Thoracic osteochondrosis is a degenerative dystrophic disease affecting the intervertebral discs.As the pathology progresses, surrounding structures also become involved in the process.The symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are varied and often resemble those of other conditions.To diagnose this pathology, several methods are used to detect changes in intervertebral structures.Treatment for thoracic osteochondrosis includes medications and non-drug treatments such as physical therapy and massage.Many people are also interested in how to treat osteochondrosis of the chest using traditional methods.
risk factors
Osteochondrosis of the chest most commonly occurs if one or more predisposing factors are present.These include:
- genetic predisposition;
- Spinal abnormalities;
- excessive physical activity;
- low physical activity;
- After a fall on your back and impact on the spine, the intervertebral discs will be damaged;
- Prolonged exposure to vibration, which is typical for vehicle drivers;
- being overweight;
- hormonal imbalance;
- smoking;
- Aged over 40 years old;
- Wear high heels.
Characteristics of thoracic osteochondrosis
Due to the particularity of the anatomical structure, the thoracic spine has less mobility than the cervical spine, and the lumbar part bears less load than the lumbar spine.As such, osteochondrosis in this section is rare.
The most common symptom of thoracic osteochondrosis is back pain.Back pain is a severe pain that occurs when a person lies down, sits, or starts to stand up for a long time.Often the pain is so severe that it causes difficulty breathing.This condition may be accompanied by muscle tension in the chest, neck, and lower back.
Back pain is chest pain that develops gradually and lasts for 2-3 weeks.Unpleasant sensations can become more intense when bending over, turning around, holding one position for a long time, or taking deep breaths.
Other common manifestations of thoracic osteochondrosis include:
- Stomach pain, accompanied by nausea and vomiting, which has nothing to do with eating habits;
- Right side rib pain aggravated by coughing, sneezing or changing posture;
- Low back pain, reminiscent of renal colic, sometimes associated with urinary disease;
- Pain in the upper chest, accompanied by a foreign body sensation in the throat;
- Persistent breast pain.
disease extent
Depending on the severity of the pathological process and disease manifestations, osteochondrosis can be divided into 4 grades.
First
During this stage, a crack forms in the annulus fibrosus and the nucleus pulposus infiltrates into it.Pain at the lesion is a sign of thoracic osteochondrosis at this stage.They can be persistent or appear suddenly, in the form of lower back pain.Sometimes an unpleasant sensation occurs in the heart area, and localized muscle contractions are noted.
second
This stage is characterized by pathological movement between the vertebrae at the site of the disease.Pain occurs when one position is held for an extended period of time and persists with movement.
third
This stage is characterized by rupture of the annulus fibrosus and detachment of the nucleus pulposus from its limits.This pathological change is accompanied by the formation of intervertebral hernia.The latter can compress nerve fibers, blood vessels and the spinal cord.
Painful sensations occur more frequently, along with breathing problems and discomfort in the heart area.
fourth
The pathological process involves the structures surrounding the disc.The ligamentous apparatus of the spine is affected, andOsteophytes- Bone growth can compress nerve fibers, sometimes damaging the spinal cord.
Possible complications
Intercostal neuralgia occurs when osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is accompanied by spinal nerve root compression.It is characterized by severe pain on one side of the chest.Unpleasant sensations travel along nerve fibers from the spine to the sternum and shoot in nature.
Pain from intercostal neuralgia typically radiates to the stomach, shoulder blades, arms, and retrosternal area.When sympathetic nerve fibers are damaged, the skin in the affected area appears pale and red.Pain attacks can last from a few seconds to a few minutes.Between the ribs, a person may experience paresthesia (numbness, crawling sensation), which is characteristic of the time between attacks.
Another complication of this condition is spondyloarthropathy.In this pathological condition, the joints between the vertebrae are deformed, the cartilage layer is destroyed, the ligaments are stretched, and the mobility of the vertebrae relative to each other increases.In response to the inflammation, the muscles around the spine go into spasm.
Subsequently, osteophytes are formed, and against the background of the formation of this growth, the affected part of the spine loses mobility.Bone growth can sometimes compress nerve roots, causing pain and sensory impairment.
Diagnosis of disease
The easiest way to detect osteochondrosis of the chest is with spinal radiography.This study revealed flattening of the disc, uneven contours, displacement of adjacent vertebral bodies relative to each other, and changes in their shape.
Sometimes a discogram - an X-ray taken using contrast material - is done.This method allowed us to identify the uneven borders of the nucleus pulposus, which is characteristic of osteochondrosis.In overt pathological processes, the contrast agent completely fills the intervertebral disc, sometimes even beyond its limits.
More accurate images of the spine can be obtained using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.These methods allow for a more detailed assessment of the severity of the degenerative process, determining the presence, location, and size of the hernia.
If symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis occur, your doctor may also recommend general blood tests as a diagnostic aid.This disease is often accompanied by a slight increase in white blood cell count and an increase in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).When the electrolytes in the blood are tested, a drop in calcium levels is sometimes found.
The symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are similar to those of many diseases; if they occur, you need to see a doctor for examination and a clear diagnosis.If left untreated, the disease can progress, often leading to complications.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the chest: gymnastics and exercise therapy
Gymnastics can increase the mobility of thoracic intervertebral joints and costovertebral joints, reduce stiffness, and eliminate muscle spasms.
Before treating osteochondrosis of the chest at home with exercise therapy, you need to make sure there are no contraindications.Gymnastics classes are prohibited under the following circumstances:
- worsening of osteochondrosis;
- Early recovery period after surgical treatment of osteochondrosis;
- Neuropathology with impaired motor coordination;
- Hypertension, arrhythmia;
- Exacerbation of any chronic disease, acute inflammatory and infectious processes.
massage
Massage improves blood circulation in the tissues surrounding the spine, eliminating muscle spasms while increasing its tone.Against this background, pain and discomfort in the back area are reduced.
For osteochondrosis of the chest, the following types of massage can be used:
- classic.
- points (influence on certain points).
- Segmental (back massage of the chest area, aimed at improving local blood circulation).
- Cupping (exposing the affected area with a vacuum).
Classic massage includes friction, stroking, kneading, vibrating movements and pinching.
drug treatment
Medical treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis is aimed at:
- Reduce inflammatory processes;
- eliminate pain;
- Reduce muscle spasms;
- Improves the condition of cartilage and nerve tissue.
The most common medications used to treat symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.These drugs inhibit the inflammatory response that occurs in nerve fibers, thereby reducing pain.These funds will be used as follows:
- tablet.
- Ointments, gels.
- injection.
Injectable NSAIDs are used to treat exacerbations.
The most common side effects of NSAIDs include damage to the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract, ulcer formation, decreased coagulation function, kidney damage, and allergic reactions.
Using muscle relaxants to treat thoracic osteochondrosis can reduce the spasm of the muscles around the spine, compressing nerve endings and blood vessels, thereby reducing the intensity of pain.
Chondroprotectants normalize the metabolic processes of cartilage tissue and prevent its destruction.The ingredients of such products include chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine, which are involved in the synthesis of connective tissue.
Preparations containing B vitamins improve the metabolism of damaged nerve fibers and thus suppress the inflammatory response.
Folk remedies for treating osteochondrosis of the chest
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis at home includes the use of ointments, compresses, and the ingestion of various infusions and decoctions.They help reduce the severity of inflammation, improve metabolic processes in the affected areas of the spine, and reduce pain.
Ointments and dressings containing natural ingredients
Before using these medications to treat osteochondrosis of the chest, it is important to prepare the medication correctly.To obtain an egg vinegar ointment, you need to mix eggs with an equal amount of vinegar, add 100 g of soft butter and bring the mixture to a homogeneous consistency.Apply this ointment in a thin layer to the affected area overnight.
To make another product, you will need to mix 2 tablespoons of crushed sage and plantain leaves.Add 40 g of melted petroleum jelly and 50 ml of olive oil to the plants.Mix all ingredients thoroughly and apply the resulting ointment to the affected area with rubbing movements and spread a warm cloth over it.This process can be repeated 2-3 times per day.
To prepare one of the most effective dressings, you need to prepare 50 g of aloe vera leaves, 100 ml of vodka, 100 g of honey.Use a grater to grind the aloe vera and add the remaining ingredients.The composition is infused for 5 days.Apply the product to the area where pain is felt, place polyethylene on the skin of your back and wrap your chest with a towel or scarf.Leave the compress on for 2 hours.
Infusions, tinctures, decoctions
To prepare an anti-inflammatory decoction, you need to mix a tablespoon of dried chamomile with mint.Add 300 ml of hot water to the plant material and boil the composition for 10 minutes using a water bath.This composition is taken 3 times a day, 2 tablespoons each time.
To get an infusion with significant anti-inflammatory properties, you need to take 2 tablespoons of strawberries and birch leaves, 3 tablespoons of chamomile flowers, calendula, one tablespoon of St. John's wort, 10 grams of oak bark.Mix the listed components, pour 2 tablespoons of this composition into a liter of boiling water and leave for 4 hours.This infusion should be consumed three times a day, 100 ml each time.
To obtain arnica tincture, pour 25 grams of the plant's flowers into half a liter of vodka.The product is left in a cool place for one month.Dissolve the tincture in a small amount of water and take 20 drops three times daily.This therapy improves metabolic processes in the affected areas of the spine and reduces the severity of the inflammatory response.
prevention
To prevent the development of osteochondrosis of the chest, it is recommended:
- Stop smoking and abusing alcoholic beverages;
- Standardize nutrition and reduce the content of greasy and fried foods in the diet;
- maintain optimal body weight;
- Avoid heavy lifting and excessive physical exertion.
Comprehensive treatment for thoracic osteochondrosis includes medications, massage, and exercise therapy designed to reduce inflammation, muscle spasms, and eliminate pain.Traditional methods serve as complementary measures that help enhance the effectiveness of other ongoing activities.