Thoracic osteochondrosis is a rather dangerous pathology, which is explained by the difficult diagnostic process, which is why it is often possible to identify the disease only in advanced stages. Initially, osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine was considered a disease of the elderly, but recently there has been a certain tendency towards a significant "rejuvenation" of this disease, therefore it is important to know the main symptoms and treatment to improve the clinical picture. image of the disease. The difficulty in diagnosis is due to the fact that the vertebrae located in the thoracic region are the least susceptible to stress and injuries. 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 sex.
Specifics 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, as a result, protrusion of the nucleus pulposus may occur. This condition is dangerous because there is a risk of compression of the spinal cord and greater disability for the person. The progression of the disease in childhood can lead to premature aging of the musculoskeletal system even before its final formation. That is why timely diagnosis of pathology in the early stages, when the destruction of the vertebrae and adjacent tissues has not yet occurred, is extremely important.
Clinical symptoms
This disease manifests itself in completely different ways depending on the stage. Therefore, we will highlight the general symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region:
- Pain. It can occur not only when performing any action, but also when staying in static positions for a long time.
- Stiffness of movement, preventing free rotation of the body.
- Difficulty breathing 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.
The disease often manifests itself as pain in the left side of the chest, which can be interpreted as symptoms of cardiac pathologies. This makes the diagnosis difficult, but the specialist evaluates all of the patient's complaints, which allows a correct interpretation of all existing symptoms. Knowing what the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are, you can immediately seek qualified help. We advise you to be more attentive to the signals your body gives.
When making a diagnosis, it is important to know how osteochondrosis of the thoracic region manifests itself, as this disease is insidious, so it is easy to confuse it with other diseases. Based on the nature of the pain, we can distinguish the main types of osteochondrosis. One condition is characterized by prolonged pain in the injured area of the spine, and the second is characterized by the occurrence of acute attacks that literally make it difficult for a person to move, complicating his respiratory functions.
Causes of the disease
The following causes of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can be identified:
- Pathological processes that negatively affect the structure of the discs. In particular, there is a certain genetic predisposition to this disease.
- Lack of activity associated with the performance of work and leisure functions.
- Scoliosis, which causes increased stress on certain areas of the spine.
- Mechanical damage to the chest.
- Strength training involving lifting heavy loads.
- Regular stressful situations.
- Hypothermia of the body.
- Lack of calcium.
- Hormonal disorders.
Disease classification
Intervertebral osteochondrosis develops in stages, each of which is characterized by its own negative manifestations:
- First degree.The initial stage is characterized by a condition in which moisture loss occurs in the intervertebral disc. Elasticity decreases, low-intensity pain appears, which disappears completely when the person assumes a comfortable position.
- High school.The loss of moisture in the disc continues. As a result, it becomes smaller and cracks appear, some of them quite deep. The muscular corset tries to adapt, trying to maintain the stability of the spine, which leads to spasms and quite severe pain in the back, chest and limbs.
- Third degree.At this stage, an advancement of the nucleus pulposus towards the outside is observed. In essence, it is an intervertebral hernia, in which pain persists throughout the day. The person is forced to change their type of activity to one in which the unpleasant sensations are not so intense.
- Fourth degree.Extended osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is dangerous because a serious restructuring of all tissues begins to occur at the site of damage. There is a natural replacement of the fibrous tissue of the ring with bone, which leads to severe stiffness of movement. The appearance of osteophytes and deformation of the spine is also observed.
Exacerbation period
The manifestation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region in the acute phase is characterized by the appearance of paroxysmal pain, which is extremely difficult to alleviate with available means. Self-medication at this stage is unacceptable, so you should immediately consult a doctor or call emergency services to relieve pain. Only a neurologist can correctly interpret your complaints and prescribe appropriate additional examinations and treatments. During an exacerbation, it is extremely important to alleviate the patient's condition. Exacerbation of the disease can be caused by several factors, including stressful situations, hypothermia and activities associated with intense stress. In this condition, there is a significant deterioration in the patient's well-being, breathing may become difficult, and mobility may be limited. In some cases, admission to a hospital may be necessary.
Basic diagnostic methods
Signs of osteochondrosis in the thoracic region are the appearance of pain in different locations, stiffness of movement and difficulty breathing. The difficulty of diagnosis lies in the fact that a large number of diseases of different natures fit this description. In particular, there is such a concept - "gastrological syndrome", which is 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 will make it possible to make an accurate diagnosis, on the basis of which the neurologist prescribes appropriate therapy. It all starts with a detailed interview with the patient, identifying existing complaints and concomitant diseases. After collecting the anamnesis, the doctor proceeds directly to the examination itself with special tests. The patient must then undergo the necessary laboratory tests, as well as x-rays and MRIs. MRI 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 treatment process work?
It is extremely important to know what to do with osteochondrosis of the thoracic region. After confirming the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes an individual treatment regimen for the patient. It is necessary to take into account age and the presence of concomitant diseases, as well as allergies to certain medications. In the first stage, treatment is carried out with various medications: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics and antispasmodics. The main goal at this stage is to alleviate the patient's condition, reduce pain and spasms of muscle tissue. In especially serious cases, when immediate relief from acute pain is necessary, anesthetic blocks 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 active substances to the lesions. In general, the treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is an integrated approach that combines the use of several techniques. Only such therapy can give not a one-time positive result, but an improvement in the clinical picture over time.
Physiotherapy
Therapeutic exercise is performed after pain relief. It is extremely important to carry out all movements slowly, avoiding sudden movements, to avoid worsening the condition. Remember that if exercise causes you pain, you should stop immediately and consult a doctor.
Massage treatments
Muscle spasms, hypertonicity, pain – this is how the disease manifests itself. To eliminate these symptoms, massage can be used, which must be carried out by a qualified specialist. These procedures can be used not only for therapeutic purposes, but also as a good preventive measure.
Prevention
The consequences of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine will not be so strong if you strictly follow certain medical recommendations. If a specialist has prescribed bed rest for you, under no circumstances should you ignore this, otherwise your condition may worsen. A person should limit themselves to physical activity, so they will have to refuse to go to the gym or work with weights. An important component of primary prevention is the timely identification of individuals during medical examinations who have initial signs of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. Another no less important point is proper nutrition, which involves avoiding certain foods. It is necessary to limit the consumption of salt, so smoked meats, various seasonings and pickles will have to be removed from the diet.
It is very important to use chondroprotective medications that slow down the progression of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, nourish and improve metabolic processes in cartilaginous tissue.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can be treated. For this to be possible, you must strictly follow your doctor's recommendations, as well as adhere to the established treatment regimen. Initial osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is best treated, therefore it is extremely important to be more attentive to your body, responding to the slightest symptoms of the disease. To avoid a possible relapse, it is necessary to follow preventive measures and monitor your posture, which is especially important when working sedentary. Contact only qualified doctors, as only they can prescribe a competent treatment regimen and further recovery.