Thoracic osteochondrosis is one of the most common pathologies of the musculoskeletal system of the body.Due to the development of the disease, a person's spine is deformed.Such pathology leads not only to impaired ability to fully move, but also to dysfunction of the functions of certain organs and systems.The disease is accompanied by severe pain.
Symptoms and signs of the disease
One of the common reasons a person sees a doctor is pain.In the case of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, the pain syndrome can have several characteristics:
- Following the pain, numbness is felt in the chest, which gradually extends to the left arm.
- 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 kidneys.This phenomenon is explained by the fact that the disease “masks” like other diseases.
- The appearance of pain accompanied by sudden bending and increased breathing.
- The feeling of pain increases at night.
But osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is characterized not only by pain, but also by a number of other signs:
- Decreased mobility of the thoracic spine.
- Paresthesia (goosebumps).
- Decreased sensitivity (perception of 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 reasons that caused the disease.In total, there are four stages of development of the disease, each of which has a number of clinical features.
First step
First, the intervertebral disc begins to “lose water,” resulting in a decrease in its firmness and elasticity, although the damaged vertebra is still able to withstand all physical stress.As a result, the intervertebral disc gradually flattens and decreases in height.Initially, the formation of protrusions begins.
The patient complains of focal pain syndrome: pain is felt only in the damaged spinal area.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 cramps.
Second step
The annulus fibrosus becomes covered with cracks, the spinal segment becomes unstable.The patient notices pain that intensifies during movement, as well as discomfort that occurs during prolonged postures.In the second stage, subluxations may appear.
At this stage, thoracic osteochondrosis, manifested by subluxations, is characterized by additional symptoms: discomfort, weakness, intercostal pain, pain not only in the thoracic organs, but also in the limbs.Subluxations with osteochondrosis are dangerous because they can manifest themselves after an indefinite period of time.
Third step
At this stage, osteochondrosis of the cervicothoracic spine is very difficult for a sick person not to notice.In the spinal segment, the annulus fibrosus ruptures, causing a herniation to form in the intervertebral disc.Therefore, a person not only experiences severe pain, but also notices signs of disruption in the functioning of other organs and systems.
The person presents musculo-tonic and neurovascular disorders.Spinal mobility is limited due to the formation of kyphosis or scoliosis.Due to these processes, the degree of spinal fixation decreases.
Step four
As the disease progresses, the intervertebral cartilage begins to lose its function.The vertebrae surrounding the damaged spinal segment do not encounter the usual resistance caused by cartilage and therefore begin to gradually move closer together.As a result of this process, the intervertebral joints become deformed and spondyloarthrosis or spondylolisthesis develops.
To preserve the spine, the body activates processes to compensate for lost functions: the damaged vertebra begins to gradually grow, thus increasing its surface area.The destroyed annulus fibrosus tissue is replaced by bone.At this stage, the patient notices a reduction in pain, but this is replaced by limited mobility (the spine ossifies in the injured area).
Methods for treating thoracic osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the cervicothoracic region is not a fatal disease that 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 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.
Improve the condition of cartilaginous tissue.For this purpose, doctors prescribe chondroprotectors to patients.
Relieve muscle spasms.Often, spinal movements are limited by muscle tension.To eliminate this pathology, doctors prescribe muscle relaxants.
To reduce pain, doctors recommend their patients to use various ointments with a warming effect.
The dosage of medications is controlled by the attending physician.The patient should remember that medications should be taken in the order indicated by the doctor.You should not mix medications or replace them with analogues without your doctor's knowledge.
In addition to drug treatments, doctors practice acupuncture, reflexology, physiotherapy and massages.Each treatment method should be discussed with a doctor and carried out by a specialist.
In the early stages of the disease, any treatment of osteochondrosis is limited to gymnastics and special exercises.Drug therapy involves prescribing drugs that improve metabolism and vitamin therapy.
It is not recommended that patients practice gymnastics without the supervision of their attending physician.It should be borne in mind that during the acute period of the disease, physical exercise cannot be practiced.Any exercise therapy is chosen based 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.
- Decreased 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 need to exclude all factors that can provoke the development of osteochondrosis: do not forget about the dangers of intense physical activity, follow the rules for maintaining correct posture.
Every person should have regular medical checkups.If during a medical examination the doctor reveals primary pathology of the spine, the patient should immediately make an appointment with an orthopedist.
To prevent disease, it is necessary to promptly treat all diseases that occur in the musculoskeletal system.After sustaining injuries, it is mandatory to undergo a rehabilitation course.
It is necessary to take care of your body: change positions more often during work, avoid hypothermia and overheating, and be constantly 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 against any disease is a balanced diet.Your diet should include not only vegetables, but also a vitamin complex, which should be taken in spring and winter.To strengthen the musculoskeletal system, you can use massage, medications and swimming.