What is thoracic osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a regenerative (destructive) process localized in the interval from 8 to 19 vertebrae, which forms the human thoracic spine.
Unlike other types of the disease, symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis can occur in both young and elderly people.
A feature of the disease is the difficulty of its early diagnosis, which is associated with low mobility of the spine and the difficulty of identifying the main symptoms. For this reason, it is important to promptly consult a specialist when detecting the first signs of thoracic osteochondrosis in order to prevent irreversible processes.
Preventive actions
To prevent the development of problems with the spine, the following preventive measures must be observed:
- lead an active lifestyle: swim in the pool, run in the morning, do exercises;
- if you are engaged in a sedentary job, you should try to sit with a straight back and relaxed shoulders;
- sedentary work should be carried out on a chair with a back that will support the spinal column;
- To ensure that the spine is in the correct position during the night's rest, it is recommended to acquire an orthopedic mattress and pillow;
- avoid lifting heavy objects, but if this is unavoidable, then lift them smoothly;
- it is recommended to pump up the abdominal muscles;
- you need to use only shoes that are comfortable to wear;
- You should include foods enriched with vitamins and microelements in your diet.
It is quite difficult to protect yourself from the development of thoracic osteochondrosis, but nothing is impossible. If any signs of pathology are detected, you should immediately seek help from a specialist to determine the nature of the symptoms that have arisen. It is possible that the reason may lie not in the spine, but in dysfunction of other internal systems and organs.
If the previously listed rules are observed, the possibility of developing thoracic osteochondrosis is reduced to a minimum.
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Causes
The main cause of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is the occurrence of dystrophic processes (disorders of cellular metabolism) that transform tissues and provoke complications of metabolic actions, which is caused by an insufficiently balanced diet and improper load on the intervertebral discs.
In addition, the list of factors that increase the risk of developing thoracic osteochondrosis includes:
- the presence of intervertebral hernias;
- impaired blood supply to the spinal cord;
- disturbance of mineral balance in the body;
- regularly increased loads on the spine;
- predominantly sedentary lifestyle;
- consequences of previous injuries;
- engaging in active sports.
Diagnostics
In addition to conducting a thorough examination, your doctor may order the following tests to confirm the diagnosis:
- X-rays
help determine if there is joint degeneration, fractures, bone malformations, arthritis, tumors, or infection. - MRI
to determine morphological changes in soft tissues, including imaging of discs, spinal cord and nerve roots. - CT
scan, which can provide cross-sectional images of spinal structures. - EMG
, this diagnostic method is used to determine nerve damage and the level of damage - Myelogram
, as a rule, this research method is necessary to clarify the morphological changes in the degree of impact on the roots and spinal cord and plan surgical intervention.
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
Chest pain with osteochondrosis is the main symptom of the clinical picture. However, considering the general symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, we can also highlight:
- difficulty breathing, chest tightness;
- difficulty in bending;
- periodic occurrence of a feeling of freezing of the extremities due to circulatory failure;
- brittle nails and hair;
- nausea, digestive disorders;
- pain that is easily confused with that that accompanies cardiovascular diseases;
- soreness of the mammary glands in women;
- discomfort and difficulty swallowing, cough.
The manifestation of several symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis requires immediate consultation and a full examination by a specialist in order to make an accurate diagnosis and determine a treatment plan for thoracic osteochondrosis.
Stages of disease development
Experts distinguish three main stages of development of thoracic osteochondrosis:
Stage 1 – the beginning of the development of the disease. Characterized by the absence of clinical manifestations.
Signs of stage 1 thoracic osteochondrosis:
- barely perceptible, slight painful lumbago, accompanied by a nagging pain in the chest. Unpleasant sensations intensify after strenuous work or heavy lifting;
- muscle spasms, constant tone of the muscle frame for no apparent reason;
- discomfort in the heart area.
Seeing a doctor at the initial stage of the disease guarantees a complete cure of the disease.
Stage 2 – the progression of the disease leads to the formation of microcracks in the intervertebral discs, which causes limited mobility and the appearance of severe pain.
Clinical manifestations include:
- visually noticeable deformation of the spinal column;
- decrease in pressure;
- accompaniment of an attempt to place the hand behind the head with palpable pain in the sternum;
- chronic feeling of fatigue;
- discomfort in the area of the heart and spinal column of the thoracic region.
