One of the most common diseases of the musculoskeletal system is thoracic osteochondrosis.As a result of the development of the disease, a deformation of a person's spine occurs.Such a pathology leads not only to impairment of the full ability to move, but also to dysfunction of some organs and systems.The disease is accompanied by severe pain.
Symptoms and signs of the disease
One of the most common reasons a person goes to the doctor is pain.With osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, the pain syndrome can have various features:
- Following the pain, numbness is felt in the chest, which gradually spreads to the left arm.
- The pain syndrome occurs with normal posture, 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 “masquerades” as other diseases.
- The appearance of pain when suddenly bending over 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 (touch perception, temperature).
- Impaired motor activity.
Stages of osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region develops gradually.Its duration depends on the individuality of the organism and the causes of the disease.In total, there are four stages of disease development, each of which has a number of clinical features.
First stage
First, the intervertebral disc begins to “lose water,” causing its strength and elasticity to decrease, even though the damaged vertebra can still withstand all physical stress.This causes the intervertebral disc to gradually become flatter and decrease in height.In the first stage, the formation of protrusions begins.
The patient complains of focal pain syndrome: pain is only felt in the area of the damaged spine.The nature of the pain is constant, possibly in the form of lumbago.Sometimes a person notices strange pains in the heart, uncontrolled muscle contractions like cramps.
Second stage
The fibrous ring becomes covered with cracks, the spinal segment becomes unstable.The patient notices pain that increases with movement and discomfort that occurs with prolonged postures.Subluxations may occur in the second stage.
At this stage, osteochondrosis of the chest, manifested by subluxations, is characterized by additional symptoms: malaise, weakness, intercostal pain, pain not only in the chest organs, but also in the limbs.Subluxations with osteochondrosis are dangerous because they can manifest themselves after an indefinite period of time.
Third stage
At this stage, it is very difficult for a sick person to miss osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.The fibrous ring in the spinal segment tears and a herniated disc occurs.Therefore, a person not only feels severe pain, but also notices signs of dysfunction of other organs and systems.
The person has muscle tonic and neurovascular disorders.Due to the development of kyphosis or scoliosis, the mobility of the spine is restricted.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 segment do not experience the usual resistance from the cartilage and begin to gradually converge.As a result of this process, the intervertebral joints deform and spondyloarthrosis or spondylolisthesis occurs.
To maintain the spine, the body activates processes to compensate for lost functions: The damaged vertebra gradually begins to grow in width and thereby increase its area.The tissue in the destroyed fibrous ring is replaced by bone.At this stage, the patient notices a decrease in pain, but this is replaced by reduced mobility (the spine ossifies in the damaged area).
Treatment methods for 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 is to get rid of it.
Currently, 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 most important thing is to combat pain and inflammation.To eliminate pain, doctors use anti-inflammatory drugs.
Improving the condition of cartilage tissue.For this purpose, doctors write patients a prescription for chondroprotectors.
Relief from muscle spasms.The movement of the spine is often restricted by tense muscles.To eliminate this pathology, doctors prescribe muscle relaxants.
To relieve pain, doctors recommend their patients to use various ointments with a warming effect.
The dosage of the medication is controlled by the treating doctor.The patient must remember that medications should be taken in the order specified by the doctor.You should not mix medications or replace them with analogues without your doctor's knowledge.
In addition to drug treatment, doctors practice acupuncture, reflexology, physiotherapy and massage.Any treatment method must be discussed with a doctor and carried out by a specialist.
In the early stages of the disease, 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 exercise without the supervision of their attending physician.It should be borne in mind that physical activity is not possible in the acute phase of the disease.Depending on the location of the damaged segment in the spine, each exercise therapy is selected.
Consequences of osteochondrosis
If the disease is not treated, it progresses.If 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 pay attention to your health.
First of all, you should exclude all factors that can provoke the development of osteochondrosis: do not forget about the dangers of heavy physical activity and follow the rules for maintaining correct posture.
Every person should undergo regular medical examinations.If during a medical examination the doctor finds primary pathology of the spine, the patient should immediately make an appointment with an orthopedist.
In order to prevent the disease, it is necessary to promptly treat all diseases that occur in the musculoskeletal system.After injuries, completing a rehabilitation course is mandatory.
It is necessary to pay attention to your body: change your posture more often during work, avoid hypothermia and overheating, and be constantly under medical supervision.
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 contain not only vegetables, but also a vitamin complex that must be taken in spring and winter.To strengthen the musculoskeletal system, you can use massages, medication and swimming.