Thoracic osteochondrosis is a rather dangerous pathology, which is explained by the difficult diagnostic process, 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 certain trend towards a significant "rejuvenation" of this disease, so it is important to know the main symptoms and treatment to improve the clinic. . image of the disease. The difficulty of diagnosis is due to the fact that the vertebrae located in the thoracic region are the least susceptible to stress and injury. However, limited mobility is no guarantee of safety, so the appearance of pathologies in this department is also very common. Statistics show that this disease is not directly related to the aging process or gender.
Disease details
This disease is characterized by pathological processes that lead to negative changes in the structure of tissues. As a result, destruction of the annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc and, as a result, protrusion of the nucleus pulposus may occur. This condition is dangerous because there is a risk of compression of the spinal cord and further disability of the person. The progression of the disease in childhood can cause premature aging of the musculoskeletal system even before its final formation. That is why timely diagnosis of pathology in the early stages is extremely important, 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 region:
- Pain. It can occur not only when performing any actions, but also when staying in static positions for a long time.
- Stiffness of movement, preventing free rotation of the body.
- Difficulty breathing 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 manifests itself as pain in the left side of the chest, which can be interpreted as symptoms of cardiac pathology. This complicates the diagnosis, but the specialist evaluates the totality of all the patient's complaints, which allows for a correct interpretation of all existing symptoms. Knowing what symptoms exist for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, you can immediately seek qualified help. We advise you to be more attentive to the signals that your body gives you.
When making a diagnosis, it is important to know how osteochondrosis of the thoracic region manifests itself, because this disease is insidious, so it is easy to confuse it with other diseases. Depending on the nature of the pain, we can distinguish the main types of osteochondrosis. One condition is characterized by prolonged pain in the damaged area of the spine, and the second is characterized by the appearance of acute attacks that literally make it difficult for a person to move, complicating his respiratory functions.
Causes of the disease
The following causes of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can be identified:
- 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 work functions and leisure activities.
- Scoliosis, which causes increased tension in certain areas of the spine.
- Mechanical damage to the chest.
- Strength training that involves lifting heavy loads.
- Common stressful situations.
- Hypothermia of the body.
- Lack of calcium.
- Hormonal disorders.
Classification of the disease.
Intervertebral osteochondrosis develops in stages, each of which is characterized by its own negative manifestations:
- First grade.The initial stage is characterized by a condition in which a loss of moisture occurs in the intervertebral disc. Elasticity decreases, low-intensity pain appears, which disappears completely when the person adopts a comfortable position.
- Second grade.Moisture loss in the disc continues. As a result, it becomes smaller and cracks appear, some of them quite deep. The muscular corset tries to adapt, trying to maintain the stability of the spine, which causes spasms and quite intense pain in the back, chest and extremities.
- Third degree.At this stage, an advancement of the nucleus pulposus outward is observed. In essence, this is an intervertebral hernia, in which the pain persists throughout the day. A person is forced to change his type of activity to one in which unpleasant sensations are not so intense.
- Fourth grade.Extended osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is dangerous because serious restructuring of all tissues begins to occur at the site of damage. A natural replacement of fibrous annular tissue with bone occurs, causing severe rigidity of movement. The appearance of osteophytes and spinal deformities is also observed.
Exacerbation period
The manifestation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region in the acute stage is characterized by the appearance of paroxysmal pain, which is extremely difficult to relieve with available means. Self-medication at this stage is unacceptable, so you should immediately consult a doctor or call emergency help to relieve pain. Only a neurologist can correctly interpret your complaints and prescribe appropriate additional examinations and treatments. During an exacerbation, it is extremely important to alleviate the patient's condition. Exacerbation of the disease can be caused by various factors, including stressful situations, hypothermia, and activities associated with intense stress. In this condition, there is a significant deterioration in the patient's well-being, breathing may become difficult and mobility may be limited. In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary.
Basic diagnostic methods.
Signs of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region are the appearance of pain in different locations, stiffness of movement and difficulty breathing. The difficulty of diagnosis lies in the fact that a large number of diseases of various nature 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 a manifestation of gastritis or other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Only modern diagnostic methods will make it possible to make an accurate diagnosis, on the basis of which the neurologist will prescribe appropriate therapy. It all starts with a detailed interview with the patient, identifying existing complaints and concomitant diseases. After collecting a history, the doctor proceeds directly to the examination with special tests. The patient must then undergo the necessary laboratory tests, as well as x-rays and MRIs. MRI makes it possible to study the condition of the spine in more detail, identify existing pathologies, the size and location of the hernia (if any).
How does the treatment process work?
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. In the first stage, treatment is carried out with various medications: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics and antispasmodics. The main goal at this stage is to alleviate the patient's condition, reduce pain and spasms of muscle tissue. In especially severe cases, when immediate relief of acute pain is necessary, anesthetic blocks are used. Local agents in the form of ointments and gels can also be used, but their effectiveness is somewhat 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 techniques. Only such therapy can give not a one-time positive result, but an improvement in the clinical picture over time.
Physiotherapy
Therapeutic exercise is performed after pain relief. It is very important to perform all movements slowly, avoiding sudden movements, to prevent the condition from worsening. Remember that if exercise causes pain you should stop immediately and consult a doctor.
massage treatments
Muscle spasms, hypertonicity, pain - this is how the disease manifests itself. To eliminate these symptoms, a massage can be used, which must be performed by a qualified specialist. These procedures can be used not only for therapeutic purposes, but also as a good preventive measure.
Prevention
The consequences of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine will not be so strong if certain medical recommendations are strictly followed. If a specialist has prescribed bed rest for you, under no circumstances should you ignore it, otherwise your condition may worsen. A person should limit himself to physical activity, so he will have to refuse to go to the gym or work with weights. An important component of primary prevention is the timely identification during medical examinations of people presenting with initial signs of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. Another no less important point is proper nutrition, which involves avoiding certain foods. It is necessary to limit the consumption of salt, so it will be necessary to eliminate smoked meats, various hot spices and pickles from the diet.
It is very important to use chondroprotective drugs that slow down the progression of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, nourish and improve metabolic processes in cartilage tissue.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can be treated. For this to be possible, you must strictly follow your doctor's recommendations, as well as adhere to the established treatment regimen. Initial osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is best treated, so it is extremely important to be more attentive to your body and react to the slightest symptoms of the disease. To avoid a possible relapse, it is necessary to follow preventive measures and control posture, which is especially important when working sedentarily. Contact only qualified doctors, because only they can prescribe a competent treatment regimen and further recovery.