Thoracic osteochondrosis is a very dangerous pathology, which is explained by the difficult process of its diagnosis, which is why it is often possible to identify the disease only in advanced stages. Initially, osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is considered a disease of the elderly, but recently there has been a tendency to significantly "rejuvenate" this disease, so it is important to know the main symptoms and treatment to improve the clinical picture ofthe disease.
The complexity of the 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, which is why the occurrence of pathologies in this department is also very common. As statistics show, this disease is not directly related to the aging process and gender.
Specifics of the disease
This disease is characterized by pathological processes that lead to negative changes in tissue structure. As a result, the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc itself may rupture and, as a result, the bulge of the pulpal nucleus may bulge. This condition is dangerous because there is a risk of spinal cord compression and further damage to the face.
The progression of the disease in childhood can lead to premature aging of the musculoskeletal system even before its final formation. Therefore, it is extremely important to diagnose the pathology in a timely manner in the early stages, when the destruction of the vertebrae and adjacent tissues has not yet occurred.
Clinical symptoms
This disease manifests itself in completely different ways, depending on the stage. Therefore, we will emphasize the general symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine:
- Pain. It can occur not only when performing any action, but also during prolonged stay in a static position.
- Stiffness of movement that impedes the free rotation of the body.
- Shortness of breath caused by a feeling of strong pressure in the middle of the back.
- Problems with the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and other internal organs.
Very often the disease manifests itself as painful sensations on the left side of the chest, which can be interpreted as symptoms of cardiac pathology. This complicates the diagnosis, but the specialist assesses the totality of all the patient's complaints, which makes it possible to correctly interpret all existing symptoms.
Knowing the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the chest, you can immediately seek qualified help. We advise you to pay more attention to the signals that your body gives.
When making a diagnosis, it is important to know how osteochondrosis of the chest manifests, as this disease is insidious, so it is easy to confuse it with other diseases. Based on the nature of the pain, the main types of osteochondrosis of the chest can be distinguished. One condition is characterized by prolonged pain in the damaged area of the spine, and the second is characterized by the appearance of acute attacks, literally holding back a person's movements, which impairs his respiratory functions.
Causes of the disease
The following causes of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can be distinguished:
- Pathological processes that adversely affect the structure of the discs. In particular, there is a certain genetic predisposition to this disease.
- Lack of activity related to the performance of their work functions and the peculiarities of leisure time.
- Scoliosis, which is the cause of increased stress on certain parts of the spine.
- Mechanical damage to the chest.
- Strength training related to lifting heavy loads.
- Regular stressful situations.
- Hypothermia of the body.
- Lack of calcium.
- Hormonal disorders.
Classification of the disease
Intervertebral osteochondrosis of the chest develops in stages, each of which is characterized by its negative manifestations:
- First degree. The initial stage of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is characterized by a condition where there is a loss of moisture from the intervertebral disc. Elasticity decreases, painful sensations of low intensity appear, which completely disappear when a person takes a comfortable position.
- Second specialty. The disc continues to lose moisture. As a result, it becomes smaller, cracks appear, some of them are quite deep. The muscular corset tries to adapt, trying to maintain the stability of the spine, which leads to spasms and severe pain in the back, chest and limbs.
- Third degree. At this stage, a breakthrough of the pulpal nucleus is observed outside. It is basically an intervertebral hernia in which the pain continues throughout the day. One is forced to change the type of activity to one in which the discomfort will not be so strong.
- Fourth degree. Extended osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is dangerous, as at the site of injury begins a serious restructuring of all tissues. There is a natural replacement of the tissue of the fibrous ring with bone, which leads to severe stiffness of movements. There is also the appearance of osteophytes, deformity of the spine.
Period of exacerbation
The manifestation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region in the acute stage is characterized by the appearance of paroxysmal pain, which is extremely difficult to relieve with improvised means. Self-medication at this stage is unacceptable, so you should see a doctor urgently or call an ambulance to relieve the pain.
Only a neurologist can correctly interpret your complaints by prescribing appropriate follow-up and treatment. During exacerbations, it is extremely important to alleviate the patient's condition.
Exacerbation of the disease can be caused by various factors, including stressful situations, hypothermia and activities associated with intense exercise. In this condition, there is a significant deterioration in the patient's well-being, breathing may be difficult and mobility may be limited. In some cases, hospitalization may be required.
Basic diagnostic methods
Signs of osteochondrosis of the chest are the appearance of pain with different localization, stiffness of movements, as well as difficulty breathing. The complexity of the diagnosis lies in the fact that a huge number of diseases of different nature correspond to this description. More specifically, there is such a concept - "gastrological syndrome", which is characterized by the appearance of pain in the epigastrium, which can be misinterpreted as manifestations of gastritis or other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Only modern diagnostic methods will allow to make an accurate diagnosis, based on which the neurologist prescribes the appropriate therapy. It all starts with a detailed interview of the patient, clarification of existing complaints and related diseases.
After collecting the anamnesis, the doctor proceeds directly to the examination 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 in more detail the condition of the spine, to identify existing pathologies, the size and location of the hernia (if any).
How does the healing process work?
It is extremely important to know what to do with osteochondrosis of the chest area. After confirming the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes an individual treatment regimen for the patient. It is necessary to take into account the age and the presence of concomitant diseases, as well as allergies to certain drugs.
In the first stage, treatment is performed with the help of various drugs: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics and antispasmodics.
The main goal at this stage is to alleviate the patient's condition, to reduce the pain syndrome and muscle spasms. In particularly severe cases, when immediate relief of acute pain is needed, analgesic blockades are used.
Topical agents in the form of ointments and gels can also be used, but their effectiveness is slightly lower due to the difficulty in delivering active substances to the lesions.
In general, the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis is an integrated approach that combines the use of several methods at once. Only such therapy can give not a one-time positive result, but an improvement in the clinical picture over time.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is performed after pain relief. It is extremely important that all movements are performed slowly, avoiding sudden movements to prevent deterioration.
Remember that if exercise causes you pain, stop immediately and see a doctor.
Massage procedures
Muscle spasms, hypertension, pain - this is how osteochondrosis of the chest manifests itself. To eliminate these symptoms, a massage can be used, which must be performed by a qualified specialist. These procedures 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 your specialist has prescribed bed rest, then in no case should you ignore this, otherwise your condition may worsen. One has to limit oneself to physical activity, so one will have to refuse to go to the gym, to work out with weights.
An important component of primary prevention is the timely identification of individuals during medical examinations who have initial signs of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. Another, no less important point is proper nutrition, which involves avoiding certain foods. It is necessary to limit the use of salt, so smoked meats, various spicy spices and pickles will have to be removed from the diet.
It is very important to use drugs with chondroprotective action, which slow down the progression of osteochondrosis of the chest, nourish and improve metabolic processes in cartilage.
Conclusion
Thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine can be treated. In order for this to be possible, you must strictly follow the recommendations of your doctor, as well as adhere to the established treatment regimen. The initial osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is best treated, so it is extremely important to be more attentive to your body, responding to the slightest symptoms of the disease.
To avoid possible recurrence, you should follow preventive measures, monitor your posture, which is especially important when sitting at work. Contact only qualified doctors, because only they will be able to prescribe a competent treatment regimen and further recovery.