Dystrophic, as well as degenerative processes 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 spine. Certain parts of the spine are affected more often, others less often.
In the thoracic part of the spine, the vertebrae differ in strength, they are larger than others. In addition, in this section of the ridge there is less mobility, it is under less strain and the muscles optimally 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 is classified by degree depending on the degree of destruction of the intervertebral discs.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, degree 1: symptoms
In patients suffering from the initial stages of thoracic osteochondrosis, the elasticity of the intervertebral discs between the vertebrae of the crest decreases. Possible protrusion of the fiber ring.
At the initial stage of the disease, the following symptoms can be observed:
- the patient suffers from a sharp piercing pain. It occurs after physical activity, exertion, or lifting heavy objects. The pain is aching, constant, not intense, accompanied by lumbago;
- As a result of a high load, the capsule in the intervertebral disc unexpectedly ruptures and cracks form. As a result, the nucleus penetrates through the cracks, irritating the nerves in the spine;
- This degree of disease is associated with pronounced muscle tension. This further narrows the space in the intervertebral discs and increases the pain.
Thoracic osteochondrosis can occur with pain in the heart zone, digestive organs and kidneys. At this stage of the disease, the signs are erased and it is difficult to diagnose.
Treatment of grade 1 osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
Thoracic osteochondrosis in the initial stages is easier to treat. Treatment of the disease is aimed at eliminating the manifestations of the disease and healing the rupture of the capsule.
Since inflammatory processes occur in the tissues that cause severe pain, treatment begins with taking painkillers in tablets or injections.
To relieve spasms and increase blood flow in the affected section of the spine, drugs are prescribed that help dilate the vessels. Daily intravenous administration of sodium chloride helps reduce 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 the tissues to recover.
To stop inflammation, doctors often prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, it should be borne in mind that taking these drugs can aggravate 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 only be prescribed by a doctor. To achieve positive results, the patient must strictly follow all the doctor's recommendations: dosage, timing of taking the drug and duration of treatment.
All drugs that are prescribed for treatment can be classified:
- antihistamines;
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- vasoactive agents.
The patient is recommended to comply with bed rest for a month, it is advisable to undergo physiotherapy procedures.
For preventive reasons, the extraction of the comb is important. It is not necessary to go to the gym for this. There is always a suitable horizontal bar on every sports field. It is recommended to hang for a few minutes once a day. This procedure helps to relieve the intervertebral discs of all jaw ridge zones.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine 2 degrees: symptoms
If the disease is not betrayed in the early stages and treatment is not started, the disease passes to the 2nd degree. With this pathology, there is a subsequent decrease in the elasticity of the intervertebral discs, hernias can form, and 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 symptoms similar to those of a heart attack, angina pectoris or pneumonia.
The following signs of thoracic osteochondrosis of the second degree are to be emphasized:
- constant pain in the affected area;
- arterial hypotension can be observed;
- unnatural mobility of the crest 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 forms;
- the vessels of the spinal cord are gradually affected.
At 2 degrees of thoracic osteochondrosis, pain occurs:
- in the chest. Such pains worsen after staying in one position for a long time;
- in the interscapular zone 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 squeezing, as well as stiffness.
2 degree of the disease can occur with intestinal pathologies, shortness of breath. The patient complains of skin detachment, headache and pain in the heart area.
This pathology can last for years, with alternating periods of exacerbations and remissions.
Treatment of grade 2 thoracic osteochondrosis
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 cardiac pathologies or other diseases. When the first manifestations appear, it is necessary to consult a doctor on the differential diagnosis of osteochondrosis in various diseases and the appointment of an effective treatment.