Treatment of thoracic osteoarthritis: how to relieve pain?

Osteoarthritis of the thoracic spine is a chronic disease related to degeneration of the intervertebral discs.The rapid pathological process involves the cartilage and bone tissue of the vertebrae, causing the back to lose flexibility and constantly experience pain.The first alarming symptoms appear in people over 25 years old, more often - from 35 years old.

The main problem in the treatment of breast cartilage degeneration is its insidious nature.The disease successfully disguises itself as a heart attack, intercostal neuralgia, gastritis, heart attack and even a banal consequence of sleeping in an uncomfortable position.How to avoid osteonecrosis and recognize it in time?After all, if left untreated, osteochondrosis of the chest can immobilize the patient and cause problems with the heart, digestive system, kidneys and gallbladder.

Treatment of thoracic osteoarthritis should begin with a comprehensive diagnosis and identification of the cause of the disease.

Signs of osteonecrosis in the chest area

Clinical manifestations of thoracic osteochondrosis depend on the patient's age, severity and stage (acute or remission).

At first, without treatment, thoracic osteoarthritis may be asymptomatic - even in the second stage of the disease, pain is often absent.The most characteristic of the disease is the pain that occurs when taking a deep breath - if you take a full breath of air and hold it for a few seconds.For osteoarthritis in the chest area, there are two specific types of pain:

• Dorago - acute pain quickly passes (usually tormented at night, when bending and turning or exertion);
• back-ache - Mild pain lasts up to 3 weeks, gradually decreasing when the patient "walks".

Other important criteria for self-diagnosis are stiffness and crunching in the sternum area - for example, when trying to move each of your shoulders or bring the shoulder blades together.

Significant symptoms and sensations during treatment for thoracic osteochondrosis include:

1. Pain when lifting weights or after a long period of time in one position - usually shooting.When moving and breathing actively, the pain will increase and can "surround" the chest, spreading to the armpit or collarbone.Some patients also feel uncomfortable because of pain in the shoulder when resting.
   Unlike angina and other “heart” pain, which lasts from 3-5 minutes to an hour, chest pain with thoracic spondylosis can last for weeks and months, sometimes intense for a few days, then gradually subside.Treatment of thoracic osteoarthritis with medicine "from the heart" does not bring results. 
2. “Goosebumps” on the chest.The feeling most often occurs in the upper part of the chest area, in the muscle fibers.May be accompanied by a feeling of numbness and decreased sensitivity (both in the chest and mid-back).As a result, the feet become cold, the skin peels, the nails become brittle and other symptoms are caused by insufficient tissue nutrition.
3. Abdominal pain in internal organs.Sharp, stabbing pains can occur in the stomach, heart and even kidneys, which is why patients often suspect they have an ulcer, angina or a heart attack.If you have such symptoms, for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the thoracic spine, it is better to visit a neurologist, and then contact only specialists to avoid misdiagnosis.
4. Reflex disorders.With thoracic osteoarthritis, they are often manifested by rhythmic contractions of the shoulder and trapezius spinal muscles in response to their stretch.
5. General weakness of the thoracic spine.It is more difficult for the patient to maintain position;they begin to languish and stoop.At the same time, the back muscles become increasingly tense, the back "stiffens".
6. Shortness of breath.Shortness of breath when climbing stairs, feeling of lack of air or tightness in the chest are the most common symptoms of thoracic osteoarthritis.Treatment begins with the patient complaining of a cough, which is why the patient thinks they have pneumonia.
7. Instability of the psycho-emotional field.People who experience symptoms and treatment of spondylosis become more irritable, frequently tired, and fatigued even when well-rested.
8. On the part of the digestive tract, the patient feels discomfort due to a feeling of fullness and satiety loss of appetite, bloating, flatulence, heartburn, irregular bowel movements, nausea.The patient has a sore throat and esophagus, a "lumpy" feeling when swallowing.

In women, symptoms of thoracic cartilage degeneration also include pain in the breasts, mammary glands, and groin.They are incorrectly classified as gynecological problems.In this case, it is better to start checking symptoms and treating thoracic osteoarthritis with medication when you see an orthopedist or neurologist. 
Treating men's pectoral cartilage degeneration can similarly address fertility and urination problems caused by neurological disorders.

