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 the impaired ability to move fully, but also to a malfunction of the functions 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 thoracic region, the pain syndrome may have a number of characteristics:
- After the pain, numbness is felt in the chest, which gradually spreads to the left arm.
- The pain syndrome appears 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 the kidneys.This phenomenon is explained by the fact that the disease is "masked" as other diseases.
- The appearance of pain with sudden bending and increased breathing.
- The feeling of pain increases at night.
But osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is characterized not only by pain, but also by a number of other signs:
- Decreased mobility in the thoracic spine.
- Paresthesia (powers).
- Decreased sensitivity (perception of touch, temperature).
- Impaired motor activity.
Stages of osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region 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 the development of the disease, each of which has a number of clinical characteristics.
The first stage
First, the intervertebral disc begins to "lose water", as a result of which its stability 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 extensions begins.
The patient complains of focal pain syndrome: pain is felt only in the area of the damaged spine.The nature of the pain is constant, perhaps in the form of lumbago.Sometimes a person notices strange pains in the heart, uncontrolled muscle contractions like cramps.
The second stage
The annulus fibrosus is covered with cracks, the spinal segment becomes unstable.The patient notes the pain, which intensifies during movement, as well as the discomfort that appears during long stays.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 limbs.Subluxations with osteochondrosis are dangerous because they can appear after an indefinite period.
The third stage
At this stage, osteochondrosis of the cervicothoracic spine is very difficult for a sick person not to notice.In the spinal segment, the annulus fibrosus ruptures, causing the formation of a hernia in the intervertebral disc.Therefore, a person not only experiences severe pain, but also notices signs of disruption of the functioning 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.
The fourth stage
As the disease progresses, the intervertebral cartilage begins to lose its function.The vertebrae surrounding the damaged segment of the spine do not encounter the usual resistance due to 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 increase 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 cervical region is not a fatal disease, which can be cured with proper 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 using the following methods:
- Conservative treatment.
- Withdrawal.
- Surgical treatment.
Drug 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.
Improving the condition of cartilage tissue.For this purpose, doctors write patients a prescription for chondroprotectors.
Relief of muscle spasm.Often the movement of the spine is limited by tense 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 medications 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, physiotherapy and massage.Any treatment method 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 giving drugs that improve metabolism and vitamin therapy.
Patients are not recommended to engage in gymnastics without the supervision of their doctor.It should be borne in mind that during the acute period of the disease, physical exercises cannot be done.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.
- Loss of 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, you must exclude all factors that can provoke the development of osteochondrosis: do not forget about the dangers of heavy physical activity, follow the rules of maintaining the correct posture.
Every person should undergo regular medical examinations.If during a medical examination the doctor discovers a primary pathology of the spine, the patient should immediately make an appointment with an orthopedist.
To prevent the disease, it is necessary to immediately treat all diseases arising in the musculoskeletal system.After suffering 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 you are constantly under the supervision of a doctor.
At home, a person can always support his 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, which should be taken in spring and winter.To strengthen the musculoskeletal system, you can use massage, medications and swimming.