One of the most common pathologies of the musculoskeletal system of the body is thoracic osteochondrosis.Due to the development of the disease, the human spine is deformed.Such a pathology leads not only to the impairment of the ability to move as a whole, but also to the failure of the functioning of some organs and systems.The disease is accompanied by severe pain.
Symptoms and signs of the disease
One of the most common reasons someone sees a doctor is pain.In the case of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, the pain syndrome can be associated with several features:
- After 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 the kidneys.This phenomenon is explained by the fact that the disease "masks" itself as other diseases.
- Occurrence of pain with sudden bending and increased breathing.
- The feeling of pain increases at night.
However, osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is characterized not only by pain, but also by a number of other symptoms:
- Reduced mobility in the thoracic spine.
- Paraesthesia (goosebumps).
- Reduced sensitivity (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 causes of the disease.In total, there are four stages of the development of the disease, 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 strength and flexibility decrease, although the damaged vertebra is still able to withstand any 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: the 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 a strange pain in the heart, uncontrolled muscle contractions like spasms.
Second stage
The annulus fibrosus is covered with cracks, the spinal segment becomes unstable.The patient notices pain that intensifies during movement, as well as discomfort during long-term postures.In the second stage, subluxations may appear.
At this stage, osteochondrosis of the chest, which manifests itself in subluxations, is characterized by additional symptoms: discomfort, weakness, intercostal pain, pain not only in the chest organs, but also in the limbs.Subluxations associated with osteochondrosis are dangerous because they can appear after an indefinite period of time.
Third stage
At this stage, it is very difficult for a sick person not to notice osteochondrosis of the cervical thoracic spine.In the spinal segment, the fibrous ring breaks, as a result of which a hernia is formed in the intervertebral disc.Therefore, a person not only experiences severe pain, but also notices signs of disruption of other organs and systems.
The person suffers from muscle tone and neurovascular disorders.The mobility of the spine is limited due to the development of kyphosis or scoliosis.As a result of these processes, the degree of fixation of the spine decreases.
Fourth stage
As the disease progresses, the intervertebral cartilage begins to lose its function.The vertebrae surrounding the damaged spinal section do not meet the usual resistance due to the cartilage, so they gradually begin to approach each other.As a result of the process, the intervertebral joints are deformed and spondyloarthrosis or spondylolisthesis develops.
In order to preserve the spinal column, the body activates processes that compensate for the lost functions: the width of the damaged vertebra gradually increases, thereby increasing its area.The tissue of the destroyed fibrous ring is replaced by bone.At this stage, the patient notices a decrease in pain, but this is replaced by limited movement (the spinal column ossifies in the damaged area).
Methods of treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the cervicothoracic region is not a fatal disease and can be cured with appropriate treatment.The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the easier it will be to get rid of it.
Currently, the 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 prescribe patients chondroprotectors.
Alleviation of muscle spasm.Movement of the spine is often restricted by tight muscles.To eliminate this pathology, doctors prescribe muscle relaxants.
In order to reduce pain, doctors recommend their patients to use various ointments that have a warming effect.
The dose of the medication is regulated by the attending physician.The patient must remember to take the medicines in the order given by the doctor.Do not mix drugs or replace them with analogues without the knowledge of the doctor.
In addition to drug treatment, doctors deal with acupuncture, reflexology, physiotherapy and massage.All treatment methods 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.
It is not recommended for patients to exercise without the supervision of a doctor.It should not be forgotten that physical exercise cannot be performed during the acute period of the disease.Any exercise therapy is selected depending on the location of the damaged segment of the spinal column.
Consequences of osteochondrosis
If the disease is not treated, it will progress.If the treatment is successful, the risk of complications is minimized.The main complications are:
- Sciatica.
- VSD.
- Intervertebral hernia.
- Radiculitis.
- Migraine.
- Lumbago.
- Spondyloarthrosis.
- Spondylolysis.
- Disability.
- Impaired hearing or vision.
- epicondylitis.
Disease prevention
In order to avoid the development of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, you should always take care of your health.
At the beginning, you need to exclude all factors that can trigger the development of osteochondrosis: do not forget the dangers of heavy physical activity, follow the rules of correct posture.
All persons must undergo regular medical examinations.If the doctor reveals the primary pathology of the spine during the medical examination, the patient should immediately consult a doctor.
In order to prevent the disease, all diseases occurring in the musculoskeletal system must be treated immediately.After injuries, it is mandatory to attend a rehabilitation course.
You need to take care of your body: change your position more often during work, avoid hypothermia and overheating, and be under constant medical supervision.
At home, you can always support your 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 all diseases is a balanced diet.The diet should include not only vegetables, but also a complex of vitamins, which should be taken in spring and winter.To strengthen the musculoskeletal system, you can use massage, medicines and swimming.