Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine - medications, physiotherapy and gymnastics

For modern people, one of the most common diseases of the musculoskeletal system, diagnosed not only in the elderly, is osteochondrosis.It mainly affects the lumbar region, which constantly suffers a high load, especially when walking, and the cervical region, which affects office workers and students.The thoracic region is affected less frequently, but also requires careful attention and timely initiation of treatment.

What is osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

The primary degenerative process (destruction, loss of original functions) occurring in the intervertebral discs, against the background of which secondary reactive and compensatory changes in the joints and ligaments gradually develop - this is how the diagnosis “osteochondrosis of the spine” is understood in official medicine.The disease is polyfactorial (multifactorial), first affecting the intervertebral disc (a formation of fibrocartilaginous tissue between the bodies of a pair of adjacent vertebrae) and then:

• other parts of the spine;
• the entire musculoskeletal system;
• nervous system.

Due to the structural features of the thoracic region, the symptoms of the disease are similar to the clinical picture of diseases of the heart and respiratory system.Severe pain due to osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine occurs in the 2nd stage, intensifies with physical activity and does not always clearly indicate the back.List of symptoms for each degree of the disease:

1. Pain in the affected area or in the chest region on the left, similar to heart pain: constant or sharp.Convulsive muscular contractions.
2. Sharp pain in the region below the shoulder blades, may also appear between the ribs (intercostal nerves are affected), accompanied by a feeling of pressure in the chest.It tends to intensify when inhaling, when turning, when bending the body.Added to the discomfort when maintaining an uncomfortable position for a long time.
3. Problems with sensitivity in the upper chest, abdomen, lower extremities, the appearance of “goosebumps” - due to damage (pinching) of the nerve roots.Development of intervertebral hernia, limitation of mobility due to kyphosis or scoliosis.
4. Hypoxia, pulmonary congestion, other respiratory system dysfunctions.The development of fibrosis, the transition of degenerative-dystrophic processes to the structures surrounding the spine.Clinical picture of remission (attenuation).

Constant pain in the thoracic region appears in 2nd degree osteochondrosis, indicating the appearance of cracks in the fibrous ring and depression of the nucleus pulposus, which can lead to rupture of the fibrous tissue and the formation of an intervertebral hernia.In the clinical picture of manifestations of osteochondrosis, in addition to compression syndrome (due to compression of the roots of the spinal cord), reflex symptoms appear:

• muscle tonic (muscle spasms that lead to hypoxia and intense pain);
• neurodystrophic (in a context of constant irritation of peripheral nerves by spasmodic muscles, paresthesia occurs: sensation of numbness, “goosebumps”, ringing in the ears, which intensifies when assuming certain body positions);
• vegetative-vascular (spasm of blood vessels by muscles, manifested by headache, dizziness, disruption of the functioning of internal organs and blood supply to the brain).

How to treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

Most experts agree that this disease is closely associated with upright posture and “operational conditions of the spine”, therefore it is partly natural for humans and mainly requires minimizing the number of development factors.These include:

• physical inactivity (sedentary lifestyle or sedentary lifestyle);
• postural disorders;
• excessive physical activity, weight lifting;
• nervous tension, stress;
• increased load on the spine due to wearing high heels, flat feet, during pregnancy;
• habit of bending over.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine involves eliminating all of the above points: this will alleviate the patient's condition.Additionally, it is important to avoid hypothermia and not maintain an uncomfortable position for a long time.A very important nuance is the issue of physical activity: therapeutic exercises should be included in the schedule of a person with osteochondrosis, but at the initial stage - under the supervision of a doctor.Additionally, the treatment regimen includes:

• manual therapy (especially in the presence of curvature, compressed blood flow, if the disease is caused by injury);
• massage courses;
• swimming;
• physiotherapy;
• acupuncture;
• local and systemic effects of medications.

There is no single treatment regimen for osteochondrosis.In some cases, it is even important to position yourself correctly in bed, adjust the diet, and in the 4th degree of thoracic osteochondrosis, complemented by complications (spina bifida, hemangioma), surgical intervention may be required.An accurate therapeutic regimen is drawn up based on the patient's complaints and the diagnostic procedures performed.

At home

After receiving the results of diagnostic studies (X-rays are of particular importance), the doctor selects the optimal conservative treatment regimen.All procedures are carried out in a hospital setting (physiotherapy, massage, acupuncture), and at home it is mandatory:

• Use local anesthetics and analgesics to relieve pain.
• Take products that improve the composition of cartilage tissue.Some doctors advise taking additional vitamins for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region (group B).
• Perform therapeutic exercises daily.
• Watch your diet.

