A sedentary lifestyle, injuries or excessive physical activity cause diseases of the musculoskeletal system. In order to avoid complications, it is important to start the treatment at an early stage of the process. To do this, you need to know 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 cartilages located in the intervertebral space. The pathology is expressed by a decrease in the height of the intervertebral discs and compression of the intercostal nerve endings.
Thoracic osteochondrosis goes through several stages of progression.
The first is characterized by drying out of the intervertebral disc, a decrease in strength and flexibility, and the appearance of cracks. The pain is mild and disappears after some rest.
In the second stage, the height of the disc decreases, the gap in the vertebra is filled by the nucleus pulposus, but does not exceed its limits. Muscles experience constant tension. A person complains of severe pain, which subsides after rest.
The third stage is characterized by the fact that the nucleus pulposus protrudes beyond the edges, and the crack reaches the edge of the vertebra. As a result, an intervertebral hernia is formed. The pain becomes constant.
In the fourth stage, excessive growth of connective tissue is found, which puts pressure on nearby vertebrae. Bone tissue begins to grow to compensate for the reduced layer. More and more growths (osteophytes) appear.
Types and complications of thoracic osteochondrosis
Depending on the nature of the pain, there are two types of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- dorsago, which is characterized by acute sharp pain in the form of lumbago, which is localized in the thoracic spine. The condition is accompanied by muscle tension, movement problems in the neck and chest;
- dorsalgia, in which the pain increases slowly. Inhaling and turning the trunk, as well as staying in one position for a long time, increase the discomfort. At night, the discomfort deepens and disappears when hiking.
In the absence of adequate therapy, the nerve endings are compressed more and more. As a result, osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can cause complications:
- kidney pathology;
- diseases of the digestive system;
- immobility;
- persistent pain;
- disorders of heart function;
- intervertebral hernia;
- reduced ability to conceive;
- violation of the work of the lungs, caused by the growth of connective tissue.
Why does thoracic spine pathology occur?
This section of the spine experiences moderate stress and limited mobility. However, pathology is common. The disease can be provoked by one or a combination of reasons:
- injuries and damages;
- excessive load on the ward, including childhood;
- age-related changes, which are associated with a decrease in the nutrition of the tissues of the intervertebral discs;
- diseases of the endocrinological profile, especially during menopause;
- age-related violation of calcium absorption;
- excessive body weight;
- problems related to blood vessels, atherosclerotic deposits in the vessels of the chest region;
- weak muscular corset.
How the pathology manifests itself
Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are characterized by pain and increased muscle tone. The pain can be short-term in the case of lumbago or long-lasting pain. The recoil is felt in the front of the chest, under the ribs and in the shoulders. The pain is aggravated by staying in one position for a long time.
A characteristic sign of the pathology is sensitivity to the palpation of the spinous processes of the thoracic vertebrae.
The symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are similar to the symptoms of other diseases and are as follows:
- discomfort in the region of the heart, reminiscent of the pain of angina pectoris;
- respiratory pain, shortness of breath, which also manifests itself in pneumonia, tuberculosis, obstructive lung disease;
- pain in the epigastric region, under the ribs, similar to the signs of gastrointestinal diseases.
Methods of treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis
In case of complaints, a neurologist should be consulted. Therapy includes medication, physical therapy, exercise, and massage.
Among the medicines, doctors prescribe the following:
- means to eliminate the focus of inflammation in the spine;
- drugs that reduce muscle tone and the risk of compression of the sensitive roots of the spinal cord;
- neuroprotectors aimed at restoring nerve fibers.
The choice and dosage is chosen by the doctor, taking into account the tolerance of the drug, comorbidities and the weight of the patient.
In order to avoid relapses, it is important to adhere to the recommended duration of treatment. In the online store, you can buy cheap prescription drugs. Information on prices, medicines in stock, current promotions and discounts is available on the site 24/7.
You can reserve medicines now, customers can choose between delivery and self-delivery.
Physiotherapy includes:
- diadynamic therapy, i. e. electric current treatment to relax muscles and reduce pain;
- electrophoresis with painkillers;
- magnetic therapy to relieve discomfort and swelling.
The massage should be done carefully, using rubbing techniques. The area under the shoulder blades and between the ribs should be carefully treated. At least 10-15 sessions are required for the effect to appear.
During the physiotherapy exercises, the emphasis is on exercises that strengthen the ligaments, the neck and the lower back.
Locally prescribed anti-inflammatory ointments and gels, heating patches, needle applicator.