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

7 November 2020

A sedentary lifestyle, constant computer presence, lack of physical activity is now more and more common. All these and many other factors, of course, affect the human body, leading to a number of changes or diseases.

One of these diseases is osteochondrosis. Let's try to find out what thoracic osteochondrosis is, what types it has and how to treat it.

What is osteochondrosis?

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

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

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

cervical;
lumbar;
chest;
collaborative.

Patients often do not know which specialist to consult when treating osteochondrosis. It should be said that thetherapist will refer the patient to a neurologist to clarify the diagnosis. If the case is difficult, you may need the help of a vertebrologist, a limited specialist in the field of diseases of the spine.

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine or thoracic chondrosis

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

What does osteochondrosis of the thoracic region look like

If you 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 thoracic osteochondrosis is diagnosed in patients. Most patients arrive with clear signs of the disease. In advanced stages, a specialist can determine the exact disease with a simple exam. In other cases, an X-ray or MRI is necessary to obtain a complete image.

Degrees of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region

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

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

1 degree. The 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 intense overwork or physical exertion, but most often the disease may not manifest itself at all.
2nd grade.The second degree is accompanied by the destruction of cartilage tissue and, as a result, a decrease in intervertebral fissures and pinching of nerve endings, lymphatic vessels and even arteries.
3rd grade.At this stage, the fixed changes in the column begin. Fixed means irreversible. For example, scoliosis, kyphosis, hump and others develop.
Fourth grade.This is the last and most serious degree of the disease, which threatens very serious consequences. At this stage, the consequences are almost irreversible, because the changes in the spine become very serious.

Causes of thoracic osteochondrosis

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

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

Symptoms and signs of thoracic osteochondrosis

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

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

Pain or burning in the chest.The main distinguishing feature of this particular type of disease is chest pain that appears after severe physical exertion, when bending over 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 raising the arms, as well as with strong bending to the sides.
Dull aches, which appear during deep breaths and exhalation.
Cough.Coughing does not appear immediately, and often when this symptom appears, patients begin treatment with viral medications, 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 is difficult for a person to breathe during exertion.
Night sweats.At night, a person is in one position for a long time, which causes not only pain, but also sweating.
Numbness of hands at night.The limbs can go numb, the symptom appears in the second stage of the disease, when the vertebrae pinch the nerve endings and some blood vessels.
Temperature.It does not always appear and, more often, is accompanied by severe pain.
Intercostal neuralgia. The patient feels stiffness and tightness, as if an invisible corset tightens the chest area.
Increase in blood pressure.
Panic attacks.Panic attacks are typical of advanced cases (stages 3 and 4).
Pain in the esophagus.
Alteration of the gastrointestinal tract.Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region and of the heart.

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region and heart

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

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

Osteochondrosis during pregnancy and lactation in women

Often, chondrosis of the thoracic region appears during pregnancy or lactation. Most of the time, everything begins during pregnancy, when a woman experiences strong physical exertion. All this together with pregnancy can lead to a curvature in the thoracic or lumbar regions.

During the breastfeeding period, the situation is often aggravated, because mothers are often in the wrong position for a long time when they feed a baby, carry it in their hands for too long or are "rocked". However, during the entire period, virtually no one managed to initiate the disease beyond the second 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 that this disease is always another problem, which in total can have serious consequences.

VSD in this case can appear with an incorrect 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 talk about congenital scoliosis, then everything is clear. The acquired is interesting in this case, because it appears more often 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.

Pointed chondrosis

"Spines" are spinal osteophytes, which are the growth of bone tissue along the articular processes or vertebrae. They are called spines because they often look like spines 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 "spines" that most often cause the cartilage to harden.

Typical manifestations of thoracic osteochondrosis in women

The female body differs in many aspects from the male, therefore, with this disease, it has a number of characteristics. In women, many autonomic nerve fibers pass through the thoracic region, leading to the extremities and internal organs.

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

This includes:

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

Worsening of thoracic osteochondrosis

Aggravation appears most often in spring and fall, when climatic conditions change dramatically, the body lacks essential vitamins and human activity increases.

Exacerbation of thoracic osteochondrosis is divided into two types:

Dorsago.Sudden sharp pain that appears after a long stay in an uncomfortable position. There is a feeling that a dagger has been thrust into the patient 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.It appears gradually and lasts for 2-3 weeks. The pain becomes quite severe and permanent, and intensifies with bending, deep breathing, or prolonged staying in one position. It passes gradually with exercise and drug treatment.

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

What to do in case of an acute attack of pain?

More often, these attacks occur in people who have already consulted a doctor, have orthopedic mattresses, corsets, and know what physical therapy exercises are. Those who are unaware of their illness often call an ambulance, which is also a good option.

