Thoracic osteochondrosis is a very dangerous pathology explained by the difficult process of diagnosis, so the disease can be diagnosed only in the early stages. Initially, thoracic lumbar osteochondrosis was considered a disease of the elderly, but recently there is a certain tendency for this disease to significantly "rejuvenate", so it is important to know the main symptoms and treatment to improve the clinic. picture of the disease.
The complexity of the diagnosis is due to the fact that the vertebrae in the thoracic region are the least susceptible to stress and injury. 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 gender.
Specificity of the disease
The disease is characterized by pathological processes that cause adverse changes in the structure of tissues. As a result, the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc itself can be destroyed, resulting in the emergence of the pulposus nucleus. This situation is dangerous because there is a risk of spinal cord compression and further disability.
The development of the disease in childhood can lead to premature aging, even before the final formation of the musculoskeletal system. Therefore, it is extremely important to diagnose the pathology in a timely manner in the early stages, when the destruction of the vertebrae and adjacent tissues has not yet occurred.
Clinical symptoms
It manifests itself in completely different ways, depending on the stage of the disease. Therefore, we will emphasize the general symptoms of thoracic lumbar osteochondrosis:
- Pain. It can occur not only during any movement, but also during prolonged stay in static positions.
- Stiffness that prevents the body from rotating freely.
- Shortness of breath due to strong pressure in the middle of the back.
- Problems with the gastrointestinal tract and other internal organs.
Very often, the disease manifests itself as painful sensations on the left side of the chest, which can be interpreted as a symptomatology of heart pathology. This complicates the diagnosis, but the specialist evaluates the sum of all the patient's complaints, which allows you to correctly interpret all the existing symptoms.
Knowing the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, you can immediately seek professional help. We advise you to pay more attention to the signals given by your body.
When making a diagnosis, it is important to know how osteochondrosis of the thoracic region manifests itself, because this disease is insidious, so it is easy to confuse it with other diseases. Depending on the nature of the pain, the main types of thoracic lumbar osteochondrosis can be distinguished. One condition is characterized by prolonged pain in the damaged area of the spine, the second is characterized by the appearance of an acute attack, which literally complicates the respiratory functions by holding a person's movements.
Causes of the disease
The following causes of thoracic lumbar osteochondrosis can be distinguished:
- Pathological processes that adversely affect the structure of the discs. In particular, there is a certain genetic predisposition to this disease.
- Lack of activity related to the performance of work functions and the characteristics of leisure time.
- Scoliosis, which causes increased stress in certain parts of the spine.
- Mechanical damage to the chest.
- Strength training related to lifting large loads.
- Constant stressful situations.
- Hypothermia of the body.
- Calcium deficiency.
- Hormonal disorders.
Classification of the disease
Thoracic lumbar intervertebral osteochondrosis develops in stages, each of which is characterized by its own negative manifestations:
- First degree. The initial stage of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is characterized by a condition in which there is a loss of moisture by the intervertebral disc. Elasticity decreases, low-intensity painful sensations appear, which completely disappear when a person takes a comfortable position.
- Second degree. The disc continues to lose moisture. As a result, it shrinks, cracks appear, some of which are very deep. The muscle corset tries to adapt by trying to maintain the stability of the waist, which causes spasms and severe pain in the back, chest and limbs.
- Third degree. At this stage, the pulposus nucleus has a leap outward. It is mainly an intervertebral hernia in which the pain persists throughout the day. A person has to change the type of activity in which the feeling of anxiety is not so intense.
- Fourth degree. Enlarged thoracic lumbar osteochondrosis is dangerous because a serious reconstruction begins to occur in all tissues at the site of injury. There is a natural replacement of the annulus fibrosus tissue with bone, which leads to stiffness of movements. The appearance of osteophytes and deformities of the spine are also observed.
Aggravation period
The manifestation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region in the exacerbation phase is characterized by the appearance of paroxysmal pain, which is extremely difficult to eliminate by improvisation. Self-medication at this stage is unacceptable, so you should see a doctor or call an ambulance immediately to relieve the pain.
Only a neurologist can correctly interpret your complaints, prescribe an appropriate examination and treatment. It is extremely important to alleviate the patient's condition during an exacerbation.
Exacerbation of the disease can be caused by various factors, including stressful situations, hypothermia and activities associated with heavy loads. In this case, there is a significant deterioration in the patient's well-being, breathing may be difficult and mobility may be limited. In some cases, hospitalization may be required.
Basic diagnostic methods
Symptoms of thoracic lumbar osteochondrosis include the appearance of pain in different localizations, stiffness of movements, and difficulty breathing. The complexity of the diagnosis lies in the fact that many diseases of different nature fit this description. In particular, there is such a concept, 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 - "gastrological syndrome".
Only modern diagnostic methods will allow you to make an accurate diagnosis, on the basis of which the neurologist will prescribe appropriate treatment. It all starts with a detailed interview of the patient, clarification of existing complaints and related diseases.
After collecting the history, the doctor goes for a direct examination with special tests. The patient must then undergo the necessary laboratory tests, X-rays and MRIs. Magnetic resonance imaging allows to study the condition of the spine in more detail, to determine the existing pathologies, the size and location of the hernia (if any).
How is the treatment process going?
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 to the patient. Age and the presence of concomitant diseases, as well as allergies to certain drugs should be taken into account.
In the first stage, treatment is with various drugs: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics and antispasmodics.
The main goal at this stage is to alleviate the patient's condition, reduce pain syndrome and muscle tissue spasms. Analgesic blockades are used, especially in severe cases, when acute pain needs immediate relief.
Local agents in the form of ointments and gels can also be used, but their effectiveness is somewhat lower due to the difficulty of delivering the active ingredients to the lesions.
In general, the treatment of thoracic lumbar osteochondrosis is an integrated approach that involves the simultaneous use of several methods. Not only can such therapy give a one-time positive result, but it can improve the clinical picture over time.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is performed after the pain subsides. To prevent the situation from getting worse, it is extremely important to do all the actions slowly, avoiding sudden movements.
Remember that if the exercise hurts you, stop immediately and consult a doctor.
Massage procedures
Muscle spasms, hypertension, pain - even osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. Massage, which should be done by a qualified professional, can be used to relieve these symptoms. These procedures can be used not only for therapeutic purposes, but also as a good preventive measure.
Prophylaxis
The consequences of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine will not be so strong if you strictly follow certain medical recommendations. If a specialist prescribes bed rest for you, you should never ignore it, otherwise your condition may worsen. A person should be limited to physical activity, so he will have to refrain from visiting the gym and working with weights.
An important component of primary prevention is the timely identification of individuals with early signs of thoracic lumbar osteochondrosis during medical examinations. Another, less important point is proper nutrition, which involves avoiding certain foods. The use of salt should be limited, so smoked meats, various spices and acids should be excluded from the diet.
It is very important to use drugs that slow down the development of thoracic lumbar osteochondrosis, have a chondroprotective effect, nourish and improve metabolic processes in cartilage tissue.
The result
Thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine can be treated. To make this possible, you must strictly follow the recommendations of the attending physician, as well as follow the prescribed treatment regimen. The first osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is best treated, so it is extremely important to pay more attention to your body in response to the slightest symptoms of the disease.
To prevent a possible relapse, you need to take preventive measures, monitor your posture, which is especially important in sedentary work. Contact only qualified doctors, because only they will be able to prescribe a competent treatment regimen and further recovery rules.