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 elderly people, but recently there has been a certain trend towards significant "rejuvenation" of this disease, so it is important to know the main symptoms and treatmentin order to improve the clinical appearance. image of the disease. The difficulty in 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 not a guarantee of safety, which is why the occurrence of pathologies in this department is also very common. Statistics show that this disease is not directly linked to the aging process or gender.
Specifics of the disease
This disease is characterized by pathological processes leading to negative changes in the structure of tissues. As a result, destruction of the annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc may occur and, consequently, 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 during childhood can lead to premature aging of the musculoskeletal system even before its final formation. That is why it is extremely important to promptly 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. So, we will highlight the general symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region:
- Pain. This can happen not only when performing an action, but also during a prolonged stay in static positions.
- Stiffness of movements, 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 heart pathologies. This complicates the diagnosis, but the specialist evaluates the totality of all the patient's complaints, which allows the correct interpretation of all existing symptoms. Knowing the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, you can quickly seek qualified help. We advise you to pay more attention to the signals emitted by your body.
When diagnosing, it is important to know how osteochondrosis of the thoracic region manifests itself, since this disease is insidious and therefore it is easy to confuse it with other diseases. Depending on the nature of the pain, the main types of osteochondrosis can be distinguished. 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 hinder a person's movements, complicating his respiratory functions.
Causes of 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 exercise of professional functions and leisure activities.
- Scoliosis, which causes increased stress on certain areas of the spine.
- Mechanical damage to the chest.
- Strength training consisting of lifting heavy loads.
- Regular stressful situations.
- Hypothermia of the body.
- Lack of calcium.
- Hormonal disorders.
Disease classification
Intervertebral osteochondrosis develops in stages, each of which is characterized by its own negative manifestations:
- First degree.The initial phase is characterized by a condition in which moisture loss occurs in the intervertebral disc. Elasticity decreases, low-intensity pain appears, which completely disappears when the person takes a comfortable position.
- Second degree.Loss of moisture in the disk continues. As a result, it becomes smaller and cracks appear, some quite deep. The muscular corset attempts to adapt, trying to maintain spinal stability, resulting in quite intense spasms and pain in the back, chest and limbs.
- Third degree.At this stage, we observe a breakthrough of the nucleus pulposus towards the exterior. Basically, it is an intervertebral hernia, in which pain persists throughout the day. A person is forced to change his type of activity to one in which unpleasant sensations will not be so intense.
- Fourth degree.Extensive osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is dangerous because serious restructuring of all tissues begins to occur at the site of the lesion. There is a natural replacement of the fibrous tissue of the ring with bone, resulting in severe stiffness of movement. The appearance of osteophytes and vertebral deformities are 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 for help to relieve the pain. Only a neurologist can correctly interpret your complaints and prescribe appropriate additional examination and treatment. 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 severe stress. In this condition, the patient's well-being deteriorates significantly, breathing may become difficult, and mobility may be limited. In some cases, hospitalization in a hospital may be necessary.
Basic diagnostic methods
Signs of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region are the appearance of pain in different places, stiffness of movements and difficulty breathing. The difficulty of diagnosis lies in the fact that a large number of diseases of various nature correspond to this description. In particular, there is such a concept - "gastrological syndrome", 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, based on which the neurologist will prescribe appropriate treatment. It all starts with a detailed interview with the patient, identifying existing complaints and concomitant diseases. After collecting the history, the doctor directly carries out the examination himself with special tests. The patient must then undergo the necessary laboratory tests, as well as X-rays and MRI scans. Magnetic resonance imaging allows you 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 take place?
It is extremely important to know what to do in case of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region. After confirming the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes the patient an individual treatment regimen. It is necessary to take into account age and the presence of concomitant conditions, as well as allergies to certain medications. Initially, 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 and spasm of muscle tissue. In particularly severe cases, when immediate relief of acute pain is needed, anesthetic blockades 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 delivering the active substances to the lesions. In general, the treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is an integrated approach combining 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 extremely important to perform all movements slowly, avoiding sudden movements, in order to avoid aggravation of the situation. Remember, if exercise causes you pain, you should stop immediately and consult a doctor.
Massage
Muscle spasms, hypertonia, pain – this is how the disease 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 preventive measure.
Prevention
The consequences of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine will not be so serious if you strictly follow certain medical recommendations. If a specialist has prescribed bed rest for you, 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 going to the gym or working with weights. An important element of primary prevention is the timely identification during medical examinations of people with the first signs of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. Another no less important point is proper nutrition, which consists of avoiding certain foods. It is necessary to limit salt consumption, therefore smoked meats, various spicy spices and pickles will have to be removed 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.
Thoracic spinal osteochondrosis can be treated. For this to be possible, you must strictly follow your doctor's recommendations and adhere to the established treatment regimen. Initial osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is better treated, so it is extremely important to be more attentive to your body, reacting to the slightest symptoms of the disease. To avoid a possible relapse, you should follow preventive measures and monitor your posture, which is especially important when working sedentary. Contact only qualified doctors, because only they can prescribe a competent treatment regimen and further recovery.