Cause of the disease

Thoracic osteoarthritis is a relatively rare disease of the spine.Its proportion in the total number of patients with osteoarthritis is about 15%. The fact is that the thoracic vertebrae, where the ribs are attached, are physiologically not very mobile - on the contrary, they must ensure the stability of the thoracic organs.As a result, their discs are less susceptible to wear, injury, and cracking, and vertebral displacement and herniation rarely occur.But degenerative cartilage disease in the chest area is also "difficult to access" for treatment.Therefore, it is important to eliminate or compensate in advance for the following causes of the disease:

• Excessive physical activity, incl.household, professional and sports;
• poor posture and other deformations of the musculoskeletal system;
• corset underdeveloped muscles and poor figure;
• overweight;
• Prolonged sedentary work without warming up (for example, working while driving or in front of a computer);
• back injuries (not only in the chest, but also in other parts);
• gastrointestinal diseases;
• bad habits;
• infection;
• hypothermia;
• hormonal disorders;
• chronic stress;
• Consuming too much salt and lacking the habit of drinking water are long-term causes of water-salt balance disorders in the body;
• choosing the wrong shoes and carrying bags and other heavy objects incorrectly.

Other - unfortunately, it is impossible to completely eliminate - causes of thoracic osteoarthritis: circulatory disorders (with atherosclerosis or diabetes), metabolic syndrome, autoimmune diseases and genetic predisposition. In women, treatment of breast cartilage degeneration may be necessary during multiple pregnancies.

It is important to prevent the disease - even if there are no symptoms and sensations that indicate the treatment of thoracic osteoarthritis.Only a doctor can assess the correct posture of a teenager.After all, kyphosis, for example, usually passes smoothly and is imperceptible to the layperson.And in especially severe cases, at the age of 15, the first signs of degenerative processes in the vertebral joints may appear. 

Luckily, you can start reshaping your posture and treating osteochondrosis of the chest even at age 40!

Consequences of osteochondrosis of the chest

Due to compression of blood vessels and nerve roots, the distribution of muscles and internal organs is disrupted, and the function of the spinal cord is impaired.In the absence of treatment for osteochondrosis of the chest, this condition will cause many serious consequences:

• Intestinal diseases, gallbladder movement disorders;
• increased risk of heart attack, as well as ischemia and angina;
• herniation and protrusion of the spinal cord;
• malfunction of the liver, kidneys and pancreas;
• predisposition to pneumonia and other pulmonary pathologies associated with hypoventilation.

Treatment of osteoarthritis of the thoracic spine

Treatment of thoracic cartilage degeneration in stages 1 and 2 of the disease includes conservative therapy aimed at reducing inflammation, pain, and restoring nerve conduction and blood supply.Additionally, to alleviate this condition, drugs and techniques are used to relieve spasms, including.strengthen back muscles.

Treatment of thoracic cartilage degeneration with medication in the acute stage of the disease takes 1 to 3 months;In the future, lifelong adherence to simple rules is required to maintain remission.If there is no indication for hospitalization, maintenance treatment is performed on an outpatient basis and does not require large costs.

In cases of progressive osteochondrosis, spinal cord herniation, and other potentially dangerous conditions, surgery is indicated to decompress and stabilize the spine (microdiscectomy, foraminectomy, laminectomy).Treatment after surgery for thoracic osteoarthritis in the hospital takes from 3 to 7 days, and complete wound healing takes up to 14 days.

