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Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region: how to get rid of pain?

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. It is a chronic disease associated with degenerative processes in the intervertebral discs.The pathological process quickly involves the cartilage and bone tissue of the vertebrae, which is why the back loses flexibility and constantly hurts.The first alarming symptoms appear in people over 25 years of age, most often after 35 years of age.

The main problem in the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis is its cunning.The disease successfully disguises itself as heart pain, intercostal neuralgia, gastritis, heart attack and even the banal consequences of sleeping in an uncomfortable position.How not to fall for osteochondrosis and recognize it in time?After all, if left untreated, osteochondrosis of the thoracic region can immobilize the patient and cause problems in the heart, digestive system, kidneys and gallbladder.

Dorsago for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.

Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis should begin with a comprehensive diagnosis and determination of the cause of the disease.

Signs of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region.

The clinical manifestations of thoracic osteochondrosis depend on the patient's age, degree and stage (acute or in remission) of the disease.

At first, without treatment, thoracic osteochondrosis may be asymptomatic;Even in the second stage of the disease, pain is usually absent.The most characteristic thing about the disease is the pain that occurs when breathing deeply, if you inhale deeply and hold your breath for a few seconds.For osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, two types of pain are specific:

  • back - acute attacks of pain that pass quickly (usually torment at night, when bending and twisting the body or during exertion);
  • back pain - mild pain that lasts up to 3 weeks and subsides as the patient "walks."

Other important criteria for self-diagnosis are stiffness and cracking in the sternum area, for example when trying to move the shoulders one by one or bringing the shoulder blades together.

Important symptoms and sensations during the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis include:

  1. Pain when lifting weights. or after a long stay in one position, usually shooting.With movement and active breathing, the pain intensifies and may “surround” the chest, radiating to the armpit or collarbone.Some patients are also bothered by shoulder pain at rest.
    Unlike angina pectoris and other "heart" pains, which last from 3 to 5 minutes to an hour, thoracalgia with thoracic osteochondrosis can last for weeks and months, sometimes intensifying for several days and then subsiding.Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis with "heart" medications does not give results. 
  2. "Goosebumps" on the chest.The sensation occurs most often in the upper part of the thoracic region, in the muscle fibers.It may be accompanied by a feeling of numbness, decreased sensitivity (both in the chest and in the middle of the back).Because of this, the feet become cold, peeling of the skin, brittle nails and other symptoms of insufficient tissue nutrition are observed.
  3. Colic in internal organs..Sharp, stabbing pain can occur in the stomach, heart and even kidneys, so patients often suspect they have an ulcer, angina or a heart attack.If you have such symptoms, for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, it is better to visit a neurologist and only then contact specialized doctors to avoid making an incorrect diagnosis.
  4. Reflex disorders.In thoracic osteochondrosis, they are most often expressed in rhythmic contractions of the spinal muscles of the shoulder and trapezius in response to their stretching.
  5. General weakness of the thoracic spine..Patients find it more difficult to maintain their posture;They begin to slouch and slouch.At the same time, the back muscles become increasingly tense, the back "hardens".
  6. difficulty breathing.Difficulty breathing when climbing stairs, a feeling of shortness of breath or tightness in the chest are the most common symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis.Treatment begins when the patient complains of cough, so patients assume they have pneumonia.
  7. Instability of the psycho-emotional sphere..People who undergo the symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine become more irritable, suffer from constant fatigue and fatigue even with sufficient rest.
  8. On the part of the gastrointestinal tract, patients are bothered by a feeling of satiety and loss of appetite, bloating, flatulence, heartburn, irregular bowel movements, nausea.Patients suffer from pain in the throat and esophagus and a "lump" sensation when swallowing.

In women, the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region also include pain in the chest, mammary glands and groin.They are incorrectly classified as gynecological problems.In this case, it is better to start monitoring the symptoms and treating thoracic osteochondrosis with medications by visiting an orthopedist or neurologist. 
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis in men can similarly solve potency and urination problems caused by innervation disorders.

