Osteochondrosis of the chest

Thoracic osteochondrosis is a degenerative disease of the chest. First of all, the disease affects the intervertebral discs, which leads to back pain and unpleasant symptoms. Specific to the disease is the premature "aging" of the cartilage tissue of the disc.

Osteochondrosis can be diagnosed both at the age of 20 and in middle-aged patients.

The disease is less common than other forms of osteochondrosis - cervical and lumbar. This is explained by the less mobility of the chest, as well as the protection of the muscular corset and ribs.

There are 12 vertebrae in the thoracic region - from T1 to T12. The lowest vertebrae are most often affected - T10, T11, T12.

Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis

Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the chest include:

• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Increase in pain with deep breathing
• Increased fatigue
• Unsteady gait
• A feeling of tightness in the chest area
• Relaxed
• The appearance of shortness of breath
• Cold feet
• Pain in esophagus
• cough

Pain due to thoracic osteochondrosis is divided according to its characteristics into dorsago or dorsalgia.

Dorsago - sharp pain in the chest area. Appears when staying in one position for a long time. The pain can make breathing difficult.

Dorsalgia is moderate pain in the area of the affected discs. With deep breathing, the pain intensifies. Unpleasant sensations begin gradually.

Causes of development of thoracic osteochondrosis

The reasons for the appearance and development of thoracic osteochondrosis are often related to the patient's lifestyle and uneven loading of the spine. For example, people who spend a long time in a sitting position are at risk: remote or office work on the computer, frequent driving.

A sedentary lifestyle disrupts the functioning of the circulatory and lymphatic systems, and insufficient movement weakens muscle tissue. At the same time, the load on the spine in a sitting position increases.

The appearance of thoracic osteochondrosis can also be influenced by previous injuries to the spine, overweight and weakened immunity.

Osteochondrosis can also develop in women who often wear high heels or are pregnant.

Exacerbation of thoracic osteochondrosis is possible with an uncomfortable sleeping position, smoking, visiting a low-quality massage or hypothermia.

Complications

Degenerative processes in the chest can cause the development of the following pathologies:

• Spinal cord compression is a squeezing of the spinal cord that results in decreased sensation in the abdomen, back, and chest.
• Kyphosis is a curvature of the spine.
• Protrusion and herniation of the spine is a protrusion of the center of the intervertebral disc, which affects the functionality of the pancreas and intestines.
• Intercostal neuralgia - sharp pain in the intercostal space.

The organs that can be affected by the complication depend on the affected vertebra.

Degree of development of thoracic osteochondrosis

• I degree - a slight pain appears, which quickly passes into a comfortable position. Moisture is lost in the intervertebral disc and the nucleus pulposus moves slightly. At this stage, attention is not always paid, since the pain does not cause severe discomfort and quickly passes.
• II degree - cracks appear in the intervertebral disc, keeping the spine in a stable position leads to spasms, back and chest pain. The disc begins to lose its elasticity and its height begins to decrease. The muscles in the affected area become constantly tense.
• III degree - there is a protrusion of the central part of the intervertebral disc - nucleus pulposus. Because of this, an intervertebral hernia occurs. The pain becomes constant and the cartilage begins to thin.
• IV degree - the tissue of the fibrous ring is replaced by bone. Bone tissue begins to break down.

Diagnosis of thoracic osteochondrosis

If you suspect osteochondrosis of the chest, you should make an appointment with a therapist or neurologist. During the examination, the patient tells about his complaints, and the doctor conducts a physical examination. During the examination, attention is paid to the relationship between the levels of the shoulder and pelvic girdle, the posture, the shape of the chest and the state of the muscular system.

After that, the doctor issues a referral for a diagnostic test. From the studies of the patient can be prescribed:

• X-ray – X-rays are taken of the problem areas of the spine to show changes in the discs.
• CT scan - allows you to assess the condition of the lesion site and examine the condition of the discs.
• ECG - recommended in case of suspected cardiovascular disease.

How to treat thoracic osteochondrosis

Conservative methods are used to treat osteochondrosis of the chest. They are aimed at eliminating pain, relieving spasms and normalizing blood circulation. They include:

• Massage
• Physiotherapy
• Physiotherapy
• Taking vitamins and medicines

Massage for thoracic osteochondrosis

Massage of the cervicothoracic region will help relieve pain and inflammation, as well as strengthen the muscles that keep the vertebrae in a stable state.