Drug treatment

Local and systemic use of medications is necessary both during remission and during periods of exacerbation.Drug treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine involves eliminating symptoms and influencing the degenerative process:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), analgesics, pain relievers - to relieve inflammation and pain.Ointments, creams, tablets are used.
• Muscle relaxants and antispasmodics - relieve muscle or vascular spasms.
• Chondroprotectors - glucosamine or chondroitin preparations, restore cartilaginous tissue.

The selection of drugs from any group, especially for long-term treatment, must be carried out together with the doctor.A specialist will also tell you how much to use and whether you will need to repeat the course.

Food

Diet correction will also provide significant support for bone, cartilage and muscle tissue: remove salt, sugar (reduce the amount to a minimum) and carbonated drinks.It is advisable not to abuse spices, spicy and fatty foods, carefully monitor weight, not overeat and monitor water balance.Strong coffee, alcohol and fried foods are prohibited.The diet should:

• be based on protein products (milk, lean meat and fish, cottage cheese);
• have sources of chondroitin (jelly, formaldehyde, gelatinous meat);
• consist of cooked or roasted dishes;
• characterized by a sufficient amount of fresh vegetables and cereals.

Exercises

Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis requires the regular implementation of a complex of exercise therapy aimed at increasing the mobility of the intervertebral and costovertebral joints.Its tasks include reducing pain, stiffness of the spine, strengthening the muscular corset and improving lung ventilation.Simple home exercises:

• Sit in a chair and, as you inhale, place your hands behind your head.As you exhale, lean back, resting your shoulder blades on the back of the chair.With a new breath, return to the starting position.Perform these steps 5 times.
• Get on all fours, exhale and bend your back.Count to 5, breathing evenly and return to the starting position.Repeat 10 times.
• Lying on your stomach, exhale, lift your legs and lift your chest off the floor, arching your back.Hands along the body.Count to 5, go down.Perform the exercise 10 times.

Massage

The indirect and reflex effect of massage on muscle fibers and ligaments has a beneficial effect on all parts of the spine, helps relieve pain, improve lymphatic flow, blood circulation and muscle tone.Massage is prescribed in the subacute or chronic phase of the disease, the technique is selected depending on the patient's condition and the presence of additional diseases.Classic scheme:

1. The patient is in a horizontal position lying face down.Lightly stroke the chest area from bottom to top (from the lower edge of the shoulder blade to the neck) Duration - 1 minute.
2. The upper area (shoulder blades) is treated with compression and kneading movements (another minute).
3. On the shoulder girdles (trapezius muscles) caress (8 repetitions), squeeze and rub (5 times each).
4. The neck is stroked for a minute and again moved to the thoracic region in the indicated order (1-2 steps).
5. From the occipital bone downwards, the spinal column is rubbed (closely spaced lines parallel to it).The duration of the step is 1 minute.
6. Then stroking the spine, kneading movements and stroking again are performed (another 2-3 minutes).

Massage of the chest, neck and spine always ends with gentle (soothing) movements.Recommended sequence of techniques: squeezing, rubbing, stroking.If the patient's pain barely bothers him, the number of kneading movements can be increased and the duration of the soothing movements can be reduced.Sessions last 10 minutes;in the latter (the course consists of 7-10 procedures), it is advisable to use friction movements as a basis.

During exacerbation

Stress, physical overload, hypothermia, heavy work - these factors can transform the chronic form of the disease into an acute one.The main symptoms are dizziness, migraines, chest pain and breathing problems.Treatment involves:

• symptom relief with local analgesics and internal analgesics;
• bed rest;
• use a corset to fix the vertebrae (if there is a hernia).

If the exacerbation is severe, it is necessary to call an ambulance and be admitted to a hospital, where the doctor will monitor the patient's condition and select suitable medications for him.

Acupuncture

Among non-traditional methods of treating diseases of the musculoskeletal system and beyond, acupuncture (acupuncture) is the leader.It is based on the impact of thin needles on active points, each of which is a complex formation of choroid plexuses, nerve endings and connective tissue.Acupuncture helps:

• stimulate the synthesis of endogenous (internal) opiates - endorphins and enkephalins, which have an analgesic effect: this leads to the elimination of pain;
• stimulate the production of cortisol by the adrenal glands, which has an anti-inflammatory effect;
• normalize blood circulation;
• eliminate swelling of spinal nerves;
• improve the regeneration of cartilage tissue;
• relieve spasm of paravertebral muscles.