Causes of the disease

Thoracic osteochondrosis is a relatively rare disease of the spine.Their “share” in the total number of patients with osteochondrosis is approximately 15%. The fact is that the thoracic vertebrae, to which the ribs are attached, are not very physiologically mobile;On the contrary, they must provide stability to the organs of the thorax.Therefore, your intervertebral discs are less susceptible to wear, injuries and cracks, and vertebral displacements and herniations are rare.But osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is also “difficult to access” for treatment.Therefore, it is important to exclude or compensate in advance for the following causes of the disease:

  • excessive physical activity, incl.domestic, professional and sports;
  • poor posture and other deformations of the musculoskeletal system;
  • poorly developed muscle corset and poor physical shape;
  • overweight;
  • prolonged sedentary work without warming up (for example, working while driving or in front of a computer);
  • back injuries (not only thoracic, but also other parts);
  • gastrointestinal diseases;
  • bad habits;
  • infections;
  • hypothermia;
  • hormonal disorders;
  • chronic stress;
  • Excessive salt consumption and lack of habit of drinking water are causes of long-term alterations in the body's water-salt balance;
  • incorrect selection of shoes and incorrect carrying of bags and other heavy objects.

Other causes, unfortunately cannot be completely eliminated, of thoracic osteochondrosis: circulatory disorders (in case of atherosclerosis or diabetes), metabolic syndrome, autoimmune diseases and genetic predisposition. In women, treatment for thoracic osteochondrosis may be required during multiple pregnancies.

It is important to prevent the disease, even if there are no symptoms or sensations indicative for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis.Only a doctor can assess the correct posture of a teenager.After all, for example, kyphosis often occurs without problems and is imperceptible to a non-specialist.And in especially advanced cases, at the age of 15 the first signs of degenerative processes in the vertebral joints may appear. 

Fortunately, you can start shaping your posture and treating thoracic osteochondrosis even at age 40!

Consequences of thoracic osteochondrosis.

Due to the compression of blood vessels and nerve roots, the innervation of muscles and internal organs is disturbed and the functionality of the spinal cord deteriorates.In the absence of treatment for thoracic osteochondrosis, this condition has serious consequences:

  • pathologies in the intestines, gallbladder dyskinesia;
  • increased risk of heart attack, as well as ischemia and angina;
  • hernias and bulges of the spinal cord;
  • dysfunctions of the liver, kidneys and pancreas;
  • tendency to pneumonia and other lung pathologies associated with hypoventilation.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region at stages 1 and 2 of the disease involves conservative therapy aimed at relieving inflammation, stopping pain and restoring nerve conduction and blood supply.Also, to alleviate the condition, medications and techniques are used to relieve spasm, incl.Strengthen the muscles of the back.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region with medications in the acute stage of the disease lasts 1-3 months;In the future, lifelong compliance with simple rules will be required to maintain remission.If there are no indications for hospitalization, maintenance therapy is carried out on an outpatient basis and does not require large costs.

In cases of advanced osteochondrosis, spinal cord hernias and other potentially dangerous conditions, surgery is prescribed to decompress and stabilize the spine (microdiscectomy, foraminotomy, laminectomy).Postoperative treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis in a hospital lasts 3 to 7 days, and complete healing takes up to 14 days.

Physiotherapy for thoracic osteochondrosis.

For the treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, the following is used:

