Osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine is diagnosed less frequently than other forms of this pathology. This is due to the anatomical features of the structure of the middle part of the human back. The intervertebral discs in this area move a little. However, this anomaly still occurs occasionally and requires adequate treatment.
Characteristics of the disease
This term is understood as dystrophic and degenerative changes in the spine, which lead to abnormalities in the structure of cartilage and bone tissue. According to the ICD-10, the pathology is coded as follows: M42. Osteochondritis of the spine.
If you do not immediately begin treatment of the disease, there is a risk of violation of the structure of the ligamentous apparatus, joints and intervertebral discs. Osteochondrosis often leads to atherosclerosis, malignant tumors, infertility and other disorders.
steps
Depending on the level of destruction of the vertebrae, several stages of development of the disease are distinguished:
- In the disease of the first degree, the discs lose their elasticity, their height decreases. Sometimes protrusions or protrusions are formed.
- Osteochondrosis of the second degree is accompanied by a further decrease in the height of the discs and the loss of their elasticity. At this stage, an instability of the thoracic region appears. This aggravates a person's condition and can cause a crack in the disc ring. This violation is fraught with the appearance of a hernia. At this stage, pain occurs. Neurological manifestations may also be present.
- For osteochondrosis of the third degree, the appearance of intervertebral hernias is characteristic. The symptoms of the pathology depend on the size and localization of this formation.
- Fourth-degree disease is accompanied by a loss of the shock-absorbing characteristics of the discs. At this stage, convergence of the vertebrae, loss of mobility of the spine, pinching of blood vessels and nerves are observed. This form of the disease is characterized by the destruction of the bones of the spine.
The reasons
Thoracic osteochondrosis is most often caused by a lack of physical activity. This leads to a weakening of muscle tissue and an increase in the load on the intervertebral discs.
In addition, the causes of pathology include the following:
- bad habits;
- posture disorders;
- genetic predisposition;
- hypodynamia;
- increased physical activity;
- spinal injuries;
- stressful situations.
Symptoms
This form of osteochondrosis has less pronounced manifestations than other types of this disease. Characteristic symptoms of the pathology include the following:
- chest pains that increase at night due to a long stay in an uncomfortable position, with hypothermia and increased stress;
- discomfort between the shoulder blades that occurs when lifting limbs or bending;
- increased discomfort during deep inspirations and exhalations;
- pain between the ribs that occurs when moving;
- chest tightness.
With an exacerbation of the pathology, the pain syndrome is present for several weeks. Also, there are additional manifestations of the chest form of the disease:
- loss of sensitivity of certain areas of the skin, appearance of goosebumps;
- burning sensation and itching, feeling of coldness in the lower extremities;
- brittle nails and peeling skin;
- pain in the esophagus and pharynx;
- violations of the functions of the digestive organs.
How to treat thoracic osteochondrosis
To deal with this violation, you need to provide an integrated approach. Specific treatment methods should be selected by the doctor, taking into account the clinical picture of the disease.
medically
In the chest form of the disease, the following categories of drugs are most often used:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs. They help to cope with pain and eliminate soft tissue swelling. With intercostal neuralgia, local dosage forms are prescribed in the form of ointments and creams.
- Anesthetics. They are injected into the spine to eliminate pain and muscle spasms.
- Muscle relaxants. Such remedies eliminate painful muscle spasms.
- Antidepressants. These drugs eliminate the psycho-emotional stress that often accompanies osteochondrosis.
- B vitamins. These drugs nourish the nerve fibers. This helps to deal with neurological abnormalities. In the treatment of osteochondrosis, agents containing vitamins B1, B6 and B12 are used.
- Chondroprotectors. These funds help to stop the destruction of discs and normalize bone metabolism. It is recommended to inject them directly into the paravertebral tissues.
exercise therapy and physiotherapy
With the help of therapeutic exercises and gymnastics, you can reduce the frequency of exacerbations. To do this, it is recommended to perform the following movements:
- Sit on a chair, put your hands behind your head, inhale. As you exhale, contract your shoulder blades. Do 10 to 15 reps.
- Get on all fours, gently arch your back and stay in this position. After a few seconds, bend down and fix yourself in this position again. Do 15 to 20 reps.
- Lie on your back, raise your straight legs 20-30 cm and stay in this position for 20 seconds. Do 10 reps.
Physiotherapy is an effective therapeutic method. They have a local effect on the focus of pathology.
Thanks to exercises, it is possible to cope with pain and spasms, improve tissue nutrition and normalize blood circulation. In the chest form of the pathology, magnetic therapy, laser exposure and electrophoresis are indicated.
Folk recipes
When choosing home remedies, be sure to consider the degree of the disease and the symptoms present. If the disease has an acute course and is accompanied by severe pain, treatment begins with anti-inflammatory and analgesic preparations.
The following plants have this effect:
- chamomile;
- sage;
- viburnum;
- elecampane;
- Birch.
These herbs can be brewed like regular tea. To do this, take 1 tablespoon per 250 ml of boiling water. Take the composition of 1 glass 2-3 times a day. To improve the taste of the drink, you can add a little honey to it.
What to do during an exacerbation
With an exacerbation of thoracic osteochondrosis, the following recommendations should be observed:
- reduce physical activity - it is better to observe bed rest;
- eat properly;
- taking medication prescribed by a doctor;
- do a gentle self-massage and rub the problem areas;
- engaging in therapeutic exercises if indicated;
- rub creams and ointments recommended by the doctor;
- use physical therapy.
Complications and consequences
If you do not start treatment in time, you risk developing dangerous consequences. These include the following:
- intervertebral protrusion and hernia;
- spinal cord compression;
- deviations in the work of internal organs - heart, liver, intestines, kidneys, pancreas;
- duodenal lesions, intestinal motility disorders, gallbladder dyskinesia;
- intercostal neuralgia - irritation or compression of nerve fibers.
Prevention and prognosis
To avoid the appearance of thoracic osteochondrosis, you should follow these recommendations:
- avoid a static position of the body - periodically warm up;
- choose a comfortable work chair;
- sleep on an orthopedic mattress;
- refuse to carry heavy objects;
- control body weight;
- engage in physical therapy.
It is impossible to completely cure the disease, but you can stop its development. Provided that treatment is initiated in a timely manner, the pathology has a favorable prognosis.
Thoracic osteochondrosis is a serious disease that is accompanied by severe pain and can lead to dangerous health consequences. To deal with this violation, it is necessary to consult a doctor in time.