Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region: how to eliminate pain?

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a chronic disease that is associated with degenerative processes of the intervertebral discs.The pathological process quickly affects 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 old, more often – from 35 years old.

The main problem in the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis is its insidiousness.The disease successfully disguises itself as heart pain, intercostal neuralgia, gastritis, heart attack and even banal consequences of sleeping in an uncomfortable position.How not to fall for osteochondrosis and detect it in time?Because without treatment, osteochondrosis of the thoracic region can immobilize the patient and cause problems with the heart, digestive system, kidneys and gallbladder.

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 remission).

Without treatment, thoracic osteochondrosis can initially be asymptomatic - even in the second stage of the disease, pain often does not occur.The most characteristic feature of the disease is the pain that occurs when taking a deep breath - when you suck in a full lungful of air and hold your breath for a few seconds.Two types of pain are specific for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region:

• dorsago - acute attacks of pain that pass quickly (usually pain at night, when bending and turning the body, or during exertion);
• Dorsalgia - Mild pain that lasts up to 3 weeks and subsides as the patient “walks around.”

Other important criteria for self-diagnosis are stiffness and crunching in the sternum area - for example when trying to move the shoulders individually or bring the shoulder blades together.

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

1. Pain when lifting weights or after a prolonged stay in one position – usually shooting.With movement and active breathing, the pain increases and can “circle” the chest and radiate to the armpit or collarbone.Some patients also experience aching pain in their shoulders even when they are resting.
   Unlike angina and other “heart pains” that last from 3 to 5 minutes to an hour, thoracic pain with thoracic osteochondrosis can last for weeks and months, sometimes increasing over several days and then resolving.Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis with drugs “from the heart” does not bring results. 
2. “Goosebumps” in the chest.The sensation occurs most often in the upper part of the chest region, in the muscle fibers.May be accompanied by numbness and reduced sensitivity (both in the chest and in the middle of the back).As a result, the feet become cold, peeling of the skin, brittle nails and other symptoms of inadequate tissue nutrition occur.
3. Colic in internal organs.Sharp, stabbing pains can occur in the stomach, heart, and even kidneys, which is why patients often suspect they have an ulcer, angina, or a heart attack.If you have such symptoms, to treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, it is better to consult a neurologist and only then turn to specialists to avoid making an incorrect diagnosis.
4. Reflex disorders.In thoracic osteochondrosis, they are most often manifested by rhythmic twitches of the shoulder and trapezius muscles of the spine in response to their stretching.
5. General weakness of the thoracic spine.It becomes more difficult for patients to maintain their posture;they begin to bend and hunch over.At the same time, the back muscles become more and more tense and the back “hardens”.
6. Difficulty breathing.Shortness of breath when climbing stairs, a feeling of lack of air or tightness in the chest are the most common symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis.Treatment begins with the patient complaining of a cough, which is why patients assume 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 plagued by a feeling of satiety and Loss of appetite, gas, bloating, heartburn, irregular bowel movements, nausea.Patients experience pain in the throat and esophagus and a “lumpy feeling” when swallowing.

The symptoms of osteochondrosis in the breast area in women also include pain in the breast and mammary gland areas as well as in the groin area.They are incorrectly classified as gynecological problems.In this case, it is better to start checking the symptoms and drug treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis with a visit to an orthopedist or neurologist. 
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis in men can also solve potency and urinary problems caused by innervation disorders.

Causes of the disease

Thoracic osteochondrosis is a relatively rare disease of the spine.Its “share” of the total number of patients with osteochondrosis is about 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 thoracic organs.Therefore, their intervertebral discs are less susceptible to wear, injury and tears, and vertebral displacements and hernias are rare.But osteochondrosis in the chest area is also “difficult to treat”.It is therefore important to rule out or compensate for the following causes of illness in advance:

• excessive physical activity, including household, work and sports;
• poor posture and other deformities of the musculoskeletal system;
• undeveloped muscle corset and poor physical condition;
• obesity;
• prolonged sedentary activity without warming up (e.g. working while driving or in front of a computer);
• Back injuries (not only chest but also other parts);
• gastrointestinal diseases;
• bad habits;
• infections;
• hypothermia;
• hormonal disorders;
• chronic stress;
• Excessive salt consumption and lack of drinking habits are the causes of long-term disruption of the water-salt balance in the body;
• incorrect choice of shoes and incorrect carrying of bags and other heavy objects.

