Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine: how to treat the spine?

7 November 2020

A sedentary lifestyle, a constant presence at the computer, the lack of physical activity is more and more frequent. Of course, all these factors and many more affect the human body, which leads to a number of changes or diseases.

One of these diseases is osteochondrosis. Let's try to understand what thoracic osteochondrosis is, its types and how to deal with it.

What is osteochondrosis?

Osteochondrosisis a disease that affects the intervertebral discs and other tissues of the spine. Simply put, the vertebrae are compressed, thereby compressing the intervertebral discs.

IMPORTANT! If the treatment is not taken in time, the vertebrae become less elastic and begin to squeeze the nerve endings in the spinal cord. At this point, swelling and severe pain appear.

There are four types of osteochondrosis, each of which is named after the problematic part of the spine:

cervical;
;
chest;
collaborative.

Patients often do not know which specialist to consult for osteochondrosis. It must be said that the therapistwill definitely refer the patient to a neurologist to clarify the diagnosis. If the case is difficult, you may need the help of a vertebrologist, a specialist in the field of diseases of the spine.

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine or thoracic chondrosis

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic column (or simply chondrosis) of the spine is a degenerative-dystrophic disease caused by changes in the intervertebral discs of the thoracic vertebrae.

what osteochondrosis of the thoracic region looks like

If we look in more detail, thoracic osteochondrosis first affects bone tissue (vertebrae), and with development begins to affect cartilage tissue. Subsequently, osteochondrosis can lead not only to severe pain, but also to other diseases, and sometimes even disability.

Let's see how patients are diagnosed with thoracic osteochondrosis. Most patients show obvious signs of the disease. In advanced stages, a specialist can determine the exact disease with a simple examination. In other cases, an X-ray or MRI is needed for a complete picture.

Degrees of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region

It is important to say that there is no exact period of transition from degree to degree, it all depends only on the individual characteristics of the human body.

There are four stages of thoracic osteochondrosis, which gradually pass:

1 degree. The very beginning of thoracic osteochondrosis, when the patient feels almost nothing. There is no severe or persistent pain, and sometimes not even discomfort. Such sensations appear only after severe overwork or physical exertion, but more often the disease may not manifest itself at all.
2nd degree. The second degree is accompanied by the destruction of cartilage tissue and, as a result, a decrease in intervertebral slits and pinching of nerve endings, lymphatic vessels and even arteries.
3rd degree.At this point the fixed changes in the spine begin. Fixed means irreversible. For example, scoliosis, kyphosis, lump and others develop.
4th degree.This is the last and most serious degree of the disease, which threatens very serious consequences. At this point, the consequences are almost irreversible, as the changes in the spine become very serious.

Causes of thoracic osteochondrosis

Consider the list of causes (predisposing factors) of the onset of the disease:

pathological changes in the intervertebral discs;
intervertebral hernia;
impaired blood supply to the spinal cord;
lack of nutrients in the body (eg calcium);
serious injuries to the spine;
lifting regular weights or heavy loads on the spine;
being constantly in an uncomfortable and unnatural position in the absence of exercise or any physical activity (sedentary lifestyle);
curvature of the spine.

Symptoms and signs of thoracic osteochondrosis

Any disease has its own symptoms and manifestations characteristic of the pathology. Osteochondrosis is no exception, although when it comes to chest disease, symptoms are often confused with heart or lung disease.

Let us consider a list of the main characteristic symptoms of thoracic chondrosis:

