Chest osteochondrosis is a rather dangerous pathology that is explained by the difficult process of diagnosis, so it is often only at an advanced stage that the disease can be identified. Initially, osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine was considered an age-related disease, but more recently there has been a definite trend toward significant "rejuvenation" of this disease, so it is important to know the main symptoms and treatment to improve the clinical picture.
The complexity of the diagnosis is due to the fact that the vertebrae located in the chest region are the least sensitive to stress and injury. However, limited mobility is not a guarantee of safety, so the occurrence of pathologies in this department is also very common. Statistics show that this disease is not directly related to the aging process and gender.
Peculiarities of the disease
This disease is characterized by pathological processes that lead to negative changes in tissue structure. As a result, destruction of the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc and, consequently, protrusion of the nucleus pulposus may occur. This condition is dangerous because of the risk of spinal cord compression and further disability of the person.
Progression of the disease in childhood can lead to premature aging of the musculoskeletal system, even before its final development. Therefore, early diagnosis of the pathology is extremely important at an early stage, when the destruction of vertebrae and adjacent tissues has not yet taken place.
Clinical symptoms
This disease manifests itself in completely different ways depending on the stage. Therefore, we highlight the general symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine:
- Pain. This can occur not only when performing operations, but also during long stays in static situations.
- Stiffness of movement that impedes the 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 as a painful sensation on the left side of the chest, which can be interpreted as a symptom of heart disease. This makes diagnosis difficult, but the practitioner evaluates the totality of all the patient’s complaints, allowing for a correct interpretation of all existing symptoms.
Knowing the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, you can seek professional help immediately. We advise you to pay more attention to the signals given by the body.
When making a diagnosis, it is important to know how osteochondrosis of the chest region manifests, as this disease is insidious and can be easily confused 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 other is characterized by the occurrence of acute seizures, literally holding back a person’s movement, making it difficult for them to breathe.
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 plates. In particular, there is a certain genetic predisposition to this disease.
- Lack of activity related to the performance of their work functions and peculiarities of leisure activities.
- Scoliosis, which causes increased stress in parts of the spine.
- Mechanical injury to the chest.
- Strength training in connection with lifting heavy loads.
- Regular stressful situations.
- Hypothermia of the body.
- Lack of calcium.
- Hormonal disorders.
Classification of the disease
Intervertebral osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine develops gradually, each characterized by its own negative manifestations:
- First degree. The initial stage of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is characterized by a condition in which the intervertebral disc loses moisture. Flexibility decreases, low-intensity painful feelings appear, which completely disappear when one adopts a comfortable posture.
- Second degree. The disc continues to lose moisture. As a result, it will become smaller, cracks appear, some deep enough. The muscular corset tries to adapt, trying to maintain the stability of the spine, leading to cramps and severe back, chest and limb pain.
- Third degree. At this stage, the core pulsus breaks outwards. Essentially, it is an intervertebral hernia in which the pain persists throughout the day. A person is forced to change the type of activity to one in which the discomfort will not be as intense.
- Fourth degree. Extensive osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is dangerous as severe tissue restructuring begins at the site of injury. The tissue of the anulus fibrosus is naturally replaced by the bone, leading to severe stiffness in the movements. The appearance of osteophytes and deformity of the spine can also be observed.
Aggravation period
The manifestation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region at the stage of exacerbation is characterized by the appearance of paroxysmal pain, which is extremely difficult to alleviate with improvised devices. Self-medication is unacceptable at this stage, so you should see a doctor urgently or call for emergency help to relieve the pain.
Only a neurologist can correctly interpret your complaints, prescribing appropriate follow-up and treatment. Alleviation of the patient's condition is extremely important during exacerbation.
Exacerbation of the disease can be caused by a variety of factors, including stressful situations, hypothermia, and activities related to intense exercise. 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 include the appearance of pains of various localizations, stiffness of movements, and difficulty breathing. The complexity of the diagnosis lies in the fact that a wide variety of diseases of different natures fit this description. In particular, there is such a concept - "gastrointestinal syndrome", characterized by the occurrence 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 allow an accurate diagnosis to be made, on the basis of which the neurologist prescribes the appropriate therapy. It all starts with a detailed interview with the patient, clarification of existing complaints and related illnesses.
After collecting the medical history, the doctor will proceed directly to the examination itself with special tests. The patient should then undergo the necessary laboratory tests as well as X-rays and MRI. Magnetic resonance imaging allows you to study the condition of the spine in more detail, identifying 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 chest region. After confirming the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes an individual therapeutic regimen for the patient. Age and the presence of concomitant diseases as well as allergies to certain drugs should be taken into account.
In the first stage, treatment is done with different drugs: 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 cramps. In particularly severe cases where immediate relief of acute pain is required, analgesic blockades are used.
Topical agents can also be used in the form of ointments and gels, but their effectiveness is somewhat lower because the active ingredients are difficult to perform in injuries.
In general, the treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is an integrated approach that combines the use of several methods simultaneously. Only such therapy can give not a one-time positive result, but an improvement in the clinical picture over time.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is performed after pain relief. It is extremely important to make each movement slowly, avoiding sudden movements to avoid deterioration of the condition.
Remember that if exercise causes pain, stop immediately and consult a doctor.
Massage procedures
Muscle cramps, hypertension, pain - this is how the thoracic spine osteochondrosis manifests itself. Massage can be performed by a qualified professional to eliminate these symptoms. 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 severe if you strictly follow certain medical recommendations. If a specialist has prescribed you bed rest, do not ignore this in any way, otherwise your condition may get worse. A person should be limited to physical activity, so they should refuse to visit the gym, work with weights.
An important element of primary prevention is the timely identification of medical individuals who have initial signs of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. Another, no less important point is proper nutrition, which means avoiding certain foods. It is necessary to limit the use of salt, so smoked meats, various spicy spices and pickles should be excluded from the diet.
It is very important to use chondroprotective drugs that slow the progression of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, nourish and improve the metabolic processes of cartilage tissue.
Conclusion
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine is possible. To do this, you must strictly follow your doctor's recommendations and follow the established therapeutic regimen. Initial osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is best treated, so it is extremely important to be more attentive to your body in response to the slightest symptoms of the disease.
To avoid possible relapses, you should follow preventive measures, monitor your posture, which is especially important when sitting. Only consult qualified doctors, as only they can prescribe the appropriate treatment regimen and further recovery.