Physical therapy for thoracic osteoarthritis

To treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, the following are used:

• Magnetic laser therapy. Helps reduce pain, swelling and inflammation, increasing humoral immunity.The course includes 14 daily sessions of 10-15 minutes.The interval between courses should be at least 1 month, and the number of courses per year should not exceed 4.
• Amplipulse (SMT), incl.with local anesthetic.Has a strong pain-relieving effect.Stimulates muscles and prevents muscle atrophy.Helps reduce swelling and inflammation, dilates blood vessels and improves tissue nutrition.The course requires 8-15 procedures in 10-20 minutes.
• Ultrasound therapy (optional - with glucocorticosteroids).Provides micromassage of tissues around the joints, improves cartilage nutrition, prevents inflammation and joint destruction, dilates blood vessels and accelerates regeneration.Has analgesic and antispasmodic effects.The course includes 10-12 procedures, each 10-15 minutes.
• Mineral baths, mud therapy, ozokerite and paraffin baths and other nourishing bathing techniques. They help dilate blood vessels long-term, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, reduce swelling and facilitate joint movement.The duration of the session, the length of the course and the impact depend on the composition of the bath or therapeutic mixture.
• Hydromassage. Improve tissue nutrition and nerve conduction, promote relaxation of spasmed muscles.Accelerates the regeneration process and shortens recovery time after exacerbation of thoracic osteoarthritis.Course – 10-25 sessions.Session duration was gradually increased from 15 to 30 minutes.
• Heat therapy. It has a relaxing, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect, improves lymph and blood circulation.The duration of the course and procedure depends on the technique.
• Acupuncture.Stimulates regeneration and improves the distribution of tissues around the spine, the functioning of internal organs in the chest, normalizes blood circulation and reduces pain due to the release of endorphins.The course consists of 15 sessions, held daily or every other day. 
• Pulling methods. Used for non-surgical removal of hernias and protrusions, against limb numbness and clamping.They help increase the distance between vertebrae, improve posture, promote nerve root decompression, relax and strengthen back muscles.This reduces the intensity of inflammation and pain.The standard course is 10-12 sessions, which may need to be completed multiple times.
• Manual therapy. Improves blood circulation in the spinal cord, helping to prevent fainting.Restores the correct anatomical position of the spine, supporting the treatment of hernias and protrusions.Eliminates spasms and tightness in the chest area.Minimum course of 10-15 sessions lasting from a few minutes to an hour.

In addition to physical therapy and drug treatment for thoracic osteoarthritis, patients may need to work with a psychologist.This will help get rid of anxiety that accompanies diseases of the musculoskeletal system.Also promotes to maintain healthy posture.
During physical activity, the patient should wear an orthopedic corset (but not often so as not to weaken the back muscles).

Massage for breast osteonecrosis

For thoracic osteoarthritis, classical clinical-therapeutic massage (with thoracic osteoarthritis drugs or essential oils), vacuum suction, lymphatic drainage, water or acupressure is recommended.The doctor or device has an indirect effect on the chest area through the shoulder and upper back muscles, stimulating blood microcirculation, eliminating pain and swelling, restoring normal range of motion and normalizing the tone of the muscle corset.Massage also enhances the effectiveness of medical treatment of cartilage degeneration in the chest area.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the chest in male drivers and operators includes the use of massage devices - cushions and seat covers, cushions, hand massagers.

Gymnastics for the treatment of thoracic osteoarthritis

The first lasting effects of exercise therapy occur during the first 2 weeks of class, but temporary pain relief may occur after 4-7 sessions.It is necessary to gradually increase the load during the treatment of osteoarthritis in the chest area, alternating with rest.It is forbidden to perform exercises with severe pain and fatigue, as well as with sudden movements that can damage joints and neighboring tissues.It is very important to perform exercises to treat thoracic osteoarthritis daily, or better yet 3-5 times a day, at least 5 repetitions each time.

1. Stand straight, legs together, arms along the body.As you exhale, raise your arms, and as you inhale, arch your back.Lower your arms and bend forward as you exhale, lowering your head and shoulders.
2. Sit on a chair.As you inhale, place your arms straight behind your head and as you exhale, bend backwards without lifting your shoulder blades off the back of the chair.
3. Get on all fours, arch your back and stand still for 3 seconds, looking straight ahead.
4. Lie on your stomach, place your hands on the floor and arch your back, lifting your chest off the floor.
5. Lie on your stomach, stretch your arms along your body.Bend your chest, forming a "boat": simultaneously lift your legs and raise your head.

In addition to the gymnastics recommended for the treatment of thoracic osteoarthritis, patients also benefit from Nordic walking, yoga, cycling, and water sports (swimming, diving, water aerobics).Don't forget to relax your spine during the day: don't sit in one position for more than 2 hours, and during your lunch break, try to lie on a flat surface for 40 minutes.Stretch, stand up, bend over as soon as your back starts to stiffen.

