Osteochondrosis, which affects the thoracic spine, is often masked by pathologies of internal organs.It manifests itself as heart pain, shortness of breath, feeling of lack of air when inhaling and panic attacks.Therefore, the diagnosis of thoracic osteochondrosis is somewhat difficult.After its detection, conservative treatment is carried out using medications, physiotherapy and exercise therapy.And in case of severe damage to the thoracic discs and vertebrae, 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 become thin, brittle, and radial cracks appear on their surface.To stabilize the thoracic segment affected by osteochondrosis, the bone tissue of the vertebrae grows with the formation of sharp growths: osteophytes.This causes a strong limitation of mobility, compression of blood vessels and spinal roots.
Degrees of pathology
The degree of osteochondrosis is a set of symptoms characteristic of a certain radiographic stage.The more deformed the discs and vertebrae, the more pronounced the clinical manifestations.The severity of the pathology always determines the treatment tactics and is necessarily taken into account when choosing drugs and methods of their use.
I graduate
X-rays usually show no changes.But the intervertebral disc has already begun to deteriorate due to its inability to retain the moisture needed to restore its tissues.Sometimes a slight discomfort in the back occurs, which disappears quickly after a short rest.1st degree osteochondrosis is usually discovered by chance during the diagnosis of other diseases.
II degree
The annulus fibrosus becomes loose and fibrous.One of the cracks on the surface of the disc widens and the nucleus pulposus moves there.On radiographs, a decrease in the distance between adjacent vertebral bodies is noted due to the decrease in disc height.Due to constant compensatory muscle tension, the mobility of the thoracic region is limited and moderate pain occurs.
III degree
The integrity of the fibrous ring is disrupted, so the nucleus pulposus is expelled from it.A hernial protrusion is formed - the main cause of severe symptoms and serious complications of thoracic osteochondrosis.The vertebral bodies are deformed, individual osteophytes are formed.The pain in the thoracic region becomes constant and the range of motion of the spine is significantly reduced.
IV degree
The proliferation of connective tissues and the formation of multiple osteophytes are clearly visible in the radiographic images.The adjacent vertebral bodies are blocked and immobilized.Radicular syndrome develops and discogenic myelopathy often occurs, i.e. compression of the spinal cord, which is dangerous due to its irreversible consequences.A person has difficulty taking care of himself in everyday life and loses the ability to carry out professional tasks.
Causes of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
Thoracic osteochondrosis in people over 40-45 years of age develops due to the natural aging of the body: a slowdown of recovery reactions, a decrease in the production of collagen, which determines the elasticity and strength of the ligaments.At a young age, it occurs due to 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 the discs can be triggered by previous spinal injuries, a sedentary lifestyle and a lack of vitamins and microelements in the body.
Characteristic signs and symptoms of the disease
Thoracic osteochondrosis develops gradually, without manifesting itself at first.It is precisely in this path that its danger lies.A person mistakes slight pain and discomfort in the back for banal muscle strain after a hard day at work, housework or gardening and does not seek medical help.Therefore, patients are usually diagnosed with pathology of 2-3 degrees of severity, which is difficult to treat conservatively.
At the start
During the period of exacerbation, pathology can manifest itself as pain between the shoulder blades, which occurs when bending or turning the body.The range of motion is reduced and there are many specific signs of recurrence.
Chest pain
With osteochondrosis, chest pain appears first.They are not clearly localized and may radiate to the arms, collarbone, or ribs.Heart pain is severe or moderate, resembles an angina attack, and is not eliminated by taking nitroglycerin.Sometimes they are similar to the sensations that occur during exacerbation of cholecystitis or pancreatitis.But unlike injuries of the pancreas or gallbladder, the pain is not accompanied by increased gas formation, heartburn, or bloating.
Sensation of tightness in the chest
Pain between the shoulder blades is occasionally accompanied by a sensation of lack of air during inspiration.A person gets scared as expected, not understanding the reasons for this state.Doctors advise not to panic, but to 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.Sensations of numbness, tingling and crawling appear.Conditions similar to panic attacks occur from time to time.They are characterized by fear, increased heart rate, excessive sweating and cold sweat.If these symptoms are accompanied by chest pain, you should take nitroglycerin and call a doctor.A similar set of symptoms may indicate a myocardial infarction.
The spinal roots located in the thoracic region innervate the internal organs.When they are irritated or compressed, the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and liver is disrupted.Peristalsis is disrupted, epigastric pain, heartburn and belching occur.
Signs in the subacute phase
After an exacerbation, a subacute stage of thoracic osteochondrosis occurs.Pain and breathing problems remain, but they are much less intense.A person no longer searches for a comfortable body position in which pain is not felt for a long time.The duration of the subacute phase lasts up to two weeks.If all medical recommendations are followed, remission occurs, characterized by the absence of pronounced symptoms.Violation of the regime leads to a new exacerbation of osteochondrosis.
Remission
During the remission phase, mild discomfort may occur due to climate changes or hypothermia.Acute pain appears only with osteochondrosis of 2-4 degrees of severity due to too sharp rotation or tilt of the body.Exacerbations of chronic pathologies, stress, increased physical activity and prolonged stay in one body position can provoke another relapse.
Principles of disease diagnosis
The neurologist makes a primary diagnosis based on the patient's complaints and medical history.During an external examination he discovers points in the thoracic region that, when pressed, cause pain.Performing functional tests allows you to evaluate the integrity of reflexes and identify sensitivity disorders.Among instrumental methods, radiography is the most informative.But for a detailed study of the spinal segment, CT and MRI can be performed.To exclude diseases of the cardiovascular system, patients are prescribed an ECG.