The following massage techniques are used during the session: stroking, squeezing, kneading, rubbing and vibration. The direction of impact in osteochondrosis depends on the localization of the lesion. The massage should be performed by a specialist who will make the procedure really effective. Special massage oils can be used for better results.

However, before attending a massage course, you should make sure that it is not contraindicated for the patient. To do this, you should consult your doctor. The list of contraindications includes cardiovascular pathologies, elevated body temperature, tuberculosis and skin diseases.

Physiotherapy

Gymnastics for thoracic osteochondrosis consists of a set of exercises to strengthen the spinal muscles and form a strong muscle corset. In the initial stages, gymnastics will help you avoid taking medication.

What is the effect of exercise therapy in thoracic osteochondrosis?

• Deep breathing gets it right
• Correct posture is formed
• Reduces the load on the spine
• The deep back muscles become less rigid
• Increases chest mobility

Exercises for osteochondrosis of the chest

Before starting gymnastics, you need to warm up. It can warm up and prepare the muscles for physical activity. To warm up, you can use limb swings, twists and turns of the torso, neck and pelvis.

Here are some exercises that are suitable for treating thoracic osteochondrosis:

• "Boat" - you need to lie on your stomach, stretch your arms above your head and keep your legs straight. In this position, you need to bend your chest - smoothly and simultaneously raise your arms and legs.
• Shrugs – While standing and with your arms relaxed by your sides, you should lift each shoulder in turn.
• Leans on a chair - you need to sit on a chair so that your back is tightly pressed against the back. Hands should be down. In this position, while inhaling, you should put your hands behind your back and bend back. As you exhale, you should lean forward. You can also bend to the side.
• Arching the back - standing on all fours, you need to arch your back and maintain this position for a few seconds. Then you need to return to the starting position. It is recommended to perform the exercise on a special mat.

The exercises should be performed regularly for several months. Therapeutic gymnastics should not last more than 30 minutes and should be performed in comfortable shoes and clothes. If a sharp pain appears, you should stop the exercise.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is suitable for complex treatment. It can be used as an adjunctive or independent therapy. For thoracic osteochondrosis, the doctor may prescribe the following procedures:

• Magnetotherapy is the effect of a magnetic field on the affected area, which allows you to normalize blood circulation, restore the affected tissue and improve the mobility of the lumbar area.
• Laser therapy is the effect of laser rays on the affected area. It helps to improve immunity, provides an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. There is no pain during the procedure.
• Shock wave therapy is the impact of infrasonic acoustic waves. They promote the resorption of bone growths, stimulate the production of collagen and improve blood circulation.
• Medicinal electrophoresis is an effective technique for eliminating pain and improving the nutrition of affected tissues. Electrodes and pads containing medicinal substances are fixed on the patient's skin.

All these procedures will help relieve the unpleasant sensations from the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis.

Drug treatment of osteochondrosis

In drug treatment, the patient is often prescribed a complex of drugs. The duration of the course and the list of specific drugs are determined by the doctor depending on the clinical manifestations of osteochondrosis. The list of drugs may include, for example, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, vitamins, as well as special ointments or gels.

Nutrition in thoracic osteochondrosis

As an additional measure for the treatment of the patient, the "Table No. 15" diet can be prescribed. The diet does not require giving up most popular foods, but its feature is a diet with a high vitamin content.

As part of the diet you can eat:

• Bread
• Milk
• Soups
• Lean meat - it is recommended to eat it every day
• pasta
• Vegetables - both fresh and in salad or cooked
• eggs
• Fresh fruit
• Fresh berries
• Many types of sweets
• Butter and vegetable oils

Allowed drinks include weak coffee, tea, juices and kvass.

What you should not eat:

• Puff pastry pastries
• Dishes with fatty meat or fish
• Chocolate products

As for drinks, it is not recommended to drink strong coffee, strong tea or alcoholic beverages.

Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis

Recommended preventive measures include:

• Swimming or other water sports
• Regular heating during prolonged computer work
• Maintaining the sitting posture - the back should be straight and the shoulders should be straight
• Avoid hypothermia on the back
• Regular exercise therapy

In addition, attention should be paid to the choice of bedding. The wrong mattress and pillow will prevent your back and neck from being relaxed while you sleep. For this reason, for a comfortable stay with osteochondrosis, it is recommended to purchase special orthopedic accessories.