Reducing symptoms and treating thoracic osteoarthritis in women also requires maintaining correct body posture when performing household chores - try to spend as little time as possible in a reclining position, if possible, sit upright if long-term housework is involved.

Drugs to treat thoracic osteoarthritis

Medical treatment of thoracic cartilage degeneration is very complex and has many factors.Patients are prescribed:

1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).They are taken orally, for about 10-12 days, for external use (gels, ointments, creams - there are no restrictions) or in the form of injections.Please note that most NSAIDs can damage the stomach lining when taken orally.Therefore, they should be taken with proton pump inhibitors.If you have gastritis, ulcers, colitis or other gastrointestinal problems, it is better to choose injections.

2. Glucocorticoids.Steroid (hormonal) drugs are prescribed in cases where conventional anti-inflammatory drugs are ineffective - for example, to relieve exacerbations or pain in the later stages of osteoarthritis.For this purpose, GC can be prescribed together with painkillers in the form of blockade injections.

   The choice of glucocorticoid and its dosage is carried out exclusively by the attending physician.Drugs in this group, when used uncontrolled, have serious side effects - they can cause hormonal imbalance, weight gain and skin problems.

3. Chondroprotective drugs to treat cartilage degeneration in the chest area.Preparations based on cartilage components and hyaluronic acid promote the regeneration of cartilage tissue.They provide the body with “building materials” of collagen and synovial fluid, allowing you to prolong remission without medication.They must be done annually, every 3 to 6 months.This will help reduce inflammation, keep the disc from degenerating further, and improve back flexibility.

4. Muscle relaxants.Muscle tension and spasms significantly reduce the patient's quality of life and cause discomfort even at rest.But most importantly, they weaken the access of nutrients to the joints between the vertebrae, which causes them to continue to be destroyed and weaken the cartilage tissue.In addition, prolonged stress leads to destruction (atrophy) of muscle tissue and increased load on joints.To prevent this, muscle relaxants are used.

5. Vitamins and antioxidants.These drugs are protectors and “pillars” of the joints.They prevent the destruction of cartilage and bone tissue due to strong oxidative effects and prevent the formation of new erosion foci on the cartilage surface.Vitamins (such as B vitamins) are effective in fighting inflammation.They are also necessary to maintain the strength and elasticity of cartilage tissue - they prevent the formation of cracks and chips, and improve its shock-absorbing properties.

6. Diuretics.These injections are used for emergency treatment of nerve root swelling.They help avoid spinal nerve damage and long-term rehabilitation with a neurologist.If left untreated, nerve root swelling can cause severe pain, muscle weakness, and organ dysfunction.

7. Neuroprotective drugs and anticholinesterics.These drugs improve the metabolism of nerve tissue and stimulate the conduction of nerve impulses.They help normalize the transmission of nerve impulses through the spinal cord and preserve internal organs, that is, maintain control over your body.

8. The drug protects vessels and regulates blood microcirculation.Vasoprotectants protect blood vessels, promoting dilation and normal permeability of the vessel wall.Since osteoarthritis of the thoracic region significantly affects the cardiovascular system, these drugs should be used to combat dizziness, numbness of the limbs and other characteristic problems.

Dosage and advice on the use of specific drugs for the treatment of thoracic osteoarthritis must be determined by the attending physician.

Diet for thoracic osteonecrosis

At the first symptoms and treatment of thoracic osteoarthritis, a menu rich in collagen, vitamins A, B and C should be used to promote cartilage regeneration between vertebrae and strengthen ligaments.It is also recommended to "speed up" metabolism with easily digestible food (small portions every 3 hours). 

The diet includes a protein-rich breakfast (eggs, dairy products) and dinner (boiled, stewed, baked in foil fish, poultry, seafood).During the day you should eat legumes, whole grains, vegetables, fruits and berries.

It is necessary to reduce consumption of starch, salt, flour products, processed foods and carbonated drinks.Drinking regimen - from 2 liters of clean water per day.