One of the most common pathologies of the musculoskeletal system of the body is thoracic osteochondrosis.As a result of the development of the disease, the person's spinal column is deformed.Such a pathology leads not only to a reduced ability to fully move, but also to malfunctioning of the functions of some organs and systems.The disease is accompanied by severe pain.
Symptoms and signs of the disease
One of the common reasons a person goes to the doctor is pain.In the case of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, the pain syndrome can have a number of characteristics:
- After the pain, a numbness is felt in the chest, which gradually spreads to the left arm.
- The pain syndrome occurs in a 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 is "masked" as other diseases.
- The appearance of pain during sudden bending and increased breathing.
- The feeling of pain intensifies at night.
But osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is characterized not only by pain, but also by a number of other signs:
- Reduced mobility in the thoracic spine.
- Paresthesia (goosebumps).
- Reduced sensitivity (perception of touch, temperature).
- Motor activity disorder.
Stages of osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region develops in stages.Their duration depends on the individuality of the organism and the reasons that caused the disease.In total, there are four stages of disease development, each of which has a number of clinical characteristics.
The first stage
First, the intervertebral disc begins to "lose water", due to which its strength and elasticity decrease, although the damaged vertebra is still able to withstand all physical efforts.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, an uncontrolled muscle contraction like spasms.
The second stage
The fibrous ring becomes covered with cracks, the spinal segment becomes unstable.The patient notes pain, which intensifies during movement, as well as discomfort that occurs during prolonged posture.In the second stage, subluxations may appear.
At this stage, osteochondrosis of the chest, which is manifested by subluxations, is characterized by additional symptoms: discomfort, weakness, intercostal pain, pain not only in the chest organs, but also in the limbs.Subluxations with osteochondrosis are dangerous because they can manifest after an indefinite period.
The third phase
At this stage, osteochondrosis of the cervicothoracic spine is very difficult for a sick person not to notice.In a spinal segment, the annulus fibrosus ruptures, causing a herniation in the intervertebral disc.Therefore, a person not only experiences severe pain, but also notices signs of disturbances in the work of other organs and systems.
The person has muscle-tonic and neurovascular disorders.The mobility of the spinal column is limited due to the formation of kyphosis or scoliosis.As a result of these processes, the degree of fixation of the spine decreases.
The fourth stage
As the disease progresses, the intervertebral cartilage begins to lose its function.The vertebrae surrounding the damaged segment of the spine do not encounter the usual resistance due to the cartilage, so they begin to gradually move closer together.As a result of this process, there is deformation of the intervertebral joints and the development of spondyloarthrosis or spondylolisthesis.
In order to preserve the spinal column, the body activates processes to compensate for the lost functions: the damaged vertebra begins to gradually grow in width, thus increasing its surface area.The tissue in the destroyed fibrous ring is replaced by bone.At this stage, the patient notices a decrease in pain, but it is replaced by limited mobility (the spinal column ossifies in the damaged area).
Methods of treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the cervicothoracic region is not a fatal disease, which can be cured with proper 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 by 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.
Improvement of cartilage tissue condition.For this purpose, doctors write patients a prescription for chondroprotectors.
Removal of muscle spasm.Often the movement of the spinal column is limited by tense 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.
Medication dosage is controlled by the attending physician.The patient must remember that the medication should be taken in the order prescribed by the doctor.You should not mix medicines or replace them with analogues without your doctor's knowledge.
In addition to drug treatment, doctors practice acupuncture, reflexology, physiotherapy and massage.Each method of treatment should 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.
Patients are not recommended to engage in gymnastics without the supervision of a doctor.It should be remembered that physical exercises cannot be done during the acute period of the disease.Any exercise therapy is selected depending on the location of the damaged segment in the spine.
Consequences of osteochondrosis
If the disease is not treated, it progresses.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
To avoid the development of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, you should always take care of your health.
To begin with, you should exclude all factors that can cause the development of osteochondrosis: do not forget about the dangers of heavy physical activity, follow the rules of maintaining proper posture.
Every person should undergo regular medical examinations.If the doctor discovers a primary pathology of the spine during the medical examination, the patient should immediately make an appointment with an orthopedist.
For the prevention of diseases, it is necessary to treat all diseases that occur in the musculoskeletal system in a timely manner.After sustaining injuries, it is mandatory to undergo a rehabilitation course.
It is necessary to take care of your body: change your body position more often during work, avoid hypothermia and overheating, and constantly be under the supervision of a doctor.
At home, a person can always support his 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 any disease is a balanced diet.Your diet should contain not only vegetables, but also a complex of vitamins, which you must take in spring and winter.You can use massage, medication and swimming to strengthen the musculoskeletal system.