Treatment of protrusion of the thoracic spine

Protrusions of the thoracic spine most often occur in the area from the collarbone to the end of the chest. There are 12 vertebrae in this zone, and between them there are intervertebral discs. When they are damaged or inflamed, back pain occurs, which spreads to the chest and ribs. The condition is accompanied by muscle spasms, tingling, and numbness. Similar symptoms are typical for diseases of the abdominal cavity and sternum, so it is important to correctly diagnose the pathology and begin treatment in a timely manner.

Causes

Protrusions of the thoracic region occur due to the destruction of the walls of the intervertebral discs. This happens when their trophism is disrupted. In the thoracic spine, pathology is least often detected, since it is the least mobile and least susceptible to stress.

Among other reasons, doctors identify:

sudden injuries caused by blows, falls, accidents;
improper performance of physical exercises, in particular a combination of bending and twisting;
genetic factors;
chronic diseases of the spine: scoliosis, osteochondrosis;
posture disorders;
constant sitting;
sudden movements;
lack of nutrients.

Protrusions of the thoracic region are most often diagnosed in middle-aged and older patients, which is explained by age-related changes.

Is there an alternative to going to a specialist?

An alternative to visiting a doctor is the use of various devices - for example, Cordus, which works on the basis of autogravitational therapy.

A feature of autogravitational therapy is that the force of influence is determined by the patient’s own weight. This provides protection from injury and makes the procedure safe even when used at home.

The design of the device allows you to reach all back muscles (including deep ones). Cordus has 3 pairs of vertices - separate for each part of the spine. Each pair is designed taking into account the anatomical features of its spinal area. This allows the peaks to reach the paraspinal muscles even when used by a non-specialist.

The patient lies on the device with his back. Next, Cordus simultaneously performs three procedures:

stretches muscles, promoting their relaxation;
activates proprioceptors (this process is characteristic of a state of relaxation and is a signal for the brain to relieve tension from this area);
creates mild ischemic compression (this is oxygen starvation, it also promotes forced relaxation).

The design of the device also allows local stretching of the spine. This relieves stress from the vertebrae and allows the intervertebral disc to stretch a little. In this case, the protrusion begins to creep back. The disc also reabsorbs fluid and restores its structure.

Many doctors, fitness trainers and athletes speak positively about the Cordus device - https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=cordus

Symptoms of protrusion

Symptoms of protrusions depend on the location of the damaged discs. In some cases, the pathology does not bother the patient until the formation reaches a significant size.

Patients report pain in the back and shoulder blades, spreading to the arm, abdominal organs and sternum area. It can be felt on one side of the spine or on both. The pain intensifies during heavy lifting, coughing, twisting, bending, and movements in which the arms are held in front of the body. If the patient experiences compression of the root, numbness and tingling of the limbs are noted. Patients note increased discomfort in the morning.

Protrusions are accompanied by muscle spasms. It is difficult for the patient to sit, stand, or bend, especially if the damage to the roots is extensive.

Some patients with protrusion of the thoracic spine may experience shortness of breath, increased blood pressure, headache, and nausea. Doctors have recorded cases of partial paralysis of the arms.

Protrusions in the thoracic region lead to weakening of the abdominal muscles.

Kinds

The intervertebral disc can roughly be called round. In fact, it has a somewhat oblong shape, but this does not play a significant role in the consideration of possible types of protrusions. So, conditionally, the disk can be divided into 2 halves: front and back.

The dimensions of the intervertebral discs are almost identical to the diameter of the vertebral bodies, so together with them they form a single spinal column. Its front part adjoins the soft tissues from the chest, abdominal cavity, etc., and its back part forms the spinal canal, in which the spinal cord passes. This canal is completely protected from external influences, since on the other side (external) it is formed by the arches of the vertebrae with their processes. Therefore, all disc protrusions are divided into anterior (ventral) and posterior (dorsal).

Ventral protrusions are not considered dangerous. Often they do not manifest themselves and are not treated. The posterior ones, on the contrary, pose a serious threat to a person’s well-being and life, since they protrude into the spinal canal, in which each vertebra passes a pair of spinal roots and the spinal cord. Considering that the distance between the intervertebral discs and the membranes of the spinal cord is extremely small, the formation of a pathological bulge can lead to its compression and the development of complications.

Depending on which sector of the posterior part of the thoracic disc the protrusion is formed, there are:

median protrusions - located clearly in the center of the spinal canal, therefore there are ways to provoke compression of the nerve roots on both the left and right, causing symptoms of the disease in the corresponding half of the body;
paramedian protrusions – shifted from the center to the left or right, provoking compression of the nervous structures on the corresponding side;
foraminal protrusions - are formed in the area of natural openings of the spine, formed by joints and intended for the exit of the spinal roots, which causes severe pain even with a small size of the protrusion;
diffuse protrusions - the disc evenly increases in volume, compressing all anatomical structures located in the immediate vicinity.

Diagnostics

Protrusions of the thoracic region are most often found in an advanced state. Patients in most cases self-medicate, thinking that they have problems with the heart or lungs. They go to the doctor in case of severe pain, when the protrusion has reached a significant size. The most important thing is to start therapy before a hernia forms.

