One of the most common pathologies of the musculoskeletal system of the body is thoracic osteochondrosis.As a result of the development of the disease, a person's spine is deformed.Such a pathology leads not only to a violation of the ability to fully move, but also to the malfunctioning of some organs and systems.The disease is accompanied by severe pain.
Symptoms and signs of the disease
One of the common reasons why a person goes to the doctor is pain.In the case of osteochondrosis of the chest, the pain syndrome can have a number of characteristics:
- After the pain, a tingling sensation is felt in the chest, which gradually spreads to the left arm.
- The pain syndrome appears in a normal position of the body, accompanied by a burning sensation in the chest.
- Pain 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 is "masked" under other diseases.
- The appearance of pain with sudden bending and rapid breathing.
- The feeling of pain increases at night.
But osteochondrosis of the chest is characterized not only by pain, but also by a number of other signs:
- Decreased mobility in the chest.
- Paresthesia (goosebumps).
- Reduced sensitivity (perception of touch, temperature).
- Impaired motor activity.
Stages of osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the chest develops in stages.Their duration depends on the individuality of the organism and the reasons that caused the disease.In total, there are four stages of disease development, each of which has a number of clinical characteristics.
First stage
First, the intervertebral disc begins to "lose water", as a result of which its stiffness and elasticity decrease, although the damaged vertebra is still able to withstand all physical loads.As a result, the intervertebral disc gradually flattens and decreases in height.At the first stage, the formation of protrusions begins.
The patient complains of focal pain syndrome: the pain is felt only in the area of the damaged spine.The nature of the pain is constant, it is possible in the form of lumbago.Sometimes a person notices a strange pain in the heart, uncontrolled contraction of muscles like spasms.
Second stage
The fibrous ring becomes covered with cracks, the spinal segment becomes unstable.The patient notes pain that intensifies during movement, as well as discomfort that occurs with prolonged postures.In the second stage, subluxations may occur.
At this stage, osteochondrosis of the chest, manifested 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 appear after an indefinite period of time.
Third stage
At this stage, osteochondrosis of the cervico-thoracic spine is very difficult for a sick person not to notice.In the spinal segment, the annulus fibrosus tears, resulting in the formation of a herniated disc in the intervertebral disc.Therefore, a person not only experiences severe pain, but also notices signs of malfunctioning of other organs and systems.
The person has muscle-tonic and neurovascular disorders.The mobility of the spine is limited due to the formation of kyphosis or scoliosis.As a result of these processes, the degree of fixation of the spine decreases.
Fourth stage
As the disease progresses, the intervertebral cartilage begins to lose its function.The vertebrae around the damaged spinal segment do not encounter the usual resistance due to the cartilage, so they gradually begin to converge.As a result of this process, the intervertebral joints are deformed and spondyloarthrosis or spondylolisthesis develops.
To preserve the spine, the body activates processes to compensate for the lost functions: the damaged vertebra begins to gradually grow in width, thereby increasing its area.The tissue in the destroyed annulus fibrosus is replaced by bone.At this stage, the patient notices a decrease in pain, but it is replaced by limited mobility (the spine ossifies in the damaged area).
Methods of treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the cervico-thoracic region is not a fatal disease that can be cured with the right treatment.The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the easier it will be to get rid of it.
Currently, the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis is carried out by the following methods:
- Conservative treatment.
- Traction.
- Surgical treatment.
Drug treatment is based on the following principles.The main thing is the fight against pain and inflammation.To eliminate pain, doctors use anti-inflammatory drugs.
Improving the condition of cartilage tissue.For this purpose, doctors give patients a prescription for chondroprotectors.
Relief of muscle spasm.Often the movement of the spine is restricted by tight muscles.To eliminate this pathology, doctors prescribe muscle relaxants.
To reduce pain, doctors recommend their patients to use various ointments that have a warming effect.
The dosage of the drugs is controlled by the attending physician.The patient must remember that the drugs must be taken in the order indicated by the doctor.You should not mix medicines or replace them with analogues without the knowledge of your doctor.
In addition to drug treatment, doctors practice acupuncture, reflexology, physical therapy and massage.Any method of treatment should be discussed with a doctor and carried out 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 prescribing drugs that improve metabolism and vitamin therapy.
Patients are not recommended to engage in gymnastics without the supervision of the attending physician.It should be borne in mind that physical exercises cannot be done during the acute period of the disease.Each exercise therapy is selected depending on the location of the damaged segment in the spine.
Consequences 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.
- VSD.
- Intervertebral hernia.
- Radiculitis.
- migraine
- Lumbago.
- Spondyloarthrosis.
- spondylolysis.
- Disability.
- Decreased hearing or vision.
- Epicondylitis.
Disease prevention
To avoid the development of osteochondrosis of the chest, you should always take care of your health.
To begin with, you need to exclude all factors that can provoke the development of osteochondrosis: do not forget about the dangers of heavy physical exertion, follow the rules for maintaining correct posture.
Everyone should undergo regular medical examinations.If during a medical examination the doctor reveals a primary pathology of the spine, the patient should immediately make an appointment with an orthopedist.
In order to prevent the disease, it is necessary to promptly treat all diseases that occur in the musculoskeletal system.After injuries, it is mandatory to undergo a rehabilitation course.
It is necessary to take care of your body: more often change the position of your body during work, avoid hypothermia and overheating, and constantly be under the supervision of a doctor.
At home, one can always maintain one's 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 a complex of vitamins that should be taken in spring and winter.To strengthen the musculoskeletal system, you can use massage, medication and swimming.