What is a protrusion of the thoracic spine. Protrusion of the intervertebral discs in the thoracic region

Protrusion of the thoracic spine occurs less frequently than other types of this pathology due to the physiological characteristics of the sternum region. The vertebrae fixed with ribs and inactive segments reliably protect the discs from falling out. But excessive loads, degenerative processes also affect the chest area.

Protrusion of the thoracic region does not apply to an independent disease. Doctors consider it as a consequence of osteochondrosis and one of the stages preceding disc herniation. The thoracic region is represented by twelve vertebrae separated by fibrocartilaginous discs. The intervertebral disc consists of two elements: the nucleus pulposus and the annulus fibrosus. The lateral surfaces of the vertebrae serve as an attachment point for the ribs, which serve as a protective frame for the organs of the chest. The spinal cord, which is part of the human nervous system, is located in a special canal formed by the processes of the vertebrae. The integrity of the entire structure is fixed through muscles and ligaments.

Similar to most diseases of the spinal column, the main prerequisite for pathology is osteochondrosis, so protrusion is a complication of osteochondrosis. Due to metabolic, vascular, age-related disorders, unilateral protrusion of the vertebrae occurs beyond its fixation in the intervertebral space. The disc decreases in height, loses its elasticity, narrowing of the intervertebral gap occurs, loss of cushioning properties of the discs.

The neuropathologist Ignatiev Radion Gennadievich will tell about the symptoms of the disease of the thoracic spine:

The displacement of the nucleus pulposus begins in the direction of the weakest part of the fibrous ring affected by microcracks. Most often, the protrusion occurs towards the intravertebral canal, where there are fewer ligaments and muscles. The resulting pressure pushes the internal substance, shifting it to the fibrous capsule. This provokes its thinning, stretching in the direction of the spinal canal. Rupture does not occur, since the fibrous ring is represented by a strong and coarse connective tissue. Stretching can reach 12 mm. The progression of the pathological process leads to rupture of the fibrous ring and the formation of a hernia.

Cartilage tissue is characterized by the absence of its own microcirculation, receiving nutrition in a diffuse way. Destructive processes, lack of incoming nutrition and moisture lead to cartilage cracking, as a result of which the dehydrated nucleus pulposus falls out. The physiological processes of self-healing are violated.

Destabilization of the vertebrae of the thoracic region leads to a pronounced pain syndrome due to compression of the autonomic nerves leading to the thoracic organs, upper abdominal cavity, compressed roots, and spinal cord membranes. Often, thoracic protrusion occurs on adjacent discs.

Causes of protrusion

The development of protrusion of the thoracic region is provoked by external factors. The main reason lies in the excessive load on the discs when carrying heavy loads, long-term static posture, physical inactivity, sudden movements. Another provoking factor is excess body weight. The pathological condition of the spinal column is also influenced by such factors:

• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Curvature.
• Osteochondrosis.

• infectious processes.
• Osteoporosis.
• Injuries.
• Consequences of surgery.

Due to these reasons, there is a weakening of cartilaginous, bone, muscle structures. Reduced height, elasticity of the disc, the strength of the connection between the vertebral body and the disc. There are cracks in the fibrous ring, the pressure of the nucleus pulposus increases during the load. Injuries lead to deformation of the sternum, diseases cause changes in the articular-ligamentous apparatus.

Protrusion symptoms

Symptoms of protrusion of the thoracic spine depend on the size of the pathology and its location. Thoracic protrusion with protrusions ranging in size from 1 to 5 mm is divided into three types depending on the symptoms of a neurological nature:

1. medial. Symmetrical paraparesis, protrusions directed towards the spinal canal. It is characterized by conduction disorders (paresis of the upper limbs, paralysis, numbness, dysfunction of the pelvic organs).
2. Lateral. The protrusions are turned towards the lateral sections. There is an isolated radicular syndrome (radiculopathy).
3. Medial-lateral. Asymmetric spinal complex, characterized by a combination of conduction disorders with radicular syndrome. Median-lateral protrusion is characterized by increasing pain during palpation of the skin from the side of the lesion.

When the fibers that innervate the internal organs are infringed, a pain complex of symptoms is observed in the abdomen and chest. Pain can be characterized as inguinal, abdominal, intercostal neuralgia and also pass to the lower extremities. Signs of pain may be similar to those of a myocardial infarction, peptic ulcer. There may be sagittal pain in the upper abdomen, similar to gastric ulcer.

