Thoracic osteochondrosis is a rather dangerous pathology, which is explained by the difficult process of diagnosing it, so 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 certain tendency towards a significant "rejuvenation" of this disease, so it is important to know the main symptoms and treatment for clinical improvement. picture of disease. The difficulty of diagnosis is due to the fact that the vertebrae located in the thoracic region are the least susceptible to stress and injury. However, limited mobility is not a guarantee of safety, so pathological occurrences in this department are also very common. Statistics show that this disease is not directly related to the aging process and gender.
Disease specific
This disease is characterized by a pathological process that leads to negative changes in tissue structure. As a result, the destruction of the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc may occur, and, as a result, the protrusion of the nucleus pulposus. This condition is dangerous because there is a risk of spinal cord compression and further disability of the person. The development of the disease in childhood can cause premature aging of the musculoskeletal system even before its final formation. That is why, timely diagnosis of pathology in the early stages, when the destruction of the vertebrae and adjacent tissues has not yet occurred, is very important.
Clinical symptoms
The disease manifests itself in completely different ways, depending on the stage. Therefore, we will highlight the general symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region:
- illIt can happen not only when performing any action, but also when being in a static position for a long time.
- Stiffness of movement, preventing free rotation of the body.
- Difficulty breathing is caused by a strong feeling of pressure in the middle of the back.
- Problems with the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and other internal organs.
Often the disease manifests itself as pain on the left side of the chest, which can be interpreted as a symptom of heart pathology. This complicates the diagnosis, but the specialist assesses the whole of all the patient's complaints, which allows the correct interpretation of all the symptoms present. Knowing what symptoms there are for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, you can immediately seek qualified help. We advise you to pay more attention to the signals your body is giving you.
When making a diagnosis, it is important to know how osteochondrosis of the thoracic region manifests itself, because this disease is dangerous, so it is easy to confuse it with other diseases. Based on the nature of the pain, we can distinguish the main types of osteochondrosis. One condition is characterized by prolonged pain in the damaged area of the spine, and the second is characterized by the occurrence of acute attacks that literally prevent a person's movement, complicating his respiratory function.
Cause of disease
The following causes of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can be identified:
- Pathological processes that negatively affect the disc structure. In particular, there is a certain genetic predisposition to this disease.
- Lack of activities related to the performance of one's work functions and leisure activities.
- Scoliosis, which causes increased pressure on certain areas of the spine.
- Mechanical damage to the chest.
- Strength training that involves lifting heavy weights.
- Frequent stressful situations.
- Body hypothermia.
- Calcium deficiency.
- Hormonal disorders.
Classification of diseases
Intervertebral osteochondrosis develops in stages, each characterized by its own negative manifestations:
- First degree.The initial stage is characterized by the condition when moisture loss occurs in the intervertebral disc. Elasticity decreases, pain of low intensity appears, which disappears completely when the person takes a comfortable position.
- second degree.Moisture loss in the disc continues. As a result, it becomes smaller and cracks appear, some of them quite deep. The muscle corset tries to adjust, trying to maintain the stability of the spine, which leads to spasms and quite severe pain in the back, chest and limbs.
- third degree.At this stage, the penetration of the nucleus pulposus to the outside is observed. At its core, it is an intervertebral hernia, where the pain continues throughout the day. A person has to change his type of activity to one where the unpleasant sensations will not be so intense.
- Fourth grade.Advanced osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is dangerous because serious reorganization of all tissues begins to occur at the site of damage. There is a natural replacement of fibrous ring tissue with bone, which leads to severe stiffness of movement. The appearance of osteophytes and deformation of the spine is also observed.
Exacerbation period
Manifestations of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region in the acute stage are characterized by the appearance of paroxysmal pain, which is very difficult to reduce with available means. Self-medication at this stage is unacceptable, so you should immediately see a doctor or call emergency help to relieve pain. Only a neurologist can correctly interpret your complaint and prescribe the appropriate further examination and treatment. During an exacerbation, it is very important to alleviate the patient's condition. Exacerbation of the disease can be caused by various factors, including stressful situations, hypothermia, and activities related to intense stress. In this situation, there is a significant deterioration in the patient's well-being, breathing may become difficult, and mobility may be limited. In some cases, hospitalization in a hospital may be necessary.
Basic diagnostic methods
Signs of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region are the appearance of pain in different locations, stiffness of movement, and difficulty breathing. The difficulty of 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 will make it possible to make an accurate diagnosis, on the basis of which the neurologist prescribes the appropriate therapy. It all starts with a detailed interview with the patient, identifying existing complaints and concomitant diseases. After collecting the anamnesis, the doctor continues the examination himself with special tests. The patient must then undergo the necessary laboratory tests, as well as x-rays and MRI. Magnetic resonance imaging allows you to study the condition of the spine in more detail, identify 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 for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region. After confirming the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes an individual treatment regimen for the patient. It is necessary to take into account age and the presence of concomitant diseases, as well as allergies to certain drugs. In the first stage, treatment is carried out using various drugs: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics and antispasmodics. The main goal at this stage is to alleviate the patient's condition, reduce pain and spasm of muscle tissue. In particularly severe cases, when relieving acute pain immediately, anesthetic blocks are 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 a comprehensive approach that combines the use of several techniques. Only such therapy cannot provide a one-time positive result, but an improvement in the clinical picture over time.
Physiotherapy
Therapeutic exercises are carried out after pain relief. It is very important to do all movements slowly, avoiding sudden movements, to avoid worsening the situation. Remember that if exercise causes you pain, you should stop immediately and see a doctor.
Massage treatment
Muscle spasms, hypertonicity, pain - this is how the disease manifests itself. To eliminate these symptoms, massage can be used, which should be done by a qualified specialist. This procedure can be used not only for therapeutic purposes, but also as a good preventive measure.
Prevention
The consequences of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine will not be so strong if you strictly follow certain medical recommendations. If the specialist has prescribed bed rest for you, then under no circumstances should you ignore it, otherwise your condition may worsen. A person must limit himself in physical activity, so he should refuse to go to the gym or work with weights. An important component of primary prevention is the timely identification of individuals during medical examinations who have early signs of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. Another no less important thing is proper nutrition, which involves avoiding certain foods. It is necessary to limit the use of salt, so smoked meat, various spicy spices and pickles should be removed from the diet.
It is very important to use chondroprotective drugs that slow down the development of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, nourish and improve metabolic processes in cartilage tissue.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can be treated. To do this, you must strictly follow your doctor's recommendations, as well as adhere to the prescribed treatment regimen. Early osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is well treated, so it is very important to be more attentive to your body, reacting to the slightest symptoms of the disease. To avoid the possibility of recurrence, you need to follow preventive measures and monitor your posture, which is especially important when working inactively. Contact only qualified doctors, because only they can prescribe an efficient treatment regimen and further recovery.