Dystrophic processes, as well as degenerative ones that occur in the human spine, usually lead to the appearance of such a disease as osteochondrosis. This pathology can affect a segment of the crest or the entire column. Certain parts of the spine are affected more often, others less often.
In the thoracic region of the spine, the vertebrae differ in power, they are larger than others. In addition, in this section of the ridge there is less mobility, it is subjected to less stress, and the muscles perfectly support the skeleton.
The defeat of osteochondrosis of the chest area is diagnosed much less often. This pathology usually presents with manifestations similar to the symptoms of many diseases and, depending on the level of destruction of the intervertebral discs, it is classified by degrees.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region of the first degree: symptoms
In patients suffering from the initial stage of thoracic osteochondrosis, there is a decrease in the elasticity of the discs between the ridge vertebrae. Possible protrusion of the annulus fibrosus.
At the initial stage of the disease, the following symptoms can be observed:
- the patient suffers from a sharp and piercing pain. It occurs after physical activity, exertion, or heavy lifting. The pain is aching, constant, not intense, accompanied by lumbago;
- as a result of a large load, an unexpected rupture of the capsule occurs in the intervertebral disc and cracks are formed. As a result, the core penetrates through the cracks, irritation of the nerves of the spine;
- this degree of disease proceeds with pronounced muscle tension. As a result, the space in the intervertebral discs narrows more and the pain intensifies.
Thoracic osteochondrosis can occur with pain in the area of the heart, digestive organs, kidneys. At this stage of the disease, the signs fade and it is difficult to diagnose.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine of the first degree.
Thoracic osteochondrosis in the initial stage is easier to treat. Treatment of the disease is aimed at eliminating the manifestations of the disease and healing the capsular rupture.
Since inflammatory processes occur in the tissues and cause severe pain, treatment begins with the use of painkillers in the form of tablets or injections.
To relieve spasms and increase blood flow in the affected section of the spine, medications are prescribed to help expand the vessels. Daily intravenous administration of sodium chloride will help relieve swelling. The duration of such therapy is 5 days.
Also, chondroprotectors are prescribed for treatment. These drugs act on the affected areas and help the tissues to recover.
To stop the inflammation, doctors often prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, it should be remembered that taking these drugs can exacerbate the course of already existing chronic diseases, especially pathologies of the gastrointestinal system. For this reason, the duration of taking non-steroidal drugs should not exceed 10 days.
All medications must be prescribed only by a doctor. In order to obtain positive results, the patient must strictly follow all the doctor's recommendations: dosage, time of taking the drug and duration of treatment.
All medications that are prescribed for treatment can be classified:
- antihistamines;
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- vasoactive agents.
The patient is recommended to adhere to a month of bed rest, it is advisable to undergo physiotherapy procedures.
For preventive purposes, removal of the ridge is important. For this, it is not necessary to go to the gym. On any sports field there is always a suitable horizontal bar. It is recommended to hang for a few minutes once a day. This procedure helps relieve stress on the intervertebral discs in all areas of the ridge.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine 2 degrees: symptoms
If in the early stages the disease is not betrayed and treatment is not started, then the disease proceeds to the second degree. With this pathology, a subsequent decrease in the elasticity of the discs between the vertebrae occurs, hernias can form, and a narrowing of the intervertebral foramen is observed. The second stage of the disease is characterized by a neurological syndrome, as well as painful sensations.
This stage of ridge disease is difficult to diagnose and presents with signs similar to a heart attack, angina pectoris, or pneumonia.
The following signs of the second degree of thoracic osteochondrosis should be noted:
- constant pain in the affected area;
- arterial hypotension can be observed;
- unnatural mobility of the ridge section appears;
- as a result of the thinning of the capsule, the mobility of the joint increases;
- due to instability of the spine, scoliosis is formed;
- spinal cord vessels are gradually affected.
With 2 degrees of thoracic osteochondrosis, pain occurs:
- on the chest. Such pains are aggravated after a long stay in one position;
- in the interscapular area of the back;
- with a deep breath or exhalation;
- when turning, as well as when tilting the body, when raising the arms.
With this pathology in the sternum there is a feeling of tightness, as well as stiffness.
2 degrees of the disease can occur with intestinal pathologies, shortness of breath. The patient complains of skin peeling, headaches, and pain in the cardiac region.
This pathology can last for years, alternating periods of exacerbations and remissions.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region of the second degree.
The disease requires urgent complex treatment. To relieve pain, the doctor prescribes anti-inflammatory drugs. For the effectiveness of therapy, manual therapy sessions are prescribed, as well as massage. These procedures improve the blood supply to the spine.
Timely therapy can significantly slow down the pathological processes in the spine, and in some situations completely stop the development of osteochondrosis.
Very often, thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine is confused with heart pathologies or other diseases. It is necessary, when the first manifestations occur, to consult a doctor for the differential diagnosis of osteochondrosis of various diseases and the appointment of effective treatment.