One of the most common pathologies of the musculoskeletal system of the body is thoracic osteochondrosis.As a result of the development of the disease, a person's spine is deformed.Such a pathology causes not only the ability to fully move, but also the ability to ensure the malfunction of the functions of some organs and systems.The disease is accompanied by severe pain.
Symptoms and signs of the disease
One of the common reasons a person goes to the doctor is pain.In the case of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, the pain syndrome may have a number of features:
- After the pain, numbness in the chest gradually spread to the left arm.
- Pain syndrome occurs in the normal state 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 the kidneys.This phenomenon explains that the disease "masks" itself as other diseases.
- The occurrence of sudden bending and breathing pains.
- The feeling of pain increases at night.
However, osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is characterized not only by pain, but also by a number of other symptoms:
- Reduced mobility in the thoracic spine.
- Paresthesia (Goosebumps).
- Sensitivity (touch, temperature perception) decreased.
- 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 causes of the disease.In general, there are four stages of disease development, each of which has a number of clinical features.
The first stage
First, the intervertebral disc begins to "lose water".As a result, the intervertebral disc gradually flattens and decreases in height.At the first stage, the formation of protrusions begins.
The patient complains of focal pain syndrome: the pain is felt only in the injured lumbar region.The nature of the pain is constant, perhaps in the form of Lumbago.Sometimes a person has a strange pain in the heart, uncontrolled muscle contractions like cramps.
The second stage
The fibrous ring is covered with cracks, the spinal segment becomes unstable.The patient reports pain that worsens during movement, as well as discomfort that occurs during prolonged postures.In the second stage, subluxations may appear.
Chest osteochondrosis, which manifests subluxations at this stage, is characterized by additional symptoms: restlessness, weakness, intercostal pain, pain in the legs, not only in the chest organs.Subluxations with osteochondrosis are dangerous because they can manifest themselves after an indefinite period of time.
The third stage
At this stage, it is very difficult for a sick person not to notice osteochondrosis of the cervicothoracic spine.In a spinal segment, fibrous ring tears cause a hernia to form in the intervertebral disc.Therefore, a person not only experiences severe pain, but also reports signs of dysfunction of other organs and systems.
The person has muscle-tonic and neuromuscular diseases.The mobility of the spine is limited due to the formation of kyphosis or scoliosis.As a result of these processes, the degree of fixation of the spine decreases.
The fourth stage
As the disease progresses, intervertebral cartilage begins to lose function.The vertebrae surrounding the damaged spinal segment do not encounter the usual resistance due to the cartilage, so they gradually begin to converge.As a result of this period, intervertebral joints deform and develop spondyloarthrosis or spondylolisthesis.
To protect the spine, the body activates processes to compensate for lost functions: The damaged vertebra gradually begins to grow in width, thereby increasing its area.The tissue in the collapsed fibrous ring is replaced by bone.At this stage, the patient reports a decrease in pain, but it is replaced by limited mobility (the spine 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 will be 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 main one is fighting pain and inflammation.Doctors use anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain.
Improving the condition of cartilage tissue.For this purpose, doctors prescribe patients chondroprotectors.
Muscle spasm reliever.Often the movement of the spine is limited by tense muscles.To eliminate this pathology, doctors prescribe muscle relaxants.
To reduce pain, doctors advise their patients to use various ointments with a warming effect.
The dosage of drugs is controlled by the attending physician.The patient should remember that the drugs should be taken in the order indicated by the doctor.You should not mix drugs or replace them with analogues without the knowledge of your doctor.
In addition to drug treatment, doctors who practice reflexology, physiotherapy and massage.Each treatment method should be discussed with a doctor and performed by a specialist.
In the early stages of the disease, all treatment of osteochondrosis is limited to gymnastics and special exercises.Drug therapy consists of prescribing drugs that improve metabolism and vitamin therapy.
It is not recommended for patients to engage in gymnastics without the supervision of attending physicians.It should be borne in mind that physical exercise should not be done during the acute period of the disease.Any exercise therapy is selected depending on the location of the damaged segment in the spine.
The 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.
- InterveBral hernia.
- Radiculitis.
- Migraine.
- Lumbago.
- Spondyloarthrosis.
- Spondylolysis.
- Disability.
- Decreased hearing or vision.
- Epicondylitis.
Prevention of diseases
To prevent the development of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, you should always take care of your health.
To begin with, you should exclude all factors that can provoke the development of osteochondrosis: do not forget about the dangers of heavy physical activity, follow the rules for maintaining the correct posture.
Every person should undergo regular medical examinations.If during the medical examination the doctor reveals the 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 immediately treat all diseases arising in the musculoskeletal system.It is mandatory to undergo a rehabilitation course after injuries.
You need to take care of your body: change the position of your body more often during work, avoid hypothermia and overheating, and do not be constantly under the supervision of a doctor.
At home, a person can always support his body with the help of gymnastics.Their tasks are to strengthen the back muscles and improve the health of the body.
The best prevention of any disease is a balanced diet.Your diet should include not only vegetables, but also a complex of vitamins that should be taken in spring and winter.You can use massage, medicine and swimming to strengthen the MusculoSkeletal system.