Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

25 January 2024

Osteochondrosis is the wear and tear of the intervertebral discs, which leads to degenerative organic changes in the spine. Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is considered rarer because this section is less mobile due to its ligament with the ribs. But it is this that occurs more insidiously and more severely, and develops earlier than the other types. Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is characterized by an integrated approach and leads to good results. With a competent approach to therapy, a person can regain mobility, flexibility and pain-free life.

Causes

The main factors that cause the development of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine include:

Kyphosis and scoliosis. These diseases often accompany a person from birth, as anatomical anomalies. If the kyphosis is softened, then a person may not know about its existence for half of his life. Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine that leads to impaired distribution of muscle load. As a result, on the one hand, the muscles will atrophy and relax, and on the other hand, they will contract due to constant tension.
Injuries. They may be visible when a person damages the vertebrae in a fall, accident, or other similar circumstances. Injuries may not be visible. For example, spinal injuries are common due to overuse in the gym and heavy lifting.
Flat feet. Some doctors argue that this is almost the main reason for the development of degenerative changes in any part of the spine. Flat feet disrupt the balance of the muscular corset; incorrect redistribution of the load leads to a damaged cushioning of the vertebrae.
Statically incorrect body position for a long time. As a result of muscle overload, blood circulation and nutrition of muscle tissue deteriorate. That is, they carry the backbone. This is the cause not only of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, but also of the cervical and lumbar spine.
Excess weight and lack of sufficient physical activity.
Stress. Stress itself is not as dangerous as the reaction to it. During stress, the adrenal glands produce excessive amounts of adrenaline, which is converted into norepinephrine. It promotes the thickening of blood vessel walls and the progression of atherosclerosis. Under stressful conditions, blood vessels narrow, which leads to poor oxygen supply to muscle tissues.
Alcohol consumption, smoking, use of other drugs and poor diet. Alcohol removes calcium from bone tissue. Smoking and other drugs lead to improper functioning of blood vessels. Serious errors in nutrition lead to obesity, lack of B vitamins and minerals.
Improper wearing of bags and shoes.
Gastrointestinal diseases affecting the quality of absorption of nutrients.
Violation of water and electrolyte balance for a long period of time.
Pregnancy. Thoracic osteochondrosis often occurs in women who are pregnant with twins or triplets.
Metabolic syndrome.
Autoimmune diseases, infections, intoxications.
Genetic predisposition associated with a genetic mutation. You should not think that genetic predisposition is necessarily related to the fact that one of your close relatives suffered from osteochondrosis. Often, this has nothing to do with genetics. Genetic predisposition is always a mutation of certain genes. But even so, the disease will develop only in combination with other factors.

The disease can occur both in adulthood and in youth. Every year the disease becomes younger. Therefore, it is important to recognize the problem as soon as possible by paying attention to the symptoms.

Symptoms

Degenerative changes in the thoracic spine cause great discomfort to a person. The chest area contains the heart, lungs, internal organs of the abdominal cavity, ribs and in women the mammary glands. Symptoms in this place can be similar to an angina attack, heart attack or pain in the stomach, mammary glands or any other neighboring organs. Therefore, when osteochondrosis is felt, it is often confused with other dangerous pathologies.

Symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are related due to two types of clinical picture.

Radicular signs

Radical symptoms:

shooting pains or pain in the shoulder, armpit or collarbone;
damaged reflexes;
muscle weakness;
pain in the upper chest, similar to a heart attack, in the solar plexus, in the hypochondrium, pain in the mammary glands, in the upper abdomen or in the groin area.

Reflex signs

Symptoms:

respiratory disorders such as a feeling of lack of air, pain during inhalation and exhalation, difficulty in breathing;
feeling of chills, "goosebumps";
feeling of discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract: nausea, loss of appetite, heartburn, diarrhea or constipation, bloating;
intercostal neuralgia;
pain in the chest of a girdle nature, between the shoulder blades, while bending and running;
insomnia, feeling tired with enough sleep, fatigue;
stiffness of movement in the morning;
deterioration of gait;
nervousness;
decreased sexual desire/potency.

Reflex symptoms are more vague than radicular symptoms and are often misunderstood by doctors. Therefore, it is very important to find a competent doctor who will take the patient's complaints seriously and prescribe the appropriate treatment for thoracic osteochondrosis, especially during an exacerbation.

Diagnosing

The gold standard for diagnosing thoracic osteochondrosis is an MRI of the spine and examination by a neurologist.

