Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region

Osteochondrosis in the chest, in comparison with other forms of the disease, develops quite rarely. It is important to identify it at the first stage so that the destructive process in cartilage does not lead to dangerous complications.

The joint and spine clinic "ArthroMedCenter" offers effective treatment for thoracic osteochondrosis in Moscow at affordable prices! "ArthroMedCenter" is a medical institution that specializes in the treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. We offer not only qualified assistance from specialized specialists, we offer an innovative method of treating osteochondrosis of the thoracic region - MBST therapy!

Thoracic osteochondrosis: symptoms, sensation, factors in the formation of the disease

Let's take a closer look at the symptoms and treatment methods for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. Most often, the formation of the disease in the thoracic region is caused by insufficient load on the muscles (physical inactivity), which causes excessive stress on the discs between the vertebrae.

The formation of osteochondrosis in the chest can begin under the influence of the following factors:

bad habits;
scoliosis and poor posture;
genetic predisposition;
sedentary lifestyle;
frequent significant physical activity;
history of spinal injuries;
great stress and psychological stress.

The functions of the discs between the vertebrae in the sternum are equally negatively affected by increased physical activity and lack of movement.

Causes

Osteoarthritis of the chest can occur due to:

falls from height;
maintaining a sedentary lifestyle;
sedentary work;
incorrect body position while sitting and sleeping;
playing sports that require excessive stress (in particular, weightlifting);
endocrine diseases;
scoliosis;
spinal deformities with displacement of intervertebral discs;
obesity;
severe prolonged hormonal imbalance;
unfavorable heredity;
living in poor environmental conditions, etc.

If treatment is not started in a timely manner, destruction of the vertebral cartilage may occur. This will lead to their mobility being significantly reduced, and the person himself will feel pain even with a slight bend.

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine: symptoms

Thoracic osteochondrosis is characterized by pronounced symptoms - all sensations are very strong. Therefore, there is no need to delay the treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region. This pathology is characterized by the following symptoms:

Pain syndrome in the sternum of an acute nature, which occurs when staying in one position for a long time. Painful sensations may develop due to sudden movements or heavy lifting.
A feeling of constriction, both in the back and in the sternum. Breathing becomes difficult - if you inhale or exhale deeply, pain occurs.
Hypesthesia of some areas of the body. This phenomenon is observed when the nerve receptors located in the spinal canal are damaged.
Inability to sharply turn the body or stretch the arms and raise them to the top. Any of these movements results in severe pain.
Painful manifestations of a dull nature in the shoulder blades and between them.
Due to insufficient blood supply, the feet become cold.
Chills and goosebumps appear all over the body.

With osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, the symptoms are determined by how advanced the disease is. Moreover, against the background of this pathology, dysfunction of other organs is possible. As a result, the following symptoms may develop:

intercostal neuralgia;
feeling of burning and itching in the feet;
flatulence, problems with stool, gagging or heartburn;
peeling of the skin, thinning and brittle nails;
dysfunction of the reproductive/genital organs;
in some cases there is a lack of oxygen.

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is also characterized by acute and prolonged pain in the form of attacks. With exacerbation of the disease, the symptoms become as vivid as possible. If the disease has reached an acute stage, the patient must be hospitalized.

Spondyloarthrosis of the thoracic region

Back pain due to thoracic spondyloarthrosis is a reason to immediately consult a doctor for treatment. Doctors at Doctor Ost MC know how to treat spondyloarthrosis of the thoracic spine: neurologists, vertebrologists, orthopedists.

Our original approach saves your time, money and guarantees active longevity without surgery.

Thoracic spondyloarthrosis against the background of osteochondrosis, protrusion or hernia that has not received proper treatment develops as a natural pattern. Compared to the cervical and lumbar regions, the thoracic region is more resistant to destruction. The spine in this segment is less mobile; its main function is to support the chest.

HOW DOES SPONDYLOARTHROSIS OCCUR?

The arcuate processes along the back of each vertebra protect and guide the spinal nerve. They are connected to each other by facet joints. With spondyloarthrosis of the thoracic spine, the surface of these joints is gradually destroyed. The cartilage tissue becomes thinner, and over time the damage spreads to the periarticular bone tissue.

the distance between the vertebrae decreases;
when moving, the spinal nerve is compressed;
sharp pain occurs.

