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

7 November 2020

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

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

What is osteochondrosis?

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

IMPORTANT! If you do not take up the treatment in time, the vertebrae become less elastic and begin to clamp the nerve endings of 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;
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 narrow specialist in the field 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 that is caused by changes in the intervertebral discs of the thoracic vertebrae.

what does osteochondrosis of the thoracic region look like

If we look in more detail, then thoracic osteochondrosis first affects the bone tissue (vertebrae), and with development begins to affect the cartilage tissue. Subsequently, osteochondrosis can lead not only to serious pain, but also to other diseases, and sometimes even to disability.

Let's see how thoracic osteochondrosis is diagnosed in patients. Most of the 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 necessary for a complete picture.

Degrees of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region

It is important to say that there is no exact period of transition 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 very beginning of thoracic osteochondrosis, when the patient feels almost nothing. There is no severe or persistent pain, and sometimes even no discomfort. Such sensations appear only after severe overwork or physical exertion, but most often the disease may not manifest itself at all.
2nd degree.The second degree is accompanied by the destruction of cartilaginous tissue, and as a result, a decrease in the intervertebral clefts and pinching of nerve endings, lymphatic vessels and even arteries.
3rd degree.At this stage, fixed changes in the spine begin. Fixed means irreversible. For example, scoliosis, kyphosis, hump and others develop.
4th degree.This is the last and most serious degree of the disease, which threatens with 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 the list of causes (predisposing factors) of the onset of the disease:

pathological changes in the intervertebral discs;
intervertebral hernia;
impaired blood supply to the spinal cord;
lack of nutrients in the body (for example, calcium);
serious spinal injuries;
lifting weights or regular 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 characteristic manifestations of pathology. Osteochondrosis is no exception, although when it comes to thoracic disease, symptoms are often confused with heart disease or lung disease.

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

Chest pain or burning.The main distinguishing feature of this particular type of disease is chest pain that appears after serious physical exertion, when bending 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.Exacerbation of pain is associated with raising the arms up, as well as with strong bends to the sides.
Dull pains, which appear during deep inhalation and exhalation.
Cough.The cough does not appear immediately and often when this symptom appears, patients begin treatment with viral drugs, which is a big mistake.
Discomfort between the ribs when walking. The symptom may appear even in the early stages of the disease.
Shortness of breath.It becomes 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.Extremities may become numb, the symptom appears in the second stage of the disease, when the vertebrae clamp the nerve endings and some blood vessels.
Temperature.It does not always appear and is most often accompanied by severe pain.
Intercostal neuralgia. The patient feels stiffness and squeezing, as if an invisible corset is squeezing in the chest area.
Increased blood pressure.
Panic attacks.Panic attacks are typical for advanced cases (stages 3 and 4).
Pain in the esophagus.
Disruption of the gastrointestinal tract.Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region and heart.

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region and heart

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

Patients often turn to cardiologists by mistake. But the examination reveals that this is just a side effect of another disease, therefore "heart" pills 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 often, it all begins during pregnancy, when a woman is experiencing strong physical exertion. All this together with pregnancy can lead to curvature in the thoracic or lumbar regions.

During the period of breastfeeding, the situation is often aggravated, because often mothers are in the wrong position for a long time when feeding a baby, they are carried on their hands for too long or are "rocked". Nevertheless, over the entire period, practically no one succeeded in starting the disease beyond the 2nd 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 ailment is always a different problem, which in total can lead to serious consequences.

VSD in this case can appear with an incorrect posture during sleep, lack of physical activity and a sedentary lifestyle, excess weight, and so on. As a result of two diseases, the patient's blood pressure begins to rise, insomnia, numbness in the hands, memory impairment and much 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 one is interesting in this case, because it appears most 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.

Spiked Chondrosis

"Spines" are osteophytes of the spine, which are the growth of bone tissue along the articular processes or along the vertebrae. They are called thorns because they often look like thorns that grow 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 so much pressure. It is the "thorns" that most often cause hardening of the cartilage tissue.

Typical manifestations of thoracic osteochondrosis in women

The female body differs in many respects from the male, therefore, with this disease, it has a number of features. In women, many autonomic nerve fibers pass in the thoracic region, which go to the limbs and internal organs.

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

This includes:

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

Aggravation of thoracic osteochondrosis

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

Exacerbation of chest 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 was 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 at the hospital.
Dorsalgia.Appears gradually and lasts for 2-3 weeks. The pain becomes quite severe and permanent, intensifying with bending, deep breathing or prolonged stay in one position. It passes gradually with exercise and medication treatment.