MRI shows precisely the anatomical structure, changes, compression, blood flow and a visual picture of the effect on the spinal cord. Also, the study demonstrates possible complications of the disease such as protrusions, osteophytes, hernias and their effect on blood circulation.

As before, an examination by a competent doctor plays an important role in establishing the diagnosis.

Treatment

Many have heard that it is impossible to completely get rid of osteochondrosis, but you can only slow down its development. This is a half truth. You can get rid of hernias, osteophytes and other complications of the disease. You can regain your life without pain and ease of movement and restore your intervertebral discs. There is a great chance to stop the destruction process, returning the spine to its previous state as much as possible. Some people managed to completely get rid of the pathology, while others did not. Everything is individual and depends on the state of health, willingness to overcome difficulties and patience.

You should be prepared for the fact that treatment for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine will take a long time. On average, active participation will require 1-3 months. But even then life will not be the same because of the need for regular and proper physical activity for at least a year.

In this case, finances and time are not an excuse to refuse treatment, since you can fight the disease both in a hospital or sanatorium and at home. The most convenient option is in a sanatorium. There the patient is supported by a group of people with the same problems, but the conditions are positive and suitable. The medical staff is always tactful and caring. There you can relax and be treated without a hospital atmosphere, but with all the necessary medical services.

Therapy consists of several stages:

getting rid of pain (wearing a special corset, taking painkillers, performing procedures);
restoration of damaged spinal discs and preventive measures against the progression of the disease (physiotherapy, gymnastics, proper nutrition, help from a psychologist).

Drug treatment is also used, but it is considered as a last resort when other methods do not help. In the most severe cases and with dangerous hernias, surgery is prescribed.

The most important rule is not self-medication or self-diagnosis. Mistakes can be very costly.

Treatment at home

If you do not have time or sufficient financial resources for treatment in a clinic or sanatorium, you can achieve impressive results to get rid of osteochondrosis at home. The following recommendations will help you cope with the disease.

Nutrition

It is necessary to include in the diet foods that help to accelerate the metabolism in case of excess weight and the regeneration of cartilage tissue. It is important that the food you eat is rich in nutrients, trace elements, antioxidants, unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins and is easily digestible.

You should eat 4-5 times a day every 2, 5-3 hours, preferably at the same time. Portions should be no more than 300 g, so as not to overload the stomach and liver. Three meals should contain 26-30 g of protein. Protein is essential for building muscle tissue. Thus, the metabolism will accelerate, the body will stop accumulating fat, and the cells will receive continuous nutrition.

Breakfast and first dinner should be mostly protein. For example, egg white and cucumber. The main principle of the first and last meals is the lack of insulin drops, which is achieved by eliminating carbohydrates. Cucumber, although a carbohydrate, has a low glycemic index. Protein without a small amount of fat and carbohydrates is not digestible.

Physical exercises

Physical exercise is an integral part of the treatment of osteochondrosis of any part of the spine. The following techniques may be included:

Gymnastics developed by scientist Yuri Gushcho. It includes elements of dynamic and static yoga. He also advises performing strengthening procedures. If you are interested, you can read his book "12 Keys to the Vault of Longevity", in which he talks about what you should do to live as long as possible while being active. It makes sense to believe him, because Yuri got up independently from a wheelchair and recovered from coxarthrosis. He has many awards, recognition from the President of the Russian Federation.
Gymnastics using the technologies of Dr. Bubnovsky. His technique is quite effective and can be done at home. A set of exercises can be found online in video format, and books with complete instructions are also available.
The swimming pool. Swimming not only helps you lose weight, but also strengthens the heart, lungs and develops back muscles.
Isometric gymnastics. This type of exercise was first developed for astronauts returning home. Exercises allow, without damaging the joints, to restore weakened muscles, restore flexibility and ease of movement. Gymnastics is indicated for many pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, including osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.
Walk in the open air. It is recommended to spend an hour every day for intensive walks, preferably in park areas or along the coast. The aim is to improve cerebral circulation, muscle nutrition and mood.
Exercises to correct posture.

Complete rest

It is necessary to develop the habit of going to bed and waking up at the same time. Ideally, go to bed at 9 pm and wake up at 5-6 am. During this time, the brain manages to restore the functioning of the body's internal systems, the psyche and process all the information it received the day before. This is especially important for the health of the spine.

To sleep, you need to choose the right mattress and pillow. It is better to forget about very soft or hard options.