It is not easy to immediately suspect protrusion due to the peculiarities of its symptoms.

In addition to pain directly in the spine, symptoms characteristic of angina pectoris, cholecystitis, gastritis, and peptic ulcer may develop. There is irradiation of pain along the intercostal nerves to the sternum, its anterior section. Compressed autonomic nerves can cause unusual symptoms: muscle weakness, numbness of the limbs, vascular crises. Therefore, a special examination is necessary to accurately determine the cause of the symptoms that have appeared.

The initial stage of protrusion of the thoracic region does not have pronounced signs, manifesting itself as small tingling sensations when turning the body, lifting heavy things. Left unattended symptoms lead to the progression of the disease. The main signs of pinched nerves:

• Pain in the affected area.
• Tissue swelling and morning stiffness.
• Activation of pain during movement.
• Tingling, numbness in the chest.
• Intercostal neuralgia, sharp pains at the entrance.

Pain in the abdomen and chest

Due to the similarity of symptoms with intercostal neuralgia, diseases of internal organs, instrumental methods are needed to diagnose protrusion. The headache that occurs during protrusion, an increase in blood pressure is caused by excessive vascular tension, which is also characteristic of diseases of the heart and brain. In this case, it is also necessary to see a cardiologist and a neuropathologist.

Signs of protrusion occur at certain periods and are replaced by remission. A course of treatment, diet, lifestyle changes can completely relieve a person from pain. But usually the pathological process has a long duration - from several months to several years.

Diagnostic methods

Diverse symptoms complicate the diagnosis of the disease. Primary data collection is carried out by examining the patient, motor tests, palpation of the back. The most reliable diagnostic method is MRI - magnetic resonance imaging. This is an expensive study, but it allows you to detect thickening of the fibrous ring, the formation of cracks in the intervertebral disc, at what stage of prolapse it is. The procedure is contraindicated in the presence of a pacemaker, metal objects in the body, fear of closed spaces. CT is also used computed tomography, radioisotope study, myelography (contrast study to detect disc displacement), biochemical blood test.

About the diagnosis of the thoracic spine, see our following video:

The usual method of diagnosing - X-ray of the thoracic region in direct and lateral projection. But this method does not show the state of soft tissues. The presence of osteophytes, reduced height of the joint space serve as indirect signs of protrusion. The patient is examined by a neuropathologist, therapist. Treatment is carried out according to the general scheme. If the diagnosis cannot be established, the spinal cord puncture method is used.

Treatment of protrusion

To eliminate the symptoms of protrusion of the thoracic region, multidirectional effects on the axial skeleton are used. The acute period is accompanied by the rejection of excessive physical activity, the use of special belts and corsets. The main course of therapy for thoracic protrusion is based on the use of pharmaceuticals. Drug therapy uses the following types of drugs:

• , inflammation (ibuprofen, diclofenac, ketanov, nise, movalis).
• Analgesics (analgin, aspirin).
• Vitamins of group B for the restoration of nerve fibers, calcium preparations (osteomed, osteo-Vit).
• Muscle relaxants to relax spasmodic muscles (sirdalud, midokalm).

• Chondroprotectors to restore the integrity of the intervertebral disc (chondroxide, teraflex, artron). More full list you can look at chondroprotectors.
• Diuretics against edema (hypothiazid, uregit).
• Vascular preparations for activating blood circulation (eufillin, pentoxifylline, tanakan).
• Antioxidants to neutralize harmful substances(mexidol, dihydroquercetin plus).

After eliminating the stage of inflammation, it is necessary to consolidate the result through various procedures. They can be prescribed as a separate course of treatment in the initial stages of the disease. As additional measures of the procedure, they are used at the advanced stage of protrusion. There are many ways to treat and prevent protrusion of the thoracic region, these are the following methods:

• Physiotherapy.
• Reflexology, physiotherapy.
• Manual therapy.
• Osteopathy.
• Diet.

Prohibited foods when sick

• Physiotherapy (electrophoresis, phonophoresis).
• Wellness massage.
• Segmental reflex massage.
• Laser therapy.
• Surgical intervention.

