Chest osteochondrosis is a rare pathology and the most insidious form of osteochondrosis. Due to the anatomical features, this part of the spine is relatively rarely subject to degeneration. The twelve vertebrae of the department are very tightly connected to each other and are perfectly protected by a kind of muscular corset, which significantly limits the range of motion between them. The ribs give extra firmness to the vertebrae.
The most likely cause of osteochondrosis of the chest is scoliosis, which occurs even in school. The risk factor for intervertebral disc damage can be:
- hereditary factor;
- malnutrition and overweight;
- labor activity related to restriction of movements;
- excessive physical activity;
- age factor and hypothermia;
- instability of the spinal disc segments;
- smoking and nervous tension;
- bruises, fractures and injuries of the spine are the most favorable factors for the formation of thoracic osteochondrosis.
Symptoms and signs
A hallmark of osteochondrosis of the breast is pain. It is common to divide into types:
- Lumbago - dorsago. The manifestation of acute, sudden pain in the affected spinal discs. The symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are the result of prolonged sitting, when you have to sit at the table, bending over for a long time. Acute pain (lumbago) occurs when you try to stand up or stand up.
- Dorsalgia. Increased pain when trying to take a deep breath and when moving the trunk. The muscles of the back are tense and movement can be restricted in any area of the spine.
Visceral (internal) manifestations
In osteochondrosis of the chest, the symptoms are rich in internal (visceral) manifestations.
Defeat of the roots of the upper thoracic nerve causes pain in the esophagus and pain in the pharynx.
Pressure on the affected area of the spine causes increased pain. It can be paroxysmal.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the chest, manifested by pain in the stomach, show damage to the nerve endings of the middle chest area, which provokes increased pain with prolonged lying on your back.
Compression of the 8th and 9th vertebrae causes pain in the duodenum. The sensitivity of the front of the abdominal wall is impaired.
Abnormal gastric motility (secretion and peristalsis) is a characteristic symptom of osteochondrosis of the chest.
Result:
- nausea and vomiting;
- heartburn;
- pain in the left hypochondrium;
- flatulence;
- diarrhea or constipation.
Duodenal dysfunctions (secretory and motor) lead to:
- nausea and belching;
- there is pain and heaviness in the right hypochondrium.
Osteochondrosis of the chest often presents with symptoms characteristic of other diseases, such as angina pectoris. At the same time there is pain in the heart: cutting, pressing, burning the heart or squeezing the throat.
In laryngospasm - a result of pathology at the level of the cervical spine, develop symptoms that manifest themselves:
- shortness of breath and cough;
- wheezing;
- Lack of air.
In the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis, whose symptoms and manifestations are similar to those of pulmonary pathology, it is necessary to accurately determine their involvement in the disease of the spine.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the chest
Diagnostic data based on X-ray examination help to develop a treatment plan that determines how to treat osteochondrosis of the chest. Such a study gives a clear idea of how to treat thoracic osteochondrosis, as X-rays showing the proliferation of vertebral bodies and the presence of changes in the intervertebral space (reduction in height) are a characteristic symptom of this disease.
Based on the data from the diagnostic examination, the leading symptoms are determined, the clinical diagnosis is clarified, which makes it possible to determine the correct tactics.
The treatment of osteochondrosis of the chest directly depends on the syndromes, stage of development and the presence of background diseases.
To alleviate the pain, restore the damaged functions of the nerves of the spinal roots, prevent the progression of degenerative changes in the structure of the spine, a conservative method is used, combined with complex, step-by-step treatment.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the chest includes a number of physiotherapy procedures:
- inductometry and electrophoresis;
- laser therapy and vacuum therapy;
- sinusoidally modeled and diadynamic currents;
- magneto and pharmacopuncture;
- acupuncture.
Drug therapy:
- vasoregulatory diuretics and muscle relaxants (muscle relaxants and venotonics);
- paravertebral novocoin blockade.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy for thoracic osteochondrosis is the main stage of the recovery process. Strengthens the muscles and mobility of the spine. Exercise for osteochondrosis of the chest helps to improve ventilation in those patients in whom deep breathing causes pain.
Gymnastics for thoracic osteochondrosis is effective:
- when the spine is stretched;
- when setting proper breathing.
But we must not forget that gymnastics for thoracic osteochondrosis is effective only when all the causes of the disease are identified and eliminated.
If the prescribed course of treatment does not bring positive results, different methods of surgical intervention are used, based on the symptoms and the level of destruction.
Cervical and thoracic osteochondrosis
Cervical-thoracic osteochondrosis is a disease caused by processes (degenerative-dystrophic) affecting the discs of the cervical spine.
The vertebrae located close to each other are not sufficiently protected by a relatively poorly developed muscular framework. Even the slightest strain on the neck causes myelopathy.
Main symptoms
The symptoms of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis are manifested:
- impaired sensitivity of the muscles of the neck, skin, arms and face;
- attacks of headache and dizziness;
- gait instability;
- increased fatigue, impaired vision and hearing.
The pain radiates to the arm, extending from the shoulder to the fingertips, causing numbness of the skin, even a slight movement of the neck, can cause a sensation of electric current throughout the arm.
Myelopathy can cause:
- disorders of the lungs and heart;
- double vision;
- numbness of the tongue.
Treatment of exacerbation of the disease
The use of complex therapy in the treatment of exacerbations of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis allows to obtain a lasting positive result. Includes:
- The method of orthopedic correction is the fixation of the neck with a collar Chance, which supports the head, significantly relieving the tension on the cervical vertebrae and contributes to their alignment.
- The method using pharmacopuncture - anti-inflammatory drugs (preferably homeopathic), to relax spasmodic muscles and prevent deterioration of radicular compression.
- Chondroprotectors - to prevent the development of damage to cartilage tissue.
- Drugs that help strengthen the disc-ligament apparatus of the spinal discs.
- Acupuncture is used to quickly relieve pain, relieve muscle spasm and restore spinal nerve function. This method is very effective and its use during exacerbations prevents the progression of the disease for many years.
- Hirudotherapy - treatment with leeches promotes the formation of scars on damaged fibrous rings in the discs, eliminates swelling of nerve roots and improves blood circulation in the discs of the spine.
- Drug therapy - biogenic stimulants, drugs that improve peripheral blood circulation, vitamins.
- Massage - to relax spasmodic muscles, to restore and strengthen.
In the last period of treatment, provided that muscle spasms and inflammatory processes are eliminated, they are connected - manual therapy, osteopathy, exercise therapy.
Timely treatment of any disease will prevent exacerbations and various complications caused by them.