One of the most common pathologies in the musculoskeletal system of the body is thoracic osteochondrosis.As a result of the development of this disease, a person's spinal column is deformed.Such pathology leads not only to impaired ability to move fully, but also to functional impairment of several organs and systems.This disease is accompanied by severe pain.
Symptoms and signs of the disease
One of the common reasons why someone goes to the doctor is pain.In the case of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, the pain syndrome may have several characteristics:
- Following the pain, numbness was felt in the chest, which gradually spread to the left arm.
- The pain syndrome occurs in the normal position of the body, accompanied by a burning sensation in the chest.
- Pain is not only in the sternum, but also in the heart, liver, stomach and even the kidneys.This phenomenon is explained by the fact that the disease "masks" itself as another disease.
- Occurrence of pain with sudden bending and increased breathing.
- Pain sensations increase at night.
But osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is characterized not only by pain, but also by some other signs:
- Decreased mobility in the thoracic spine.
- Paresthesia (Goosebumps).
- Decreases sensitivity (perception of touch, temperature).
- Motor activity is affected.
Stages of osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region develops in stages.Their duration depends on the personality of the organism and the causes that cause the disease.In total, there are four stages of disease development, each of which has several clinical features.
First stage
First, the intervertebral disc begins to "lose water," as a result, its firmness and elasticity decrease, although the damaged vertebra can still withstand all physical stress.As a result, the intervertebral disc gradually flattens and decreases in height.In the first stage, the formation of protrusions begins.
The patient complains of focal pain syndrome: pain is felt only in the damaged area of the spine.The nature of the pain is constant, perhaps in the form of Lumbago.Sometimes a person notices a strange pain in the heart, uncontrollable muscle contractions like spasms.
Second stage
The fibrous ring is covered with cracks, the spinal segment becomes unstable.Patients note pain, which increases during movement, as well as discomfort that occurs during long-term posture.In the second stage, subluxations may appear.
At this stage, chest osteochondrosis, which is indicated by subluxations, is characterized by additional symptoms: discomfort, weakness, intercostal pain, pain not only in the chest organs, but also in the limbs.Subluxations with osteochondrosis are dangerous because they can show themselves after an indefinite period.
Third Stage
At this stage, osteochondrosis of the cervicothoracic spine is very difficult for the sick person not to see it.In the spinal segment, the fibrous ring breaks, causing a hernia to form in the intervertebral disc.Therefore, a person not only experiences severe pain, but also sees signs of dysfunction of other organs and systems.
The person has muscle-tonic and neurovascular disorders.The mobility of the spinal column is limited due to the formation of kyphosis or scoliosis.As a result of this process, the level of fixation of the spine decreases.
Fourth stage
As the disease progresses, the intervertebral cartilage begins to lose its function.The vertebrae surrounding the damaged spinal segment do not find the usual resistance because of the cartilage, so they begin to gradually approach together.As a result of this process, the intervertebral joints become deformed and spondyloarthrosis or spondylolisthesis develops.
To preserve the spinal column, the body activates a process to compensate for the lost function: the damaged vertebra begins to gradually expand in width, thereby increasing its area.The tissue in the fibrous ring that is destroyed is replaced by bone.At this stage, the patient notices a decrease in pain, but it is replaced by limited mobility (spinal column above the damaged area).
Treatment methods for thoracic osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the cervicothoracic region is not a fatal disease, which can be cured with proper treatment.The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the easier it is to get rid of it.
Currently, treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis is carried out using the following methods:
- Conservative treatment.
- Attractiveness.
- Surgical treatment.
Drug treatment is based on the following principles.The main one is the fight against pain and inflammation.To eliminate pain, doctors use anti-inflammatory drugs.
Improves the condition of cartilage tissue.For this purpose, doctors write patients prescriptions for chondroprotectors.
Relieves muscle spasms.Often the movement of the spinal column is limited by tight muscles.To eliminate this pathology, doctors prescribe muscle relaxants.
To reduce pain, doctors recommend their patients use various ointments that have a warming effect.
The dosage of the drug is controlled by the attending physician.Patients should remember that medicines should be taken in the order indicated by the doctor.You can not mix drugs or replace them with analogues without the knowledge of your doctor.
In addition to drug treatment, doctors practice acupuncture, reflexology, physiotherapy, and massage.Each treatment method must be discussed with a doctor and performed by a specialist.
In the early stages of the disease, all treatment of osteochondrosis is limited to gymnastics and special exercises.Drug therapy consists of prescription drugs that increase metabolism and vitamin therapy.
Patients are not recommended to engage in gymnastics without the supervision of an attending physician.It should be remembered that during the period of acute illness, physical training cannot be done.Which exercise therapy is chosen depends on the location of the damaged segment in the spinal column.
As a result of osteochondrosis
If the disease is not treated, it progresses.If the treatment is successful, the risk of complications is minimized.The main complications are:
- Sciatica.
- Vs.
- Intervertebral hernia.
- Radiculitis.
- Migraine.
- Lumbago.
- Spondyloarthrosis.
- Spondylolysis.
- Disability.
- Decreased hearing or vision.
- Epicondylitis.
Disease prevention
To prevent the development of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, you should always take care of your health.
To begin with, you should exclude all factors that can trigger the development of osteochondrosis: do not forget about the dangers of heavy physical activity, follow the rules of maintaining correct posture.
Everyone should have a regular medical exam.If during the medical examination, the doctor reveals the main pathology of the spinal column, the patient should immediately make an appointment with an orthopedist.
To avoid this disease, it is necessary to immediately treat all diseases that arise in the musculoskeletal system.After suffering an injury, it is mandatory to undergo a rehabilitation course.
It is necessary to take care of your body: Change your body position more often during work, avoid hypothermia and overheating, and always be under the supervision of a doctor.
At home, one can support his body with the help of gymnastics.Their task is to strengthen the back muscles and improve the health of the body.
The best prevention of any disease is a balanced diet.Your diet should include not only vegetables, but also vitamin complexes, which must be taken in spring and winter.To strengthen the musculoskeletal system, you can use massage, medicines, and swimming.