Thoracic osteochondrosis is a relatively dangerous pathology, which is explained by its difficult diagnostic process, therefore, it is often possible to identify the disease only at an advanced stage. Initially, osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine was considered a disease of the elderly, but recently there has been a definite tendency towards "rejuvenation" of the disease, so it is important to know the main symptoms and treatments to improve the clinical picture of the disease.
The complexity of the diagnosis is due to the fact that the vertebrae located in the thoracic region are least prone to stress and injury. However, restricted movement is not a guarantee of safety, therefore, pathological occurrences in this department are also very common. As statistics show, the disease is not directly related to the aging process and gender.
Specificity of the disease
The disease is characterized by pathological processes that lead to negative changes in tissue structure. As a result, destruction of the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc itself can occur, and, as a consequence, protrusion of the nucleus pulposus. This condition is dangerous because there is a risk of spinal cord compression and disability of others.
The development of the disease in childhood can lead to premature aging of the musculoskeletal system even before the final formation. That is why, it is very important to diagnose the pathology in a timely manner at an early stage, when the destruction of the vertebrae and adjacent tissues has not yet occurred.
Clinical symptoms
The disease manifests itself in completely different ways, depending on its stage. Therefore, we will highlight the common symptoms of thoracic spine osteochondrosis:
- It hurts. This can arise not only when performing any action, but also during prolonged in a static position.
- Stiffness of movement that interferes with the free rotation of the body.
- Shortness of breath, caused by strong pressure in the middle of the buttocks.
- Problems with the function of the gastrointestinal tract and other internal organs.
Often, the disease manifests itself as a painful sensation on the left side of the chest, which can be interpreted as a symptomatology of cardiac pathology. This complicates the diagnosis, but the specialist evaluates the whole of all the patient's complaints, making it possible to correctly interpret all the symptoms present.
Knowing what are the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, you can immediately seek qualified help. We advise you to pay more attention to the signals given by your body.
When making a diagnosis, it is important to know how osteochondrosis of the thoracic region manifests itself, because the disease is dangerous, so it is easy to confuse it with other diseases. Based on the nature of the pain, the main types of thoracic spine osteochondrosis can be distinguished. One condition is characterized by prolonged pain in the damaged area of the spine, and the second is characterized by the occurrence of an acute attack, literally restraining a person’s movements, thus complicating his or her respiratory function.
The cause of the disease
The following causes of thoracic spine osteochondrosis can be distinguished:
- Pathological processes that negatively affect the structure of the disc. In particular, there is a certain genetic predisposition to this disease.
- Lack of activities related to the performance of their job functions and the privilege of leisure activities.
- Scoliosis, which is the cause of increased pressure on certain parts of the spine.
- Mechanical damage to the chest.
- Strength training is associated with lifting large loads.
- Ordinary stressful situations.
- Body hypothermia.
- Calcium deficiency.
- Hormone Disorders.
Classification of diseases
Intervertebral osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine develops gradually, each characterized by its own negative manifestations:
- First degree. The early stage of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is characterized by a condition when there is a loss of moisture by the intervertebral disc. Decreased elasticity, painful sensations with low intensity appear, which disappear completely when a person assumes a comfortable posture.
- Second degree. The disc continues to lose moisture. As a result, it becomes smaller, cracks appear, some of which are quite deep. Muscle corsets try to adapt, trying to maintain spinal stability, which leads to severe cramps and pain in the back, chest and limbs.
- Third degree. At this stage, there is an outward penetration of the nucleus pulposus. In essence, it is an intervertebral hernia where the pain persists throughout the day. One has to change the type of activity into an activity where the discomfort is not so intense.
- Fourth grade. Extended osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is dangerous because at the site of damage, a serious reorganization of all tissues begins to occur. There is a natural replacement of fibrous annulus tissue with bone, which causes severe stiffness of movement. The appearance of osteophytes, spinal deformities were also observed.