Shoots in the chest are like electric shocks to the very heart. In an attempt to self-heal and compensate for their volume, worn-out vertebrae become overgrown with bone growths - osteophytes. But these sharp thorns make life even more difficult for the patient: they injure surrounding tissues, causing suffering, grow together and block movement in the affected segment. The spine, conceived by nature as an incredibly strong, resilient and flexible structure, turns into an inactive and fragile pillar. It no longer protects important arteries and vessels, but, on the contrary, injures them, turning them into torture and creating a threat to a full life at the slightest movement.

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CAUSES of spondyloarthrosis in the thoracic region

scoliosis and flat feet – a violation of the harmony of the entire spine as a whole;
Read also: Palm and hand (pain in the palms and hands)
thoracic injuries;
prolonged static loads, being in an anatomically incorrect position - usually associated with the specifics of the profession. This is work not only at the computer, but also, for example, at a sewing machine, collecting small parts, etc.;
excessive stress on the spine: sports, heavy and monotonous physical labor;
excess weight;
hormonal imbalances;
systemic connective tissue diseases.

Thoracic spondyloarthrosis: SYMPTOMS

Patients with chest pain are often the last to see a neurologist. The fact is that the symptoms of thoracic spondyloarthrosis are easily confused with pathologies of internal organs. First, suspicion falls on heart or lung disease. Spondyloarthrosis closer to the lower back causes kidney pain. But while the patient goes from doctor to doctor, degenerative processes in the facet joints continue. Therefore, if back pain is similar to signs of thoracic spondyloarthrosis, it is better to start with a neurologist or therapist:

pain in the back and behind the sternum: sharp, severe or chronic, constant;
decreased mobility of the thoracic region;
back muscle tension, tingling around the spine.

The insidiousness of spondyloarthrosis of the thoracic spine is that all the signs are nonspecific, that is, they can actually manifest themselves in dangerous diseases of the internal organs. That's why quick diagnosis is so important.

PROGNOSIS AND COMPLICATIONS of spondyloarthrosis

Without proper treatment, thoracic spondyloarthrosis can cause diseases not directly related to the spine. Due to spondyloarthrosis, blood vessels become pinched, which means the nutrition of internal organs is disrupted. Patients complain of frequent bronchitis, gastritis, etc. Osteophytes on the thoracic vertebrae can completely immobilize the spine. Pathological postures, muscle hypertonicity, inflammation occur, spinal curvature, osteochondrosis, protrusions, and hernias worsen. Treatment of thoracic spondyloarthrosis, started on time, will stop destructive processes and the risk of complications that are generally considered “age-related.”

DIAGNOSTICS

In order not to guess why there is pain behind the sternum, and to save time, contact a therapist at the Doctor Ost MC. He will prescribe basic diagnostic procedures that will help recognize the symptoms of spondyloarthrosis of the thoracic spine:

radiography in several projections;
tomography (magnetic resonance or computer) is a more accurate method;
ECG, FGS, ultrasound of internal organs.

SPONDYLOARTHROSIS OF THE THORASCIC SPINE: TREATMENT

Doctor Ost MC specializes in non-surgical treatment of spinal pathologies of varying severity. Competent, experienced doctors know how to treat thoracic spondyloarthrosis, and not just relieve pain temporarily. The goal of each specialist is to rid the patient of the causes that provoke pathological changes so that the disease does not return. To guard your healthy and active longevity, our unique proprietary techniques. They are based on physiotherapy, manual therapy, and modern technologies of regenerative medicine.

The philosophy of Doctor Ost MC is to use only safe and effective technologies in the treatment of symptoms of thoracic spondyloarthrosis and other pathologies. Drug therapy does not apply to them, so blockades are used in exceptional cases.

You can relieve pain and swelling in safer ways in just one session with an intense laser;
VTES allows you to quickly restore the affected nerve roots;
Non-surgical methods for getting rid of osteophytes (SWT) are used - restoration of healthy muscle tone, correct position of the vertebrae and intervertebral clearance using DRX and Elite Trac robots;
PRP helps to fill the deficit of worn out cartilage tissue.

