Thoracic osteochondrosis is a very 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 the elderly, but recently there has been a definite trend towards a significant "rejuvenation" of this disease, and it is important to know the main symptoms and treatment to improve the clinical picture. image of the disease.
The complexity of the diagnosis is due to the fact that the vertebrae located in the thoracic region are the least susceptible to stress and injuries. However, the limitation of mobility is no guarantee of safety, therefore, the occurrence of pathologies in this service is also very common. As statistics show, this disease is not directly related to the aging process and gender.
disease specificity
This disease is characterized by pathological processes that lead to negative changes in tissue structure. As a result, the destruction of the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc itself can occur and, as a consequence, the protrusion of the nucleus pulposus. This condition is dangerous because there is a risk of spinal cord compression and greater disability.
Disease progression in childhood can lead to premature aging of the musculoskeletal system even before its final formation. Therefore, it is extremely important to timely diagnose the 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 during the execution of any action, but also during a prolonged stay in static positions.
- Rigidity of movement that interferes with the free rotation of the body.
- Shortness of breath, caused by a feeling of heavy pressure in the middle of the back.
- Problems with the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and other internal organs.
Often, the disease manifests itself as painful sensations on the left side of the chest, which can be interpreted as symptoms of cardiac pathologies. This makes diagnosis difficult, but the specialist assesses 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 seek qualified help immediately. We advise you to pay more attention to the signals your body gives.
When making the diagnosis, it is important to know how osteochondrosis of the thoracic region manifests itself, as this disease is insidious, so it is easy to confuse it with other diseases. Based on the nature of the pain, the main types of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can be distinguished. One condition is characterized by prolonged pain in the injured area of the spine, and the second is characterized by the occurrence of acute flare-ups, literally blocking a person's movements, hampering their respiratory functions.
Causes of disease
The following causes of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can be distinguished:
- Pathological processes that negatively affect the structure of discs. In particular, there is a certain genetic predisposition to this disease.
- Absence of activity associated with the performance of their work functions and the peculiarities of leisure activities.
- Scoliosis, which is the cause of increased stress in 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 early stage of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is characterized by a condition in which there is a loss of moisture from the intervertebral disc. Elasticity decreases, painful sensations of low intensity appear, which disappear completely when the person assumes a comfortable posture.
- High school. The disc continues to lose moisture. As a result, it becomes smaller, cracks appear, some of them 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, the nucleus pulposus advances outwards. In essence, it is an intervertebral hernia in which pain persists throughout the day. The person is forced to change the type of activity to one where the discomfort is not as intense.
- Fourth degree. Prolonged osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is dangerous because, at the site of damage, serious restructuring of all tissues begins. There is a natural replacement of the fibrous ring tissue by bone, which leads to great rigidity of movement. The appearance of osteophytes, spinal deformity is also observed.
period of exacerbation
The manifestation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region in the exacerbation phase is characterized by the appearance of paroxysmal pain, which is extremely difficult to relieve with improvised means. Self-medication at this stage is unacceptable, so you should urgently see a doctor or call emergency help to relieve the 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 several factors, including stressful situations, hypothermia, and activities associated with heavy 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 pain from different locations, rigidity of movement, as well as difficulty in breathing. The complexity of the diagnosis lies in the fact that a large number of diseases of various natures fit this description. In particular, there is such a concept - "gastrologic 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 patient interview, clarification of existing complaints and associated illnesses.
After collecting the history, the doctor proceeds directly to the examination itself with special tests. Then, the patient must undergo the necessary laboratory tests, as well as radiographs and MRIs. Magnetic resonance imaging allows you to study in more detail the status 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 physician prescribes an individual therapy regimen for the patient. It is necessary to take into account age and the presence of concomitant illnesses, as well as allergies to certain medications.
In the first phase, the treatment is done with several medications: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics and antispasmodics.
The main objective at this stage is to alleviate the patient's condition, reduce the pain syndrome and muscle tissue spasms. In especially severe cases, when immediate relief of acute pain is needed, analgesic blocks are used.
Local agents in the form of ointments and gels can also be used, but their effectiveness is somewhat less effective due to the difficulty in releasing active substances from lesions.
In general, the treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is an integrated approach that combines the use of several methods at the same time. Only such therapy can give not a single positive result, but an improvement in the clinical picture over time.
Physiotherapy
Physical therapy is performed after pain relief. It is extremely important to carry out all movements slowly, avoiding sudden movements, in order to prevent the condition from worsening.
Remember, if exercise is causing pain, stop immediately and see a doctor.
Massage Procedures
Muscle spasms, hypertonia, pain - this is how osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine manifests itself. To eliminate these symptoms, massage can be used, which must be performed by a qualified professional. These procedures can be used not only for therapeutic purposes, but also as a good preventive measure.
Prophylaxis
The consequences of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine will not be as strong 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 get worse. The person must limit themselves to physical activity, then they will have to refuse to go to the gym, work with weights.
An important component of primary prevention is the timely identification of people during medical examinations who show early signs of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. Another point, no less important, is proper nutrition, which implies avoiding certain foods. It is necessary to limit the use of salt, so smoked meats, various spicy seasonings and pickles will have to be removed from the diet.
It is very important to use drugs with chondroprotective action, which delay the progression of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, nourish and improve metabolic processes in the cartilage tissue.
Conclusion
Thoracic spinal osteochondrosis may be treatable. For this to be possible, the assistant physician's recommendations must be strictly followed, as well as adherence to the established therapeutic regimen. Early osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is better treated, so it is extremely important to be more attentive to your body, responding to the minor symptoms of the disease.
To avoid a possible relapse, it is necessary to follow preventive measures, monitor your posture, which is especially important in sedentary work. Contact only qualified physicians, as only they will be able to prescribe a competent treatment regimen and subsequent recovery.