Osteoarthritis of the thoracic spine

Thoracic osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of the thoracic spine. First of all, the disease affects the intervertebral discs, leading to back pain and unpleasant symptoms. This disease is characterized by premature "aging" of the cartilage tissue of the intervertebral disc.

Osteonecrosis can be diagnosed both in the 20s and in middle-aged patients.

The disease is less common than other forms of osteoarthritis - cervical and lumbar. This is explained by the fact that the chest area moves less, as well as being protected by a corset and muscular ribs.

There are 12 vertebrae in the thoracic region - from T1 to T12. Most often, the lowest vertebrae are affected - T10, T11, T12.

Symptoms of breast osteonecrosis

Symptoms of thoracic spondylosis include:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• The pain increases with deep breathing
• Increased fatigue
• unsteady gait
• Feeling of tightness in the chest area
• collapse
• The appearance of difficulty breathing
• Cold feet
• Pain in the esophagus
• Cough

Pain due to osteochondrosis in the chest is divided according to its characteristics into back pain or lumbago.

Dorsago - sharp pain in the chest area. It occurs when staying in one position for a long time. The pain can cause difficulty breathing.

Back pain is moderate pain in the affected disc area. When breathing deeply, the pain increases. The feeling of discomfort begins gradually.

Causes of the development of osteonecrosis of the chest

The causes of the appearance and development of thoracic osteoarthritis are often related to the patient's lifestyle and uneven load on the spine. For example, people who sit for a long time are at risk: work remotely or in an office at the computer, drive often.

A sedentary lifestyle disrupts the functioning of the circulatory and lymphatic systems, and insufficient exercise weakens muscle tissue. At the same time, the load on the spine in a sitting position increases.

The occurrence of thoracic osteonecrosis can also be influenced by previous spinal injuries, being overweight and weakened immunity.

Osteochondrosis can also develop in women who frequently wear high heels or are pregnant.

Breast osteochondrosis can be aggravated by sleeping in an uncomfortable position, smoking, poor quality massage, or hypothermia.

symptoms

Degenerative processes in the thoracic spine can cause the development of the following pathologies:

• Spinal cord compression is a condition in which the spinal cord is compressed, leading to reduced sensation in the abdomen, back and chest.
• Kyphosis is a curvature of the spine.
• Spondylosis and spinal herniation are conditions in which the central part of the intervertebral disc protrudes, affecting the function of the pancreas and intestines.
• Intercostal neuralgia - acute pain in the intercostal space.

The organs that may be affected by complications depend on the vertebrae affected.

Degree of development of thoracic osteonecrosis

• I adjust - slight pain appears, the pain quickly passes in a comfortable position. Moisture is lost in the disc and the nucleus pulposus moves slightly. This stage is not always noticed, because the pain does not cause much discomfort and passes quickly.
• Grade II – cracks appear in the intervertebral discs, which keep the spine in a stable position, leading to spasms, back and chest pain. The disc begins to lose elasticity and its height begins to decrease. The muscles in the affected area become constantly tense.
• Grade III - protrusion of the central part of the intervertebral disc - nucleus pulposus occurs. Because of this, hernias between vertebrae occur. The pain becomes constant and the cartilage begins to thin.
• Grade IV – the annulus fibrosus tissue is replaced by bone. Bone tissue begins to break down.

Diagnosis of thoracic osteonecrosis

If you suspect thoracic spondylosis, you must make an appointment with a therapist or neurologist. During the examination, the patient talks about his complaints and the doctor conducts a physical examination. During the examination, attention is paid to the relationship between the level of the shoulders and pelvic girdle, posture, shape of the chest and the state of the musculature.

The doctor will then make a referral for diagnostic testing. From studies, patients can be prescribed:

• X-rays – X-rays of problem areas of the spine, showing changes in the discs.
• CT scan - allows you to evaluate the condition of the damaged site and check the condition of the intervertebral disc.
• ECG - recommended if cardiovascular disease is suspected.

How to treat thoracic spondylosis

To treat osteoarthritis of the thoracic spine, conservative methods are used. They are aimed at eliminating pain, reducing spasms and normalizing blood circulation. Including:

• Massage
• Physical therapy
• Physical therapy
• Take vitamins and medicine

Massage for breast osteonecrosis

Massaging the neck and chest area will help reduce pain and inflammation as well as strengthen the muscles that help maintain the vertebrae in a stable state.