Equipping the Doctor Ost MC with advanced technologies makes the treatment of thoracic spondyloarthrosis and other spinal diseases comfortable, fast and reliable.
how much does it cost? Treatment of thoracic spondyloarthrosis at Doctor Ost is carried out by a therapist, neurologist, and orthopedic traumatologist. The cost of a consultation is indicated in the “consultation appointment” section of our price list. Follow the promotions, don't miss out on the best price!

Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis using MBST therapy

ArthroMedCenter became the first Russian spine and joint clinic to use MBST technology: all the attention of doctors is focused on ensuring that patients get rid of problems and disorders of the musculoskeletal system. MBST therapy allows you to eliminate the cause of disorders of the musculoskeletal system, and not only relieve the patient from the unpleasant symptoms of the disease.

The principle of operation of this therapeutic method is based on the fact that tissue metabolism is regulated by electric and magnetic fields. And if in a healthy organ or system the processes of regeneration, that is, renewal, occur independently, then in case of dysfunction they require impulse influence from the outside. In MBST therapy, magnetic resonance is used as such an impulse, which sends signals to the tissues affected by the disease, reproducing the signals of a healthy body system. Normalized metabolism allows you to resume the regeneration process in the cells of cartilage, bone tissue, tendons, etc.

After 8-10 sessions, not only the destruction process stops, but also the restoration of damaged tissues. The effect lasts for more than 5 years without surgery or long-term medication!

Treatment of spondyloarthrosis

Spondyloarthrosis of the spine is a chronic pathology, mainly age-related. However, the lack of mobility of modern man, due to the benefits of civilization, has led to a significant rejuvenation of vertebral ailments.

If previously the diagnosis of spondyloarthrosis of the spine (thoracic, cervical or lumbosacral) was found in the outpatient records of elderly patients, today such a conclusion can be obtained even at 35 years of age. Pathology can and should be treated. Doctors are dealing with the problem - neurologists, orthopedists, vertebrologists.

Literal definition of spondyloarthrosis

The term spondyloarthrosis is of Greek origin. Translated, spondylos means vertebra; the Greeks call the joint arthron. It is easy to guess that cervical spondyloarthrosis is an inflammation of the joints located in the neck, lumbar spondyloarthrosis is in the lower back, etc. Vertebral joints are formed by connecting the processes of two adjacent vertebrae. They are called facet or arcuate. If a patient is diagnosed with spondyloarthrosis of the thoracic region or any other, this means:

That the hyaline cartilage covering the joint has become worn and deformed
The height of the vertebrae has decreased
Inflammation of surrounding tissues, ligaments and periarticular muscles has developed

Good innervation in the area of the spinal joints ensures that you cannot ignore the exacerbation of the disease. The pathology manifests itself with severe pain attacks that occur when bending and turning the body. For example, spondyloarthrosis of the lumbar-sacral region during exacerbations can deprive you of the ability not only to bend over without pain, but also to simply stand.

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Why does spinal spondyloarthrosis occur?

Although age-related changes in the structure of the facet joints are considered the main cause of the disease, this is far from the only risk factor. No less dangerous are:

Vertebral defects, congenital and acquired
Exchange changes, incl. obesity
Poor posture, incl. scoliosis
Osteochondrosis
Microtraumas and injuries
Professional sports
Labor activity involving prolonged stay of the body in one position
Lack of mobility
Flat foot

How is spinal spondyloarthrosis diagnosed?

The simplest diagnostic method is radiography, or more precisely, spondylography, since the question concerns the spine. Each part of the spine is filmed separately, but in several projections. If necessary, the radiologist will conduct an additional examination during extension or flexion of the spine, in different positions.

Traditional X-rays have been replaced by modern diagnostic methods - CT and MRI. These diagnostic techniques are highly accurate; contrast can be used to complete the picture.

For examination - in “Myrt”

Residents of Kostroma, the region, as well as other regions can undergo detailed diagnostics at the Mirt medical center. It’s easy to get to the center and easy to make an appointment - by telephone or electronic registration.

On the medical website you will find detailed information, and you can even choose the specialist you want to see. The cost of services at the Mirt clinic is affordable, the quality of service is excellent. Reception is conducted by highly qualified specialists, experienced professionals. The equipment in the medical center meets the latest international standards.

