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 bears 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 joints and ligaments gradually develop - this is how the diagnosis “osteochondrosis of the spine” is understood in official medicine.The disease is polyfactorial (multifactorial), affecting first 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 at 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 area on the left, similar to heart pain: constant or shooting.Convulsive muscle contractions.
2. Sharp pain in the area below the shoulder blades, can also appear between the ribs (intercostal nerves are affected), accompanied by a feeling of pressure on the chest.Tends to intensify when inhaling, when turning, bending the body.Added to discomfort when maintaining an uncomfortable position for a long time.
3. Problems with sensitivity of 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 dysfunctions of the respiratory system.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 with osteochondrosis of the 2nd degree, indicating the appearance of cracks in the fibrous ring and depression of the nucleus pulposus, which can lead to rupture of fibrous tissue and the formation of an intervertebral hernia.In the clinical picture of manifestations of osteochondrosis, in addition to compression syndrome (from compression of the spinal cord roots), reflex symptoms appear:

• muscular-tonic (muscle spasms leading to hypoxia and severe pain);
• neuro-dystrophic (against the background of constant irritation of peripheral nerves by spasmed muscles, paresthesia occurs: a feeling of numbness, “goosebumps”, ringing in the ears, which intensifies when taking 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 “the operating conditions of the spine,” therefore it is partly natural for humans and primarily requires minimizing the number of development factors.These include:

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

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine involves getting rid of all of the above points: this will alleviate the patient’s condition.It is additionally 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 must 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, pinched blood flow, if the disease is caused by injury);
• massage courses;
• swimming;
• physiotherapy;
• acupuncture;
• local and systemic drug effects.

There is no single treatment regimen for osteochondrosis.In some cases, it is even important to take the correct position in bed, adjust the diet, and with the 4th degree of thoracic osteochondrosis, supplemented by complications (spina bifida, hemangioma), surgical intervention may be required.An accurate therapeutic regimen is drawn up based on the patient’s complaints and 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 the hospital (physiotherapy, massage, acupuncture), and at home the following is required:

• 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 drugs is necessary both during remission and during periods of exacerbation.Drug treatment for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine involves eliminating symptoms and influencing the degenerative process:

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

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

Nutrition

Correction of the diet will also provide significant support for bone, cartilage, and muscle tissues: remove salt, sugar (reduce the amount to a minimum), and carbonated drinks.It is advisable not to overuse spices, spicy and fatty foods, carefully monitor your weight, do not overeat, and monitor your 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, aspic, jellied meat);
• consist of boiled or baked dishes;
• characterized by a sufficient amount of fresh vegetables and cereals.

Exercises

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

• Sit on a chair, while inhaling, place your hands behind your head.As you exhale, bend 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, raise 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 on muscle fibers and ligaments by massage has a beneficial effect on all parts of the spinal column, helps relieve pain, improve lymph flow, blood circulation, and muscle tone.Massage is prescribed in the subacute or chronic stage of the disease, the technique is selected according to the patient’s condition and the presence of additional diseases.Classic scheme:

1. The patient takes a horizontal position lying on his stomach.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 zone (shoulder blades) is treated with squeezes and kneading movements (another minute).
3. On the shoulder girdles (trapezius muscles) perform stroking (8 repetitions), squeezing and rubbing (5 times each).
4. The neck is stroked for a minute and again moved to the thoracic region in the indicated (1-2 steps) order.
5. From the occipital bone downwards, the spinal column is rubbed (closely spaced lines parallel to it).The duration of the stage is 1 minute.
6. Afterwards, strokes are performed on the spine, kneading movements and strokes again (another 2-3 minutes).

Massage of the chest, neck and spinal column always ends with stroking (soothing) movements.Recommended sequence of techniques: squeezing, rubbing, stroking.If the patient’s pain hardly bothers him, the number of kneading movements can be increased, and the duration of soothing movements can be reduced.The duration of the sessions is 10 minutes; in the last ones (the course consists of 7-10 procedures), it is advisable to use rubbing movements as a basis.

During exacerbation

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

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

If the exacerbation is severe, an ambulance must be called and hospitalization in a hospital, where the doctor will monitor the patient’s condition and select the right 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 the spinal nerves;
• improve the regeneration of cartilage tissue;
• relieve spasm of paravertebral muscles.

Acupuncture will be effective only 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 often applies current through the needles, slight discomfort is possible during the process, and after removing the needles, reddish dots 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 him is to restore blood circulation, ligamentous apparatus, and the functional state of the spinal column.Additional manual therapy sessions added to the main treatment regimen:

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

In modern medicine, a new manual technique – post-isometric muscle relaxation (PIR) – has become especially popular for several years.It is based on a soft and gentle stretch, stimulating the simultaneous contraction of the entire muscle, after which it is completely relaxed.The technique is suitable for situations where, due to uneven contraction of muscle tissue, the functioning of the joint that is surrounded by it is disrupted, which leads to limitation of its movement.

During pregnancy

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

• wearing a corset to support the back;
• selection of comfortable shoes (reduce 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, you can add several non-traditional methods of local and systemic effects on osteochondrosis.Most of them are allowed in both the acute and chronic stages, but keep in mind that any remedy can cause adverse reactions associated with the individual untranslatability of specific products.Effective options:

• Take 2 hot capsicums, 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, gently rubbing 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 peeled large potatoes and mash them into a puree.You can add a little 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 evening.Treatment lasts 3 weeks.

Celery root

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

sunflower root

Decoctions and tinctures from sunflower root have a good effect on pain in any lesions of the musculoskeletal system.It can be used both locally and internally; it will additionally 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 1-2 times a day until cool.The course of treatment is 3 weeks.
• Take 2 liters of water per 100 g of crushed sunflower roots and let simmer for 10 minutes.Wait until the broth cools down.Drink half a glass before meals 3-4 times a day, warm before taking.The course of treatment lasts 3 weeks.

Homemade ointment

Local effects on the musculoskeletal system are mainly rubbing and ointments that can be prepared at home.Honey and vegetable oils are used as a basis; alcohol or vodka is added to some compositions.All topical treatment products are applied to the skin without damage in small quantities 1-2 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 into the affected areas at night (take out a small amount in advance to warm to room temperature), then cover your back with gauze and a woolen scarf.Treatment lasts 2 weeks.