If the disease is detected at this stage, the process of restoring health may require a fairly long period of time.
Stage 3 is an advanced process that has a negative impact on the entire body as a whole.
Dangerous manifestations such as:
- limited mobility of the spine;
- sharp pain;
- the appearance of intervertebral hernias;
- pinching of blood vessels and nerve roots;
- diseases of the biliary tract.
Refusal to treat thoracic osteochondrosis at this stage can lead to disability.
Treatment of the disease
In the initial stages of thoracic chondrosis, treatment with medications can lead to complete relief from the disease. Drug treatment is especially effective if the patient follows all the doctor’s recommendations and changes his lifestyle, fights excess weight, and does prescribed physical exercises. Often in the initial stages of thoracic chondrosis, treatment consists of eliminating symptoms. In this case, the patient is prescribed painkillers and chondroprotectors - drugs to protect cartilage. In later stages of the disease, the spinal discs become thinner and deformed, the spinal column loses flexibility and elasticity, pain, weakness, and dizziness appear. Incorrect treatment can injure the body weakened by the disease. Therefore, only specialists can suggest ways of how and how to treat thoracic chondrosis at home. At home, the patient can try to deal with particularly unpleasant symptoms - inflammation and pain. For thoracic chondrosis, symptoms are treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics (painkillers). External means - warming ointments - are often used. However, it is important to remember that thoracic chondrosis requires serious, balanced treatment. Therefore, at the first signs of illness, you should definitely consult a doctor.
How to treat thoracic osteochondrosis?
Before determining how to treat thoracic osteochondrosis, it is important to visit a specialist. Diagnosis of the disease should be carried out only by a specialist. Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is determined by a neurologist after a high-quality examination.
The key rule for starting treatment for thoracic osteochondrosis is getting rid of pain. Today, there are several optimal treatment options. Let's look at each of them in more detail.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapeutic treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis is used in medical practice quite often, both at the acute stage and after it, in order to achieve long-term remission of the disease.
For osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, physiotherapy methods are used such as:
- medicinal electrophoresis - the combined effect of direct current and drugs;
- UHF therapy – exposure to high-frequency electromagnetic fields;
- Magnetic therapy is an alternative medicine that involves the use of a constant or alternating magnetic field;
- phonophoresis of drugs - administration of drugs under the influence of ultrasound;
- detensor therapy – relaxation of the muscular frame of the spine using a specialized mattress/mat.
It is important to note that when prescribing physiotherapeutic methods for treating a degenerative disease, the stage of its development is taken into account. Inappropriate use of physiotherapeutic treatment can aggravate the situation and exclude the possibility of long-term remission.
Massage for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
Massage is one of the most effective methods of non-drug treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis.
Providing a reflex massage effect provides a positive effect on the affected area of the spinal column, which provokes a positive dynamics of treatment.
Unlike other parts of the spine, the thoracic spine requires a special approach when massaged. The muscle fibers of this zone have a special threshold of action.
The positive effects of massage procedures are manifested in:
- reducing the level of pain;
- improving blood circulation at the location of the disease;
- eliminating muscle spasms;
- increasing arm muscle strength;
- increasing the mobility of the spinal column and launching regenerative processes of cartilage tissue.
Among the basic principles of thoracic massage it is worth highlighting:
- the beginning of the session should be carried out with light strokes, which will ensure blood flow and reduce pain;
- during the massage it is recommended to use squeezing movements, rubbing and patting;
- each movement must be repeated 4-5 times;
- movements should be carried out along a single trajectory: from the shoulder blades to the neck, upward;
- each side of the thoracic region should be treated separately.
Exercise therapy for thoracic osteochondrosis
Physical therapy (therapeutic physical education) classes provide the opportunity to provide high-quality support for the optimal tone of the muscular frame of the back and help relieve soreness of the paravertebral muscles.
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is most effective in the initial stages of the development of the disease.
When doing gymnastics, it is important to consider and adhere to the basic rules for performing exercises for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, including:
- systematic repetition over several months;
- the duration of the lesson should not exceed half an hour;
- gymnastics for thoracic osteochondrosis should be performed without the use of additional equipment;
- You should only exercise in comfortable clothes and shoes;
- taking into account existing contraindications.