Chest pain or burning.The main distinguishing feature of this particular type of disease is chest pain that appears after serious physical exertion, when bending to the sides, with severe hypothermia or when the patient is in one position for a long time(for example, in a dream).
Pain between the shoulder blades.The exacerbation of pain is associated with the lifting of the arms, as well as strong bending to the sides.
Dull pains, which appear during a deep inhale and exhale.
Cough.Cough does not appear immediately and often when this symptom appears, patients start treatment with viral drugs, which is a big mistake.
Discomfort between the ribs when walking. The symptom can appear even in the early stages of the disease.
Shortness of breath.It becomes difficult for a person to breathe during exertion.
Night sweats.At night a person is in the same position for a long time, which causes not only pain, but also sweating.
Numbness of the hands at night.The extremities may become numb, the symptom appears in the second stage of the disease, when the vertebrae constrict on nerve endings and some blood vessels.
Temperature.It does not always appear and is most often accompanied by severe pain.
Intercostal neuralgia. The patient feels stiffness and compression, as if an invisible corset is tightening the chest.
Increased blood pressure.
Panic attacks.Panic attacks are typical of advanced cases (stages 3 and 4).
Pain in the esophagus.
Disturbance of the gastrointestinal tract.Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region and heart.

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region and heart

The causes of heart pain or extrasystoles are often osteochondrosis of the thoracic region. The pains are either long lasting (period of 1 to 2 weeks) or strong and wavy. Often with the latter there is a rapid heartbeat.

Patients often turn to cardiologists by mistake. But the examination reveals that this is only a side effect of another disease, therefore, "heart" pills and do not bring the desired result.

Osteochondrosis during pregnancy and lactation in women

Often, chondrosis of the chest area appears during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Most often, it all begins during pregnancy, when a woman undergoes intense physical exertion. All of this, along with pregnancy, can lead to curvature of the thoracic or lumbar regions.

During the breastfeeding period, the situation is often aggravated, because often mothers are in the wrong position for a long time when feeding a baby, they are carried too long or "cradled". Nevertheless, during the whole period, hardly anyone succeeded in triggering the disease beyond the 2nd degree.

VSD in osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is the cause of the development of vegetative-vascular dystonia. Experts say that VSD is not an independent disease, but this disease is still another problem, which in total can lead to serious consequences.

VSD in this case may appear with poor posture during sleep, lack of physical activity and sedentary lifestyle, excess weight, etc. As a result of two diseases, the patient's blood pressure begins to rise, insomnia appears, numbness in the hands, memory impairment and much more.

Osteochondrosis and scoliosis

scoliosisis a congenital or acquired lateral curvature of the spine. If we are talking about congenital scoliosis, everything is clear. The acquired is interesting in this case, because it most often appears for a reason.

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can often be the cause of scoliosis, although the cause may be different. Scoliosis can develop in the third stage of the disease.

Spiked chondrose

“Spines” are osteophytes in the spine, which are the growth of bone tissue along joint processes or along the vertebrae. They are called thorns because they often look like thorns growing from the spine on x-rays.

This disease can be the cause of advanced osteochondrosis. This is a natural reaction of the body, which seeks to increase the area of the vertebrae so that the displacement does not create as much pressure. It is the “thorns” that are most often the cause of the hardening of the cartilage.

Typical manifestations of thoracic osteochondrosis in women

The female body differs in many ways from the male body, therefore, with this disease it has a number of features. In women, many autonomic nerve fibers pass through the thoracic region, which go to the limbs and internal organs.

In women, chondrosis has a number of additional symptoms that patients often confuse.

This includes:

heart pain;
stomach pain;
pain in the liver area;
pain in the mammary glands;
feeling of numbness or chills in the hands and feet.

Aggravation of thoracic osteochondrosis

The aggravation most often appears in spring and autumn, when the weather conditions change dramatically, the body lacks essential vitamins, and human activity increases.

Exacerbation of thoracic osteochondrosis is divided into two types:

Dorsago.Sharp, sudden pain that appears after a long time in an uncomfortable position. There is a feeling that the patient had a stab thrust between the shoulder blades, which is very similar to the symptom of myocardial infarction. It is recommended to seek help from specialists in the hospital.
Back pain.Onset gradually and lasts 2-3 weeks. The pain becomes quite intense and persistent, intensifying with bending, deep breathing, or staying in one position for a long time. It gradually passes with exercise and drug therapy.

Aggravation is a strong painful sensation that occurs not only when you are in one position for a long time or a heavy load, but simply for no reason. The pain can radiate to different parts of the breastbone.

