One of the most common pathologies of the body's musculoskeletal system is thoracic osteochondrosis.As the disease progresses, a person's spine becomes deformed.This pathology results not only in the impairment of full mobility but also in the malfunction of certain organs and systems.The disease is accompanied by severe pain.
Symptoms and signs of disease
One of the common reasons people go to the doctor is for pain.In thoracic osteochondrosis, the pain syndrome may have many features:
- After the pain passed, I felt numbness in my chest and gradually spread to my left arm.
- The pain syndrome occurs in normal locations of the body and is accompanied by a burning sensation in the chest.
- The pain is not only in the sternum, but also in the heart, liver, stomach and even kidneys.The explanation for this phenomenon is that the disease "disguises" itself as other diseases.
- Pain occurs with sudden bending and increased breathing.
- The pain increases at night.
But thoracic osteochondrosis is characterized not only by pain but also by many other symptoms:
- Reduced thoracic spine mobility.
- Paresthesia (goosebumps).
- Reduced sensitivity (to touch, temperature perception).
- Impairment of motor activity.
stages of osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis in the chest region develops in stages.Their duration depends on the individual organism and the cause of the disease.There are four stages in disease development, each with a number of clinical features.
first stage
First, the intervertebral disc begins to "lose water," losing its stiffness and elasticity, although the damaged vertebrae are still able to withstand all the physical stress.As a result, the disc gradually flattens and loses height.In the first stage, protrusions begin to form.
Patients complain of focal pain syndrome: pain is felt only in the damaged area of the spine.The nature of the pain is constant and may occur in the form of lower back pain.Sometimes, a person will notice strange pains in the heart and muscles contracting uncontrollably, like a spasm.
second stage
The annulus fibrosus is riddled with cracks and spinal segments become unstable.Patients note pain that worsens during movement and discomfort when maintaining postures for long periods of time.In the second stage, subluxation may occur.
At this stage, thoracic osteochondrosis manifested by subluxation is characterized by additional symptoms: discomfort, weakness, intercostal pain, not only pain in the chest organs, but also in the limbs.Subluxations caused by osteochondrosis are dangerous because they can manifest indefinitely.
The third stage
At this stage, patients with cervicothoracic osteochondrosis are hard not to notice.At the spinal level, the annulus fibrosus ruptures, causing the disc to herniate.As a result, a person not only experiences severe pain but also notices signs of impaired function of other organs and systems.
The person suffers from muscle tension and neurovascular disease.Due to the development of kyphosis or scoliosis, the mobility of the spine is limited.As a result of these procedures, the spine becomes less fixed.
Stage 4
As the disease progresses, the intervertebral cartilage begins to lose its function.The vertebrae surrounding the damaged spinal segment do not encounter the usual cartilage resistance, so they begin to move closer together.As a result of this process, the intervertebral joints become deformed and spondyloarthrosis or spondylolisthesis occurs.
In order to protect the spine, the body activates processes to compensate for the lost function: the damaged vertebrae begin to gradually widen, thus increasing their area.The tissue in the destroyed annulus fibrosus is replaced by bone.During this stage, patients notice a decrease in pain, but are replaced by limited mobility (ossification of the spine in damaged areas).
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis
Cervicothoracic osteochondrosis is not a fatal disease and can be cured with appropriate treatment.The earlier a disease is diagnosed, the easier it is to get rid of it.
Currently, thoracic osteochondrosis is treated with the following methods:
- Conservative treatment.
- Traction.
- Surgical treatment.
Drug therapy is based on the following principles.The main one is to fight pain and inflammation.To eliminate pain, doctors use anti-inflammatory drugs.
Improves the condition of cartilage tissue.For this reason, doctors prescribe chondroprotectants to patients.
Relieve muscle spasms.Movement of the spine is often restricted by tight muscles.To eliminate this pathology, doctors prescribe muscle relaxants.
To relieve pain, doctors recommend patients to use various ointments with a warming effect.
The dosage of the drug is controlled by the attending physician.Patients must remember to take their medications in the order instructed by their doctor.You should not mix medications or replace them with similar medications without your doctor's knowledge.
In addition to medication, doctors also perform acupuncture, reflexology, physical therapy and massage.Every treatment must be discussed with a doctor and performed by an expert.
In the early stages of the disease, all treatments for osteochondrosis are limited to gymnastics and special exercises.Medications include medications that improve metabolism and vitamin treatments.
It is not recommended that patients perform gymnastics without the supervision of a primary care physician.It should be noted that during the acute stage of the disease, physical exercise cannot be performed.Any exercise therapy is chosen based on the location of the damaged segment of the spine.
Consequences of osteochondrosis
If the disease is not treated, it will progress.If treatment is successful, the risk of complications is minimized.The main complications are:
- Sciatica.
- Ventricular septal defect.
- Intervertebral hernia.
- Radiculitis.
- Migraine.
- Low back pain.
- Spondyloarthropathy.
- Spondylolysis.
- Disability.
- Loss of hearing or vision.
- Epicondylitis.
disease prevention
To avoid developing thoracic osteochondrosis, you should always pay attention to your health.
First of all, you should rule out all possible triggers of osteochondrosis: do not forget about the dangers of strenuous physical activity, follow the rules of maintaining a correct posture.
Everyone should get regular physical exams.If the doctor discovers a primary lesion of the spine during a physical examination, the patient should make an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon immediately.
In order to prevent this disease, all diseases that arise in the musculoskeletal system must be treated promptly.After an injury, it is necessary to undergo rehabilitation courses.
It is necessary to take good care of your body: change positions when working, avoid hypothermia and overheating, and always work under the supervision of a doctor.
At home, a person can always take the help of gymnastics to support his body.Their mission is to strengthen back muscles and improve physical health.
The best way to prevent any disease is to eat a balanced diet.Your diet should include not only vegetables but also multivitamins, which are essential in spring and winter.To strengthen the musculoskeletal system, you can use massage, medications and swimming.