The most effective protrusion of the thoracic region is cured at the initial stage of tissue degradation. Therefore, it is necessary to seek help at the first sign. Self use exercise therapy requires the approval of a doctor. Therapeutic exercises help stretch the spinal column, strengthen the muscular corset. Thanks to charging, blood circulation is activated. Massage is aimed at normalizing blood microcirculation in the affected areas. Accelerated metabolism contributes to the active saturation of tissues with nutrients and oxygen. These measures contribute to the enhancement of tissue regeneration.

Using osteopathy, the vertebrae can be returned to their place. With the help of manual therapy, reflex points are affected. Electrophoresis and phonophoresis normalize blood circulation and eliminate inflammation. Surgical intervention with the removal of a deformed area of ​​the intervertebral disc is an extreme measure of treatment in advanced cases.

The method of yoga therapy will help get rid of the appearance of many diseases. See the video below for more details:

Treatment according to the latest methods developed by large clinics operates in three directions: reflex, myofascial, vertebral neurological. Preventive measures include wearing corsets, preventing overload of the spine. Muscle-fixing drugs are used: plasmol, vitreous body. Anabolic steroids can be used to strengthen the muscular corset under the supervision of a physician.

Protrusion of the thoracic spine significantly disrupts the normal functioning of a person. In this case, there is a risk of a hernia. Physical education, rich beneficial substances nutrition, respect for health are the best preventive measures against the disease.

Protrusion is a pathological change in which the intervertebral disc is in the wrong position, but the fibrous ring remains intact. Treatment of protrusion of the thoracic spine should be comprehensive and aimed at reducing pain, restoring the normal position and structure of the cartilaginous tissue.

In the early stages of development, the disease proceeds without a bright clinic. Over time, pinching of the nerve trunks occurs. At this time, symptoms appear:

1. Pain in different parts of the spine - cervical, thoracic, lumbar.
2. Decreased elasticity of the muscles of the back and neck.
3. Weakening of the muscular corset.
4. Sensitivity changes - numbness, crawling, tingling.
5. Deterioration of limb functions.
6. Feeling of tightness in the back.
7. Discomfort in the internal organs - pain in the chest, abdomen, shortness of breath.
8. Burning in the region of the spine.
9. Headache and dizziness.
10. Decreased visual and hearing acuity.

The clinical picture in each individual patient depends on the location of the damage.

Why does protrusion form?

Typically, such a lesion of the spine develops against the background of advanced forms of osteochondrosis. Other causes and triggers may include:

• excessive physical exertion on the vertebrae or tension due to a long stay in an uncomfortable position;
• bad habits that lead to a violation of the water and electrolyte balance - the abuse of fatty and salty foods, etc .;
• mechanical injuries of the spine - bruises, falls, surgical interventions, damage during childbirth;
• genetically determined pathology of the musculoskeletal system;
• inflammatory lesions of the intervertebral discs;
• scoliosis;
• sedentary lifestyle;
• in women - difficult childbirth.

How to identify pathology

The complexity of diagnosis lies in the fact that in the early stages the protrusion proceeds imperceptibly. The sequence of measures to identify the disease includes:

1. Questioning the patient and taking anamnesis. The doctor explains in detail the nature of the complaints, the events preceding the appearance of pain - injuries, lifting weights, etc.
2. External examination and description of the neurological status - allows you to see the forced position of the body, in which a person experiences less pain.
3. Determination of muscle strength and tone, assessment of pain and tactile sensitivity, reflexes.
4. Radiography is a research method that detects anomalies in the structure of bones and joints, the phenomena of trauma or osteochondrosis, and curvature.
5. Computed and magnetic resonance imaging - allows you to see the protrusion of the intervertebral disc.
6. Electroneuromyography is a study of the functional state of muscle tissue and the conduction of nerve trunks.

Treatment Methods

Therapy for protrusion of the thoracic spine is aimed at eliminating pain and suppressing the progression of the process. To combat the disease, drug treatment, physiotherapy, surgical methods and folk recipes are used.

Medications

Medications are prescribed to relieve pain and inflammation, improve the condition of cartilage tissue and restore nerve conduction. The most commonly used groups are:

1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) - Diclofenac, Movalis, Ibuprofen, Nimesulide, etc.
2. Diuretics to relieve edema during an exacerbation - Lasix, Furosemide, Hypothiazid.
3. Corticosteroid hormones (in cases where NSAIDs are ineffective) - Hydrocortisone, Dexamethasone. Usually such drugs are prescribed in the neurological department of the hospital.
4. Muscle relaxants - Mydocalm, Tolperisone, Baclofen.
5. Chondroprotectors - Terraflex, Alflutop, etc.
6. Vitamin complexes that help improve nerve conduction - Neuromultivit, Milgamma.
7. Means for improving local blood circulation - Pentoxifylline, Eufillin.