What to do in the event of an acute pain attack?

Most often, such seizures occur in people who have already seen a doctor, who have orthopedic mattresses, corsets, and who are familiar with physiotherapy exercises. Those who do not know about their illness often call an ambulance, which is also a good option.

Nevertheless, a few tips are useful:

Lie down and try to give the body as much rest as possible. When a person lies, the stress on the vertebrae is minimal. It is best to lie on your back or in a fetal position.
Take pain relievers if the pain is unbearable.Also consult your doctor for recommendations.
Try to lie as much as possible for the first few days,until the pain subsides.
As soon as the pain subsides, you should start getting up more often and doing exercise therapy exercises.

How to reduce the pressure with thoracic chondrosis at home?

It has already been said that high blood pressure is a symptom and at the same time a side effect of the disease in question.

If the cause of high blood pressure is osteochondrosis, you can lower the pressure in the following way:

Normalization of blood supply to the brain.For this there are drugs that should be taken regularly on the advice of a doctor.
Relief of muscle spasms.Regular physical therapy, as well as massage and physiotherapy can cope.
Elimination of tissue edema.Physiotherapy, massage and acupuncture are also very effective here.

How and how to treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic region?

Treatment for the condition in question is usually very time consuming and involves a number of procedures. Some can be done alone at home and some only on the recommendation of specialists. Consider the different treatments.

Treatment of breast osteochondrosis at home

Basic home treatments:

physiotherapy exercises or at least simple exercises in the morning;
special mattress;
simple self-massage techniques;
Herbal baths and rubs to relieve pain and restore blood circulation.

Drugs and drugs

It's important to remember that pain relief and healing are two different things. You don't have to endure and constantly use pain relievers, you need to take medication.

WARNING! It is very important to understand that osteochondrosis is a serious disease, therefore it is necessary to take pills strictly on the recommendation of a specialist after a full diagnosis!

Consider a list of the most popular drugs:

Analgesic.Should be taken in case of exacerbation.
Hodroprotectors(restore cartilage tissue).
Injections and injections.Most often prescribed on the recommendation of a doctor, depending on the degree of the disease and the patient's predisposition to certain drugs.
Ointments and gels.
Vitamin complexes.All vitamin complexes are suitable, it is important that they contain B vitamins.

Massage and manual therapy

Massages are recommended for all types of osteochondrosis, as they help relieve tension, pain, restore the nervous and circulatory system. But it's important to understand that massage should be therapeutic.

Manual therapyis a very similar procedure to massage, but uses slightly different techniques. Manual therapy is an impact on the anatomical structures of the human body with the hands of a specialist, to remove restrictions and relax the muscles.

The peculiarity of manual massage is that it can be done in different positions (lying on your back, not on your side, standing or sitting). Often times, when pressing, flexing, stretching or other techniques, the patient may experience pain, but after the procedure, lightness and "freedom" are still felt.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is not accessible to everyone, but it is still quite effective. The procedure helps to get rid of the discomfort and also starts the recovery process.

In the early stages, acupuncture may be the primary treatment tool, eliminating the need for the patient to take medications or other procedures to treat breast osteochondrosis.

Physiotherapy

Electrotherapy, magnetotherapy, laser therapy, shock wave therapy, balneotherapy and vibration method are often used.

It is important to note that there are a number of contraindications to these procedures, so you should consult a specialist.

Physiotherapy and exercise

The main task of physiotherapy exercises for thoracic osteochondrosis is to strengthen the back muscles, the muscles of the shoulder complex, as well as the respiratory muscles. It is recommended to practice exercise therapy in special groups, but you can do exercises at home. It is very important to choose exercises for a specific disease and not to exercise during exacerbations.

