Dystrophic processes, as well as the degenerative ones that occur in the human spine, usually lead to the appearance of a disease such as osteochondrosis. This pathology can affect a segment of the crest or the entire spine. Certain parts of the spine are affected more often, others less often.
In the thoracic region of the spine, the vertebrae differ in potency, they are larger than others. Also, in this section of the crest there is less mobility, it is subject 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 proceeds with manifestations similar to the symptoms of many diseases and, depending on the level of destruction of the intervertebral discs, it is classified by degree.
1st degree osteochondrosis of the thoracic region: symptoms
In patients suffering from the initial stage of thoracic osteochondrosis, there is a decrease in the elasticity of the discs between the crest vertebrae. Possible protrusion of the annulus fibrosus.
In the early stage of the disease, the following symptoms can be observed:
- the patient suffers from a sharp, stabbing pain. Occurs after physical activity, exertion, or lifting heavy objects. Pain is aching, constant, not intense, accompanied by low back pain;
- as a result of a high load, an unexpected rupture of the capsule in the intervertebral disc occurs and cracks form. As a result, the core penetrates through the cracks, irritation of the spinal nerves;
- this degree of disease proceeds with pronounced muscular tension. As a result, the space in the intervertebral discs narrows further 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 are erased and it is difficult to diagnose.
Treatment of 1st degree osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
Thoracic osteochondrosis in the early stage is easier to treat. The treatment of the disease is aimed at eliminating the manifestations of the disease and curing the capsular rupture.
As inflammatory processes occur in the tissues, causing intense pain, treatment begins with the use of painkillers in pill form or injections.
To relieve spasms and increase blood flow to 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 this therapy is 5 days.
In addition, chondroprotectors are prescribed for treatment. These drugs work on the affected areas and help the tissues to heal.
To stop the inflammation, doctors often prescribe non-steroidal 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 use of non-steroidal drugs should not exceed 10 days.
All medications should only be prescribed by a doctor. To obtain positive results, the patient must strictly follow all the doctor's recommendations: dosage, duration of drug use and duration of treatment.
All drugs prescribed for treatment can be classified:
- antihistamines;
- non-steroidal 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, comb extraction is important. For this, it is not necessary to go to the gym. On any sporting terrain 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 from all areas of the crest.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine 2 degrees: symptoms
If in the early stages the disease is not betrayed and treatment is not started, the disease will pass to the 2nd degree. With this pathology, a subsequent decrease in the elasticity of the discs between the vertebrae occurs, hernias may 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 proceeds with signs similar to a heart attack, angina pectoris, or pneumonia.
The following signs of 2nd degree thoracic osteochondrosis should be highlighted:
- constant pain in the affected area;
- arterial hypotension may 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:
- in 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 bending the body, when lifting the arms.
With this pathology in the sternum, there is a feeling of tightness, as well as stiffness.
2 degree of the disease can occur with intestinal pathologies, shortness of breath. The patient complains of peeling skin, headaches and pain in the heart region.
This pathology can last for years, with alternating periods of exacerbations and remissions.
Treatment of 2nd degree osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
The disease requires urgent complex treatment. For pain relief, the doctor prescribes anti-inflammatory drugs. For the effectiveness of the 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 pathological processes in the spine and, in some situations, completely stop the development of osteochondrosis.
Thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine is often 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 from various diseases and the indication of effective treatment.