With the ineffectiveness of drug therapy, an epidural blockade is done. To do this, local anesthetics and hormones are injected into the affected area.

Surgical intervention

Surgical treatment is indicated in cases where there is compression of the nerve trunks or spinal cord by the bone tissue. With protrusions, this method is used quite rarely.

Traditional neurosurgical surgery involves the removal of parts of the vertebral arches or damaged discs. In this place, an implant is installed from tissue taken from the pelvic bone.

Microsurgical treatment is considered less traumatic. After it, the recovery period is minimal. Endoscopic intervention using a laser is effective and relatively safe.

Gymnastics and exercise therapy

complexes physiotherapy exercises widely used outside the stage of exacerbation. Correctly selected physical exercise allow you to relieve muscle spasm, strengthen the muscle corset, improve blood circulation and nutrition of the discs. Movements should be soft, without jerks and significant load on the spine. The complexes from Dr. Bubnovsky deserved good reviews.
You can learn about other effective exercises by watching the video.

Magnetotherapy

Physiotherapy treatment is used in the acute period and in remission. Magnetotherapy allows you to relieve pain and swelling, helps restore mobility of the spine and prevents further exacerbations. After such a procedure, the blood supply to the affected area improves, and the rate of cartilage regeneration increases.

Manual therapy

This type of non-drug treatment is prescribed to restore the natural position of bones and cartilage. There are 2 types of manual therapy - structural and PIR (post-isometric relaxation). In the first case, work is carried out with ligaments and bones, aimed at correcting the abnormal position of the spine. The second method allows you to create tension and relaxation of muscles in the right places.

Massage

Used to treat protrusion of the thoracic spine different types massage:

• classic therapeutic - aimed at relieving spasms and pain, unloading the core of the disc, creating a muscular corset to support the spine;
• segmental-reflex - the impact on certain parts of the body that are associated with the spinal nerves;

Effective for the treatment of protrusion of the thoracic region is considered to be the impact on the biologically active points of the body by the methods of traditional oriental medicine (shiatsu).

Laser therapy

In the complex treatment of osteochondrosis, the effect of a laser beam on the affected areas of the back is widely used. This procedure helps to normalize metabolic processes in tissues, increases the production of collagen, stimulates the regeneration of the fibrous ring in the intervertebral disc. In the acute period, this type of therapy allows you to treat inflammation and pain.

Folk remedies

You can reduce discomfort and restore mobility in the thoracic spine using traditional medicine recipes.

The affected area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe ridge can be rubbed with alcohol tincture of St. John's wort. For cooking, take 100 g of dry grass and pour 500 ml of vodka. Insist for a week in a dark place, and then filtered. The diseased area is treated with the finished liquid for a month.

Turpentine baths have a stimulating effect, relieve pain and swelling, promote tissue regeneration. To prepare at home, first make a mixture of a piece of grated baby soap, a glass of turpentine and 30 ml of salicylic acid. All ingredients are dissolved in 1 liter hot water. For the treatment of the back, a bath is prepared by adding 3 tablespoons of the mixture to it. The water temperature should be around 45 degrees. The course of treatment is carried out according to the scheme:

1. From day 1 to day 5, the procedure is used daily.
2. From 6 to 20 - do it every other day.
3. From 21 to 40 - 2 times a week.

For the treatment of diseases of the spine, electrophoresis with the drug Karipazim is used. With the help of a weak electric current, the drug penetrates the tissues. As a result, the elasticity of ligaments and cartilage improves, inflammation and swelling resolve.

Possible complications and contraindications in the treatment of protrusions

Undesirable side effects may occur during the treatment of protrusion. Their nature depends on the method of treatment:

1. When taking medications, allergic reactions may develop. In addition, each drug has its own list of side effects. For most medicines, renal and hepatic insufficiency, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and individual intolerance are contraindications for use.
2. Incorrect and untimely massage, manual therapy or exercise therapy can not only worsen the patient's condition, but also lead to the formation of a hernia and complete loss of the disc. Contraindications to these procedures are acute infectious diseases, skin lesions, severe heart failure.
3. Complications during surgery can be general surgical (reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, thrombosis, secondary infection), neurological (limb dysfunction), associated with implant engraftment. Contraindications to surgery may be acute infectious diseases, decompensated pathology of internal organs, pregnancy, blood clotting disorders.
4. When using folk remedies, individual intolerance reactions are possible.