Absolute contraindications include:
- acute cardiac pathologies;
- increased body temperature (more than 37.6°C);
- oncological diseases;
- mental instability;
- dermatological diseases;
- high blood pressure.
Consultation with a neurologist in combination with a reasonable, competent approach to exercise ensures the successful achievement of remission at various stages of the disease.
Which doctors treat osteochondrosis at the Yusupov Hospital
At the Yusupov Hospital, cervical osteochondrosis is treated by neurologists, physical therapy doctors in sports medicine, and instructors who know the latest techniques. After a comprehensive examination, doctors at the Yusupov Hospital prescribe therapy. Such therapy may include drug support and non-drug procedures. The main task of a neurologist is to relieve acute pain and stabilize the condition.
Non-drug procedures include:
- acupuncture;
- physiotherapy;
- massage;
- physiotherapy;
- minimally invasive treatment methods.
Medications
Drug treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is carried out by taking tablets, a course of injections, suppositories or using ointments/gels.
Treatment with medications is carried out over several months. In the absence of positive changes, the disease is eliminated through surgery.
Anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal drugs (PVNS)
They are used to reduce pain and relieve inflammatory processes occurring in the nerve roots. Among the most effective drugs are:
- Artradol;
- Nimesulide;
- Diclofenac.
Self-administration of PVNS is extremely dangerous to health and can cause irreparable harm. Specialist consultation is required.
Glucocorticosteroids
This category of drugs for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region includes Dexamethasone and Prednisol.
Due to the fact that the drugs are hormonal, their use must be agreed upon with the attending physician. Otherwise, irreparable harm may be caused to the body.
Diuretics
Diuretics that relieve swelling in the presence of pinched nerve roots. Drugs of this type include Furosemide and Diacarb.
Vitamin complexes
Taking vitamins improves the metabolic processes occurring in the nervous tissue.
In order to restore high-quality metabolism, patients are prescribed B vitamins, as well as Pentoxifylline and Thioctic acid.
Chondroprotectors
Medicines, the use of which ensures the restoration of elasticity and shock-absorbing functions of the intervertebral discs.
One of the most effective remedies is Artracam.
The intensity and dosage of taking medications for thoracic osteochondrosis is determined taking into account the stage of development of the disease.
Antispasmodics
They help relax the muscle frame and help get rid of the problem of constant spasms, starting the recovery process of thoracic osteochondrosis.
The most effective include:
- Mydocalm;
- Buscopan;
- Eufillin.
What medications should I take for osteochondrosis?
Medicines for osteochondrosis differ not only in the form of release. They are also divided into the following pharmacological groups.
Anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of osteochondrosis
The work of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for osteochondrosis is based on suppressing the production of prostaglandins - hormone-like substances that cause inflammation and pain in the affected areas. Non-steroidal drugs for osteochondrosis can quickly eliminate pain and hot skin, restore local metabolism, relieve swelling, discomfort and deterioration of sensitivity, and relieve pressure on the nerve roots of the spine.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of osteochondrosis are produced in various dosage forms - capsules and tablets, gels and creams, solutions for intramuscular, intravenous or subcutaneous administration. Treatment of NSAID drugs for osteochondrosis usually involves a combination of different forms. For example, tablets are used as the main therapy, gels and ointments “quench” residual inflammation, and injections are needed for pain relief. Patches (for example, Voltaren, Versatis) help relieve inflammation at all stages of treatment.
The list of NSAID drugs for osteochondrosis includes:
- artradol;
- ibuprofen (nurofen, dolit, ibuprom);
- ketoprofen (ketonal, fastum, bystrumgel, flexen);
- diclofenac (Voltaren, Diclac, Diclobene, Dicloran Plus, Ortofen);
- ketorolac;
- xefocam;
- indomethacin (indovazin, indobene, indocid);
- nimesulide (nimesil, nise, nimulid, nimika);
- naproxen;
- piroxicam;
- Celebrex (celecoxib);
- febrofide;
- meloxicam (movalis, movasin).
Steroid (hormonal) anti-inflammatory drugs for osteochondrosis are rarely used - mainly in the most advanced cases. These include prednisolone, cortisone, dexamethasone and others.
