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 at advanced stages. Initially, osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine was considered a disease of the elderly, but recently there has been a definite tendency 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 diagnosis is due to the fact that the vertebrae located in the thoracic region are least 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.
Specificity of the disease
This disease is characterized by pathological processes that lead to negative changes in the structure of tissues. As a result of this, destruction of the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc itself may occur, and, as a consequence, protrusion of the nucleus pulposus. 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 lead to premature aging of the musculoskeletal system even before its final formation. That is why, it is extremely important to timely diagnose 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:
- Pain. It can arise not only when performing any actions, but also during prolonged stay in static positions.
- Stiffness of movement that interferes with 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 manifests itself 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 totality of all the patient's complaints, which makes it possible to correctly interpret all the existing symptoms.
Knowing what symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are, you can promptly seek qualified help. We advise you to pay more attention to the signals that 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, therefore it is easy to confuse it with other diseases. Based on the nature of pain, the main types of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can be identified. One condition is characterized by prolonged pain in the area of the damaged area of the spine, and the second is characterized by the occurrence of acute attacks, literally holding down a person's movements, making it difficult for his respiratory functions.
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 work functions and the peculiarities of leisure activities.
- Scoliosis, which is the cause of increased stress on certain 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 Disorders.
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 when there is a loss of moisture by the intervertebral disc. 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 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 a breakthrough of the nucleus pulposus outward. 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 so intense.
- Fourth degree. Extended osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is dangerous because at the site of damage, a serious restructuring of all tissues begins to occur. There is a natural replacement of the tissue of the annulus fibrosus with the bone, which leads to severe stiffness of movements. The appearance of osteophytes, deformity of the spine is also observed.
Exacerbation period
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 alleviate with improvised means. Self-medication at this stage is unacceptable, so you should urgently see a doctor or call emergency help to relieve pain.
Only a neurologist can correctly interpret your complaints, prescribing an appropriate 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
Signs of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are the appearance of pains of different localization, stiffness of movements, as well as difficulty breathing. The complexity of diagnosis lies in the fact that a huge number of diseases of various natures 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 make it possible to make an accurate diagnosis, on the basis of which the neurologist prescribes the appropriate therapy. It all starts with a detailed interview of the patient, clarification of the existing complaints and concomitant diseases.
After collecting an 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 MRIs. Magnetic resonance imaging allows you to study in more detail the state of the spine, 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 therapy regimen for the patient. It is necessary to take into account the age and the presence of concomitant ailments, as well as allergies to certain drugs.
At the first stage, treatment is carried out using 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 syndrome and muscle tissue spasms. In especially severe cases, when immediate relief of acute pain is necessary, analgesic blockades are used.
Local agents in the form of ointments and gels can also be used, but their effectiveness is somewhat lower, due to the difficulty of delivering 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 once. Only such a therapy can give not a one-time positive result, but an improvement in the clinical picture over time.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is carried out after the relief of pain. It is extremely important to perform all movements slowly, avoiding sudden movements in order to prevent deterioration of the condition.
Remember that if exercise is causing you pain, stop immediately and see a doctor.
Massage procedures
Muscle spasms, hypertonicity, 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.
Prevention
The consequences of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine will not be so strong if you strictly follow certain medical recommendations. If a specialist has prescribed bed rest for you, then in no case should you ignore this, 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 persons during medical examinations who have initial signs of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. Another, no less important point is proper nutrition, which implies the rejection of certain foods. It is necessary to limit the use of salt, so smoked meats, various spicy spices and pickles will have to be removed from the diet.
It is very important to use drugs of 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 may be treatable. 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 slightest symptoms of the disease.
To avoid a possible relapse, you need to follow preventive measures, monitor your posture, which is especially important when sedentary work. Contact only qualified doctors, because only they will be able to prescribe a competent treatment regimen and further recovery.