Still, some tips are helpful:

Lie down and try to give your body maximum rest. 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 goes away.
As soon as the pain subsides, you should start getting up more often and doing exercise therapy exercises.

How to lower pressure with thoracic chondrosis at home?

It has already been said that an increase in 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 reduce the pressure in the following ways:

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

How and how to treat thoracic osteochondrosis?

Treatment of the disease in question is usually time consuming and includes several procedures. Some can be done at home on your own and others only on the recommendation of specialists. Consider the various treatments.

Treatment of breast osteochondrosis at home

Basic treatments at home:

physical therapy 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.

Medicines and drugs

It is important to remember that pain relief and cure are two different things. You should not constantly endure and use painkillers, 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(they restore cartilage tissue).
Injections and injections.It is most often prescribed on the recommendation of a doctor, depending on the degree of the disease and the patient's predisposition to certain medications.
Ointments and gels.
Vitamin complexes.Any vitamin complex is suitable, it is important that it contains vitamin B.

Massage and manual therapy

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

Manual therapyis a procedure that is very similar 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 performed in different positions (lying on your back, not on your side, standing or sitting). Often during pressure, bending, stretching, or other techniques, the patient may feel pain, but after the procedure, they always feel lightness and "freedom. "

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is not accessible to everyone, but it is still quite effective. The procedure helps eliminate discomfort and also initiates recovery processes.

In the early stages, acupuncture can be an important treatment tool, eliminating the need for medications or other procedures to treat breast osteochondrosis.

Physiotherapy

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

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

Physical therapy and exercise

The main task of physical therapy exercises for thoracic osteochondrosis is to strengthen the muscles of the back, the muscles of the shoulder complex and the respiratory muscles. It is recommended that exercise therapy be done 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 see some basic exercises:

Sitting in a chair, lean your upper back against your back and lean back as much as possible with your hands behind your head(it is important thatlet the thoracic region work). After this, the maximum forward lean is performed. Repeat 4-5 times.
Also, sit on a chair and place your hands behind your head, take a deep breath, and then lean back 3-5 times, supporting your upper back on your back. Then repeat the forward bend and breathe out slowly 4-6 times.
Lying on your stomach, bend your thoracic region as much as possible(but not sharply), trying to lift your head and legs as high as possible. Repeat 5-8 times.
Stand, hands down, legs together.Raise your arms at the entrance and then lean back. After the arms are lowered on the exhale and a forward bend is made, try to round the back.

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

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

An effective set of exercises with a cane. A simple set of exercises to help strengthen your back muscles and straighten your 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 standing, lying, and sitting back curls.
Isometric exercises.

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

Exercise "Karate".In a sitting or standing position, the arms are bent at the elbows at a 90-degree angle, the fingers are clenched into fists, the back is straight, facing forward. Alternatively, each hand strikes in front of oneself.
Exercise "Ballerina". Sitting in a chair, your hands are locked in front of you at shoulder height. Turns to the right and left are performed alternately to the maximum (not sharply). If pain occurs during exercise, it should be stopped.
Greeting exercise in Japanese. The hands are folded 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. No need to press with your hands anywhere, just tilt your hands (as if to go through the opening) forward and then back.

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

7 basic exercises by Alexandra Boninafor thoracic chondrosis.
Bubnovsky's author's method.This is a complex treatment of osteochondrosis that uses special gymnastics, as well as special unique simulators. According to the creator, the disease can be cured with this method even without medication.
Dr. Popov's cervicothoracic chondrosis gymnastics. 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 Dr. Shishonin's method.This method consists of 7 simple but unique exercises that strengthen the muscles of the spine as well as the chest.

Treatment with home remedies

Consider the most popular and effective home remedies: herbal baths, rubbing based on calendula and dandelion, tincture of chamomile, as well as tincture based on lemon balm leaves and orange peel. Often in folk medicine, several rubs are used.

Tincture of Ficus with butter:

Chop some ficus leaves and mix them with butter in a 1: 1 ratio.
Then put the mixture in a warm oven for 1. 5 hours, then remove and strain.
The cooled substance should be rubbed along the column every day.

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

Take 4-5 potatoes and bring them to a boil, then mash them into a thick puree.
This puree is wrapped in several layers of the seal and applied to the affected area of the spine.
After that, the compress is covered with a woolen scarf or thick towel and kept until cool.
When the potatoes have cooled, remove the compress and rub the sore spot with alcohol, then lie under the blanket. Repeat every other day before bed until the pain subsides.

Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis

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

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

Sleep on an orthopedic mattress in natural positions.
When doing sedentary work, keep your back straight, getting up periodically and doing warm-up exercises.
Morning gymnastics, gymnastics classes, yoga and the like.

These activities have a positive effect on the spine and the body in general, so moderate and regular physical activity will help prevent spinal diseases.

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