Chondroprotectors
With osteochondrosis, the spring function of the intervertebral discs deteriorates, which directly depends on the volume of cartilage tissue and its elasticity. To maintain sufficient cartilage thickness, the body must regenerate cartilage cells (chondrocytes) at a rate that roughly matches their destruction. But with dehydration, unbalanced nutrition, stress, metabolic or anatomical disorders, the rate of decay of chondrocytes increases, and new cells are either inhibited in growth or have an insufficient margin of safety. To protect cartilage and restore its normal growth rate, it is worth taking special products based on glucosamine and chondroitin - chondroprotectors. Chondroprotective drugs for the effective treatment of osteochondrosis can stabilize the condition of cartilage, prevent its further destruction and, subject to all medical recommendations, even help restore lost chondrocytes.
Chondroprotective drugs for osteochondrosis include:
- artracs;
- chondrolone;
- rumalon;
- Don;
- chondroxide;
- osterepar;
- teraflex;
- alflutop;
- collagen ultra.
Some of them (for example, Dona) contain only glucosamine, others (Structum, Chondroxide) - only chondroitin. Modern drugs combine active ingredients and additionally include vitamins (artracam).
For a sustainable effect, chondroprotectors (in the form of tablets, injections or external agents) must be taken for life, in courses of 3-6 months.
Warming drugs
To eliminate discomfort in osteochondrosis, the so-called. warming medications. They:
- dilate blood vessels in the skin, which inhibits the transmission of pain impulses to the brain;
- improve blood microcirculation in connective tissue;
- distract the patient from unpleasant sensations.
When irritating drugs are applied, the peak effect is observed after half an hour, and the analgesic effect lasts for 2-4 hours. A local increase in skin temperature is normal.
The list of drugs for the treatment of osteochondrosis includes ointments, creams, gels and tinctures based on:
- camphor (camphor ointment);
- turpentine;
- benzyl nicotinate;
- nonivamide;
- capsaicin (espol ointment, capsicum tincture);
- bee and snake venom.
Most of these drugs have a combined composition - for example, bee venom and NSAIDs or snake venom, salicylic acid and turpentine. Therefore, before use, you must make sure that you are not allergic to each of the components.
Local and general analgesics
Painkillers for osteochondrosis are usually used in the form of tablets and injections. For moderate pain, the usual medicines in the medicine cabinet can help - analgin or paracetamol. Nefopam and Ambene are also effective (has an anti-inflammatory effect, which reduces pain).
In the later stages of osteochondrosis, opioids are prescribed - potent drugs with a number of contraindications. These include tramal (tramadol).
For complex pain relief (for example, blockade), the so-called. “cocktails” that simultaneously have an analgesic, decongestant, anti-inflammatory, local anesthetic and allergen-reducing effect. The composition may include lidocaine or novocaine, bupivacaine, corticosteroids, vitamin B12 and other components.
Important! Analgesics only relieve pain without affecting its cause. Therefore, without proper treatment, osteochondrosis continues to progress, requiring a transition to increasingly serious painkillers.
Vasodilators
Vasodilators for osteochondrosis, or vasodilators, help restore normal blood supply to the tissues around the affected intervertebral joints.
Pain and muscle tension cause the blood vessels to narrow. This impairs tissue nutrition, causes oxygen starvation of the brain and accelerates the progression of the disease. Therefore, in case of cervical osteochondrosis, drugs to normalize blood circulation are especially important. During rehabilitation therapy the following are used:
- pentoxifylline, or trental (vasodilator);
- xanthinol nicotinate (improves blood flow, reduces swelling of nerve roots);
- aminophylline (eliminates circulatory failure);
- Mexidol (pressure and metabolic processes stabilizer);
- vasonite-retard, octolipene (microcirculation stimulants);
- actovegin (tissue regeneration stimulator);
- Cavinton (promotes saturation of tissues with oxygen, dilates blood vessels);
- berlithion (antioxidant).
Vascular medications for osteochondrosis improve peripheral blood circulation and cellular metabolism and relieve pain.