We have found out how and where to get diagnosed, now we will tell you how you can suspect you have a disease.

Clinical signs of spinal spondyloarthrosis

It is clear that the symptoms of the disease completely depend on the location of spondyloarthrosis. The unifying and main symptom is pain. It varies in duration and intensity, depending on the prevalence of the process.

With cervical spondyloarthrosis, pain may be accompanied by neurological symptoms - dizziness, nausea, tinnitus, visual and coordination disorders.

Spondyloarthrosis of the thoracic vertebrae will make it difficult to bend and bend, and can also cause numbness in the fingers.

If the disease is localized in the lower back or sacrum, your buttocks and legs may hurt, and you will experience discomfort when sitting on a chair or when forced to walk for a long time.

Developing spondyloarthrosis can manifest itself as morning stiffness, similar to the same symptom with arthrosis of other localizations. It is very important to take simple measures in a timely manner - do gymnastics, do not overeat, and actively rest. This will allow the spine to age more slowly. A strong back muscle corset is very important for the health of the vertebrae. Therefore, it would be unreasonable to hope that spondyloarthrosis can be cured with medications.

Spondyloarthrosis: treatment

Our center’s doctors will select the optimal treatment regimen for your disease. Treatment of spondyloarthrosis involves long-term and complex treatment. In the initial stages, conservative therapy, the use of NSAID medications, muscle relaxants and analgesics, are preferable. Later, physiotherapy, traction, and gymnastics are prescribed. Often, to alleviate the condition, intra-articular injections are prescribed, the technique of which our doctors are fluent in. Our center successfully uses various methods of combating pain syndromes, therapeutic blockades, and physiotherapy. Radiofrequency thermal ablation or denervation of intervertebral (facet) joints using the American radiofrequency generator “COSMAN” is actively used for this purpose. The procedure is performed once, puncturely through a thin needle, however, it is highly effective for pain in the neck and lower back.

Doctors at the Mirt center will explain in detail what regimen you should follow and give recommendations on improving your quality of life and further treatment.

In cases where conservative therapy is unsuccessful, surgical treatment methods are used. Make every effort to ensure that you do not need radical treatment methods.

Dorsagia and Dorsago

Against the background of thoracic osteochondrosis, one can often notice the formation of vertebral syndromes: dorsalgia and dorsago.

Dorsago is the instant formation of acute pain in the sternum. As a rule, this condition is observed in those who remain in one position for a long time, for example, sitting. The syndrome can develop during the process of standing up after a long stay at the table in an unchanged position. Dorsago is characterized by the appearance of unbearable pain and limited movement in the spine.

Unlike dorsago, dorsalgia develops gradually. With this syndrome, slight pain and discomfort appears in the affected area of the ridge. An increase in pain is observed when taking a deep breath and bending the body.

The muscles become tense and movements in the spine become limited. Typically, the pain increases in the evening and goes away in the morning after a 10-minute walk.

The presence of other pain syndromes against the background of osteochondrosis in the thoracic region.

With this pathology, other pain syndromes may develop, which complicate the accurate diagnosis of the disease. When the disease spreads to the area of the upper thoracic segment of the sternum, pain appears in the esophagus, larynx, and a “lump in the throat” is felt. If the lesion is located in the mid-thoracic segment, discomfort occurs in the right hypochondrium.

When the pathology spreads to the area of the lower thoracic segment, pain in the peritoneum develops, similar to signs of a disease in the intestines.

It is worth noting that there is no relationship between the pain syndrome due to thoracic osteochondrosis and the patient’s nutritional quality. Moreover, pain can appear regardless of the time of year. Although the pain associated with this disease can increase in the evening and during physical overload. By morning, the discomfort usually disappears or subsides.

Possible consequences

During the development of thoracic osteochondrosis, various complications may appear regarding internal organs. Most often, the development of diseases of the heart and blood vessels is noted. This is due to irritation of nerve receptors in the chest and neck area.

Occasionally the appearance of:

disturbances in the functioning of the duodenum;
problems with digestion;
dyskinesia in the gallbladder.

