Osteochondrosis is called damage to the bones and cartilage of different parts of the spine. In this article we will look at the features of this defect, in a situation where it occurs in the chest area, its main symptoms and treatment.
Osteonecrosis of the thoracic spine of the spine is called the progression of damage of a degenerative-dystrophic nature of the tissue structures of the vertebrae, as a result of which they, as well as the discs and cartilage tissue, are gradually destroyedgradually. There are also other osteonecrosis diseases, for example, cervical or lumbar. Compared with them, manifestations of thoracic pathology are rarer, because the spine in this part is less mobile and in addition due to the fact that the ribs are tight. However, in some cases, the disease even ends in disability, which occurs due to the formation of herniated discs. The only effective treatment in this case would be surgery. Usually, the disease affects people over 35-40 years old.
Due to the specificity of the site, thoracic osteonecrosis is less symptomatic and less likely to be caused by external influences. The main risk of developing the disease is a sedentary lifestyle, which weakens the back muscles. The main causes of the disease are:
- Overload is back, which can occur both from heavy lifting and wearing high heels, and from special physiological conditions, for example, pregnancy, or congenital foot deformities - flat feet;
- motionless, sedentary work, insufficient physical activity;
- Scoliosisand other curvatures of the spine in the thoracic region;
- backache;
- Presence of incorrect posture;
- Genetic factors;
- Strong tension.
Thoracic osteochondrosis ends with thinning of the discs, the formation of disc herniations, the formation of foci from the connective tissue, and the wear and tear of the cartilage structures that form the vertebral joints.
The consequences of pathology are often accompanied by additional symptoms, for example, when compression of the spinal canal or blood vessels occurs. As with other manifestations requiring additional complex treatment.
Symptoms of thoracic osteonecrosis
With the thoracic presentation of the disease, the onset of symptoms usually occurs when the spine is under load, and can also be caused bysudden movement- when turning or tilting the body.
Usually, there is a dull, localized pain between the shoulder blades, accompanied by a feeling of pressure on the sternum. When there is displacement of the lower ribs, they indicate posterior limb syndrome, in which pain manifests in the lower chest and scaly areas. In addition, painful sensations often occur if you try to palpate the spine where the pathology is located.
Such painful manifestations are usually caused by one of two types:
- Severe, penetrating and sharp pain in the interstitium, as well as in the ribs. It is calledDorsagoand is characterized by an increase in turns and a change in the position of the body. Often, such pain is characteristic of exacerbations; Symptomatic treatment is needed to relieve pain.
- BackacheThis is called a gradual pain syndrome that comes on for 7-20 days. The nature of the pain in this case is dull and mild pain, the location of manifestation is in the thoracic spine. An increase in intensity is noted if you take a deep breath or bend over. Additionally, you may feel shortness of breath as well as muscle spasms around the affected area. The onset of a symptom is often provoked for long periods of time in one position, such as after a night of sleep.
Other medical conditions associated with thoracic osteonecrosis will depend on the extent of their presentation. For example, in a situation where they are squeezednerve endingsPassing through the vertebrae will lose sensation, affecting the tendon reflexes. In addition, with thoracic osteonecrosis, compression of the nerve endings responsible for the liver, heart, kidneys, lungs, and digestive organs often occurs, thus possibly causing some loss of function. function of these organs and systems with the appearance of corresponding symptoms of worsening, tension, pain.
Among the additional manifestations of the disease, there are often problems with normal breathing, local pain sensations:
- In the chest and left side in the region of the heart;
- Under the right or left ribs, which may raise suspicion of cholecystitis and other diseases;
- In the throat cavity, esophagus, stomach and intestines.
Treatment of thoracic osteonecrosis
With osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, symptomatic treatment is indicated, or in other words, it depends on which symptoms are most pronounced. For this purpose, the doctor prescribes the following drugs:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- Analgesic;
- Local anesthetics, which are creams, ointments, patches;
- Relaxes severely spasmed muscles;
- vitamin;
- Antidepressants.
To prevent the progression of the disease, various physiotherapeutic procedures are applied, as well as adjustments in diet and vitamin intake. Some doctors supplement treatment with drugs calledchondroprotectors. They are credited with the properties of restoring damaged cartilage and bone. However, the effectiveness of such funds has no serious evidence, and at the same time, their course lasts from 6 months and can be quite expensive. Based on this, taking these drugs must be approved by your doctor, but it is better to get advice from some specialist.
As an additional treatment to prevent future pathology, physical therapy is used to promote treatment of thoracic osteonecrosis. Most commonly used:
- Shockwave, laser and magnetic therapy, as well as ultraviolet light and electrophoresis.
- Complex of physiotherapy exercises. Osteochondrosis is very effectively treated with the help of exercise. Usually, the entire exercise is repeated several times a day, which strengthens the muscles of the back and chest, restoring mobility of the vertebrae. With the help of gymnastics, both treatment and prevention of diseases are carried out, a specific complex is selected by the attending physician. It is worth remembering that you can only start the exercises after the painful symptoms have ceased and if any pain occurs during the performance, you should reduce its intensity.
- Massage helps to stretch the spine, enhance the metabolism of materials in the vertebrae and surrounding elements.
- A special diet to compensate for the lack of substances necessary for the process of restoring cartilage tissue structures.
What to do with exacerbations?
Thoracic osteosarcoma is a chronic disease, therefore, it is characterized by more advanced stages. This usually happens after severe exertion in the gym or at work, severe stress, fatigue accumulation. At this point, other symptoms may occur:
- Headache bordering on migraine;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- dizzy;
- Severe weakness;
- Shortness of breath;
- Movement restrictions.
Severe pain in the spine, related to the low back, with an exacerbation, which is difficult to resolve on its own. In addition, the independent selection of a strong pain reliever is fraught with serious side effects, additional complications, and treatment. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention during such times, if you cannot see a neurologist yourself, call an ambulance. Painful symptoms are well eliminated in the hospital, by intramuscular injection of analgesia and concurrent use of local anesthesia.
If osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is in the acute stage, then the following rules of treatment should be observed:
- It is necessary to lie in bed, unloading the spine as much as possible;
- Medicines for hospitalization should be taken only as prescribed by a doctor;
- You can only go to physical therapy with your doctor's permission;
- Diet should be adjusted.
When there is a herniated disc, additional drug therapy is prescribed, as well as wearing a corset. If the hernia is large, the only effective treatment will be to perform an operation, which is indicated individually based on the diagnosis.
Prevent
Osteoma of the thoracic spine often occurs in people who work in certain occupations, so everyone who does heavy work related to weight lifting on the one hand, is sedentary on the other hand. need great attention. according to their posture, periodically strengthening their back muscles and providing useful locomotor activity to the vertebrae. Therefore, the prevention of osteonecrosis involves exercising several times a day. Do not give excess and independent massage.
Also, it's important to changedietto exclude products with ingredients that lead to degeneration and increased wear and tear of cartilage and bone. The diet should minimize salty, sweet, spicy, spicy, fried foods. Food should be selected natural, in which there are no preservatives and dyes. Priority is given to vegetables, fruits, grains, lean meat and fish, dairy products. To speed up salt metabolism, adults should drink at least two liters of fluid per day. It is better to refuse alcohol and coffee. In addition, it is important to prevent the appearance of excess body weight, which increases the load on the vertebrae.
Another factor that helps prevent thoracic osteonecrosis is healthy sleep. "Healthy" in this case we mean the position the body is in. To minimize discomfort during sleep, it is better to use aorthopedic pillows and mattresses.
Taking these measures will help avoid the onset of symptoms of thoracic osteonecrosis and avoid long-term treatment.