Period of exacerbation
Manifestations of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region at the stage of exacerbation are characterized by the appearance of paroxysmal pain, which is very difficult to overcome by improvised methods. Self-medication at this stage is not acceptable, so you should see a doctor immediately or call emergency help for pain relief.
Only a neurologist can correctly interpret your complaint, prescribe appropriate examination and follow -up treatment. During suffering, it is very important to alleviate the patient’s condition.
Exacerbation of the disease can be caused by a variety of factors, including stressful situations, hypothermia, and activities associated with strong loads. In these conditions, a deterioration in the patient’s well -being is observed, breathing may be difficult, and movement may be limited. In some cases, hospital treatment may be required.
Basic diagnostic methods
Signs of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are the appearance of pain from different localizations, stiffness of movement, and even difficulty breathing. The complexity of the diagnosis lies in the fact that a large number of diseases of various natures fit this description. In particular, there is such a concept - "gastrological syndrome", which is characterized by the occurrence of pain in the epigastrium, which can be misinterpreted as a manifestation of gastritis or other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Only modern diagnostic methods make it possible to make an accurate diagnosis, based on which the neurologist prescribes the appropriate therapy. It all started with a detailed interview of the patient, an explanation of any complaints and related illnesses.
After collecting the history, the doctor proceeded with his own examination with special tests. Then the patient must undergo the necessary laboratory tests, as well as X-rays and MRI. Magnetic resonance imaging allows you to study in more detail the condition of the spine, identify the existing pathology, the size and location of the hernia (if any).
How does the treatment process work?
It is very important to know what to do with osteochondrosis of the thoracic region. After confirming the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes an individual therapy regimen for the patient. It is necessary to consider the age and the presence of concomitant diseases, as well as allergies to certain drugs.
In the first stage, treatment is carried out using a variety of drugs: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics and antispasmodics.
The main goal at this stage is to alleviate the patient’s condition, reduce pain syndrome and muscle tissue spasm. In very severe cases, when it is urgently needed to relieve acute pain, analgesic blockade is used.
Local agents in the form of ointments and gels can also be used, but their effectiveness is somewhat lower, due to the difficulty of delivering the active ingredient to the lesion.
In general, the treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is an integrated approach that combines the use of several methods at once. Only such therapies can not provide a one -time positive result, but improve the clinical picture over time.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is performed after pain relief. It is very important to do all movements slowly, avoid sudden movements, to avoid deterioration of the situation.
Remember that if exercise makes you sick, stop immediately and see a doctor.
Massage procedure
Muscle cramps, hypertonicity, pain - this is how osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine manifests itself. To get rid of these symptoms, massage can be used, which should be done by a qualified professional. This procedure can be used not only for therapeutic purposes, but also as a good preventive measure.
Prophylaxis
The consequences of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine will not be so strong if you follow certain medical recommendations. If a specialist prescribes a bed for you, then you should never ignore this, otherwise your condition may worsen. One should limit oneself to doing physical activities, so he should refuse to visit the gym, work with weights.
An important component of primary prevention is the timely identification of people during medical examinations who have early signs of thoracic spine osteochondrosis. Another thing that is no less important is proper nutrition, which means avoiding certain foods. It is necessary to limit the use of salt, so smoked meats, various spicy spices and pickles should be removed from the diet.
It is very important to use drugs of chondroprotective action, which slow down the development of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, nourish and enhance metabolic processes in cartilage tissue.
In conclusion
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can be treated. In order for this to be done, you must adhere to the recommendations of the attending physician, as well as adhere to a prescribed therapy regimen. Early osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is best treated, so it is very important to pay more attention to your body, responding to the slightest symptom of the disease.
To avoid the possibility of a relapse, you need to follow preventive measures, monitor your body posture, which is very important when not working. Contact only a qualified physician, as only they can prescribe a competent treatment regimen and further rehabilitation.