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.This pathology leads not only to a reduced ability to move fully, but also to a malfunction in 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 a person goes to the doctor is pain.In the case of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, the pain syndrome can have several characteristics:
- Following the pain, numbness is felt in the chest, which gradually extends 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 the kidneys.This phenomenon is explained by the fact that the disease "masks" itself under other diseases.
- The appearance of pain with sudden bending and increased breathing.
- The sensation 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.
- Paraesthesia (goosebumps).
- Decreased sensitivity (perception of touch, temperature).
- Impaired motor activity.
Stages of osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region develops gradually.Their duration depends on the individuality of the organism and the reasons 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 phase
First, the intervertebral disc begins to “lose water”, as a result its firmness and elasticity decreases, although the damaged vertebra is still able to withstand any physical stress.As a result, the intervertebral disc gradually flattens and decreases in height.In the first phase, the formation of protrusions 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 low back pain.Sometimes a person notices strange pain in the heart, uncontrolled muscle contractions like cramps.
Second phase
The fibrous ring becomes covered with cracks, the spinal segment becomes unstable.The patient notes pain, which intensifies during movement, as well as discomfort that occurs during long-term postures.In the second phase, 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 manifest themselves after an indefinite period.
Third phase
At this stage, osteochondrosis of the cervicothoracic spine is very difficult for a sick person to miss.In the spinal segment, the fibrous ring breaks, resulting in 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 presents muscular-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.
Fourth phase
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 due to the cartilage, so they begin to gradually move closer together.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 lost functions: the damaged vertebra gradually begins to grow in width, thereby increasing its area.The tissue in the destroyed fibrous ring is replaced with 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 for thoracic osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the cervicothoracic region is not a fatal disease, which can be cured with adequate 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.
- Traction.
- 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.
Improve the condition of the cartilaginous tissue.For this purpose, doctors prescribe patients a prescription for 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 to use various ointments that have a warming effect.
The dosage of drugs is controlled by the attending physician.The patient must remember that the drugs must be taken in the order indicated by the doctor.You should not mix drugs 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 must be discussed with a doctor and performed by a specialist.
In the initial stages of the disease, the entire treatment of osteochondrosis is limited to gymnastics and special exercises.Drug therapy consists of prescribing drugs that improve metabolism and vitamin therapy.
Patients are not advised to engage in gymnastics without the supervision of their doctor.It should be borne in mind that during the acute period of the disease it is not possible to carry out physical activity.Any physical therapy is selected based 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.
- 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, you should exclude all factors that can provoke the development of osteochondrosis: do not forget about the dangers of strenuous physical activity, follow the rules for maintaining correct posture.
Every person should undergo regular 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 timely 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 constantly be 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 must be taken in spring and winter.To strengthen the musculoskeletal system, you can use massage, medications and swimming.