Thoracic osteochondrosis is a very dangerous pathology, which is explained by the difficult process of its diagnosis, therefore, it is often possible to identify the disease only in the advanced stages. Initially, thoracic spine osteochondrosis was considered a disease of the elderly, but recently there has been a certain tendency towards a significant "renewal" of this disease, so it is important to know the symptoms and the main treatment in order to improve the clinicpicture of the disease.
The complexity of the diagnosis is due to the fact that the vertebrae located in the chest region are less susceptible to stress and injury. However, limited mobility is not a guarantee of safety, therefore, 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 leading to negative changes in tissue structure. As a result, destruction of the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc may occur, and, consequently, elongation of the pulposus nucleus. This condition is dangerous because there is a risk of spinal cord compression and further disability of the person.
Progression of the disease in childhood can lead to premature aging of the musculoskeletal system even before its final formation. This is why, it is extremely important to diagnose the pathology in time in the early stages, when the destruction of 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 thoracic spine osteochondrosis:
- Pain. It can occur not only when performing any action, but also during prolonged stay in a static position.
- Stiffness of movement that interferes with 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 appears as painful sensations on the left side of the chest, which can be interpreted as symptomatology of cardiac pathologies. This complicates the diagnosis, but the specialist evaluates the entirety of all patient complaints, which makes it possible to accurately interpret all existing symptoms.
Knowing what the symptoms of thoracic spine osteochondrosis are, you can seek qualified help immediately. We advise you to pay more attention to the signals given by your body.
When making a diagnosis, it is important to know how osteochondrosis of the chest region occurs because this disease is latent, so it is easy to confuse it with other diseases. Based on the nature of the pain, the main types of thoracic spine osteochondrosis 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, literally keeping a person's movements, making it difficult for his respiratory functions.
Causes of the disease
The following causes of thoracic spine osteochondrosis 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 related to the performance of their work functions and features of leisure activities.
- Scoliosis, which is the cause of increased stress in certain parts of the spine.
- Mechanical chest injury.
- Strength training related to lifting heavy loads.
- Regular stressful situations.
- Hypothermia of the body.
- Lack of calcium.
- Hormonal disorders.
Classification of the disease
Thoracic spine intervertebral osteochondrosis develops in stages, each of which is characterized by its own negative manifestations:
- First step. The initial stage of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is characterized by a condition when there is a loss of moisture from the intervertebral disc. Elasticity decreases, painful sensations of low intensity appear, which disappear completely when a person assumes a comfortable posture.
- The second degree. 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, there is an advancement of the pulposus nucleus from the outside. At its core, it is an intervertebral hernia in which the 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 degree. Enlarged thoracic spine osteochondrosis is dangerous because at the site of injury a serious restructuring of all tissues begins to occur. There is a natural replacement of ring fibrosis tissue with bone, which leads to severe stiffness of movements. The appearance of osteophytes, deformation of the spine is also observed.
Period of deterioration
The manifestation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region in the exacerbation phase is characterized by the appearance of paroxysmal pain, which is extremely difficult to alleviate with improvised means. Self-medication at this stage is unacceptable, so you should urgently see a doctor or call for emergency help to relieve the pain.
Only a neurologist can accurately interpret your complaints, prescribing an appropriate follow-up examination and treatment. During a deterioration, it is extremely important to alleviate the patient's condition.
An exacerbation of the disease can be caused by a variety of factors, including stressful situations, hypothermia, and activities associated with intense exercise. In this condition, a significant deterioration of the patient's well-being is observed, respiration may be difficult, and mobility may be limited. In some cases, hospitalization may be required.
Basic diagnostic methods
Signs of thoracic spine osteochondrosis are the appearance of pain of various localization, stiffness of movements, as well as difficulty in breathing. The complexity of the diagnosis lies in the fact that a large number of diseases of different natures 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 the appearance of gastritis or other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Only modern diagnostic methods will make it possible to make an accurate diagnosis, based on which the neurologist prescribes the appropriate therapy. It all starts with a detailed patient interview, clarification of existing complaints and concomitant diseases.
After collecting the history, the doctor proceeds directly to the examination itself with special tests. The patient should 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, identify existing pathologies, 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 chest region. After confirmation of the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes an individual therapy regimen for the patient. It is necessary to take into account the age and presence of concomitant diseases, as well as allergies to certain medications.
In the first stage, treatment is performed using different medications: 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 particularly severe cases, when immediate relief of acute pain is needed, analgesic blockades are used.
Topical agents in the form of oils and gels can also be used, but their effectiveness is somewhat lower, due to the difficulty of distributing the active substances to the lesions.
In general, the treatment of thoracic spine osteochondrosis is an integrated approach that combines the use of several methods at the same time. Only such therapy can give not a positive result once, but an improvement of the clinical figure over time.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is performed after pain relief. It is extremely important to perform all movements slowly, avoiding sudden movements, in order to prevent the condition from deteriorating.
Remember that if exercise is causing you pain, stop immediately and see a doctor.
Massage procedures
Muscle spasm, hypertension, pain - this is how osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine appears. To eliminate these symptoms, massage can be used, which should be performed by a qualified professional. These procedures can be used not only for therapeutic purposes, but also as a good preventative measure.
Prophylaxis
The consequences of thoracic spine osteochondrosis will not be as severe if you strictly follow certain medical recommendations. If a specialist has prescribed you bed rest, then in no case should you ignore this, otherwise your condition may worsen. A person should be limited to physical activity, so he will have to refuse to visit the gym, work out with weights.
An important component of primary prevention is the timely identification of persons during medical examinations who have early signs of thoracic spine osteochondrosis. Another point, no less important is proper nutrition, which means avoiding certain foods. It is necessary to limit the use of salt, so smoked meat, various spicy spices and pickles will need 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 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, so it is extremely important to be more attentive to your body, responding to the smallest symptoms of the disease.
To avoid a possible relapse, you should follow preventive measures, monitor your behavior, which is especially important when working sitting. Contact only qualified physicians, as only they will be able to prescribe a competent treatment regimen and further recovery.