Dystrophic, as well as degenerative processes occurring in the human spinal column, usually lead to the appearance of a disease such as osteochondrosis. This pathology can affect one segment of the ridge, or the entire spine. Certain parts of the spine are affected more often, some less often.
In the thoracic region of the spinal column, 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 frequently. This pathology usually proceeds with manifestations similar to the symptoms of many diseases and, depending on the level of destruction of the intervertebral discs, is classified by degree.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region of the 1st degree: symptoms
In patients suffering from the initial stage of thoracic osteochondrosis, there is a decrease in the elasticity of the discs between the vertebrae of the ridge. Possible protrusion of the fibrous ring.
At the initial stage of the disease, the following symptoms may be observed:
- the patient suffers from a sharp penetrating pain. It occurs after physical activity, exertion or lifting heavy objects. The pain is aching, constant, non-intense, accompanied by lumbago;
- 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 nucleus penetrates through the cracks, irritation of the nerves in the spinal column;
- this degree of illness 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 heart zone, digestive organs, kidneys. At this stage of the disease, the signs are erased, and it is difficult to diagnose.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine of the 1st degree
Thoracic osteochondrosis at 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, causing severe pain, treatment begins with the use of painkillers in tablet form or injections.
To relieve spasms and increase blood flow in the affected part of the spinal column, 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.
In addition, chondroprotectors are prescribed for treatment. These drugs act on the affected areas and help tissues recover.
To stop inflammation, doctors often prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, it should be remembered that taking these medications can exacerbate the course of already existing chronic diseases, especially pathologies of the gastrointestinal system. For this reason, the duration of taking nonsteroidal drugs should not exceed 10 days.
All medications should be prescribed only by a doctor. 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;
- 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, the extraction of the ridge is important. For this, it is not necessary to go to the gym. On any sports grounds there is always a suitable horizontal bar. It is recommended to hang for a few minutes once a day. This procedure helps to relieve stress from the intervertebral discs of all zones 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 passes into the 2nd degree. With this pathology, there is a subsequent decrease in the elasticity of the discs between the vertebrae, 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 the disease of the ridge is difficult to diagnose and proceeds with signs similar to a heart attack, angina pectoris or pneumonia.
The following signs of the 2nd degree of 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 the instability of the spine, scoliosis is formed;
- the vessels of the spinal cord 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 zone of the back;
- with a deep breath or exhalation;
- when turning, as well as tilting the body, when raising the arms up.
With this pathology in the sternum there is a feeling of squeezing, as well as stiffness.
2 degree of the disease can occur with intestinal pathologies, shortness of breath. The patient complains of peeling of the skin, headaches, and pain in the cardiac region.
This pathology can last for years, with alternating periods of exacerbations and remissions.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region of the 2nd degree
The disease requires urgent complex treatment. For pain relief, 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.
Quite often, thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine is mistaken for heart pathologies or other diseases. It is necessary, when the first manifestations occur, to consult a doctor for differential diagnosis of osteochondrosis from various diseases and the appointment of effective treatment.