A sedentary lifestyle, injuries or excessive physical activity cause diseases of the musculoskeletal system. To avoid complications, it is important to start treatment early in the process. To do this, you need to know about the causes and symptoms of 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. Pathology is expressed by a decrease in the height of the discs and compression of the intercostal nerve endings.
Thoracic osteochondrosis goes through several stages of progression.
The first is characterized by desiccation of the intervertebral disc, a decrease in firmness and elasticity, and the appearance of cracks. The pain is mild and disappears after the person has a little rest.
At the second stage, the disc decreases in height, the niche in the vertebra is filled with the nucleus pulposus, but it does not go beyond its borders. Muscles experience constant tension. A person complains of severe pain, which subsides after being at rest.
The third stage is characterized by the exit of the nucleus pulposus beyond the edges, the crack reaches the vertebral edge. As a result, an intervertebral hernia is formed. The pain becomes constant.
At the fourth stage, an overgrowth of connective tissue is found, which puts pressure on nearby vertebrae. To compensate for the reduced layer, the growth of bone tissue begins. More and more growths (osteophytes) appear.
Types of thoracic osteochondrosis and complications
According to the nature of pain, there are two types of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- dorsago, which is characterized by acute sharp pain in the form of a lumbago, localized in the thoracic spine. The condition is accompanied by muscle tension, problems with movement in the neck and thoracic region;
- dorsalgia, in which pain increases slowly. Inhalations and turns of the torso, as well as a long stay in one position, increase the discomfort. At night, the discomfort deepens, and disappears during hiking.
In the absence of adequate therapy, nerve endings are increasingly compressed. As a result, osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can give complications:
- kidney pathology;
- diseases of the digestive system;
- immobility;
- persistent pain;
- disruptions in 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 medium load and limited mobility. However, the pathology is common. The disease can be provoked by one of the reasons or a combination of them:
- injury and damage;
- excessive load on the department, including in childhood;
- age-related changes associated with a decrease in the nutrition of the tissues of the discs between the vertebrae;
- diseases of the endocrinological profile, especially during menopause;
- age-related violation of calcium absorption;
- excess body weight;
- problems with blood vessels, atherosclerotic deposits in the vessels of the thoracic region;
- weak muscular corset.
How pathology manifests itself
Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are represented by pain and increased muscle tone. The pain can be both short-lived with lumbago, and long aching. Recoil can be felt in the anterior chest, under the ribs, and in the shoulder. The pain is aggravated by long stay in one position.
A characteristic sign of pathology is sensitivity to palpation of the spinous processes of the thoracic vertebrae.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are similar to those of other diseases and include:
- discomfort in the region of the heart, reminiscent of pain in angina pectoris;
- soreness during breathing, shortness of breath, also manifested in pneumonia, tuberculosis, obstructive pulmonary disease;
- pain in the epigastric region, under the ribs, similar to signs of gastrointestinal diseases.
Methods of treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis
If you complain, you should contact a neurologist. Therapy includes medication, physiotherapy, exercise therapy and massage.
Of the medicines, doctors prescribe:
- means to eliminate the focus of inflammation in the spine;
- drugs to reduce muscle tone and the risk of squeezing the sensitive roots of the spinal cord;
- neuroprotectors designed to help restore nerve fibers.
The choice and dosage is selected by the doctor, who will take into account drug tolerance, comorbidities and the patient's weight.
It is important to observe the recommended duration of treatment in order to avoid relapses. You can buy prescribed drugs inexpensively in the online store. Information about the price, drugs in stock, current promotions and discounts is available around the clock on the site.
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Physiotherapy includes:
- diadynamic therapy, that is, electric current treatment to relax muscles and reduce pain;
- 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 carefully treated. For the appearance of the effect, at least 10-15 sessions are required.
During physiotherapy exercises, the emphasis is on exercises that strengthen the muscular corset, neck and lower back.
Locally prescribed ointments and gels with anti-inflammatory action, warming patches, needle applicator.