Protrusions of the thoracic spine are diagnosed after a complete examination of the patient. A neurological examination is of great importance. Diagnostic methods used include CT, MRI, CT myelogram, electromyography, and x-ray. Of these, MRI is considered the most informative; the rest play a supporting role and are used to establish the cause of pathology or detect complications. Cardiac abnormalities resulting from protrusion are shown by an ECG.

A patient with suspected thoracic protrusion is also referred for a blood test. Indicators such as ESR, C-reactive protein, calcium and phosphorus concentrations, as well as hormonal levels are examined.

What is the danger of protrusion?

If the disease is not treated at the stage of protrusion (stage 2) of the thoracic region, more serious complications may arise in the future:

The appearance of herniated intervertebral discs.
The appearance of a protrusion in the spinal column, which will lead to compression and pinching of the spinal canal.
Compression of intervertebral arteries, which will accelerate the development of osteochondrosis.
The appearance of persistent and chronic pain, against the background of which drugs with analgesic effects, including anesthetics and NSAIDs, cease to work.

If therapy is not started on time, the patient will have problems with motor activity in the future, which will lead to a decrease in quality of life. Problems with the gastrointestinal tract, urinary system, liver and heart may also appear due to frequent and long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Treatment

Treatment for protrusion of the thoracic spine depends on the severity of the disease. In most cases, medication is sufficient for recovery. Patients are prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs, painkillers, and medications to relieve muscle spasms. However, they only relieve symptoms without eliminating the causes of the pathology. It is also necessary to take into account that long-term use of such medications is unacceptable due to adverse reactions.

For minor pain, mild analgesics are sufficient, but if they do not help, then prescription drugs are prescribed. If there is no improvement from medication, epidural injections are given directly to the problem area. They relieve pain instantly. The effect of drugs with this method of treatment is longer.

Patients with protrusion are advised to spend more time resting and change body position more often. It is prohibited to perform circular movements, turns and bends of the body. To reduce the load on the spine and eliminate postural disorders, patients can wear a corset.

Positive dynamics with protrusion of the thoracic spine are possible only through physical therapy exercises, which helps strengthen the muscle corset. Exercises are selected individually for each patient, with an emphasis on stretching. Sudden movements in case of damaged discs are excluded.

Physiotherapeutic procedures can eliminate pain and reduce inflammation of the nerve roots. Recovery of the spine is accelerated by magnetic therapy, cryotherapy, and laser treatment of protrusion of the thoracic spine. These procedures are effective only in the initial stages of protrusion.

What is thoracic protrusion

Diagnosis of protrusion also indicates the presence of osteochondrosis, which, in fact, causes it. A characteristic sign of pathology is the displacement of the vertebrae: they become more bulging to one side. This happens because nutrients reach the vertebrae themselves poorly, or this is not observed at all. There is a failure in the metabolic process, and the load on the spinal column only aggravates the situation. In addition, the affected area is simply dehydrated, so the vertebra itself loses its ability to recover.

We advise you to study - Why does the lower back hurt and how to get rid of pain in the lower back?

If the protrusion is not treated at the initial stage, there is a risk of developing an intervertebral hernia. It can compress not only the nerves, but also the spinal cord, as a result of which its function is disrupted. This is due to the structure of the thoracic region, it contains 12 vertebrae, as well as cartilage, ligaments and joints. The ribs are also attached here, which makes this section more rigid. Additional protection is provided by the muscular corset around this part. Therefore, the thoracic region is less mobile compared to the cervical or lumbar regions. Therefore, his vertebrae have less risk of damage than others.

Age and any injuries to the thoracic vertebrae only worsen the situation with protrusion, which eventually becomes a hernia.

Other methods of treating protrusion

In the early stages of development of the pathology, the patient's condition improves by treating the spine using manual therapy. The technique allows you to restore the mobility of the spine and prevent the formation of a hernia.

For spinal protrusions, patients are recommended massage sessions, but they should be carried out by experienced specialists with medical education. The procedure is performed only after the pain disappears and the patient’s inflammation subsides.

The following actions are prohibited during massage with protrusion of the thoracic region:

tapping;
twisting;
indentation;
use of warming ointments during the session;
impact directly on the spine.

Unpleasant sensations and pain during the session are a signal to cancel the massage procedure.

Pain during protrusion is reduced thanks to acupuncture, which stimulates active points and eliminates inflammation of the roots.

When there is protrusion of the thoracic region, it is very important to improve posture in order to reduce the load on the back and eliminate existing defects.

Types of disc protrusion of the lumbar spine

There are several types of protrusion:

circular - the spinal disc is deformed along its entire radius;
diffuse - the spinal disc is deformed unevenly in several places;
lethal - the deformation is expressed from the sides;
dorsal - disc deformation is directed towards the spinal canal. This type of disorder is the most dangerous because it causes severe pain.

When making a diagnosis, it is also indicated which disc is affected.

An important condition for preventing the development of the disease is timely contact with a specialist. A course of treatment prescribed by a doctor will help prevent complications of the disease, for example, the appearance of an intervertebral hernia.

