Osteochondrosis is called damage to the bones and cartilage of different parts of the spine. In this article we will look at the features of this defect, in a situation where it occurs in the chest area, its main symptoms and treatment.
Osteoarthritis of the thoracic spine is the progression of damage of a degenerative-dystrophic nature of the tissue structures of the vertebrae, as a result of which they, as well as the discs and cartilage tissue, are gradually destroyed. There are also other osteonecrosis diseases, for example, cervical or lumbar. Compared with them, manifestations of thoracic pathology are rarer, because the spine in this part is less mobile and in addition due to the fact that the ribs are tight. However, in some cases, the disease even ends up disabling, which happens as a result of the formation of disc herniations. The only effective treatment in this case would be surgery. Usually, the disease affects people over 35-40 years old.
Due to the specificity of the site, thoracic osteonecrosis is less symptomatic and less likely to be caused by external influences. The main risk of developing the pathology is a sedentary lifestyle, which is why the musculature of the back is much weaker. The main causes of the disease are:
- Overload on the back, which can occur both from heavy lifting and wearing high heels, and from special physiological conditions, such as pregnancy or congenital foot deformities - flat feet.
- Inactivity, sedentary work, insufficient physical activity
- Scoliosis and other curvatures of the spine in the thoracic region
- Backache
- Having bad posture
- genetic factors
- severe stress
Thoracic osteochondrosis ends with thinning of the discs, the formation of disc herniations, the formation of growths from the connective tissue, and the wear and tear of the cartilage structures that form the vertebral joints.
The consequences of pathology are often accompanied by additional symptoms, for example, when compression of the spinal canal or blood vessels occurs. As with other manifestations requiring additional complex treatment.
Symptoms of thoracic osteonecrosis
With the thoracic presentation of the disease, the onset of symptoms usually occurs when the spine is under load, as well as due to sudden movements - when turning or leaning.
Usually, there is a dull, aching pain located between the shoulder blades, accompanied by a feeling of tight sternum. When there is displacement of the lower ribs, they indicate posterior limb syndrome, in which pain is manifested in the lower chest and shoulder blade area. In addition, pain often occurs if you try to feel the spine, where there is disease.
Such painful manifestations are usually caused by one of two types:
- Severe, penetrating and sharp pain in the interstitium, as well as in the ribs. It is called Dorsago and is characterized by an increase in turns and a change in body position. Often, such pain is characteristic of exacerbations; Symptomatic treatment is needed to relieve pain.
- Back pain is called pain syndrome that comes on gradually, lasting from 7-20 days. The nature of the pain in this case is dull and mild pain, the location of the manifestation is the thoracic spine. An increase in intensity is noted if you take a deep breath or bend over. In addition, you may feel shortness of breath as well as spasms of the muscles around the affected area. The onset of a symptom is often present over long periods of time in one position, such as after a night of sleep.
Other medical conditions associated with thoracic osteonecrosis will depend on the extent of their presentation. For example, in a situation where the nerve endings passing through the vertebrae are strongly compressed, there is a loss of sensitivity, which can affect the tendon reflexes. In addition, with thoracic osteonecrosis, compression of the nerve endings responsible for the liver, heart, kidneys, lungs, and digestive organs often occurs, thus possibly causing some loss of life. function of these organs and systems with the appearance of corresponding symptoms of heaviness, tension, pain.
Among the additional manifestations of the disease, there are often problems with normal breathing, local pain sensations:
- In the chest and on the side of the heart
- Under the right or left ribs, cholecystitis and other diseases may be suspected
- In the throat, esophagus, stomach and intestines
Treatment of thoracic osteonecrosis
With osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, symptomatic treatment is indicated, or in other words, it depends on which symptoms are most pronounced. For this purpose, the doctor prescribes the following drugs:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Analgesic
- Local anesthetics, which are creams, ointments, patches
- Relax muscles during severe spasms
- vitamin
- Antidepressants
To prevent the progression of the disease, various physiotherapeutic procedures are applied, as well as adjustments in diet and vitamin intake. Some doctors supplement treatment with drugs called chondroprotectors. They are credited with the properties of restoring damaged cartilage and bone. However, the effectiveness of such funds is not seriously proven, and at the same time, their course lasts from 6 months and can be quite expensive. On this basis, taking these drugs must be approved by your doctor, but it is better to get advice from some specialist.
As an adjunct to treatment aimed at preventing future pathology, physical therapy is used to promote thoracic osteonecrosis. Most commonly used:
- Shockwave, laser and magnetic therapy, as well as ultraviolet and electrophoresis
- The complexity of physiotherapeutic exercises. Osteochondrosis is very effectively treated with the help of exercise. Usually, the entire exercise is repeated several times a day, which strengthens the muscles of the back and chest, restoring mobility of the vertebrae. With the help of gymnastics, both treatment and prevention of diseases are carried out, a specific complex is selected by the attending physician. It is worth remembering that you can only start the exercises after the painful symptoms have ceased and if any pain occurs during the performance, you should reduce its intensity.
- Massage helps to stretch the spine, enhance the metabolism of the vertebrae and their surrounding elements
- A special diet to compensate for the lack of substances necessary for the process of restoring cartilage tissue structures.
What to do with exacerbations?
Thoracic osteosarcoma is a chronic disease, so it is characterized by more advanced stages of the disease. This usually happens after severe exertion in the gym or at work, severe stress, fatigue accumulation. At this point, other symptoms may occur:
- Headache accompanied by migraine
- Nausea and vomiting
- dizzy
- strong weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Limited movement
Severe pain in the spine, related to the low back, with an exacerbation, which is difficult to resolve on its own. In addition, the independent selection of a strong pain reliever is fraught with serious side effects, additional complications, and treatment. Therefore, it is important to seek medical help during such times, if you cannot see a neurologist on your own then you need to call an ambulance. Painful symptoms are well eliminated in the hospital, by intramuscular injection of analgesia and concurrent use of local anesthesia.
If osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is in the acute stage, then the following rules of treatment should be observed:
- You need to lie on the bed, remove the spine as much as possible
- Medicines that need to be taken should only be taken as prescribed by the doctor.
- You can only go to physical therapy with your doctor's permission.
- Diet needs to be adjusted
When there is a herniated disc, additional drug treatment is prescribed, as well as wearing a corset. If the hernia is large, the only effective treatment will be to perform an operation, which is indicated individually based on the diagnosis.
Prevent
Tumors of the thoracic spine often appear in certain occupations, so everyone who does heavy work related to weight lifting, on the other hand, is very sedentary during work. . their posture, periodically strengthening their back muscles and providing useful locomotor activity for the vertebrae. Therefore, the prevention of osteonecrosis involves exercising several times a day. Do not give excess and independent massage.
In addition, it is important to change the diet to exclude products with ingredients that lead to the degenerative process and increase the wear and tear of cartilage and bone. The diet should minimize salty, sweet, spicy, spicy and fried foods. Food should be natural, in which there are no preservatives and dyes. Priority is given to vegetables, fruits, grains, lean meat and fish, dairy products. To speed up salt metabolism, adults should drink at least two liters of fluid per day. It is better to refuse alcohol and coffee. In addition, it is important to prevent the appearance of excess body weight, which increases the load on the vertebrae.
Another factor that helps prevent thoracic osteonecrosis is healthy sleep. "Healthy" in this case we mean the position the body is in. To minimize discomfort during sleep, it is better to use a individually selected orthopedic pillow and mattress.
Taking these measures will help avoid the onset of symptoms of thoracic osteonecrosis and avoid long-term treatment.