Is it possible to cure protrusion of the thoracic spine

The prognosis for this pathology depends on the stage of development and on what therapeutic measures have been taken.

Protrusion itself is not a sentence. Timely treatment can stop the process. It must be comprehensive and regular.

To combat the pathology of the spine, it is extremely important to normalize body weight, give the body a dosed physical activity and try to maintain the correct posture.

Disease prevention

To prevent the development of protrusion in the thoracic spine, it is important to follow simple rules:

1. Balance the diet - the tissues of the vertebrae and discs need nutrients, calcium, vitamins.
2. Regularly give moderate physical activity to the muscles of the back.
3. Give up smoking and alcohol. These bad habits contribute to the accumulation of toxins in the body and impair tissue respiration, which negatively affects the spine.
4. Lifting weights should be done carefully, keeping your back straight and your legs slightly bent at the knees.
5. Monitor posture and gait, avoid curvature of the spine.
6. Choose an orthopedic mattress and pillow for a night's sleep.

Conclusion

The sooner the fight against the disease is started, the more favorable the prognosis. For the treatment of protrusion of the thoracic spine, conservative methods are used ( medications, physiotherapy, massage and exercise therapy, folk remedies) as well as surgical methods.

Protrusion of the thoracic spine occurs quite rarely - the thoracic intervertebral discs are the least mobile, less prone to deformities than others. Specific symptoms of thoracic protrusion include chest pain, difficulty breathing, arm weakness and loss of hand coordination. Medicines, massage, exercise therapy, physiotherapy will help eliminate the manifestations of pathology.

In the thoracic spine, symptoms of protrusion develop quite rarely, due to the physiological characteristics of this area of ​​the back. The thoracic region is the least mobile of all. And the load on the spine is distributed in such a way that this area is in the most comfortable conditions - after all, the heart and lungs are located here.

In order for the internal organs to be in a protected state, ribs are attached to the vertebrae, which make the thoracic region the least mobile. The spine moves mainly due to the waist and neck. Therefore, protrusion of the intervertebral disc here is a rare occurrence.

Symptoms of protrusion of the thoracic region are most often manifested due to mechanical damage, degenerative-dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs and other diseases. The problem is that the protrusions of the discs here protrude towards the spinal cord. As a result, the risk of its compression is greater.

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Only a doctor can determine how to treat protrusion. The doctor will take into account different points: how long ago the protrusion of the thoracic region began to develop, what symptoms are observed and why it manifests itself. Whether the nerves are clamped, whether there is an inflammatory process. Is there a risk of rupture of the fibrous ring of the thoracic discs and the occurrence of a hernia. If you follow the recommendations of your doctor, you can slow down the development of all degenerative-dystrophic processes and stop the symptoms. And in the future - to avoid the development of complications and surgical intervention.

Symptoms

Symptoms of protrusion of the thoracic spine include:

• Pain in the chest, chronic or acute. It hurts between the ribs, in the region of the shoulder blades (the pain spreads here only when the pathological process has been developing for a long time);
• There is pressure in the chest (the spinal canal narrows);
• It is difficult for the patient to breathe, it is especially painful to inhale;
• The upper limbs go numb, muscle atrophy is observed;
• It is difficult for the patient to move, stiffness is felt;
• Signs of hypertension may appear;
• Partial paralysis of both arms;
• Sharp pain with pressure on the deformed vertebral disc;
• The abdominal muscles weaken and become smaller.

Patients often get to the neurologist's office with an already running pathological process. The problem is that the symptoms are often more like pain in the heart or lungs. Pain can be localized at the top of the abdomen. Therefore, it is not easy to immediately suspect protrusion due to the peculiarities of its symptoms.

Causes of pain

The root of the protrusion of the vertebral discs is in the degenerative-dystrophic processes of the intervertebral discs. Protrusion often becomes a complication of osteochondrosis. sedentary image life, or vice versa, sudden loads lead to the fact that the muscles do not withstand the load on the back. The vertebrae compress the intervertebral discs. Their metabolism is disturbed.