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

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

Most often, such attacks 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 their illness often call an ambulance, which is also a good option.

Still, it will be useful to know a few tips:

Lie down and try to give maximum rest to the body. 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 pills if pain is unbearable.Also consult your doctor for recommendations.
Try to lie down as much as possible during the first few days,until the pain subsides.
As soon as the pain gets weaker, you should start getting up more often and do exercise therapy exercises.

How to lower blood pressure in case of chest 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, then you can lower the pressure in the following ways:

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

How and how to treat thoracic osteochondrosis?

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

Treatment of breast osteochondrosis at home

Basic home treatments:

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

Medicines and drugs

It's important to remember that pain relief and cure are two different things. You should not constantly endure and use pain relievers, you need to take medications.

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 complete diagnosis!

Consider a list of the most popular medicinal products:

Pain reliever.Must be taken in case of exacerbation.
Hodroprotectors(restore cartilage tissue).
Injections and injections.Most often prescribed on the recommendation of a doctor, depending on the degree of the disease and the patient's predisposition to certain drugs.
Ointments 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, because they help relieve tension, pain, restore the functioning of 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 eliminate 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 pressure, flexion, stretching or other techniques, the patient may feel pain, but after the procedure, one always feels lightness and "freedom".

Acupuncture

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

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

Physiotherapy

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

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

Physiotherapy and exercise

The main task of physiotherapy exercises for thoracic osteochondrosis is to strengthen the muscles of the back, muscles of the shoulder complex, as well as the respiratory muscles. Exercise therapy is recommended to be practiced 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 look at a few basic exercises:

Sitting on a chair, rest your upper back against the back and bend back as much as possible with your hands behind your head(it is important that it is the thoracic region that works). After that, the maximum forward bend is made. Repeat 4-5 times.
Also, sitting on a chair and putting your hands behind your head, take a deep breath, and then bend back 3-5 times, leaning your upper back on the back.Then repeat forward bend and exhale slowly 4-6 times.
Lying on your stomach, bend in the thoracic region as much as possible(but not sharply), trying to raise your head and legs as high as possible. Repeat 5-8 times.
Standing, hands down, legs together.Raise your arms up at the entrance, and then bend back. After the arms are lowered on exhalation and a tilt is made forward, you must try to round your back.

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

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

An effective set of exercises with a stick. 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, it is recommended to do the simplest exercise therapy exercises, which include back bends in a standing, lying and sitting position.
Isometric exercises.

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

Exercise "Karate".In a sitting or standing position, the arms are bent at the elbows at an angle of 90 degrees, the fingers are clenched into fists, the back is straight, looking forward. Alternately, each hand strikes in front of oneself.
Exercise "Ballerina". Sitting on a chair, hands are locked in front of you at shoulder level. Turns to the right and left are alternately performed to the maximum (do not sharply). If pain occurs during exercise, it should be stopped.
Japanese Greeting Exercise. 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 doorway. Put your hands on the edges of the opening and hold on to them. You don't need to press with your hands anywhere, you just have to bend with your hands (as if to go through the opening) forward, and then back.

Author's methods of doing gymnastics will help reduce the manifestations of severe symptoms:

7 basic exercises by Alexandra Boninafor chest chondrosis.
Author's method of Bubnovsky.This is a comprehensive treatment of osteochondrosis with the help of special gymnastics, as well as special unique simulators. According to the creator, the disease can be cured with this method even without medication.
Gymnastics from the cervicothoracic chondrosis of Dr. Popov. 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 kind of gymnastics is also called micro-gymnastics.
Exercises according to the method of Dr. Shishonin.This method consists of 7 simple but unique exercises that strengthen the muscles of the spine, as well as the chest.

Treatment with folk remedies

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

Ficus tincture with butter:

Chop a few ficus leaves and mix with butter in a 1: 1 ratio.
Then put the mixture in a warm oven for 1. 5 hours, then take it out and strain.
The cooled substance should be rubbed along the spine daily.

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

Take 4-5 potatoes and boil them, then crush and turn into a thick puree.
This puree is wrapped in several layers of the stamp and applied to the affected area of the spine.
After that, the compress is covered with a woolen scarf or a thick towel, kept until it cools.
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 bedtime until the pain disappears.

Prevention of chest 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 we deviate from the general rules, we can distinguish several features:

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

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

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