  • Magnetic laser therapy. Helps relieve pain, swelling and inflammation, increases humoral immunity.The course consists of 14 daily sessions of 10-15 minutes.The intervals between courses must last at least 1 month and the number of courses per year must not exceed 4.
  • Amplipulse (SMT), incl.with a local anesthetic.It has a strong analgesic effect.Stimulates muscles and prevents muscle atrophy.It helps relieve swelling and inflammation, dilates blood vessels and improves tissue nutrition.The course requires 8 to 15 procedures for 10 to 20 minutes.
  • Ultrasound therapy (optional - with glucocorticosteroid).Provides micromassage of periarticular tissues, improves cartilage nutrition, prevents inflammation and destruction of joints, dilates blood vessels and accelerates regeneration.It has an analgesic and antispasmodic effect.The course includes 10 to 12 procedures of 10 to 15 minutes each.
  • Mineral baths, mud therapy, ozokerite and paraffin baths and other balneological techniques. They provide long-lasting dilation of blood vessels, have an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect, relieve swelling and facilitate joint movement.The duration of the session, the duration of the course and the impact depend on the composition of the therapeutic bath or mixture.
  • Hydromassage. Improves tissue nutrition and nerve conduction, promotes relaxation of spasmodic muscles.Accelerates regeneration and shortens the recovery period after exacerbations of thoracic osteochondrosis.Course – 10-25 sessions.The duration of the session gradually increases from 15 to 30 minutes.
  • Thermotherapy. It has a relaxing, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect, improving lymphatic and blood circulation.The duration of the course and procedure depends on the technique.
  • Acupuncture.It stimulates regeneration and improves the innervation of the tissues around the spine, the functioning of the internal organs of the chest, normalizes blood circulation and reduces pain due to the release of endorphins.The course consists of 15 sessions, which take place daily or every other day. 
  • Traction methods. It is used for the non-surgical removal of hernias and protrusions, combating numbness of the extremities and clamps.They help to increase the distance between the vertebrae, improve posture, promote decompression of the nerve roots, relax and strengthen the back muscles.This reduces the intensity of inflammation and pain.The standard course consists of 10 to 12 sessions;This may need to be completed repeatedly.
  • Manual therapy. Improves blood circulation in the spinal cord, helps combat fainting.Restores the anatomically correct position of the spine, favors the treatment of hernias and protrusions.Eliminates spasms and tightness in the thoracic region.The course consists of a minimum of 10 to 15 sessions lasting from several minutes to an hour.

In addition to physiotherapy and drug treatment for thoracic osteochondrosis, patients may need to work with a psychologist.This will help get rid of the anxiety that accompanies diseases of the musculoskeletal system.It also motivates you to maintain a healthy posture.
During physical activity, patients are recommended to wear an orthopedic corset (but not constantly, so as not to weaken the back muscles).

Massage for thoracic osteochondrosis.

For osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, clinical massage is recommended: classical therapeutic (with drugs for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis or essential oils), vacuum, lymphatic drainage, water or acupressure.The doctor or device has an indirect effect on the thoracic region through the muscles of the shoulders and upper back, stimulates blood microcirculation, eliminates pain and swelling, restores the normal range of motion and normalizes the tone of the muscle corset.Massage also enhances the effect of treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis with medications.
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis in male drivers and operators involves the use of massage devices: seat cushions and covers, pillows and hand massagers.

Gymnastics for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis.

The first lasting effect of exercise therapy occurs during the first 2 weeks of classes, but temporary relief is possible after 4 to 7 sessions.It is necessary to gradually increase the load during the treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, alternating it with rest.It is not allowed to perform exercises through pain and intense fatigue, as well as sudden movements that can damage the joint and adjacent tissues.It is very important to perform exercises for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis daily, or even better, 3-5 times a day, at least 5 repetitions each.

  1. Stand straight, feet together and arms along your body.As you exhale, raise your arms and as you inhale, lean back.Lower your arms and lean forward as you exhale, lowering your head and shoulders.
  2. Sit in a chair.As you inhale, place your arms straight behind your head, and as you exhale, lean back well, without lifting your shoulder blades off the back of the chair.
  3. Standing on all fours, arch your back and freeze for 3 seconds, looking straight ahead.
  4. Lying face down, place your hands on the floor and lean back, lifting your chest off the floor.
  5. Lying face down, extend your arms along your body.Bend your chest forming a “boat”: at the same time raise your legs and head.

In addition to the gymnastics proposed for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis, patients benefit from Nordic walking, yoga, cycling and water sports (swimming, diving, water aerobics).Don't forget to relieve your spine during the day: don't sit in one position for more than 2 hours, and during your lunch break, try lying on a flat surface for 40 minutes.Stretch, stand up, and bend over as soon as your back begins to stiffen.

