder blades.And moderate pain is well treated with oral NSAIDs.
Muscle relaxants
Muscle relaxants are used to relieve muscle spasms that occur in response to severe pain.Often, the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis begins with the intramuscular administration of drugs containing anesthetics in addition to the muscle relaxant tolperisone.
Chondroprotectors
In the case of pathology of the 1st degree, a course of taking chondroprotectors helps to restore the damaged discs.In other cases, it is prescribed to improve metabolism in the affected segment of the spine and prevent the development of the disease.
Vitamin B preparations
Their use helps to increase blood flow, improve the functioning of the peripheral nervous system, restore trophism and innervation.B complex vitamins have a beneficial effect on degenerative diseases of the nerves and musculoskeletal system.
Therapeutic exercise
Daily exercise therapy for thoracic osteochondrosis of the 1st degree allows you to do without the use of drugs.Recovery occurs by strengthening muscles and improving blood supply to tissues with nutrients.In other cases, sports and regular exercise help prevent healthy spinal segments from being involved in the destructive process and prolong the remission phase.
Complex from a permanent position
In a constant state, the following therapeutic exercises are therapeutically most effective:
- put your palms on your shoulders, bend forward and at the same time raise your bent legs, as if trying to reach the elbow against the knee;
- Raise your left hand and bend to the right.Perform the exercise in the opposite direction;
- Place your feet shoulder-width apart and raise your arms.Bend forward, touching the opposite leg with the palm.
The number of repetitions is 10-12 times in 2-3 approaches.
From a false position
To perform these exercises, you will need an exercise mat or a thick blanket folded in half:
- lie on your stomach, at the same time raise your arms and legs;
- lying on your back, raise your upper body, extend your palms towards your feet;
- lying on your back, bend one leg, bring it behind the other, try to touch the floor surface with your knee.
Each exercise should be performed 7-10 times.
From a sitting position
When performing such exercises, you should avoid sudden, high-amplitude movements, including twisting:
- sitting on the floor, reaching forward, trying to touch the opposite leg with your palm;
- sitting on a chair or stool, stretch your arms forward and slowly turn them from side to side;
- sitting on the floor, close your knees with your hands and pull them as close to your chest as possible.
During the first lessons, the exercises should be repeated 5-7 times, after about a month - 15-20 times.
Physiotherapy treatment
Magnetic therapy, laser therapy, UHF therapy, sinusoidal currents, shock wave therapy, applications with paraffin and ozokerite are used in the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis.During exacerbation, electrophoresis and ultraphonophoresis are performed with glucocorticosteroids, anesthetics, B vitamins and chondroprotectors.
Massage
Massage performed by a specialist helps relieve pain between the shoulder blades and relax spasmodic skeletal muscles.
All types of massages for osteochondrosis have a therapeutic effect - classical, vacuum, acupuncture, connective tissue.Self-massage can be conveniently performed at home using a wooden or electric massager with a long handle.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a method of treating pathology by inserting needles into bioactive points of the human body.They are thin and short, so when the skin is pierced, there is sometimes only mild discomfort.But even such an effect is enough for the body to produce substances with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
Food
Nutritionists advise patients with thoracic osteochondrosis to stay away from fatty meats, rich soups, smoked meats, home and factory-made marinades.You should limit the amount of salt in your diet that causes edema.You need to drink about 2.5 liters of liquid every day - water, vegetable juices, berry fruit drinks, fruit compotes.
Folk treatment
After the main therapy, neurologists allow the use of decoctions and infusions of medicinal plants, ointments, rubbing alcohol and oil, compresses.Between the shoulder blades, folk remedies are used to relieve mild pain that sometimes occurs after physical activity.
Celery root
Peel the large celery root, grate it, squeeze the juice.Add 100 g chopped fresh celery.To clean the vertebral structures from deposits of harmful salts, take 3 tablespoons up to 4 times a day during meals.
sunflower root
Pour a teaspoon of dry crushed sunflower roots into a glass of boiling water.Bring to a boil, boil for 20 minutes on low heat, cool under the lid, filter.Drink 3-4 doses during the day.
Homemade ointment
Crush a spoonful of gum turpentine and thick honey in a mortar, add 2 drops of essential oils of juniper, rosemary and eucalyptus.Add 100 g of medical petroleum jelly in small portions.Mix, transfer to a jar, refrigerate, rub on back for pain.
During pregnancy
Many systemic analgesics are contraindicated during pregnancy, so neurologists prefer products for external use - ointments, gels and patches.If you cannot do without taking pills, then their doses are significantly reduced.The main methods of treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis during childbirth are massage and exercise therapy.
Possible outcomes
In the absence of medical intervention, thoracic osteochondrosis can cause pneumosclerosis, arrhythmia, vegetative-vascular dystonia, deterioration of the gastrointestinal tract, sexual and reproductive function disorders in women and men.
Prevention and prognosis
If the disease is detected in time and competent, comprehensive treatment is carried out, the prognosis is favorable.If complications of thoracic osteochondrosis develop, only following all medical recommendations will allow to achieve stable remission.
In order to prevent pathology, neurologists recommend excluding the factors that provoke it from your usual lifestyle.These are excess weight, low physical activity, lack of vitamins and trace elements, excessive strain on the spine.