Other causes of thoracic osteochondrosis - which unfortunately cannot be completely eliminated: circulatory disorders (arteriosclerosis or diabetes), metabolic syndrome, autoimmune diseases and genetic predisposition. In women, treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis may be necessary during multiple pregnancies.

It is important to prevent the disease - even if there are no signs and sensations that suggest treatment for thoracic osteochondrosis.Only a doctor can assess the correct posture of a teenager.After all, kyphosis, for example, often runs smoothly and is not noticeable to a layperson.And in particularly advanced cases, the first signs of degenerative processes in the vertebral joints can appear as early as the age of 15. 

Fortunately, you can start posture shaping and treating thoracic osteochondrosis as early as 40 years old!

Consequences of thoracic osteochondrosis

Due to the compression of blood vessels and nerve roots, the innervation of muscles and internal organs is disrupted and the functionality of the spinal cord is impaired.Without treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis, this condition is fraught with serious consequences:

• Pathologies in the intestines, dyskinesia of the gallbladder;
• increased risk of heart attack as well as ischemia and angina pectoris;
• hernias and protrusions of the spinal cord;
• Malfunctions of the liver, kidneys and pancreas;
• a tendency to pneumonia and other lung diseases associated with hypoventilation.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region in stages 1 and 2 of the disease includes conservative therapy aimed at relieving inflammation, stopping pain and restoring nerve conduction and blood supply.In addition, to relieve the condition, medications and spasm relief techniques are used, including.Strengthening the back muscles.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region with drugs in the acute stage of the disease lasts 1 to 3 months;In the future, to maintain remission, lifelong adherence to simple rules is required.If there are no indications for hospitalization, maintenance therapy is carried out on an outpatient basis and does not involve any major costs.

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

Physiotherapy for thoracic osteochondrosis

To treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, the following are used:

• Magnetic laser therapy. Helps relieve pain, swelling and inflammation and increases humoral immunity.The course consists of 14 daily sessions of 10-15 minutes.The course intervals should be at least 1 month and the number of courses per year should not exceed 4.
• Amplipulse (SMT), including with local anesthesia.Has a strong analgesic effect.Stimulates muscles and prevents muscle loss.Helps relieve swelling and inflammation, dilates blood vessels and improves tissue nutrition.The course requires 8-15 procedures for 10-20 minutes.
• Ultrasound therapy (optional – with glucocorticosteroid).Provides micromassage of periarticular tissue, improves cartilage nutrition, prevents inflammation and joint destruction, dilates blood vessels and accelerates regeneration.Has an analgesic and antispasmodic effect.The course includes 10-12 procedures lasting 10-15 minutes each.
• Mineral baths, mud therapy, ozokerite and paraffin baths and other balneological techniques. They ensure a long-lasting expansion of the blood vessels, have an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect, relieve swelling and facilitate movement in the joint.The duration of the session, the duration of the course and the effect depend on the composition of the bath or healing mixture.
• Hydromassage. Improves tissue nutrition and nerve conduction and promotes relaxation of cramped muscles.Accelerates regeneration and shortens the recovery period after exacerbations of thoracic osteochondrosis.Course – 10-25 sessions.The duration of the session is gradually increased from 15 to 30 minutes.
• Thermotherapy. It has a relaxing, pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effect and improves lymphatic and blood circulation.The duration of the course and procedure depends on the technique.
• Acupuncture.Stimulates regeneration and improves the innervation of the tissues around the spine, the function of the internal chest organs, normalizes blood circulation and relieves pain through the release of endorphins.The course consists of 15 sessions that take place daily or every other day. 
• Traction methods Used for non-surgical elimination of hernias and protrusions, as well as to combat numbness of limbs and staples.They help increase the distance between the vertebrae, improve posture, promote decompression of nerve roots, relax and strengthen the back muscles.This reduces the intensity of inflammation and pain.The standard course consists of 10-12 sessions, repeat completion may be required.
• Manual therapy. Improves blood circulation in the spinal cord and helps against fainting spells.Restores the anatomically correct position of the spine and promotes the treatment of hernias and bulges.Eliminates cramps and tension in the chest area.The course includes at least 10-15 sessions lasting between several minutes and an hour.