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Violation of nutrition and blood circulation in the disc causes it to lose moisture and elasticity, dry out. As a result, it, like a damaged spring, is pressed through. And excess cartilage tissue comes out. There is a risk of damage to the lining of the disc and the occurrence of a hernia.

Protrusion compresses the nerve roots, which causes their irritation and inflammation, which only worsens the situation. The patient experiences neurological disorders and pain attacks. In the worst cases, there may be pressure on the spinal cord.

Diagnostics

To diagnose protrusion in the thoracic spine, the doctor must first examine its symptoms, and then familiarize yourself with the results of the studies:

• radiographic;
• Myelographic;
• Take a spinal cerebrospinal fluid puncture.

Thanks to these operations, you can find out which vertebral discs are affected, what is the degree of development of the pathology. Find out the cause of the symptoms. Usually, symptoms develop after the protrusion has become two centimeters in size.

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How to stop pain syndrome

In the case of protrusion of the thoracic spine, the treatment will be more effective the sooner it starts. The problem is that chest pain often makes the patient think that the internal organs are affected, and not the spine, and it takes a long time before a visit to a neurologist. And the protrusion progresses during this time.

Preparations

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Diclofenac, Ibuprofen) will help get rid of the pain syndrome if inflammatory processes are observed in the cartilaginous tissues of the discs. In order to regenerate cartilage tissue, protrusion treatment should include taking special drugs, chondroprotectors, which improve metabolic processes in the intervertebral discs and their blood circulation. Painkillers (Ketanov, Ketorol) will also help relieve symptoms. In severe cases, a blockade of the spine with novocaine may be prescribed.

Physiotherapy and massage

To restore good blood circulation in the spinal discs, massage treatments can be prescribed. This will relieve symptoms such as stiffness and pain. Massage with jars or aspirators has a good effect. Massage for protrusions and hernias can only be done by an experienced specialist - otherwise there is a risk of even more harm. Self-massage with symptoms of protrusion of the thoracic region is excluded.

Manual therapy and osteopathy for protrusions are acceptable, but be careful, find out reviews about the particular specialist whose office you are going to visit.

Physiotherapeutic procedures will help relieve pain - electrophoresis, magnetic therapy, low-frequency current treatment. Using painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs in physiotherapy, you can stop the pain symptom, get rid of stiffness of movements.

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Therapeutic exercises will help restore blood circulation to the affected area, stretch the spine, and strengthen the spinal muscles. Thanks to the combination of these positive factors, the intervertebral discs will be released from the pressure of the vertebrae and load, and metabolic processes in the cartilage tissue will improve. But if sharp pains make themselves felt - physiotherapy is not allowed. Classes should be gentle and take place under the supervision of an instructor.

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Protrusion of the intervertebral discs in the thoracic spine is less common than cartilage damage in the cervical and lumbosacral regions. This is explained by the fact that the thoracic region is one of the most protected areas of the spinal column, since the vertebrae in it are well fixed by the ribs and back muscles. The causes of the disease are the same provoking factors as in other types of pathology.

What is the essence of the disease

The intervertebral disc consists of several elements. These are the fibrous ring (a dense cartilage sheath of collagen and elastic fibers) and the nucleus pulposus, which is a gelatinous cartilage. Due to the aging of the body and the impact on the spinal column of external and internal factors, the cartilage shrinks, thickens, loses its cushioning ability.

With the further development of the pathology, the nucleus pulposus shifts towards the weakest, thinned section of the annulus fibrosus. The result is a bulging of the disc on one side, which is called protrusion in medical practice. The main risk of pathology is the transition of protrusion into an intervertebral hernia - a rupture of the cartilage membrane with the subsequent release of the gelatinous contents beyond the fibrous ring.

Causes of pathology

Pathology occurs under the influence of many provoking factors:

• lack of physical activity;
• heredity;
• weakness of the muscular corset;
• scoliosis, poor posture;
• spinal column injuries;
• intense physical activity;
• bad habits.

The internal factors of the disease include the transfer of infectious diseases, diseases of the endocrine system, violation of the body's metabolic processes, hormonal disruptions, and accumulation of salts. Last but not least is the aging of the body, the development inflammatory process in tissues located near the vertebral discs.

To preserve the health of the spinal column and prevent displacement of the thoracic discs, it is important to completely or partially eliminate the causes of the pathology.