During the session, the following massage techniques are used: stroking, squeezing, kneading, rubbing and vibration. The direction of action in cartilage degeneration depends on the location of the lesion. Massage must be performed by a specialist who will make the procedure truly effective. For better results, special oils can be used during massage.

However, before taking a massage course, you need to make sure that it is not contraindicated for the patient. To do this, you should consult your doctor. The list of contraindications includes cardiovascular diseases, increased body temperature, tuberculosis and skin diseases.

Physical therapy

Gymnastics for thoracic osteoarthritis includes a set of exercises to strengthen the spinal muscles and form a strong corset. In the early stages, gymnastics will help you avoid medication.

What effect does exercise therapy have on thoracic osteoarthritis?

• Deep breathing becomes correct
• Correct posture is formed
• Reduce load on the spine
• The deep back muscles become less stiff
• Increases chest mobility

Exercises to treat thoracic spondylosis

Before you start exercising, you need to warm up. It can warm up and prepare muscles for physical activity. As a warm-up, you can use limb rotations, twists and turns of the trunk, neck and pelvis.

Below are some suitable exercises to treat thoracic osteoarthritis:

• "Boat" - you need to lie on your stomach, stretch your arms above your head and keep your legs straight. In this position, you need to bend your chest - gently and at the same time raise your arms and legs.
• Shoulder lift – While standing and relaxing your arms along your body, you need to lift each shoulder in turn.
• Bend over a chair - you need to sit on the chair so that your back is tightly pressed against your back. You should lower your hands. In this position, when inhaling, you need to put your hands behind your back and bend backwards. When exhaling, you need to bend forward. You can also bend to the side.
• Arch your back – standing on all fours, you need to arch your back and maintain this position for a few seconds. Then you need to return to the starting position. It is recommended to perform the exercise on a special mat.

The exercises should be performed regularly for several months. Calisthenics should not last more than 30 minutes and should be performed in comfortable shoes and clothing. If acute pain occurs, you need to stop exercising.

Physical therapy

Physiotherapy is suitable for complex treatment. It can be used as a complementary or independent therapy. For osteonecrosis of the chest, your doctor may prescribe the following procedures:

• Magnetotherapy is the impact of a magnetic field on the affected area, allowing you to normalize blood circulation, restore affected tissues and improve mobility of the lumbar region.
• Laser therapy is the effect of a laser beam on the affected area. Helps improve immunity, provides analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. There is no pain during the procedure.
• Shock wave therapy is exposure to infrasound sound waves. They promote resorption of bone growth, stimulate collagen production and improve blood circulation.
• Drug electrophoresis is an effective technique to eliminate pain and improve nutrition of affected tissues. The electrodes and pads containing the drug are fixed on the patient's skin.

All of these procedures will help relieve the discomfort of thoracic osteoarthritis symptoms.

Medicines to treat osteoarthritis

When treated with drugs, patients are often prescribed a complex of drugs. The doctor determines the duration of the course and the list of specific medications depending on the clinical manifestations of osteonecrosis. The list of medications may include, for example, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, vitamins, as well as special ointments or gels.

Nutrition for thoracic osteoarthritis

As an additional treatment measure, the patient can be prescribed the diet "Table No. 15". The diet does not require giving up most common foods, but its peculiarity is that the diet is high in vitamins.

As part of the diet, you can eat:

• Bread
• Milk
• Soup
• Lean meat – should be eaten every day
• Pasta
• Vegetables – both fresh and in salads or cooked
• Egg
• Fresh fruit
• Fresh berries
• Many types of sweets
• Vegetable oil and butter

Allowed drinks include weak coffee, tea, juice and kvass.

What not to eat:

• Souffle
• Dishes containing fatty meat or fish
• Chocolate products

Regarding drinks, do not drink strong coffee, strong tea or alcoholic drinks.

Prevent breast bone degeneration

Suggested precautions include:

• Swimming or other water sports
• Start up frequently when working with the computer for a long time
• Maintain posture in a sitting position - your back should be straight and your shoulders straight
• Avoid hypothermia in the back
• Regular exercise therapy

In addition, attention should be paid to the choice of bed. An unsuitable mattress and pillow will prevent your back and neck from relaxing while sleeping. For this reason, for a comfortable stay with osteoarthritis, it is recommended to purchase special orthopedic accessories.