To avoid the development of such health problems, treatment for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine should be started on time.

Diagnostics

Before starting treatment for osteochondrosis in the chest, a comprehensive diagnosis of the patient is carried out. It includes:

Visual examination and questioning of the patient. If the disease has reached stage 2-3, noticeable deformation of the skeleton occurs. The doctor must collect anamnesis to exclude or confirm hereditary factors that can provoke the occurrence of thoracic osteochondrosis.
Laboratory testing of blood and urine.
X-ray examination to determine the presence and size of osteophytes and the height or contours of the intervertebral discs. X-rays also allow us to determine the size and location of the hernia, and changes in disc shape.
Carrying out discography allows you to determine the outlines of the nucleus pulposus. This procedure is carried out with the introduction of a contrast agent.
Computed tomography is used in rare cases, since the diagnosis is characterized by strong radiation that negatively affects the patient.
An ECG is done to exclude or confirm the presence of cardiac ischemia.

Timely diagnostic measures allow for effective treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region

Before starting therapy for thoracic osteochondrosis, the doctor determines the causes of the disease, considers the symptoms that appear against the background of the disease, and only then prescribes treatment. This disease requires an integrated approach to treatment. A conservative treatment method for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region involves a combination of drug therapy with physiotherapeutic procedures.

In case of exacerbation of the pathology, it is recommended to maintain bed rest, use painkillers and other medications that are effective for such pathology. Medicines are selected by the doctor for any patient personally, taking into account the characteristics of his body and the clinical picture of the disease. Typically, for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis, the following may be prescribed:

analgesics to get rid of acute pain in the sternum, which leads to dysfunction in the respiratory organs and causes significant discomfort when moving;
drugs to relieve muscle spasms;
medications with a high content of B vitamins;
medications with herbal components that retain fluid in intervertebral discs affected by osteochondrosis.

Therapy methods

Treatment for thoracic arthrosis can be:

therapeutic;
conservative (medicinal);
operational.

But by no means popular. The use of alternative medicine means and techniques can lead to dangerous consequences.

Therapeutic procedures

Therapy for arthrosis of the thoracic region involves:

massage sessions;
acupuncture;
physiotherapeutic manipulations;
taking homeopathic remedies (as an auxiliary method of treatment).

Manual therapy also produces excellent results. Massage sessions and other procedures should be continued after the disease ceases to remind itself.

Drug treatment

Conservative therapy involves the use of anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications in the form of injections (Diclofenac, Naklofen) or ointments for external use (Deep Relief, Diclofenac, Diclak gel, etc.).

Throughout the entire treatment period, the patient should be at rest, so intense exercise should be avoided.

Operation

Radical methods of treating thoracic arthrosis are used only in the most extreme cases. Surgical intervention is performed when complications of the pathology occur or when there is a high risk of developing them.

The recovery period after surgery lasts about a year, but even the most experienced specialist cannot exclude the risk of relapse of the disease. For this reason, it is necessary to address the issue of preventing the primary development of thoracic arthrosis, without waiting for it to manifest itself.

Preventive actions

To prevent the development of problems with the spine, the following preventive measures must be observed:

lead an active lifestyle: swim in the pool, run in the morning, do exercises;
if you are engaged in a sedentary job, you should try to sit with a straight back and relaxed shoulders;
sedentary work should be carried out on a chair with a back that will support the spinal column;
To ensure that the spine is in the correct position during the night's rest, it is recommended to acquire an orthopedic mattress and pillow;
avoid lifting heavy objects, but if this is unavoidable, then lift them smoothly;
it is recommended to pump up the abdominal muscles;
you need to use only shoes that are comfortable to wear;
You should include foods enriched with vitamins and microelements in your diet.

It is quite difficult to protect yourself from the development of thoracic osteochondrosis, but nothing is impossible. If any signs of pathology are detected, you should immediately seek help from a specialist to determine the nature of the symptoms that have arisen. It is possible that the reason may lie not in the spine, but in dysfunction of other internal systems and organs.

If the previously listed rules are observed, the possibility of developing thoracic osteochondrosis is reduced to a minimum.

Moscow, metro station Dubrovka, st. Sharikopodshipnikovskaya, 6/14

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