How does the disease manifest itself in the thoracic region

Compression of the disc is accompanied by its displacement, which causes pinching of the nerve endings located nearby. This leads to the development of many unpleasant symptoms that get worse as the disease progresses.

The first manifestations of pathology pass unnoticed by the patient.

At the initial stages of the disease, patients note slight discomfort in the sternum, slight tingling when turning the body, and rapid fatigue of the back muscles. The manifestations of the disease quickly pass, a person rarely seeks medical help.

In later stages, the following symptoms develop:

• pain at the site of the affected vertebra;
• swelling of the tissues of the diseased area;
• increased stiffness and pain during movements and turns of the body;
• tingling and numbness in the chest area;
• restriction of mobility;
• muscle weakness.

In addition, there are dangerous neuralgic symptoms of protrusion of the thoracic spine:

1. Partial or complete paralysis of the upper limbs;
2. If you press on the affected vertebra, the patient experiences severe pain, which indicates the development of a median-lateral protrusion.
3. With lateral hernias, the pain has a local sharp character.
4. Increase in blood pressure.
5. Dyspnea.
6. Muscle spasm.
7. Flickering flies before the eyes.

Only a doctor can diagnose a pathology with the help of a visual examination and the use of the necessary instrumental diagnostic methods.

Forms of protrusions

Protrusions in the thoracic region are classified according to the direction of protrusion. The main types include:

1. Central - its other name is median. The protrusion of the disc is directed towards the center of the spinal canal. The danger of the disease is the risk of damage to the spinal cord.
2. Lateral or lateral - in this form, the intervertebral ring protrudes to one side, provoking the risk of squeezing the nerve roots of the spinal cord on the left or right. Lateral protrusion of the thoracic spine occurs in 10% of all cases of the disease.
3. Posterior - the protrusion is directed directly towards the spinal cord. This type of pathology is considered the most dangerous.
4. Posterolateral - the disc protrudes back and slightly to the side. If the nerve endings are not affected, the pathology is asymptomatic or accompanied by short-term, non-intense pain.

Most often, the disease occurs against the background of osteochondrosis. There is a deformation of the cartilage due to a decrease in the height between the vertebrae, compression of the discs, loss of elasticity and cushioning abilities.

Diagnostics

Upon admission of the patient to the hospital, an anamnesis is collected, which includes detailed information about when the first symptoms appeared, what was their intensity, where did the pain go. To determine the causes of the pathology, the doctor takes into account the conditions labor activity the patient, whether infectious diseases preceded the exacerbation of the state of health. Based on the data obtained and the results of instrumental diagnostic methods (ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging), it is possible to form a clear picture of the disease and select the necessary type of treatment.

Treatment Methods

Treatment of protrusion of the thoracic spine depends on the type and size of the protrusion, as well as possible complications for the patient. The goals of therapy include:

1. Improving blood circulation in the tissues of the spine.
2. Elimination of pain and inflammation.
3. Cartilage restoration.
4. Strengthening the muscles of the back.
5. Saturation of the body with vitamins and minerals.
6. Prevention of disease progression.

To achieve the set goals, an integrated approach is used, including drug treatment, physiotherapy, therapeutic exercises - exercises according to the Bubnovsky clinic system, dieting, refusal to bad habits.

Features of treatment with medications

Synthetic drugs are used to eliminate pain, swelling, inflammation. To do this, use the following group of drugs:

1. Restorative vitamin complexes- contribute to the strengthening of the body, establish tissue metabolism, normalize the course of nervous processes. These are such drugs - Osteo-Vit, Omega - 3, Complivit.
2. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - their action is aimed at relieving pain, inflammation. Use Ibuprofen, Indomethacin.
3. Muscle relaxants - have the ability to relieve muscle spasm. Among them are Mephedol, Mydocalm, Sibazon.
4. Chondroprotectors - provide restoration of cartilage tissue, its elasticity. Popular means are Artro-Active, Struktum, Alflutop.
5. Sedative (soothing) drugs - help relieve nervous tension, normalize the psychosomatic state of the patient. These include Valerian, Motherwort, Persen. To reduce the tone of the autonomic nervous system at home, traditional medicine is also used - herbal decoctions and infusions.

Medicines are taken under the strict supervision of a doctor with strict adherence to prescribed doses. Self-medication is unacceptable, as it can provoke a deterioration in health.

