Thoracic osteochondrosis is a rather 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 there has been a definite trend towards a significant "rejuvenation" of this disease, so it is important to know the main symptoms and treatment in order to improve the clinical picture of the disease.
The complexity of the diagnosis is due to the fact that the vertebrae located in the thoracic region are less susceptible to stress and injury. However, limited mobility is not a guarantee of safety, so the onset 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.
Specificity of the disease
This disease is characterized by pathological processes that lead to negative changes in the structure of the tissues. As a result, the destruction of the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc itself can occur and, consequently, the protrusion of the nucleus pulposus. This condition is dangerous because there is a risk of spinal cord compression 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 definitive formation. That is why 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:
- Ache. It can arise not only during the execution of any action, but also during prolonged stay in static positions.
- 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.
Most often, the disease manifests itself as painful sensations on the left side of the chest, which can be interpreted as symptoms of heart disease. This complicates the diagnosis, but the specialist evaluates the entirety of all patient complaints, which allows you to correctly interpret all existing symptoms.
Knowing what the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are, you can promptly 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, because this ailment is insidious, so it is easy to confuse it with other diseases. According to 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 damaged area of the spine, and the second is characterized by the occurrence of acute attacks, which literally restrain a person's movements, making his respiratory functions difficult.
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 job functions and the peculiarities of leisure activities.
- Scoliosis, which is the cause of increased stress on some parts of the spine.
- Mechanical damage to the chest.
- Strength training associated with lifting large loads.
- Regular stressful situations.
- Hypothermia of the body.
- Lack of calcium.
- Hormonal disturbances.
Disease classification
Intervertebral osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine develops in stages, each of which is characterized by its own negative manifestations:
- First degree. The initial stage of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is characterized by a condition in which a loss of moisture by the intervertebral disc occurs. Elasticity decreases, painful sensations of low intensity appear, which completely disappear when a person takes a comfortable posture.
- Second degree. The disc continues to lose moisture. As a result, it becomes smaller, cracks appear, some of which 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 grade. In this phase, there is a breakthrough of the nucleus pulposus towards the outside. At its core, 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 degree. Extensive osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is dangerous because serious restructuring of all tissues begins to occur at the site of damage. There is a natural replacement of the fibrous ring tissue with bone, which leads to severe stiffness of movement. The appearance of osteophytes, deformity of the spine is also observed.
Period of exacerbation
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 by improvised means. Self-medication at this stage is unacceptable, so you should urgently consult a doctor or call emergency help to relieve pain.
Only a neurologist can correctly interpret your ailments, prescribing an adequate 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 may be difficult and mobility may be limited. In some cases, hospitalization may be required.
Basic diagnostic methods
The signs of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are the appearance of pains of different localization, stiffness of movements and difficulty in breathing. The complexity of the diagnosis lies in the fact that a huge number of diseases of various nature fit this description. In particular, there is such a concept - "gastrological syndrome", which is characterized by the occurrence 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 begins with a detailed interview of the patient, clarification of existing complaints and associated diseases.
After collecting the anamnesis, 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 MRI. MRI allows you to study the state of the spine in more detail, 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 treatment regimen for the patient. It is necessary to take into account age and the presence of concomitant ailments, as well as allergies to certain drugs.
At the first stage, the treatment is carried out using 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 spasms of muscle tissue. In particularly severe cases, when immediate relief from acute pain is needed, analgesic blocks are used.
Local agents in the form of ointments and gels can also be used, but their effectiveness is slightly less, due to the difficulty of administering 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 the same time. Only such therapy can give not a one-time positive result, but an improvement in the clinical picture over time.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is done after pain relief. It is extremely important to perform all movements slowly, avoiding sudden movements, in order to prevent deterioration of the condition.
Remember that if exercise causes you pain, stop immediately and consult a doctor.
Massage procedures
Muscle spasms, hypertonia, pain - this is how osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine manifests itself. 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 preventive measure.
Prophylaxis
The consequences of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine will not be so strong if you strictly follow some medical recommendations. If a specialist has prescribed you bed rest, then in no case should you ignore it, otherwise your condition may worsen. A person should limit himself to physical activity, so he will have to refuse to visit the gym, work with weights.
An important component of primary prevention is the timely identification of people during medical examinations who have initial signs of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. Another no less important point is proper nutrition, which implies avoiding certain foods. It is necessary to limit the use of salt, so smoked meats, various hot spices and pickles will have 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 the cartilage tissue.
Conclusion
Thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine can be treatable. In order for this to be possible, it is necessary to strictly follow the recommendations of the attending physician and adhere to the established therapeutic 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 slightest symptoms of the disease.
To avoid a possible relapse, it is necessary to follow preventive measures, monitor posture, which is especially important when working sedentary. Turn only to qualified doctors, because only they will be able to prescribe a competent treatment regimen and further recovery.