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

7 November 2020

Sedentary lifestyle, constant presence on the computer, lack of physical activity are increasingly common. All of these and many other factors, of course, affect the human body, which leads to a series of changes or diseases.

One of these diseases is osteochondrosis. Let's try to find out what breast osteochondrosis is, what its types are and how to deal with it.

What is osteochondrosis?

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

IMPORTANT! If you don't start treatment in time, the vertebrae become less elastic and begin to trap 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 according to the problematic part of the spine:

cervical

;
;
;
.

Patients generally do not know which specialist to consult when treating osteochondrosis. It must be said that the therapistwill refer the patient to a neurologist to clarify the diagnosis. If the case is difficult, you may need the help of a vertebrologist, a close specialist in the area of spinal diseases.

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.

how is the osteochondrosis of the thoracic region

If you look in more detail, then 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 disabilities.

Let's see how thoracic osteochondrosis is diagnosed in patients. Most patients come with clear signs of the disease. In advanced stages, a specialist can determine the exact disease with a simple examination. In other cases, an X-ray or MRI is required for a complete image.

Degrees of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region

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

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

1 degree. The onset of thoracic osteochondrosis, when the patient feels almost nothing. There is no severe or persistent pain and sometimes no discomfort. These sensations appear only after a lot of work or physical effort, but in most cases the disease may not even manifest itself.
2nd degree. The second degree is accompanied by the destruction of cartilage tissue and, as a result, a decrease in intervertebral cracks and clamping of nerve endings, lymphatic vessels and even arteries.
3rd degree.At this stage, fixed column changes begin. Fixed means irreversible. For example, they develop scoliosis, kyphosis, hunchback and others.
4th degree.This is the last and most serious degree of the disease, which threatens very serious consequences. At this stage, the consequences are almost irreversible, as 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;
impaired blood supply to the spinal cord;
lack of nutrients in the body (eg calcium);
severe spinal injuries;
lifting weights or heavy heavy loads on the spine;
constant being in an uncomfortable and unnatural position in the absence of exercise or any physical activity (sedentary lifestyle);
curvature of the spine.

Symptoms and signs of thoracic osteochondrosis

Any disease has its own symptoms and manifestations characteristic of the pathology. Osteochondrosis is no exception, although when it comes to chest disease, symptoms are often confused with 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 specific type of disease is chest pain that arises after severe physical exertion, when leaning sideways, with severe hypothermia or when the patient is in a position for a long time (for example, during sleep).
Pain between the shoulder blades.The exacerbation of pain is associated with raising the arms, as well as strong flexions to the sides.
Opaque pains, which appear during deep breathing and exhalation.
Cough.The cough does not appear immediately and, frequently, when this symptom appears, patients begin treatment with viral drugs, 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, the person stays in the same position for a long time, which causes not only pain, but also sweat.
Hand numbness at night. The limbs may be numb, the symptom appears in the second stage of the disease, when the vertebrae close the nerve endings and some blood vessels.
Temperature.It does not always appear and is usually accompanied by severe pain.
Intercostal neuralgia. The patient feels stiffness and tightness, as if an invisible corset is tightening in the chest area.
Increased blood pressure.
Panic attacks.Panic attacks are typical for advanced cases (stages 3 and 4).
Pain in the esophagus.
Disturbance of the gastrointestinal tract.Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region and of the heart.

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region and heart

The causes of cardiac or extrasystole pain are often osteochondrosis of the thoracic region. The pains are long-lasting (1 to 2 weeks) or severe and wavy. Often, along with the latter, there is an accelerated heartbeat.

Patients often go to cardiologists by mistake. But the test reveals that it is just a side effect of another disease, so pills "for the heart" do not bring the desired result.

Osteochondrosis during pregnancy and breastfeeding in women

Often, chondrosis of the thoracic region appears during pregnancy or lactation. Most of the time, it all starts during pregnancy, when the woman is experiencing a great deal of physical effort. All of this together with pregnancy can lead to curvature in the thoracic or lumbar region.

During the breastfeeding period, the situation often worsens, as mothers are often in the wrong position for a long time when breastfeeding a baby, are carried too long in their arms or "wrapped". Despite this, in the whole period, practically no one was able to start the disease beyond high school.

