Deforming spondylosis of the thoracic spine: symptoms, treatment

The human spine is the backbone of his skeleton. The slightest changes in its functioning entail a change in the functions of not only the bones, but also of all other organs. Due to the fact that the spine is subjected to heavy loads, morphological changes are often observed in it, among which spondylosis is often found.

Morphology of the disease

Due to osteochondrosis, trauma or tuberculous lesion of the vertebrae, bone tendrils - osteophytes - can grow on them. If this happens in the thoracic part of the body, there is a spondylosis of the thoracic spine.

Over time, the processes can fuse with other vertebrae, which practically immobilizes this part of the spine.

The development of spondylosis is more common in the elderly, although its first manifestations are possible after 30 years. The danger of the disease lies in the fact that it does not manifest itself until it passes into an acute stage, which is very difficult to treat. Therefore, people at risk should periodically undergo a checkup so as not to aggravate the disease to a critical condition.

Set of symptoms

From other types of this disease, the deforming spondylosis of the thoracic spine is different in that the bone processes change the shape of the spinal canal. As a result, the nerve endings and blood vessels are jammed . At first, no symptoms tell you that a dangerous disease develops on the vertebrae. When it enters the acute stage of the flow, there are sharp pains in the back, intensifying toward evening. They are not removed by any change in the position of the body, or absolute calm. The mobility of the spine is reduced until it is completely impossible to bend in the area of the affected vertebrae. Pain sensations are asymmetrical. Their foci are on one side of the spine. Strong pain is given not only in the back, but in all the organs of the sternum. Sometimes the anterior wall of the chest can even hurt.

Diagnosis of the disease

It is very important to diagnose spondylosis of the thoracic spine at an early stage. Symptoms at this time are weak, but the risk group needs to be examined, even if there are no apparent reasons.

The first thing an experienced doctor can determine the disease by feeling the zone of possible damage. But more effective is radiography. In order for the picture to be indicative, it must be done in two projections: longitudinal and transverse.

Previously, this was the only method of diagnosis. Today, the presence of the disease, even in the early stages, can be seen using computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. These methods of examination provide a more accurate picture of how the spondylosis of the thoracic spine is proceeding and what its nature is. This accuracy of diagnosis makes it possible to better manage the treatment strategy.

Risk group

In old age, almost every third has a diagnosis of "spondylosis." The development of this disease is associated with a number of factors that occur in many people throughout life.

First of all, those who already have a diagnosis of "osteochondrosis" fall into the risk group. Spondylosis of the thoracic spine develops at the site of degeneration of the intervertebral disc. Since the distance between the vertebrae is significantly reduced, the shoots can also grow together much faster.

Also people who lead a sedentary sedentary lifestyle are susceptible to the disease. None of us makes sure that the back and shoulders during sitting are in the right anatomical position. As a result, the load on the spine increases, which stimulates the development of the disease.

Trauma also often causes the development of spondylosis. The damaged bone grows uncontrollably in different directions. Because of this, spondylosis develops, most often deforming.

Pharmacological treatment

Due to the fact that the deforming spondylosis of the thoracic spine is a chronic disease, it is not a complete cure. Osteophytes remain with a person for the rest of his life. But you can significantly alleviate his suffering.

In the early stages with the help of drugs, it is quite realistic to stop the development of bone processes before they begin to cause discomfort. A more acute course of the disease is treated by relieving acute pain. First of all, analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed. In more severe cases, the use of opiates is possible. Since there is a strong muscle strain in the lesions, doctors prescribe special relaxants to relax them. And the last group of drugs is painkillers for clamped nerves. These drugs have a slightly different direction than analgesics.

Surgical intervention

If the vertebrae fuse with each other, surgery is necessary to eliminate the spondylosis of the thoracic spine. Treatment in this way is extremely rare, because it has a long rehabilitation period.

When surgical intervention, truncation of the processes occurs. The complexity of the operation lies in the fact that around the vertebrae there are many blood vessels and nerve endings. In addition, there is always the danger of damaging the spinal cord. Since the indications for surgery usually arise in old age, there is also a risk that the heart can not withstand anesthesia. Therefore, surgical interventions to treat this disease are extremely rare and are prescribed if they are of more benefit than harm.

Folk remedies

Alternative medicine also has methods that can stop the spondylosis of the thoracic spine. Treatment with folk remedies in many cases yields positive results, but only if they are used correctly.

The main drugs are decoctions and tinctures, which are taken on an empty stomach 2-3 times a day. As medicinal herbs are used leaves of burdock, birch or currant. In occasion of exact prescriptions it is better to consult with the skilled phytotherapeutist, and about the intention to try national agents necessarily to inform the attending physician. Thus it is necessary to eat correctly. It is especially important to receive a sufficient amount of potassium, which is plentiful in suede, dried apricots, pumpkin, cabbage.

There is no magic panacea for this disease. Therefore, do not completely neglect traditional treatment. Otherwise, the consequences can be deplorable.

Physiotherapy as an additional treatment for diseases of the spine

In connection with the fact that this disease develops due to incorrect loads and muscle tension, a good result in the fight against it is provided by therapeutic gymnastics. Spondylosis of the thoracic spine reacts poorly to physical exercises, but there is still a certain gymnastics capable of regaining lost flexibility.

Here are a few examples. Starting position: raise your hands over your head and close in the lock. Perform 6-10 slopes in each direction. The second exercise is done on all fours. Lower back as far as possible, forming an arc, and fix it in this position for 3-5 seconds. Then arched your back arched and stay in this position. Perform 10 times.

Any exercise should be performed during periods of pain reduction. Strong painful sensations are considered a contraindication for gymnastics, as they can only become aggravated.

Prevention of disease

Than to treat illness, it is better to warn it. Since the spondylosis of the thoracic spine can develop in almost every modern person who leads a sedentary lifestyle, care must be taken to minimize risk factors.

Sit in a comfortable chair that supports the back in the anatomical position and relieves the load. After a certain time, it is necessary to do a small gymnastics, which helps to strengthen the muscles of the back and relieve tension from them. It is also recommended to do a relaxing back massage, which relieves muscle fatigue and promotes their proper functioning.

Good for the back to go swimming. This not only strengthens it, but also prevents the development of a variety of diseases. The effect of swimming is that there is no vertical load on the spine and he can rest and relax.