Thoracic osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine in which the position of the vertebrae becomes unnatural, the intervertebral disc degenerates, as a result of which its height decreases. Osteochondrosis in the chest is not as common as in the neck or lower back. It has to do with anatomy. In the central part of the spine is stable and durable, in addition, it is less susceptible to stress, less mobile, there are less conditions for trauma to the spinal discs.
The risk group for this disease includes the elderly and those who lead a sedentary lifestyle. However, the pathology is increasingly diagnosed in adolescents, and at the age of 30-35 years the number of cases increases sharply.
Classification of thoracic osteochondrosis
The disease is classified on the basis of the syndrome principle. Affected areas of the spine adversely affect nerve formations.
According to localization, the following forms of osteochondrosis of the chest are distinguished:
- compression syndrome (development is associated with tension, deformity or compression of the nerve root; areas of the spinal cord or blood vessels may be affected; resulting in spinal, vascular or radicular syndromes);
- reflex syndrome (the effect occurs reflexively, tension of the innervated muscles; dystrophic and vascular disorders occur);
- myoadaptive syndrome (muscle damage in the chest segment due to constant overload).
Etiology of osteochondrosis of the chest
The causes of thoracic osteochondrosis are a consequence of low physical activity, back injuries, heavy physical activity, metabolic disorders, overweight, weak immunity, frequent colds, infections, smoking, stress. In women, among other things, the development of the disease can be caused by walking in high heels and carrying a child.
In addition, the causes of osteochondrosis of the breast are:
- poorly distributed load on the intervertebral discs;
- degenerative changes in the tissues of the intervertebral disc;
- lack of minimal physical activity;
- scoliosis;
- permanent abnormal position of the spine in a sitting position.
Pathogenesis of the disease
Mild discomfort, muscle tension and "tolerable" pain when inhaling and bending are the initial signs of thoracic osteochondrosis. A person usually seeks medical attention when the pain becomes acute and prevents him from living a normal life. Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis is longIf left untreated, dystrophic changes lead to limited mobility and even disability of the patient.
Clinical manifestations of osteochondrosis
The symptoms of osteochondrosis of the breast have different manifestations, depending on the location of the process. Moreover, the disease skillfully "adjusts" to other problems.
The most characteristic symptoms of osteochondrosis of the chest:
- pain in the interscapular area;
- chest discomfort;
- headache and heart pain;
- bending pain;
- restriction of movement;
- tingling sensation in the neck, abdomen, chest and arms;
- dizziness, ringing in the ears, blinking flies in front of the eyes;
- sensations of pain that increase when inhaled.
As the pathology progresses, reduced sensitivity, impaired motor function, and muscle atrophy are added to the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis.
Characteristics of the course of osteochondrosis of the breast during pregnancy
The development of pain during pregnancy is associated with weight gain. At the same time, shifting the center of gravity changes the posture. Low physical activity in combination with a sedentary lifestyle causes a violation of the elasticity of the discs. Increasing the pressure on the chest area leads to pain. During pregnancy, osteochondrosis of the chest is treated mainly without the use of specialized drugs, as they can harm the health of the fetus. That is why Kuznetsov's applicators, massages and special exercises are used.
Characteristics of the disease in children
Osteochondrosis of the chest can occur from 8 to 17 years. The unprepared spine undergoes pathological changes under heavy loads. After a correct diagnosis, treatment begins. As a rule, in this period the timely treatment process leads to excellent results. It is necessary to strengthen the muscles, improve the condition of cartilage and conduct physiotherapy.
Complications of the pathology
Most patients with thoracic osteochondrosis try to delay treatment, which in turn leads to significant complications.
Consequences of osteochondrosis of the chest:
- Formation of an intervertebral hernia
- Spinal cord injury
- The appearance of hypertension
- The risk of stroke and heart attack
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of thoracic osteochondrosis, including differential, includes:
- digital radiography;
- ECG;
- Ultrasound of the heart, kidneys and abdominal organs;
- CT.
The doctor will determine the exact picture on the X-ray, where he will see the growth of the vertebral body and the displacement of the discs. Thoracic osteochondrosis, characterized by similar symptoms to other diseases, requires a differential diagnosis with spinal injuries, tumors and neoplasms of the spine, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, coxarthrosis and a number of other conditions.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the chest
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis involves the use of complex therapy aimed at stopping and preventing further destruction of the discs or restoring their structure, improving the biomechanics of the spine and eliminating disorders of the central nervous system.
The first thing you need to start with treatment is to relieve pain and inflammation through drug therapy.
The patient is recommended drugs from the following groups:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- glucocorticosteroids;
- diuretics;
- chondroprotectors.
When the pain subsides, they move on to the next stage of treatment for thoracic osteochondrosis. A course of therapeutic massage, acupuncture, physiotherapy exercises is prescribed. In addition, physiotherapy is very effective. If indicated, manual therapy may be recommended.
Healing control
Convalescence is observed by the family doctor or the specialist who observed the patient during the disease. The lack of recurrences during the year indicates normalization of the function of the musculoskeletal system.
Prevention
Prevention of osteochondrosis of the chest requires the following rules:
- posture control;
- occupational hygiene (control of hand position, the presence of a chair with a flat high back);
- breaks every 2 hours for specific exercises;
- sleeping on a hard surface;
- lack of irregular physical activity (including carrying heavy loads);
- carrying a backpack instead of a shoulder bag;
- regular classes in physical therapy.
Tips and tricks
Thoracic osteochondrosis requires long-term rehabilitation. Moderate physical activity is recommended to strengthen the back muscles and reduce the strain on the spine. In addition, physiotherapy gradually eliminates pain.
The following tasks are also performed with therapy and sports exercises:
- decompression of the nerve endings of the spine;
- developing a stereotype of proper posture;
- giving elasticity to the spine;
- improved blood circulation;
- normalization of intervertebral disc metabolism.
The article is for informational purposes only. Please remember: self-medication can be harmful to your health.