Surgery

In most cases, protrusion can be cured with the help of medications and physical therapy. If patients do not improve, surgery is recommended for patients.

Indications for surgery are:

increasing muscle weakness;
nerve damage;
increasing radicular pain;
numbness of the limbs.

Surgical methods are selected taking into account their invasiveness. One of the least dangerous interventions is endoscopic decompression. It is performed under local anesthesia using a laser and endoscope.

If the protrusion is caused by a pinched nerve by an intervertebral disc, part of it may need to be removed. For this purpose, endoscopic foraminotomy is performed. The operation is also minimally invasive and takes place with virtually no blood loss. All microsurgical instruments are inserted through the endoscope tube. After the procedure, loss of mobility is eliminated.

In cases where microsurgery is not required or is contraindicated, percutaneous laser decompression is recommended. This method involves inserting a puncture needle into the affected area.

Sometimes intradiscal electrothermal therapy is prescribed, carried out by introducing an electrothermal catheter into the affected area. The operation is carried out under X-ray control. Thanks to this intervention, the discs are heated and compacted, freeing the nerve roots. The patient is under local anesthesia. The only unpleasant moment after electrothermal therapy is severe pain for 2 days. 2 months after the procedure, it is recommended to begin light physical exercise.

Selective endoscopic discectomy is also considered minimally invasive. With this intervention, a needle is brought to the affected area, through which the endoscope is then guided. The procedure can be performed in conjunction with laser decompression. As a result of this operation, the patient immediately ceases to feel pain and can get back to his feet within 2 hours. The technique is often used for professional athletes.

What not to do when there is protrusion of spinal discs

The most important thing not to do during protrusion is to create excessive load on the muscular frame of the back. Do you know how it happens? Immediately after diagnosing the patient, the doctor explains that all this developed from a sedentary lifestyle, insufficient physical activity and excess weight. The natural reaction of every person is to run urgently and correct all the mistakes that have been made over the years and decades. Unfortunately, untrained back muscles are not able to withstand such pressure. There is a high probability that when trying to suddenly engage in sports, the patient will be “rewarded” with an intervertebral hernia and the need to urgently seek surgical help.

There is a list of what not to do when disc protrusion occurs and we suggest that you read it carefully. It has been proven that any of the following actions can lead to the appearance of a hernial protrusion and an increase in the degree of protrusion of the intervertebral disc.

So, if protrusion is detected, then you should refuse:

from visiting a sauna and bathhouse, even without the purpose of taking a steam bath, these establishments will lead to a severe deterioration in the condition of the cartilage discs;
from warming up the back, especially using heating pads and other “wet” methods;
from regular daily use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory ointments and tablets - this only muffles pain as a symptom, but does not treat protrusion;
from wearing uncomfortable shoes (women should categorically refuse high heels, regardless of in which part of the spine the damaged intervertebral disc is located);
from heavy physical exertion, which will not quickly restore the spine, and may provoke an aggravation;
from smoking and drinking even low-alcohol drinks;
from excessive consumption of sweet, fatty, fried, salty foods;
from staying in one static position for a long time (when working sedentarily, it is recommended to get up every 45 minutes and do a simple set of gymnastic exercises that normalize blood flow in the muscular frame of the back).

When these factors are excluded, the patient's condition improves significantly only due to the normalization of blood flow in the affected area. But if we add a number of other measures to this, then it will be possible to guarantee the absence of progression of protrusion.

Therefore, we suggest you learn about what to do in case of spinal disc protrusion:

find a specialist in manual therapy, since this area shows excellent results in the treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
review your diet and diet - give up flour, sweets, fried and fatty foods and give preference to fresh vegetables, unsweetened fruits and sea fish;
organize your working and sleeping space taking into account modern requirements of ergonomic space for human life;
regularly engage in feasible physical exercises (it is better if the complex is developed individually by an experienced exercise therapy instructor or chiropractor);
visit the pool - swimming helps to stretch the spinal column and relieve those segments of the intervertebral discs that in ordinary life bear the greatest mechanical and static load;
avoid stress and emotional overstrain.

Prevention

After surgery, the patient must undergo a course of rehabilitation, otherwise he may experience a relapse of the disease. During this period, it is useful to do swimming, yoga, Pilates, and walking. Exercises must be systematic and performed in compliance with the biomechanics of movements.

Therapy for thoracic protrusion should be comprehensive and include taking medications in parallel with physical activity. In the initial stages, the pathology is easily treated. With a more extensive formation, it takes several weeks just to eliminate the pain. Normalization of the spine takes months. If you follow your doctor's recommendations and exercise regularly, the prognosis is favorable. Even after surgery, the patient’s motor activity is not impaired.

Benefits of MBST Therapy

Thanks to MBST therapy, blood circulation improves, regeneration increases and muscle tension decreases. The main advantage of the technique is the absence of adverse reactions and contraindications. This procedure is not dangerous for the patient and allows you to cope with the disease without the use of chemicals.

In just 10 sessions, you can eliminate negative symptoms and cope with the cause of thoracic protrusion. It is MBST therapy that will allow you to avoid surgical intervention and help completely restore the thoracic spine.