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 becomes deformed.This pathology leads not only to a violation of the ability to move completely, but also to poor functioning of the functions of some organs and systems.The disease is accompanied by severe pain.
Symptoms and signs of the disease
One of the most common reasons why a person goes to the doctor is pain.In the case of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, the pain syndrome can have several characteristics:
- After the pain, numbness is felt in the chest, which gradually spreads to the left arm.
- Pain syndrome occurs in the 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 kidneys.This phenomenon is explained by the fact that the disease “disguises” itself as other diseases.
- The appearance of pain when suddenly bending over and increasing breathing.
- The sensation of pain increases at night.
But osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is characterized not only by pain, but also by other signs:
- Decreased mobility in the thoracic spine.
- Paresthesia (goosebumps).
- Decreased sensitivity (perception of touch, temperature).
- Impaired motor activity.
Stages of osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region develops in stages.Its duration depends on the individuality of the organism and the causes that caused the disease.In total, there are four stages of development of the disease, each of which has a number of clinical features.
First stage
First of all, the intervertebral disc begins to “lose water”, so its firmness and elasticity decrease, although the damaged vertebra is still able to withstand all physical stress.As a result, the intervertebral disc gradually flattens and decreases in height.In the first stage, the formation of bumps begins.
The patient complains of focal pain syndrome - the pain is felt only in the damaged area of the spine.The nature of the pain is constant, possibly in the form of lumbago.Sometimes a person notices a strange pain in the heart, uncontrolled muscle contractions like cramps.
Second stage
The annulus fibrosus becomes covered with cracks and the spinal segment becomes unstable.The patient notes pain, which intensifies during movement, as well as discomfort that occurs during prolonged postures.In the second stage, subluxations may appear.
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 extremities.Subluxations with osteochondrosis are dangerous because they can manifest themselves after an indefinite period.
Third stage
At this stage, it is very difficult for a sick person not to notice osteochondrosis of the cervicothoracic spine.In the spinal segment, the annulus fibrosus ruptures, causing a herniation of the intervertebral disc.Therefore, a person not only experiences severe pain, but also notices signs of impaired functioning of other organs and systems.
The person has tonic-muscular 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 spinal fixation decreases.
Fourth stage
As the disease progresses, the intervertebral cartilage begins to lose its function.The vertebrae surrounding the damaged spinal segment do not encounter the usual resistance of the cartilage, so they gradually begin to move closer together.As a result of this process, the intervertebral joints become deformed and spondyloarthrosis or spondylolisthesis develops.
To preserve the spine, the body activates processes to compensate for the lost functions: the damaged vertebra gradually begins to grow in width, thereby increasing its area.The destroyed annulus fibrosus tissue is replaced by bone.At this stage, the patient notices a decrease in pain, but this is replaced by limited mobility (the spine ossifies in the damaged area).
Treatment methods for thoracic osteochondrosis.
Osteochondrosis of the cervicothoracic region is not a fatal disease that can be cured with proper treatment.The sooner 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.
Pharmacological 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.
Improvement of the condition of cartilage tissue.For this, doctors prescribe patients with chondroprotectors.
Relieve muscle spasm.Spinal movement is often 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 medications is controlled by the treating physician.The patient must remember that medications must be taken in the order indicated by the doctor.You should not mix medications 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 should be discussed with a doctor and performed by a specialist.
In the early stages of the disease, all treatment for osteochondrosis is limited to gymnastics and special exercises.Pharmacotherapy consists of the prescription of drugs that improve metabolism and vitamin therapy.
Patients are not recommended to practice gymnastics without the supervision of their treating physician.It must be taken into account that during the acute period of the disease you cannot perform physical exercise.Any 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.
- Spondylarthrosis.
- Spondylolysis.
- Disability.
- Decreased hearing or vision.
- Epicondylitis.
Disease prevention
To avoid the development of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, you should always take care of your health.
To begin with, it is necessary to exclude all factors that can provoke the development of osteochondrosis: do not forget about the dangers of intense physical activity, follow the rules for maintaining correct posture.
Everyone must undergo periodic 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.
To prevent the disease, it is necessary to quickly treat all diseases that arise in the musculoskeletal system.After sustaining injuries, 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 be constantly under the supervision of a doctor.
At home, a person can always support his body with the help of gymnastics.Its task is to strengthen the muscles of the back 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, which should be taken in spring and winter.To strengthen the musculoskeletal system, you can use massage, medications and swimming.