Osteoarthritis of the thoracic spine

When talking about thoracic spondylosis, doctors mean the corresponding degenerative-dystrophic process in this area, which leads to pathological deformation of cartilage and bone tissue, destruction of ligaments, joints and intervertebral discs.

The reason appeared

The thoracic spine is less mobile than the cervical and lumbar spine, so pathological processes in this region are less noticeable, mainly due to the sturdy design of the connections of the ribs, sternum and vertebrae.However, it occurs no less often than other types of osteoarthritis.Most people who are constantly in a sitting position at home or at work are susceptible to spinal muscle weakness, scoliosis, injuries in this area, poor posture and, as a result, thoracic osteoarthritis.

As mentioned above, the main cause of the disease is believed to be pathological deformation of the intervertebral discs and joints of the structure.The cartilage surface is destroyed, the intervertebral discs become thinner, bone spurs, protrusions, hernias form, the nucleus pulposus is significantly reduced and finally the spinal nerve root structure is damaged, compressive myelopathy and vascular myelopathy occur.

First symptoms and signs of thoracic osteonecrosis

Signs of osteoarthritis are not as obvious as other diseases and unqualified doctors often confuse them with symptoms of other diseases.The above problem causes the development of pain in the chest and intercostal areas, which increases significantly with movement and physical activity.Pinched nerve fibers cause unpleasant sensations in the heart and even the liver, and form pathologies in the functioning of a number of other organs.

There are two types of pain associated with osteoarthritis in the chest area.

1. Back pain is a syndrome of prolonged moderate pain in the affected area, accompanied by a feeling of discomfort.
2. Dorsago - paroxysmal, intense and usually short-term severe pain.In this case, the patient may have difficulty breathing and movement in the affected area.

Common symptoms

1. Pain in the interscapular area.They are accompanied by “firing” of the intercostal nerves in the affected area and corresponding neuralgia.
2. Pain syndrome in the left chest, similar to ischemia.
3. Lumbar pain in the chest, which increases significantly with high physical activity.
4. The activity/mobility of the chest is limited.This symptom, characteristic of thoracic cartilage degeneration, is often confused with manifestations of scoliosis deformity, as well as ankylosing spondylitis/Forestier/Scheerman-Mao disease.
5. “Reduce” pain in the digestive tract, heart and liver.
6. Sexual dysfunction.
7. Numbness of part of the chest.

Treatment of osteoarthritis in the thoracic region

Thoracic spondylosis is treated exclusively with complex long-term therapy, which includes sets of exercises, a variety of physical and manual procedures, as well as medications.

How to treat?

The treatment process includes several stages.The first is to eliminate pain symptoms.Along with this, restorative and preventative therapy is used, which includes a number of techniques and approaches - from acupuncture to physiotherapy.The final stage is maintenance treatment.The duration of treatment for this disease varies greatly and depends on both the medical technique used and the patient's current condition, as well as the stage of the osteoarthritis.

Common drugs to treat thoracic osteoarthritis

1. Analgesic.NSAIDs and pain relievers are based on different combinations.
2. Hodroprotectors.Necessary to catalyze the repair of damaged cartilage.
3. Vitamin.Usually, complete vitamin complexes or preparations with group B components are prescribed.
4. External means.Glucocorticosteroid-based cream or ointment.Additionally, topical agents are used to reduce inflammation in the affected area and relieve symptoms of the disease.
5. Injections and injections.Typically, they are performed in a hospital setting and are complex paravertebral blocks with long-acting anesthetics.In addition, these drugs improve blood circulation and also promote the recovery of cartilage tissue.

Massage

Massage not only reduces the severity of the symptoms of the disease, but also helps a person recover, bringing positive effects from other elements of complex therapy.It is prescribed individually based on the clinical picture of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, the presence of chronic diseases and contraindications.

Manual therapy relieves pain syndromes of various etiologies, prevents spinal atrophy, normalizes blood circulation and nutrition of the intervertebral disc, relaxes static muscles in the affected area and activates the natural process of cartilage tissue regeneration.

Main types of massage to treat thoracic spine osteoarthritis:

1. Onsite.
2. Medicine.
3. Close the hardware box.
4. Postural reflexes.
5. Connective tissue.

Exercise and exercise therapy

Physical therapy and exercises are one of the most important stages in the process of spinal rehabilitation after osteoarthritis.Naturally, it must be prescribed taking into account the stage of the disease and the patient's condition by a purely specialized doctor.

The basic task of exercise/gymnastics therapy is the systematic development of cartilage, as well as strengthening of spinal muscles.With proper diagnosis, the author's set of exercises is often prescribed: the system includes both general strengthening procedures and methods of direct impact on the most problem area, as well as indicator exercises that make it easy to monitor the effectiveness of treatment.

In private practice, they also use different groups of exercises using a different method using special equipment.Stages of treatment in this case:

1. Reduces spasms and feelings of fighting.
2. Therapeutic loading on the short back muscles.
3. Normalizes circulation in the intervertebral disc.
4. Restores the basic structure of the spine.

Physical therapy and alternative therapy

This treatment for thoracic spine osteochondrosis may include hardware and replacement therapy, as well as various physical procedures.The most famous and popular methods:

1. Electrophoresis.A famous non-surgical method of affecting the spine, used since the 70s of the last century.
2. Direct tension.This method is a relatively safe and effective method of spinal manipulation, of course if performed by a qualified specialist.It is performed on a traction massage chair.
3. Vacuum therapy.One kind of positive effect on the affected area using a vacuum box.
4. Acupuncture.Classical acupuncture is performed using special thin needles inserted into a certain depth of the epithelium at acupuncture points on the back.
5. Laser puncture.An operation similar to acupuncture but performed with a laser.
6. Magnetism.Acts on problem areas with alternating magnetic fields.
7. Bone and joint disease.A complex method that includes elements of massage, chiropractic and chiropractic techniques.
8. Electrical stimulation.Uses electric current to normalize the function of the spine.
9. Shock wave therapy.This technique is based on the use of ultrasound sound waves in the treatment of osteochondrosis in the thoracic spine.
10. Decompression tractor.Analog automatic direct stretching.

prevent

The rules for preventing this disease are simple and clear:

1. Exercise regularly under the supervision of a chiropractor.
2. Normalize weight.
3. Consume foods and medications rich in magnesium and calcium.
4. Correct posture when working in a sitting position.
5. Give up bad habits.

Questions - answers

What type of pain occurs with osteonecrosis of the thoracic spine?

With osteonecrosis of this type, patients experience two types of pain syndrome.

1. Dorsago is a severe short-term pain of high intensity, periodically manifested by reduced motor activity in the affected area and difficulty breathing.
2. Back pain is a long-lasting background pain of moderate or low intensity that increases with physical activity.

Locate the pain sensations on:

1. Interscapular region.
2. Angina pectoris with partial numbness.
3. Painful “shots” in the left upper chest, similar to ischemia.
4. Refers to pain in the liver, heart and gastrointestinal tract.

Is gymnastics helpful for thoracic osteoarthritis?

Gymnastics and exercise therapy are one of the main elements of complex therapy for this disease.With its help, you can strengthen your back muscles, improve blood microcirculation and develop cartilage/discs.Naturally, gymnastics in itself, as a separate type of therapy, will not help eliminate thoracic spondylosis: to consolidate the positive effect, it is necessary to take appropriate medications, as well as regularly engage in physical procedures.