Thoracic osteochondrosis is a rather dangerous pathology, which is explained by the difficult process of its diagnosis, so the disease can often be identified only in advanced stages. Initially, thoracic spine osteochondrosis was considered a disease of the elderly, but recently there has been a definite tendency to significantly "rejuvenate" this disease, so it is important to know the main symptoms and treatment to improve the clinical picture. picture 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 injury. However, limited mobility is not a guarantee of safety, so the occurrence of pathologies in this department is 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 fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc itself may be destroyed and, as a consequence, the pulposus nucleus may bulge. This condition is dangerous because there is a danger of compression of the spinal cord and further disability of the person.
The progression of the disease in childhood can lead to premature aging of the musculoskeletal system even before its final formation. Therefore, it is extremely important to diagnose the pathology in a timely manner 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 thoracic spine osteochondrosis:
- Pain. It can occur not only when performing any actions, but also during a long stay in a static position.
- Stiffness of movement that interferes with 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 itself as a painful sensation on the left side of the chest, which can be interpreted as a symptomatology of cardiac pathologies. This complicates the diagnosis, but the specialist assesses the totality of all the patient’s complaints, allowing for a proper interpretation of all existing symptoms.
Knowing what the symptoms of thoracic spine osteochondrosis are, you can immediately seek qualified help. We advise you to pay more attention to the signals your body gives.
When making a diagnosis, it is important to know how osteochondrosis of the thoracic region manifests, because 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 thoracic spine osteochondrosis can be distinguished. One condition is characterized by prolonged pain in the area of the damaged area of the spine, and the other is characterized by the appearance of acute attacks, which literally impede a person’s movements, making it difficult for her 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 the discs. In particular, there is a certain genetic predisposition for this disease.
- Lack of activities related to the performance of their work functions and the specifics of leisure activities.
- Scoliosis, which is the cause of increased stress on certain parts of the spine.
- Mechanical damage to the chest.
- Strength training associated with lifting heavy loads.
- Regular stressful situations.
- Body hypothermia.
- Calcium deficiency.
- Hormonal disorders.
Classification of diseases
Intervertebral osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine develops in stages, each of which is characterized by its own negative manifestations:
- First degree. The initial stage of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is characterized by a condition where there is a loss of moisture by the intervertebral disc. Elasticity decreases, painful feelings of low intensity appear, which completely disappear when the person takes a comfortable posture.
- Second degree. The disc continues to lose moisture. As a result, it becomes smaller, cracks appear, some are quite deep. The muscular corset tries to adjust, trying to maintain the stability of the spine, leading to cramps and severe pain in the back, chest and limbs.
- Third degree. At this stage, the nucleus pulposus penetrates outward. At its core it is an intervertebral hernia in which the pain lasts all day. The person is forced to change the type of activity to one in which the discomfort will not be as intense.
- Fourth degree. Prolonged osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is dangerous because at the site of damage begins a serious restructuring of all tissues. There is a natural replacement of the tissue of the fibrous ring with bone, which leads to severe stiffness of movement. The appearance of osteophytes, a deformity of the spine, is also observed.
Period of deterioration
The manifestation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region in the exacerbation phase is characterized by the appearance of paroxysmal pain that is extremely difficult to alleviate by improvised means. Self-medication at this stage is unacceptable, so you need to see a doctor urgently or call an ambulance to relieve the pain.
Only a neurologist can correctly interpret your complaints, prescribing appropriate follow-up examination and treatment. During exacerbations, it is extremely important to alleviate the patient’s condition.
Exacerbation of the disease can be caused by a variety of factors, including stressful situations, hypothermia, and activities associated with 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 are the appearance of pain of various localizations, stiffness of movement, as well as difficulty breathing. The complexity of the diagnosis lies in the fact that a huge number of diseases of different nature correspond to this description. In particular, there is such a concept - "gastrological syndrome", which is 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 on the basis of which the neurologist prescribes the appropriate therapy. It all starts with a detailed interview of the patient, clarifying the existing complaints and related diseases.
After collecting the anamnesis, the doctor proceeds directly to the examination with special tests. The patient must 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, identify existing pathologies, the size and location of the hernia (if any).
How does the healing process go?
It is extremely important to know what to do with osteochondrosis of the thoracic region. After confirming the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes an individual therapy regimen to the patient. It is necessary to take into account the age and the presence of accompanying ailments, as well as allergies to certain drugs.
In the first stage, treatment is carried out using various drugs: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics and antispasmodics.
The main goal in this phase is to alleviate the patient's condition, reduce the pain syndrome and muscle spasms. In particularly severe cases, when immediate relief of acute pain is needed, analgesic blockades are used.
Local agents in the form of ointments and gels can also be used, but their effectiveness is somewhat lower, due to the difficulty in delivering the active substances to the lesions.
In general, the treatment of thoracic spine osteochondrosis is an integrated approach that combines the use of several methods at once. Such therapy alone cannot give 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 perform all movements slowly, avoiding sudden movements, in order to prevent the deterioration of the condition.
Remember that if exercise causes you pain, stop immediately and see a doctor.
Massage procedures
Muscle cramps, hypertension, pain - this is how osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine manifests itself. A massage that should be performed by a qualified professional can be used 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 so strong if you strictly adhere to certain medical recommendations. If your specialist has prescribed you bed rest, in any case do not ignore it, because otherwise your condition may worsen. The person should limit themselves to physical activity, so they will have to refuse to visit the gym, work out with weights.
An important component of primary prevention is the timely identification of persons on medical examination who have initial signs of thoracic spine osteochondrosis. Another, no less important point is proper nutrition, which means avoiding certain foods. It is necessary to limit the use of salt, so smoked meat, various spicy spices and pickles will have to be removed from the diet.
It is very important to use drugs with chondroprotective action, which slow down the progression of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, nourish and improve metabolic processes in cartilage tissue.
Conclusion
Thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine can be treated. In order for that to be possible, you must strictly follow the recommendations of the doctor who appears, as well as adhere to the established treatment regimen. Initial osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is best treated, so it is extremely important to be more careful with your body, to respond to the slightest symptom of the disease.
To avoid possible recurrence, you need to follow preventive measures, monitor your posture, which is especially important when sitting. Contact only qualified doctors, as only they will be able to prescribe a competent treatment regimen and further recovery.