Relief of symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region in women also requires maintaining the correct position of the body when performing household chores;try to spend as little time as possible in inclined positions, if possible, sit up straight if long-term housework is required.

Pharmacological treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis.

Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis with medications is complex and multivector.Patients are prescribed:

  1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).They are taken orally, in cycles of approximately 10 to 12 days, used externally (gels, ointments, creams, without restrictions) or in the form of injections.Please note that most NSAIDs can damage the gastric lining when taken orally.Therefore, it is recommended to take them together with proton pump inhibitors.If you have gastritis, ulcers, colitis or other gastrointestinal problems, it is better to opt for injections.

  2. Glucocorticoids.Steroid (hormonal) drugs are prescribed in cases where conventional anti-inflammatory drugs are ineffective, for example, to relieve severe exacerbations or pain in the late stages of osteochondrosis.For this purpose, GCs can be prescribed together with analgesics in the form of an injection block.

    The selection of glucocorticoids and their dosage is carried out exclusively by the treating physician.Medicines in this group, when taken uncontrolled, have serious side effects: they can lead to hormonal imbalances, weight gain, and skin problems.

  3. Chondroprotective drugs for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis..Preparations based on cartilage components and hyaluronic acid promote the regeneration of cartilage tissue.They provide the body with "building material" for collagen and synovial fluid, allowing remission to be prolonged without medications.They should be taken annually, 3 to 6 months.This will help reduce inflammation, prevent the intervertebral discs from deteriorating further, and improve back flexibility.

  4. muscle relaxants.Muscle tension and spasms significantly reduce the patient's quality of life and cause discomfort even during rest.But the main thing is that they impair the access of nutrients to the intervertebral joints, which causes further destruction and weakening of cartilage tissue.In addition, prolonged tension causes destruction (atrophy) of muscle tissue and an increased load on the joint.To prevent this, muscle relaxants are used.

  5. Vitamins and antioxidants..These medications are protectors and “breadwinners” of the joints.They prevent the destruction of cartilage and bone tissue due to aggressive oxidative effects and prevent the formation of new erosion sites on the surface of the cartilage.Vitamins (such as B vitamins) are effective in fighting inflammation.They are also necessary to maintain the strength and elasticity of cartilage tissue: they prevent the formation of cracks and chips and improve its shock absorption characteristics.

  6. Diuretics.These injectable medications are used for the emergency treatment of inflammation of the nerve roots.They help prevent damage to the spinal nerves and long-term rehabilitation with a neurologist.If left untreated, inflammation of the nerve roots can cause severe pain, muscle weakness, and organ dysfunction.

  7. Neuroprotectors and anticholinesterics..These drugs improve the metabolism of nervous tissue and stimulate the conduction of nerve impulses.They help to normalize the transmission of nerve impulses through the spinal cord and the innervation of internal organs, that is, to maintain control over your body.

  8. Angioprotectors and blood microcirculation correctors..Angioprotective agents protect blood vessels, promote their expansion and normal permeability of vascular walls.Since osteochondrosis of the thoracic region significantly affects the cardiovascular system, it is worth taking these drugs to combat dizziness, numbness of the extremities and other characteristic problems.

The treating doctor must determine the dosage and the appropriateness of using specific medications for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis.

Diet for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region.

At the first symptoms and treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis, a menu rich in collagen, vitamins A, B and C is recommended, which promote the regeneration of intervertebral cartilage and the strengthening of ligaments.It is also advisable to “accelerate” the metabolism with easily digestible foods (small portions every 3 hours). 

The diet includes a protein breakfast (eggs, dairy products) and dinner (fish, poultry, seafood boiled, stewed, baked in foil).During the day it is advisable to eat legumes, whole grains, vegetables, fruits and berries.

It is worth reducing the consumption of starch, salt, flour products, processed foods and carbonated drinks.Drinking regimen: from 2 liters of clean water per day.