Types of physiotherapy

It is recommended to treat protrusions with the help of physiotherapy methods. The use of heat, light, electricity helps to restore the affected tissues, normalize blood flow and lymph flow, reduce the manifestations of the disease, and prevent the development of complications. The most popular methods include:

• acupuncture;
• ultrasound;
• magnetotherapy;
• electrophoresis;
• laser treatment.

Apparatus therapy is complemented by such types of treatment as massage, therapeutic exercises, the use of mud, clay.

Surgery

Treatment of the spine with the formation of protrusions can be carried out with the help of surgery. Indications for surgical intervention is the ineffectiveness of other methods of treatment, severe damage to the nerve endings, a large size of the protrusion with the risk of its transition to a hernia, a strong deterioration in the quality of life of the patient.

The operation is an extreme measure, since the method has many contraindications, complications and relapses of the pathology often occur. After spinal surgery, young man cannot be given to the army, because the defeat of the central nervous system cannot be compared with another disease. Gastroduodenitis, for example.

When faced with a disease such as protrusion, it is extremely important to take all measures to treat it in a timely manner. The advanced stages of the pathology carry the risk of developing serious neuralgic disorders, the formation of hernias. Careful attention to your body will help prevent complications and maintain health for many years.

Protrusion refers to certain degenerative processes occurring in the intervertebral discs, which are characterized by a significant protrusion of the disc core while maintaining the integrity of the outer ring.

Such violations of the structure of the spine are least likely to occur in the thoracic segment, and are mainly due to serious injuries, diseases or an unhealthy lifestyle. The stable fixation of the vertebrae of this segment is provided by the ribs, so this part of the spine is the least mobile.

Symptoms of protrusion of the thoracic spine vary depending on the degree of development of the disease. In the early stages, any discomfort is habitually ignored by the patient. However, breast protrusions are dangerous and have several features that appear gradually as the disease progresses. It depends on which vertebra out of 12 possible.

Pain

Pain, backache and tingling make themselves felt already at a serious stage in the development of the disease, when the bulge harms the nerve roots. Contrary to popular belief that pain in the lesion of the thoracic vertebrae has a clear localization at the site of the pathology, discomfort can occur even in the upper and lower extremity girdle. It depends on which of the 12 possible vertebrae has undergone protrusion.

Movement disorders, stiffness of movements

Protrusion of the thoracic segment of the spine involves narrowing of the channels and the rapid spread of pain along the spinal nerves, which often leads to muscle weakness, swelling and stiffness in the back when changing position of the body.

Worsening with physical activity

The presence of such a symptom is explained from the point of view of the structure of the human skeleton: a more rigid fixation of the thoracic vertebrae entails difficulties in any habitual movements, since the lesions involve important nerve nodes.

Sensitivity changes

Many patients with a bulging disc in the chest area experience symptoms such as:

• Numbness;
• Shooting;
• Tingling.

These processes can have a different character and intensity, be observed constantly or periodically, and have a different location.

Intercostal neuralgia

As a result of prolonged compression of the nerve endings, a noticeable weakening of the intercostal muscles occurs, which, in turn, leads to severe pain. This symptom is typical for the last stages of the development of the disease.

Associated symptoms

Some patients have subtle symptoms that make it difficult to prescribe timely treatment or cause confusion with the diagnosis:

• Headaches;
• Increasing pressure;
• fainting;
• Muscle contractions in the chest.

The presence of such clinical picture requires participation in the diagnosis of more complex research methods and consultations of narrow specialists.

Neurological symptoms

The presence of certain features is due to the vector of protrusion of the disc and is of decisive importance for the appointment of adequate treatment:

• The central protrusion is characterized by symmetrical paresis of the hands;
• For median-lateral - pain is clearly at the site of the projection of the affected vertebra, while unpleasant sensations change their intensity even with palpation;
• Lateral protrusion provides for the presence of pain strictly at certain points on the spine.

The nerve roots in the vertebrae of the thoracic segment are the center of the accumulation of a huge number of fibers that are directly connected with internal organs. Pain can manifest itself not only directly in the area of ​​the affected vertebra, but also in the chest and even the abdomen. This feature often leads to misdiagnosis of the disease. Protrusions of the thoracic segment are confused with heart disease, exacerbation of gastritis or pancreatitis.