Hospital or sanatorium treatment

Manual therapy

This is an effect on the patient's body with the help of hands to restore the metabolism and give the spine the right shape. The procedure consists of manipulations to restore joint function, relaxing massage to relieve pain and muscle tension, mobilization to improve blood circulation and relaxation.

The duration of treatment is about 3 months.

Massage

In the treatment of degenerative changes in the thoracic spine, both types of classical therapeutic massage and acupressure are used. The massage therapist works with the muscle fibers of the upper back and shoulders to affect the chest region.

Mineral baths

During the procedure, the hemodynamics of the body changes. This means that blood is directed from the center to the periphery and from there to the heart, which directs it through all the organs and tissues. Thus, the following effects are achieved:

blood circulation improves;
the nervous system is strengthened;
The respiratory system and kidneys work better;
adaptive properties of the body increase;
reduction of inflammation;
pain relief;
removal of toxins;
skin sensitivity increases.

The chemical composition of water affects the effect of a mineral bath on the body of a patient suffering from osteochondrosis. Water temperature affects muscle relaxation and metabolic processes.

Acupuncture

Also, this procedure is called acupuncture or acupuncture. Its essence lies in influencing the biological points of the human body with the help of needles. Sterile long and short needles are inserted to a depth of up to 15 mm and left for half an hour.

This seemingly simple procedure has proven itself all over the world. Reviews from patients show the following effects after completing a course of acupuncture procedures:

relaxation;
cessation of tinnitus and dizziness;
increasing the energy potential;
improved blood circulation;
improvement of thinking processes;
removal of headaches;
relieving muscle spasms.

Laser therapy

The advantage of laser therapy is the improvement of drug penetration and the normalization of the body's adaptive properties. During the procedure, laser beams of a certain range are exposed to the areas of the spine that need treatment. The result of exposure is an anti-inflammatory effect, normalization of metabolism in the affected area, improvement of general well-being, the process of tissue regeneration begins and the process of degeneration stops.

As a result of completing a full course of procedures as part of complex therapy, the degenerative process can be completely reversed.

Mud therapy

This procedure is beneficial not only for the spine, but also for the whole body. The only thing is that it cannot be used in the acute stage of osteochondrosis.

The effects of mud therapy include improving the trophism of formations in the intervertebral joints, vascular function, adaptation and recovery processes. Also, the functioning of the nervous system normalizes, pain disappears.

Working with a psychologist

Since with osteochondrosis a person experiences constant stress, anxiety states often develop. A psychologist not only helps to remove them, but also stimulates in moments of despair and fatigue. A positive attitude plays an important role in treatment.

Exercise therapy

The treatment procedure is carried out in groups of several people and includes exercises taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient and his medical history. The emphasis is on improving joint function and strengthening the muscle core. Without exercise, full recovery is unlikely.

Nordic walking

This is one of the most effective types of physical activity for osteochondrosis and is gaining more and more popularity every year.

During walking with poles, 90% of the muscles are toned, active burning of calories occurs, the load is distributed evenly throughout the body, the cardiovascular system is strengthened, the intestinal function is improved, the nervous system and psyche are strengthened, the functions of the respiratory system are improved, insomnia disappears, blood vessels strengthen, a strong corset forms around the thoracic spine.

Drug therapy

Drug therapy is used only in the acute stage of osteochondrosis and when other treatment methods are ineffective.

At the peak of the disease, painkillers are prescribed, as well as drugs that accelerate metabolic processes. Both drugs in the form of tablets and injections help.

Groups of drugs prescribed:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which also relieve pain. Available in the form of cream, tablets and ampoules for intravenous or subcutaneous administration.
Vasodilators. During muscle tension and severe pain, vasoconstriction occurs, as a result, blood pressure can increase and oxygen supply to the brain can become difficult. Vasodilators return vascular tone to normal.
Muscle relaxants. This group of drugs is designed to relax and calm tense muscles. This effect causes a chain of beneficial changes such as improved blood circulation, regulation of vascular tone and relief from pain. When blood circulation is normalized, damaged tissues are restored faster.
Chondroprotectors and B vitamins. They are drugs that restore cartilage tissue, stopping the destruction process.
Sedative complex. The stress of pain makes the pain worse. Irritation and anxiety trigger the sympathetic nervous system into action, which leads to even greater muscle and blood vessel tone. Tranquilizers and sometimes antidepressants can break this vicious cycle.

As you can see, the treatment of osteochondrosis should be treated comprehensively, studying all the nuances. It is better to turn to specialists, thus protecting yourself from mistakes.