In addition to physical therapy and drug treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis, patients may need to work with a psychologist.This will help get rid of the anxiety that accompanies musculoskeletal system diseases.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 therapy (with drugs for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis or essential oils), vacuum, lymphatic drainage, water or acupressure.The doctor or device indirectly acts on the thoracic region through the muscles of the shoulders and upper back, stimulating blood microcirculation, eliminating pain and swelling, restoring normal range of motion and normalizing the tone of the muscle corset.Massage also enhances the effect of drug treatment for thoracic osteochondrosis.
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis in male drivers and operators includes the use of massage devices - pillows and seat covers, pads, hand massagers.

Gymnastics for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis

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

1. Stand straight, feet together, arms along your body.As you exhale, lift your arms up and as you inhale, bend backwards.Lower your arms and, as you exhale, bend forward, lowering your head and shoulders.
2. Sit on a chair.As you inhale, place your straight arms behind your head and as you exhale, bend well back without lifting your shoulder blades from the back of the chair.
3. Stand on all fours, arch your back and stay looking straight ahead for 3 seconds.
4. Lie on your stomach, place your hands on the floor, bend back and lift your chest off the floor.
5. Lie on your stomach and stretch your arms along your body.Bend your chest and form a “boat”: simultaneously lift your legs and head up.

In addition to the proposed gymnastics 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 to lie down on a flat surface for 40 minutes.Stretch, stand up and bend as soon as your back becomes stiff.

Relieving symptoms and treating osteochondrosis of the thoracic region in women also includes maintaining correct posture when performing household chores - try to spend as little time as possible in an inclined position, if possible, sit up straight when longer household chores are required.

Drug treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis

Drug treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis is complex and multivector.Patients are prescribed:

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

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

   The selection of the glucocorticoid and its dosage is made exclusively by the treating doctor.Drugs in this group have serious side effects if taken uncontrollably - 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 and thus enable drug-free remission to be extended.They must be taken annually at intervals of 3 to 6 months.This will help reduce inflammation, prevent further deterioration of the discs, and improve back flexibility.

4. Muscle relaxants.Muscle tension and cramps significantly impair the patient's quality of life and cause discomfort even when at rest.But most importantly, they impair nutrient access to the intervertebral joints, which leads to further destruction and weakening of the cartilage tissue.In addition, prolonged tension leads to the destruction (atrophy) of muscle tissue and increased stress on the joint.To prevent this, muscle relaxants are used.

5. Vitamins and antioxidants.These drugs are protectors and “nourishers” of the joints.They prevent the destruction of cartilage and bone tissue through aggressive oxidative effects and prevent the formation of new foci of erosion on the cartilage surface.Vitamins (e.g. B vitamins) have an anti-inflammatory effect.They are also needed to maintain the strength and elasticity of cartilage tissue - they prevent the formation of cracks and chips and improve its shock-absorbing properties.

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

7. Neuroprotectors and anticholinesterics.Such 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, i.e.h.to keep control of your body.

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

The dosage and advisability of using certain drugs to treat thoracic osteochondrosis should be determined by the attending physician.

Diet for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region

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

The diet includes a protein breakfast (eggs, dairy products) and dinner (boiled, stewed, baked in foil fish, poultry, seafood).During the day you should 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 regime – from 2 liters of clean water per day.