Antispasmodics and muscle relaxants
To eliminate spasm and tension, antispasmodics and muscle relaxants are used. They normalize blood circulation, relieve pain, and restore mobility. Patients are prescribed:
- sirdalud (tizanadine);
- mydocalm (tolperizole);
- baclofen;
- cyclobenzaprine;
- novocaine, lidocaine, trimecaine.
To enhance the effect of drugs to relax muscles in osteochondrosis, they can be prescribed together with clonazepam or diazepam (prescription drugs). These drugs can be addictive, so they are used with caution.
Sedatives
Symptoms of osteochondrosis and treatment with drugs often provoke chronic stress, emotional stress, depression and other disorders of the psycho-emotional spectrum in patients
For general calming and combating insomnia, you can use herbal preparations - for example, tincture of valerian, motherwort, peony.
For more serious disorders, antidepressants are recommended - gidazepam, Cymbalta, Eglonil, Donormil.
Vitamin and mineral complexes
Since osteochondrosis is considered a disease of the whole body, complex vitamin and mineral therapy (complivit, duovit, doppelhertz, multi-tabs) is of great importance. Vitamins A, groups B, C, D, E, calcium and phosphorus preparations help to significantly improve the condition.
Vitamin A
(retinol acetate) is a natural antioxidant that stimulates collagen production and reduces the destruction of chondrocytes, promotes the renewal of joint tissue.
B vitamins
(cyanocobalamin, milgamma, neuromultivit, neurobion, neurorubin, neuroplex, celtican complex, pyridoxine, thiamine) reduce pain, inflammation and numbness of the hands, improve the sensitivity of nerve fibers.
Vitamin D
(calciferol, aquadetrim, vigantol) is responsible for the absorption of calcium and helps restore bone tissue lost due to osteochondrosis.
Vitamin E
(tocopherol) is necessary for normalizing blood circulation, protecting against free radicals and cartilage regeneration.
Don't self-medicate! Good luck to you in the treatment of osteochondrosis!
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Nutrition
Therapeutic treatment of any disease requires adherence to the basics of a balanced diet.
A diet for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine slows down pathological processes and helps accelerate recovery processes.
Nutritional correction involves increasing the proportion of foods in the diet that contain natural chondroprotectors that promote the regeneration of cartilage tissue.
It is important to note that dietary nutrition during degenerative-dystrophic processes should be based on the completeness of the diet and compliance with the drinking regime.
The diet must include foods containing calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, retinol, and vitamins B and C.
It is also necessary to limit the level of consumption of strong tea and coffee, as well as give up bad habits.
It is recommended to completely exclude from the diet various kinds of semi-finished products, fresh baked goods, as well as margarine and carbonated drinks with a high sugar content.
Diagnostic methods
The sooner the correct diagnosis is made, the faster osteochondrosis of the chest will be cured.
By assessing the symptoms of the disease, the doctor makes a preliminary diagnosis and conducts additional examination of the patient. If the patient has pain outside the back area, differential diagnosis is carried out with diseases of the organ in which the person feels discomfort. Patients of the Yusupov Hospital are advised by related specialists: cardiologist, gastroenterologist. Osteochondrosis of the chest is detected using radiography. An x-ray of the thoracic spine will clearly show changes in the vertebrae. Radiography allows you to indirectly assess the degree of damage to the intervertebral discs. Osteochondrosis is a progressive pathology, so it is possible that the degenerative-dystrophic process covers several areas.
Additionally, magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography may be required. MRI is used to determine the pathology of the intervertebral discs, cartilage and bone tissue of the vertebrae. The Yusupov Hospital uses the latest equipment from global manufacturers to diagnose osteochondrosis. High-precision diagnostic methods help to make the correct diagnosis in the shortest possible time with maximum safety for the patient’s health.
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Prevention
In order to prevent the occurrence or aggravation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, it is recommended to carry out a number of preventive measures at regular intervals, including:
- rejection of bad habits;
- adherence to the principles of proper, balanced nutrition;
- tracking the safest and most comfortable position for the spine while walking, running, sitting;
- ensuring comfortable sleep in the correct body position;
- organization of exercises according to the recommended sets of exercises for the thoracic spine with osteochondrosis.
The comfort of a person’s daily life is largely determined by his health.
When the first symptoms of a spinal disease appear, seek advice from a specialist who will help diagnose the disease and select the correct course of treatment for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.