Acupuncture will only be effective if you contact a qualified specialist: then you will not encounter side effects, you will get quick results - relief comes after the 1st session.The recommended course is 10 procedures.Due to the fact that the doctor frequently applies current through the needles, slight discomfort is possible during the process and, after removing the needles, red spots remain.

Manual therapy

Based on the data obtained from x-rays, the doctor may recommend starting treatment for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine by visiting a chiropractor.The task set before you is to restore blood circulation, the ligamentous apparatus and the functional state of the spine.Additional manual therapy sessions added to the main treatment regimen:

• help reduce the intensity of pain;
• eliminate muscle spasms;
• slow down the rate of disease development;
• stimulate the regenerative properties of tissue cells.

In modern medicine, a new manual technique – post-isometric muscle relaxation (PIR) – became especially popular several years ago.It is based on gentle and gentle stretching, stimulating the simultaneous contraction of the entire muscle, after which it is completely relaxed.The technique is indicated for situations in which, due to irregular contraction of muscle tissue, the functioning of the joint that surrounds it is disturbed, which leads to limitation of its movement.

During pregnancy

High loads on the spine, hormonal fluctuations, water and electrolyte balance, especially from the 2nd trimester, lead to the exacerbation or occurrence of osteochondrosis in pregnant women.The treatment regimen is selected exclusively by the doctor;must include:

• wear a corset to support your back;
• selection of comfortable shoes (reduces the load on the spine);
• local use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• performing therapeutic exercises.

Folk remedies

In addition to the main treatment regimen, several non-traditional methods of local and systemic effects on osteochondrosis can be added.Most of them are allowed both in the acute and chronic phases, but remember that any medicine can cause adverse reactions associated with the individual untranslatability of specific products.Effective options:

• Take 2 hot peppers, chop them together with the seeds, mix with a glass of vegetable oil.Infuse in a glass container for 5 days (in a dark place).Apply by rubbing gently into the affected area, up to 2 times a day, without covering anything.This ointment should not be applied to skin with wounds or abrasions.It is not used for long-term treatment - only for severe pain.
• Boil several large peeled potatoes and mash them until they form a puree.You can add some butter.Distribute this mass over gauze folded three times and apply to the affected area.Cover this area with a woolen scarf.The compress is kept until it cools, the procedure is repeated every night.The treatment lasts 3 weeks.

Celery root

To alleviate unpleasant symptoms (pain caused by muscle spasms), you can take a series of celery-based remedies.The simplest thing is to grate the fresh peeled root and squeeze it through cheesecloth or pass it through a juicer to extract the juice.Drink 1 tbsp.I.before meals 3 times a day.Duration of treatment – 3 weeks.Alternative: pour 2 tbsp.I.the resulting juice with a glass of boiling water, let it rest for 2 hours.Drink 1 tbsp.I.also before meals, up to 4 times a day.The treatment lasts one month.

sunflower root

Decoctions and tinctures of sunflower root have a good effect on pain in any injuries of the musculoskeletal system.Can be used locally and internally;it will also be useful for the gallbladder and nervous system.Simple recipes:

• Crush the roots, pour 200 g of the resulting powder into 1.5 liters of cold water.Remove from heat after boiling, leave for 3 hours, wrapping the container in a towel.Use for compresses applied 1 to 2 times a day until cool.The course of treatment is 3 weeks.
• Take 2 liters of water for every 100 g of crushed sunflower roots and boil for 10 minutes.Wait until the broth cools down.Drink half a glass before meals 3-4 times a day, warm up before taking.The course of treatment lasts 3 weeks.

Homemade ointment

Local effects on the musculoskeletal system are mainly rubs and ointments that can be prepared at home.Honey and vegetable oils are used as a base;alcohol or vodka are added to some compositions.All topical treatment products are applied harmlessly to the skin in small amounts, 1 to 2 times a day.The most effective recipe:

1. Combine camphor with mustard 1:1.
2. For 100 g of the resulting mixture, take 100 ml of alcohol and 100 g of egg white (raw, beaten).
3. Store the ointment in the refrigerator for 2 weeks, rub it into the affected areas at night (take a small amount in advance to warm up to room temperature) and cover your back with gauze and a woolen scarf.The treatment lasts 2 weeks.