VSD in osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is the cause of the development of vascular-vegetating dystonia. Experts say that VSD is not an independent disease, but that this disease is always another problem, which in total can lead to serious consequences.

VSD in this case can appear with an incorrect posture while sleeping, lack of physical activity and a sedentary lifestyle, being overweight and so on. As a result of two illnesses, the patient's blood pressure starts to rise, insomnia, numbness in the hands, loss of memory and more.

Osteochondrosis and scoliosis

Scoliosisis a congenital or acquired lateral curvature of the spine. If we are talking about congenital scoliosis, then everything is clear. The acquired is interesting in this case, because it appears most of the time 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.

Chondrose with peak

"Spines" are osteophytes of the spine, which are the growth of bone tissue along joint processes or along the vertebrae. They are called spines because they often look like the spines that grow from the spine on radiographs.

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 so much pressure. These are the "thorns" that most often cause hardening of the cartilage.

Typical manifestations of thoracic osteochondrosis in women

The female body differs from the male in many ways, so with this disease, it has several characteristics. In women, many autonomic nerve fibers pass through the thoracic region, going to the limbs and internal organs.

In women, chondrosis has several additional symptoms that patients often confuse.

This includes:

heart pain;
stomach pains;
pain in the liver region;
pain in the mammary glands;
feeling of numbness or cold in the hands and feet.

Worsening of thoracic osteochondrosis

Worsening occurs more frequently in spring and autumn, when climatic conditions change dramatically, the body lacks essential vitamins and human activity increases.

The exacerbation of thoracic osteochondrosis is divided into two types:

Dorsago.Sudden and acute pain that appears after a long stay in an uncomfortable position. There is a feeling that the patient has received a stab between the shoulder blades, which is very similar to the symptom of myocardial infarction. It is recommended to seek help from hospital specialists.
Back pain.It appears gradually and lasts 2 to 3 weeks. The pain becomes very strong and constant, intensifying with push-ups, deep breathing or prolonged stay in the same position. He gradually passes through exercise and drug treatment.

Exacerbation is a strong painful sensation that occurs not only with prolonged exposure to a strong position or load, but simply for no reason. The pain can radiate to different parts of the sternum.

What to do in case of an acute pain attack?

Most of the time, these crises occur in people who have already consulted a doctor, have orthopedic mattresses, corsets and know what physiotherapy exercises are. Those who do not know about the disease usually call an ambulance, which is also a good option.

Still, it will be useful to know some tips:

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 painkillers if the pain is unbearable.Also consult your doctor for recommendations.
Try to lie as much as possible during the first few days,until the pain is gone.
As soon as the pain subsides, you should start to get up more often and do exercise therapy exercises.

How to decrease pressure with thoracic chondrosis at home?

It has already been said that hypertension is both a symptom and a side effect of the disease in question.

If the cause of hypertension is osteochondrosis, you can decrease the pressure in the following ways:

Normalization of the blood supply to the brain.For this, there are medications that should be taken regularly on the recommendation of a doctor.
Relief from muscle spasms.Regular exercise therapy, as well as massages and physiotherapy can deal with this.
Removal of edema from the tissue.Physiotherapy, massage and acupuncture are also very effective here.

How and how to treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic region?

Treatment of the disease in question usually takes a long time and includes several procedures. Some can be made at home on their own, and some only on the recommendation of experts. Consider the various treatments.

Treatment of breast osteochondrosis at home

Basic home treatments:

physiotherapy exercises or at least simple exercises in the morning;
special mattress;
simple self-massage techniques;
herbal baths and friction to relieve pain and restore blood circulation.

Medicines and drugs

It is important to remember that pain relief and healing are two different things. You must not constantly endure and use painkillers, you need to take medication.

WARNING! It is very important to understand that osteochondrosis is a serious disease, so it is necessary to take the pills strictly on the recommendation of a specialist after a complete diagnosis!

Consider a list of the most popular drugs:

Analgesic.Should be taken in case of exacerbation.
Hodroprotectors(restores the cartilage tissue).
Injections and injections.Usually prescribed on the recommendation of a doctor, depending on the degree of the disease and the patient's predisposition to certain medications.
Polishes and gels.
Vitamin complexes.Any vitamin complexes are suitable, it is important that they contain B vitamins.