Let's look at some basic exercises:

Sitting on a chair, put your upper back against your back and lean as far as possible with your hands behind your head(it is important that this is the regionthoracic functioning). After that, the maximum forward turn is performed. Repeat 4 to 5 times.
Also, sitting in a chair and putting your hands behind your head, take a deep breath, then lean back 3 to 5 times, leaning your upper back on your back. Then repeat the forward turn and slowly exhale 4 to 6 times.
Lying on your stomach, bend your chest as much as possible(but not sharply), trying to raise your head and legs as high as possible. Repeat 5-8 times.
Stand up, hands down, legs together.Raise your arms at the entrance, then lean back. Once the arms are lowered during the exhale and tilt forward, you should try to round your back.

There are many simple back exercises that help treat illnesses and are great for prevention or morning workouts.

Most of the exercises are straightforward and taken from exercise therapy or yoga:

A series of effective exercises with a stick. A series of simple exercises to strengthen the back muscles and straighten the spine. The complex includes 5 basic exercises that must be performed daily.
Exercises for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region with protrusion. In this case, it is recommended to do the simplest exercise therapy exercises, which include bending the back while standing, lying down and sitting.
Isometric exercises.

Isothermal exercises are rarely used, so let's look at some examples:

Exercise "Karate".When sitting or standing, the arms are bent at the elbows at an angle of 90 degrees, the fingers are clenched in fists, the back is straight, looking forward. Alternatively, each hand strikes in front of you.
"Ballerina" exercise. Sitting on a chair, the hands are locked in front of you at shoulder level. The right and left turns are alternately made to the maximum (not abruptly). If pain occurs during exercise, it should be stopped.
Japanese greeting exercise. The hands are crossed in front of you at chest level, palm to palm. Pressure is applied with both hands for 30 seconds. After that you need a door. Put your hands on the edges of the opening and hold them. You don't need to press your hands anywhere, just lean your hands (like going through the opening) forward and then back.

The author's gymnastic methods will help reduce the manifestation of severe symptoms:

7 basic exercises by Alexandra Boninafor thoracic chondrosis.
Method by the author of Bubnovsky.This is a complex treatment of osteochondrosis using special gymnastics, as well as unique special simulators. According to the creator, the disease can be cured with this method even without medication.
Gymnastics of cervicothoracic chondrosis of Dr. Popov.The main difference of this gymnastics is that it does not strengthen large muscles (like most other exercises), but, on the contrary, small ones. This type of gymnastics is also called micro-gymnastics.
Exercises according to the method of Dr. Shishonin.This method consists of 7 simple but unique exercises that strengthen the muscles of the spine, as well as the chest.

Treatment with folk remedies

Consider the most popular and effective folk remedies: herbal baths, rubs from calendula and dandelion, tincture of chamomile, as well as tincture from leaves of lemon balm and orange peel. Often in traditional medicine various rubs are used.

Tincture of ficus in butter:

Chop a few ficus leaves and mix with butter in a ratio of 1: 1.
Then put the mixture in a hot oven for 1. 5 hours, then take it out and strain.
The cooled substance should be rubbed daily along the spine.

The potato compress will also be effective for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis:

Take 4-5 potatoes and boil them, then mash and turn into thick mash.
This puree is wrapped in several layers of the tampon and applied to the affected area of the spine.
After that, the compress is covered with a woolen scarf or thick towel, kept until it cools.
After the potatoes have cooled, remove the compress and rub the wound with alcohol, then lie down under the blanket. Repeat every other day before bedtime until the pain subsides.

Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis

Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis is an active lifestyle without excessive stress. Good nutrition, intake of vitamin and mineral complexes, as well as regular medical examinations.

But if you deviate from the general rules, you can distinguish several features:

Sleep on an orthopedic mattress in natural positions.
When working sedentary, keep your back straight, getting up regularly and warming up.
Morning gymnastics, gym classes, yoga and more.

Such activities have a positive effect on the spine and the body as a whole, so regular moderate physical activity will help prevent diseases of the spine.

In summary, let's say that osteochondrosis is a serious disease that should be treated without fail. Self-medication is not recommended, especially if pain becomes a constant companion. But it should also not be forgotten that prevention is the best treatment, so a healthy lifestyle is the key to success and good health!