First aid for exacerbation
The pain during a recurrence of thoracic osteochondrosis can be sharp and penetrating, so the person must receive first aid.It should be calmed, placed on a hard surface and covered with a warm blanket.If a relapse is accompanied by increased heart rate, shortness of breath, or increased anxiety, you should call 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 eliminate all the symptoms of osteochondrosis, slow down or completely stop its spread to healthy discs and vertebrae.For pathologies of 1-2 severity, conservative therapeutic methods are used.Osteochondrosis of 3-4 degrees is characterized by the formation of large hernias.To eliminate compression of blood vessels and spinal roots, surgical treatment may be necessary.
Drugs
In the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis, drugs of various clinical and pharmacological groups are used.At the initial stage, agents for parenteral administration are usually used, which quickly have a therapeutic effect.After a few days, injectable solutions are replaced with safer tablets, ointments and patches.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs have a pronounced analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous effect.Intramuscular administration of solutions allows you to relieve acute pain.To eliminate the slight discomfort between the shoulder blades, local application products are used.And moderate pain is treated well with NSAIDs taken by mouth.
Muscle relaxants
Muscle relaxants are used to relieve muscle spasms that occur in response to severe pain.Most often, the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis begins with intramuscular administration of drugs, which, in addition to the muscle relaxant tolperisone, include an anesthetic.
Chondroprotectors
In case of pathology of 1st degree of severity, a course of taking chondroprotectors helps to restore damaged discs.In other cases they are prescribed to improve metabolism in the affected segment of the spine and prevent the progression 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
With thoracic osteochondrosis of the 1st degree, daily physical therapy allows you to do without the use of medications.Recovery occurs by strengthening muscles and improving the blood supply to tissues with nutrients.In other cases, exercise and regular training help to prevent the involvement of healthy spinal segments in the destructive process and prolong the remission phase.
Complex from a standing position
In a standing position, the following therapeutic exercises are most therapeutically effective:
- put your palms on your shoulders, lean forward, simultaneously lifting your bent legs, as if trying to reach the opposite knee with your elbow;
- Raise your left hand and bend it to the right.Perform the exercise in the opposite direction;
- Place your feet shoulder-width apart and raise your arms.Lean forward, touching the palm of your hand to the opposite foot.
The number of repetitions is 10-12 times in 2-3 approaches.
From a lying position
To perform these exercises you will need an exercise mat or a thick blanket folded in half:
- lying on your stomach, raise your arms and legs at the same time;
- lying on your back, raise your upper body, stretch your palms towards your feet;
- lying on your back, bend one leg, bring it behind the other, trying to touch the surface of the floor with your knee.
Each exercise should be performed 7-10 times.
From a sitting position
When performing such exercises, you should avoid sudden, large-amplitude movements, including twisting:
- sitting on the floor, lean forward, trying to touch the opposite foot with the palm of your hand;
- sitting on a chair or stool, stretch your arms forward and slowly turn from side to side;
- sitting on the floor, grab your knee with your hands and bring it 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
In the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis, magnetotherapy, laser therapy, UHF therapy, sinusoidal currents, shock wave therapy, paraffin and ozokerite applications are used.During exacerbations, electrophoresis and ultraphonophoresis are performed with glucocorticosteroids, anesthetics, B vitamins and chondroprotectors.
Massage
A massage performed by a specialist helps to eliminate pain between the shoulder blades and relax spasmodic skeletal muscles.
For osteochondrosis, all types of massage are therapeutically effective: classic, vacuum, acupuncture, connective tissue.At home, self-massage can be conveniently performed using a wooden or electric massager with a long handle.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a method of treating pathology by installing needles in bioactive points of the human body.They are thin and short, so when the skin is pierced, only mild discomfort occasionally occurs.But even such an effect is enough for the body to produce substances with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
Food
Nutritionists recommend that patients with thoracic osteochondrosis avoid fatty meats, rich soups, smoked meats and homemade and factory-made marinades.You should limit the amount of salt in your diet, which causes the formation of edema.Every day you need to drink about 2.5 liters of liquids: water, vegetable juices, berry drinks, fruit compotes.
Folk remedies
Neurologists allow the use of decoctions and infusions of medicinal plants, ointments, alcohol and oil rubbing, compresses after the main therapy.Folk remedies are used to eliminate mild pain between the shoulder blades, which sometimes occurs after physical activity.
Celery root
Peel the large celery root, chop it on a fine grater, squeeze the juice.Add 100 g of chopped fresh celery.Take 3 tablespoons up to 4 times a day during meals to cleanse the vertebral structures of harmful salt deposits.
sunflower root
Pour a teaspoon of chopped dried sunflower roots into a glass of warm water.Bring to a boil, simmer for 20 minutes, cool under the lid, strain.Drink during the day in 3-4 doses.
Homemade ointment
In a mortar, grind a spoonful of turpentine and thick honey, add 2 drops of essential oils of juniper, rosemary and eucalyptus.Introduce 100 g of medical petroleum jelly in small portions.Mix, transfer to a jar, store in the refrigerator, massage on the 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 the pills, their dosages are significantly reduced.During the period of pregnancy, the main methods of treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis are massage and physical therapy.
Possible consequences
In the absence of medical intervention, thoracic osteochondrosis can cause pneumosclerosis, arrhythmia, vegetative-vascular dystonia, deterioration of the gastrointestinal tract and impairment of sexual and reproductive function in women and men.
Prevention and prognosis
The prognosis is favorable if the disease is detected timely and competent and comprehensive treatment is carried out.If complications of thoracic osteochondrosis have developed, only compliance with all medical recommendations will allow you to achieve a stable remission.
To prevent the pathology, neurologists recommend excluding the factors that cause it from your usual lifestyle.These are excess weight, poor physical activity, deficiency of vitamins and microelements and excessive stress on the spine.