Hondrostrong Official site
Share this

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region: how to get rid of pain?

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a chronic disease associated with degenerative processes in the intervertebral discs.The pathological process quickly involves 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 the age of 25, more often - from 35 years.

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

Dorsago for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

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

Clinical manifestations of thoracic osteochondrosis depend on the patient’s age, degree and stage (acute or remission) of the disease.

At first, without treatment, thoracic osteochondrosis can be asymptomatic - even at the second stage of the disease, pain is often absent.The most characteristic of the disease is the pain that occurs when taking a deep breath - if you take a full lungful of air and hold your breath for a few seconds.For osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, two types of pain are specific:

  • dorsago - acute attacks of pain that quickly pass (usually torment at night, when bending and turning the body, or exertion);
  • dorsalgia - mild pain lasting up to 3 weeks, which 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 your shoulders one by one, or bring your shoulder blades together.

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

  1. Pain when lifting weights or after a long stay in one position - usually shooting.With movement and active breathing, the pain intensifies and can “encircle” the chest, radiating to the armpit or collarbone.Some patients are also bothered by aching pain in the shoulders at rest.
    Unlike angina pectoris and other “heart” pains, which last from 3-5 minutes to an hour, thoracalgia with thoracic osteochondrosis can last for weeks and months, sometimes intensifying for several days, then declining.Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis with medications “from the heart” does not bring results. 
  2. "Goosebumps" in the chest.The sensation most often occurs in the upper part of the thoracic region, in the muscle fibers.May be accompanied by a feeling of numbness, decreased sensitivity (both in the chest and mid-back).Because of this, the feet become cold, peeling of the skin, brittle nails and other symptoms of insufficient tissue nutrition are observed.
  3. Colic in internal organs.Sharp, stabbing pain can occur in the stomach, heart and even kidneys, which is why patients often suspect they have an ulcer, angina or heart attack.If you have such symptoms, for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, it is better to visit a neurologist, and only then contact specialized doctors to avoid making an incorrect diagnosis.
  4. Reflex disorders.With thoracic osteochondrosis, they are most often expressed in rhythmic twitching of the shoulder and trapezius spinal muscles 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 slouch and hunch over.At the same time, the muscles of the back become more and more tense, 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 they have pneumonia.
  7. Instability of the psycho-emotional sphere.People who go through 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 bothered by a feeling of satiety and loss of appetite, bloating, flatulence, heartburn, irregular bowel movements, nausea.Patients are plagued by pain in the throat and esophagus, a feeling of a “lump” when swallowing.

In women, symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region also include pain in the chest and mammary glands, and in the groin.They are incorrectly classified as gynecological problems.In this case, it is better to start checking symptoms and treating thoracic osteochondrosis with medications with a visit to an orthopedist or neurologist. 
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis in men can similarly solve problems with potency and urination caused by innervation disorders.

Causes of the disease

Thoracic osteochondrosis is a relatively rare disease of the spine.Its “share” in 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 mobile physiologically - on the contrary, they must provide stability for the chest organs.Therefore, their intervertebral discs are less susceptible to wear, injury and cracking, and vertebral displacements and hernias are rare.But osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is also “difficult to access” for treatment.Therefore, it is important to exclude or compensate for the following causes of the disease in advance:

  • excessive physical activity, incl.household, professional and sports;
  • poor posture and other deformations of the musculoskeletal system;
  • undeveloped muscle corset and poor physical shape;
  • overweight;
  • prolonged sedentary work without warming up (for example, working while driving or in front of a computer);
  • back injuries (not only thoracic, but also other parts);
  • gastrointestinal diseases;
  • bad habits;
  • infections;
  • hypothermia;
  • hormonal disorders;
  • chronic stress;
  • Excessive salt consumption and lack of habit of drinking water are the causes of long-term disturbances in the water-salt balance in the body;
  • incorrect selection of shoes and incorrect carrying of bags and other heavy items.

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

It is important to prevent the disease - even if there are no indicative symptoms and sensations for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis.Only a doctor can assess the correct posture of a teenager.After all, for example, kyphosis often occurs smoothly and is imperceptible to a non-specialist.And in particularly advanced cases, by the age of 15 the first signs of degenerative processes in the vertebral joints may appear. 

Fortunately, you can start shaping your posture and treating thoracic osteochondrosis even at the age of 40!

Consequences of thoracic osteochondrosis

Due to compression of blood vessels and nerve roots, the innervation of muscles and internal organs is disrupted, and the functionality of the spinal cord deteriorates.In the absence of treatment for 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;
  • hernias and protrusions of the spinal cord;
  • malfunctions of the liver, kidneys and pancreas;
  • a tendency to pneumonia and other pulmonary pathologies associated with hypoventilation.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region at stages 1 and 2 of the disease involves conservative therapy aimed at relieving inflammation, stopping pain, restoring nerve conduction and blood supply.Also, to alleviate the condition, drugs and techniques are used to relieve spasm, incl.strengthening the back muscles.

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

In cases of advanced osteochondrosis, spinal cord herniations and other potentially dangerous conditions, surgery is prescribed to decompress and stabilize the spine (microdiscectomy, foraminotomy, laminectomy).Postoperative treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis in a hospital takes from 3 to 7 days, complete healing takes up to 14 days.