Massage and manual therapy

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

Manual therapyis a procedure very similar to massage, but uses slightly different techniques. Manual therapy is an impact on the anatomical structures of the human body by the hands of a specialist, to remove restrictions and relax muscles.

The peculiarity of manual massage is that it can be done in different positions (lying on your back, not on your side, standing or sitting). Often, during pressing, flexing, stretching or other techniques, the patient may experience pain, but after the procedure, he always feels light and "free".

Acupuncture

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

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

Physiotherapy

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

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

Physiotherapy and exercises

The main task of physical therapy exercises for thoracic osteochondrosis is to strengthen the back muscles, the shoulder complex, as well as the respiratory muscles. Exercise therapy is recommended to be practiced in special groups, but you can exercise at home. It is very important to choose exercises for a specific disease and not to exercise during exacerbations.

Let's look at some basic exercises:

Sitting in a chair, rest your upper back against your back and lean back as far as possible with your hands behind your head(it is important that it isthe thoracic region that works). After that, maximum forward bending is done. Repeat 4-5 times.
Also, sit in a chair and place your hands behind your head, take a deep breath and lean back 3 to 5 times, supporting your upper back. Then repeat the forward flexion and exhale slowly 4-6 times.
Lying face down, bend in the chest area as much as possible(but not abruptly), trying to raise your head and legs as high as possible. Repeat 5-8 times.
Standing, hands down, legs together.Raise your arms at the entrance and then lean back. After your arms are lowered on exhalation and a forward tilt, you should try to round your back.

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

Most exercises are simple and 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 done daily.
Exercises for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region with protrusion. In this case, simpler exercise therapy exercises are recommended, which include flexing the back while standing, lying down and sitting.
Isometric exercises.

Isothermal exercises are rarely used, so let's see 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, looking forward. Alternately, each hand strikes in front of itself.
Exercise "Ballerina". Sitting in a chair, your hands are closed in front of you, at shoulder height. The turns to the right and to the left are performed alternately to the maximum (not abruptly). If pain occurs during exercise, it should be stopped.
Japanese greeting exercise. Hands are crossed 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. Place your hands on the edges of the opening and hold them. You do not need to press with your hands anywhere, just fold your hands (as if going through the opening) forward and then backward.

The author's methods for gymnastics help to reduce the manifestations of severe symptoms:

7 basic exercises by Alexandra Boninafor thoracic chondrosis.
Method by Bubnovsky's author.This is a complex treatment of osteochondrosis using special gymnastics, as well as special exclusive 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 with this gym is that it does not strengthen big 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 exclusive exercises that strengthen the muscles of the spine and also the chest.

Treatment with folk remedies

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

Ficus tincture with butter:

Chop some ficus leaves and mix with butter in a 1: 1 ratio.
Then put the mixture in a hot oven for 1, 5 hours, remove and strain.
The cooled substance must be rubbed along the column daily.

The potato dressing will also be effective in the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis:

Take 4-5 potatoes and boil them, then mash and turn into a thick puree.
This puree is wrapped in several layers of the stamp and applied to the affected region of the spine.
Then, the compress is covered with a woolen scarf or thick towel, kept until cool.
When the potatoes are cool, remove the compress, rub the wound with alcohol and lie under the covers. Repeat every other day before bed until the pain is gone.

Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis

The prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis is an active lifestyle, without excessive stress. Adequate nutrition, intake of vitamin and mineral complexes, as well as regular medical examinations.

But if we deviate from the general rules, we can distinguish several resources:

Sleep on an orthopedic mattress in natural positions.
In sedentary work, keep your back straight, standing up and periodically warming up.
Morning gymnastics, gym classes, yoga and so on.

These activities have a positive effect on the spine and the body as a whole, so regular moderate physical activity helps prevent spinal diseases.

In short, let's say that osteochondrosis is a serious disease that must be treated without fail. Self-medication is not recommended, especially if pain becomes a constant companion. But it is also important not to forget that the best treatment is prevention, as a healthy lifestyle is the key to success and good health!