Thoracic osteochondrosis is quite a dangerous pathology, which is explained by the difficult process of its diagnosis, therefore it is often possible to identify the disease only in advanced stages. Initially, osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine was considered a disease of the elderly, but recently a clear trend towards a significant "rejuvenation" of this disease has been observed, so it is important to know the main symptoms and treatment to improve the clinic . picture of the 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, so the occurrence of pathologies in this department is also very common. As the statistics show, this disease is not directly related to the aging process and gender.
Disease specificity
This disease is characterized by pathological processes that lead to negative changes in the structure of tissues. As a result of this, destruction of the annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc itself and, as a consequence, protrusion of the nucleus pulposus can occur. This condition is dangerous because there is a risk of compression of the spinal cord and further disability of the person.
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 timely diagnose the pathology 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 highlight the general symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine:
- Pain. It can arise not only when performing any action, but also during a long stay in static positions.
- Stiffness of movement that interferes with the free rotation of the body.
- Difficulty breathing, caused by a sensation of strong pressure in the middle of the back.
- Problems with the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and other internal organs.
Most often, the disease manifests itself as painful sensations on the left side of the chest, which can be interpreted as symptoms of cardiac pathologies. This complicates the diagnosis, but the specialist assesses the totality of all the patient's complaints, which allows to correctly interpret all the existing symptoms.
Knowing what the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are, you can immediately seek qualified help. We recommend that you pay more attention to the signals your body gives.
When making a diagnosis, it is important to know how osteochondrosis of the thoracic region manifests itself, as this ailment is insidious, so it is easy to confuse it with other diseases. Depending on the nature of the pain, the main types of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can be distinguished. One condition is characterized by prolonged pain in the area of the damaged area of the spine, and the second is characterized by the appearance of acute attacks, which literally repress a person's movements, hampering his respiratory functions.
Causes of the disease
The following causes of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can be distinguished:
- Pathological processes that negatively affect the structure of the discs. In particular, there is a certain genetic predisposition to this disease.
- Lack of activity associated with the performance of their work functions and peculiarities of leisure activities.
- Scoliosis, which is the cause of increased stress on certain parts of the spine.
- Mechanical damage to the chest.
- Strength training associated with lifting heavy loads.
- Common stressful situations.
- Hypothermia of the body.
- Lack of calcium
- Hormonal disorders.
Classification of the disease
Intervertebral osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine develops in stages, each of which is characterized by its own negative manifestations:
- First grade. The initial stage of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is characterized by a condition in which there is a loss of moisture from the intervertebral disc. Elasticity decreases, low intensity painful sensations appear, which completely disappear when a person adopts a comfortable posture.
- Second grade. 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 causes spasms and severe pain in the back, chest and extremities.
- Third degree. At this stage, there is an outward advance of the nucleus pulposus. In essence, it is an intervertebral hernia in which pain persists throughout the day. A person is forced to change the type of activity to one in which the discomfort will not be as intense.
- Fourth grade. Extended osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is dangerous because at the site of damage serious restructuring of all tissues begins to occur. There is a natural replacement of the annulus fibrosus tissue with bone, which leads to severe stiffness of movements. The appearance of osteophytes, deformity of the spine is also observed.
Exacerbation period
The manifestation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region in the stage of exacerbation 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 need to urgently see a doctor or call emergency help for pain relief.
Only a neurologist can correctly interpret your complaints, prescribing an appropriate follow-up examination and treatment. During an exacerbation, it is extremely important to alleviate the patient's condition.
An exacerbation of the disease can be caused by various factors, including stressful situations, hypothermia, and activities associated with intense loads. In this condition, a significant deterioration in the patient's well-being is observed, breathing can be difficult, and mobility can be limited. In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary.
Basic diagnostic methods
The signs of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are the appearance of pain of different localization, stiffness of movements and shortness of breath. The complexity of the diagnosis lies in the fact that a large number of diseases of various nature fit this description. In particular, 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, on the basis of which the neurologist prescribes the appropriate therapy. It all starts with a detailed interview of the patient, clarification of existing complaints and associated diseases.
After collecting the history, the doctor proceeds directly to the examination itself with special tests. Then the patient must undergo the necessary laboratory tests, as well as X-rays and MRIs. MRI allows you to study in more detail the condition of the spine, identify existing pathologies, the size and location of the hernia (if any).
How is the treatment process going?
It is extremely 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 take into account the age and the presence of concomitant ailments, as well as allergies to certain drugs.
In the first stage, treatment is carried out with 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 syndrome and muscle tissue spasms. In especially severe cases, when immediate relief from acute pain is necessary, analgesic blocks are used.
Local agents in the form of ointments and gels can also be used, but their effectiveness is somewhat less, due to the difficulty of delivering active substances to the lesions.
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 a therapy can give not a one-time positive result, but an improvement in the clinical picture over time.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is carried out after pain relief. It is extremely important to perform all movements slowly, avoiding sudden movements, to avoid deterioration of the condition.
Remember that if exercise causes pain, stop immediately and see a doctor.
Massage procedures
Muscle spasms, hypertonicity, pain - this is how osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine manifests itself. To eliminate these symptoms, massage can be used, which must be performed by a qualified professional. These procedures 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 strictly follow certain medical recommendations. If a specialist has prescribed bed rest, in no case should you ignore it, otherwise your condition may worsen. A person should be limited to physical activity, so he will have to refuse to visit the gym, work with weights.
An important component of primary prevention is the early identification during medical examinations of individuals with early signs of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. Another no less important point is the correct diet, which implies avoiding certain foods. It is necessary to limit the use of salt, so smoked meats, various hot spices and pickles will need to be eliminated from the diet.
It is very important to use drugs with chondroprotective action, which slow down the progression of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, nourish and improve metabolic processes in cartilage tissue.
conclusion
Thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine can be treated. For this to be possible, you must strictly follow the recommendations of the attending physician, as well as adhere to the established therapy regimen. Initial osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is best treated, which is why it is extremely important to be more attentive to your body, responding to the slightest symptoms of the disease.
To avoid a possible relapse, you need to follow preventive measures, monitor your posture, which is especially important when doing sedentary work. Contact only qualified doctors, because only they will be able to prescribe a competent treatment regimen and further recovery.