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 spinal column is deformed.Such a pathology leads not only to 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 features:
- Following the pain, numbness is felt in the chest, which gradually spreads to the left arm.
- The 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 kidneys.This phenomenon is explained by the fact that the disease “masks” itself as other diseases.
- The occurrence 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.
- Paresthesia (goosebumps).
- 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 disease development, each of which has a number of clinical features.
First stage
First, the intervertebral disc begins to “lose water,” as a result of which its firmness 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 protrusions 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, possibly in the form of lumbago.Sometimes a person notices strange pain in the heart, uncontrolled muscle contraction like cramps.
Second stage
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 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 manifest themselves after an indefinite period.
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 fibrous ring ruptures, causing a hernia to form 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 muscular-tonic and neurovascular disorders.The mobility of the spinal column 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 stage
As the disease progresses, intervertebral cartilage begins to lose its function.The vertebrae surrounding the damaged spinal segment do not encounter the usual resistance due to cartilage, so they begin to gradually come closer together.As a result of this process, the intervertebral joints become deformed and spondyloarthrosis or spondylolisthesis develops.
To preserve the spinal column, the body activates processes to compensate for lost functions: the damaged vertebra begins to gradually 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 spinal column ossifies in the damaged area).
Treatment methods for thoracic osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the cervicothoracic 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, 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.In order to eliminate pain, doctors use anti-inflammatory drugs.
Improving the condition of cartilage tissue.For this purpose, doctors write patients a prescription for chondroprotectors.
Relieving muscle spasm.Often the movement of the spinal column 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 medications is controlled by the attending physician.The patient must remember that medications should 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 early stages of the disease, all 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 recommended to engage in gymnastics without the supervision of their attending physician.It should be borne in mind that during the acute period of the disease, physical exercise cannot be done.Any exercise therapy is selected depending on the location of the damaged segment in the spinal column.
Consequences of osteochondrosis
If the disease is not treated, it progresses.If 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 heavy physical activity, follow the rules of maintaining correct posture.
Every person should undergo regular medical examinations.If during a medical examination the doctor reveals a primary pathology of the spinal column, the patient should immediately make an appointment with an orthopedist.
To prevent the disease, it is necessary to promptly treat all diseases that arise 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 the spring and winter.To strengthen the musculoskeletal system, you can use massage, medications, and swimming.