Physiotherapy for thoracic osteochondrosis

For the treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine the following is used:

  • Magnetic laser therapy. Helps relieve pain, swelling and inflammation, increases humoral immunity.The course consists of 14 daily sessions of 10-15 minutes.The intervals between courses should last at least 1 month, and the number of courses per year should not exceed 4.
  • Amplipulse (SMT), incl.with a local anesthetic.Has a strong analgesic effect.Stimulates muscles and prevents muscle atrophy.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 tissues, improves nutrition of cartilage, prevents inflammation and joint destruction, dilates blood vessels and accelerates regeneration.Has an analgesic and antispasmodic effect.The course includes 10-12 procedures of 10-15 minutes each.
  • Mineral baths, mud therapy, ozokerite and paraffin baths and other balneological techniques. They provide a long-lasting dilation of blood vessels, have an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect, relieve swelling and facilitate movement in the joint.The duration of the session, the length of the course and the impact depend on the composition of the bath or therapeutic mixture.
  • Hydromassage. Improves tissue nutrition and nerve conduction, promotes relaxation of spasming 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, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect, improves lymph and blood circulation.The duration of the course and procedure depends on the technique.
  • Acupuncture.Stimulates regeneration and improves the innervation of tissues around the spine, the functioning of the internal organs of the chest, normalizes blood circulation and reduces pain due to the release of endorphins.The course consists of 15 sessions, which are held daily or every other day. 
  • Traction methods. Used for non-surgical elimination of hernias and protrusions, combating numbness of the limbs and clamps.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 is 10-12 sessions, repeated completion may be required.
  • Manual therapy. Improves blood circulation in the spinal cord, helps fight fainting.Restores the anatomically correct position of the spine, promotes the treatment of hernias and protrusions.Eliminates spasms and tightness in the thoracic region.The course is a minimum of 10-15 sessions lasting from several minutes to an hour.

In addition to physical therapy and drug treatment for thoracic osteochondrosis, patients may need to work with a psychologist.This will help get rid of the anxiety that accompanies diseases of the musculoskeletal system.Also motivates to maintain 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 - classic therapeutic (with drugs for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis or essential oils), vacuum, lymphatic drainage, water or acupressure.The doctor or device has an indirect effect on the thoracic region through the muscles of the shoulders and upper back, stimulates blood microcirculation, eliminates pain and swelling, restores normal range of motion and normalizes the tone of the muscle corset.Massage also enhances the effect of treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis with medications.
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis in male drivers and operators involves the use of massage devices - cushions and seat covers, bolsters, hand massagers.

Gymnastics for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis

The first lasting effect from exercise therapy occurs during the first 2 weeks of classes, but temporary relief is possible after 4-7 sessions.It is necessary to increase the load during the treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region gradually, alternating it with rest.Performing exercises through pain and severe fatigue is not allowed, as are sudden movements that can injure the joint and adjacent tissues.It is very important to perform exercises for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis daily, or better yet, 3-5 times a day, at least 5 repetitions each.

  1. Stand straight, feet together, arms along your body.As you exhale, raise your arms up, and as you inhale, bend back.Lower your arms and bend forward as you exhale, 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. Standing on all fours, arch your back and freeze for 3 seconds, looking straight ahead.
  4. Lying on your stomach, place your hands on the floor and bend back, lifting your chest off the floor.
  5. Lying on your stomach, extend your arms along your body.Bend your chest, making a “boat”: at the same time 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, aqua 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, bend over as soon as your back begins to stiffen.

Relief of symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region in women also requires maintaining the correct position of the body when performing household duties - try to spend as little time as possible in inclined positions, if possible, sit down straight if long-term housework is required.

Drug treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis

Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis with medications is complex and multi-vector.Patients are prescribed:

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

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

    The selection of glucocorticoid and its dosage is carried out exclusively by the attending physician.Drugs in this group, when taken uncontrolled, have serious side effects - they can cause 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 supply the body with “building material” for collagen and synovial fluid, allowing you to prolong drug-free remission.They must be taken annually, from 3 to 6 months.This will help reduce inflammation, keep the intervertebral discs from further deteriorating, and improve back flexibility.

  4. Muscle relaxants.Muscle tension and spasms significantly reduce the patient’s quality of life and cause discomfort even during rest.But the main thing is that they impair the access of nutrients to the intervertebral joints, which provokes their further destruction and weakening of cartilage tissue.Also, prolonged tension leads to destruction (atrophy) of muscle tissue and increased load on the joint.To prevent this, muscle relaxants are used.

  5. Vitamins and antioxidants.These drugs are protectors and “breadwinners” of joints.They prevent the destruction of cartilage and bone tissue due to aggressive oxidative effects, and prevent the formation of new foci of erosion on the surface of the cartilage.Vitamins (such as B vitamins) are effective in fighting inflammation.They are also needed to maintain the strength and elasticity of cartilage tissue - they prevent cracks and chips from forming, and improve its shock-absorbing characteristics.

  6. Diuretics.These injectable medications are used for emergency treatment of swelling of the nerve roots.They help avoid damage to the spinal nerves and long-term rehabilitation with a neurologist.Left untreated, swelling of the nerve roots can cause 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 normalize the transmission of nerve impulses through the spinal cord and the innervation of internal organs, i.e., maintain control over your body.

  8. Angioprotectors and blood microcirculation correctors.Angioprotective agents protect blood vessels, promote their expansion and normal permeability of vascular 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 specific drugs for the treatment of 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 promote the regeneration of intervertebral cartilage and strengthening of ligaments.It is also advisable to “accelerate” 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 regimen - from 2 liters of clean water per day.