Malnutrition and the degenerative processes that occur in the human spine often lead to conditions such as osteochondrosis. This pathology can affect part of the spine, or the entire spine. Some parts of the spine are affected more frequently, some less frequently.
In the thoracic region of the spine, the vertebrae vary in strength and they are larger than the other vertebrae. Also, in this part of the ridge, there is less mobility, less stress, and the muscles support the bones perfectly.
Failure of thoracic region osteochondrosis is diagnosed much less frequently. This pathology usually presents with symptoms similar to those of many diseases, and is classified by degree according to the degree of disc destruction.
Degree 1 Thoracic Osteochondrosis: Symptoms
In patients with early stages of thoracic osteochondrosis, the discs between the vertebrae are less elastic. Annulus fibrosus may be prominent.
During the initial stages of the disease, the following symptoms may be observed:
- The patient suffers from severe penetrating pain. It occurs after physical activity, exertion, or lifting heavy objects. Pain is constant, not severe pain, accompanied by low back pain;
- Due to the high load, the capsule in the intervertebral disc ruptured unexpectedly and formed a fissure. As a result, the nucleus penetrates the fissure, irritating the nerves in the spine;
- This degree of disease is accompanied by marked muscle tension. As a result, the disc space narrows and the pain increases.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can be accompanied by pain in the heart, digestive organs, and kidneys. At this stage of the disease, the signs disappear and diagnosis is difficult.
Treatment of 1st degree thoracic osteochondrosis
Early thoracic osteochondrosis is easier to treat. Treatment of the disease aims to eliminate the manifestations of the disease and heal the rupture of the capsule.
Since the inflammatory process takes place in the tissue, causing severe pain, treatment begins with pain relievers in tablet form or injections.
To relieve spasms and increase blood flow to the affected part of the spine, medications are prescribed to help dilate blood vessels. Daily intravenous sodium chloride can help reduce swelling. The duration of this treatment is 5 days.
In addition, chondroprotective agents are prescribed for treatment. These drugs work on the affected area and help the tissue recover.
To stop inflammation, doctors often prescribe NSAIDs. However, it should be borne in mind that the use of these drugs can exacerbate the course of pre-existing chronic diseases, especially lesions of the gastrointestinal system. Therefore, NSAIDs should not be taken for more than 10 days.
All medicines can only be prescribed by a doctor. In order to obtain a positive result, the patient must strictly follow all the doctor's recommendations: dosage, timing of administration and duration of treatment.
All drugs used for treatment can be classified as:
- antihistamines;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- Vasoactive agent.
The patient is advised to stick to bed rest for one month, and physical therapy is recommended.
Extraction of ridges is important for preventive purposes. For this, there is no need to go to the gym. On any sports field, there will always be a suitable horizontal bar. It is recommended to hang up for a few minutes once a day. This process helps reduce pressure on all areas of the spinal disc.
Thoracic Osteochondrosis Degree 2: Symptoms
If the disease is not betrayed in the early stages and treatment is not started, then the disease will enter the second degree. In this pathological condition, the elasticity of the intervertebral disc between the vertebrae is subsequently reduced, a hernia may form, and a narrowing of the intervertebral foramen is observed. The second stage of the disease is characterized by neurological syndromes and pain sensations.
This stage of spinal disease is difficult to diagnose and can present with symptoms similar to a heart attack, angina, or pneumonia.
The following signs of 2nd degree thoracic osteochondropathy should be highlighted:
- persistent pain in the affected area;
- Arterial hypotension may be observed;
- Unnatural fluidity in ridge sections;
- Increased mobility of the joints due to the thinning of the capsule;
- Scoliosis due to instability of the spine;
- Spinal blood vessels are gradually affected.
For degree 2 thoracic osteochondrosis, pain occurs:
- on the chest. This pain gets worse after holding one position for a long time;
- in the interscapular region of the back;
- take a deep breath or exhale;
- When turning, and when leaning your body and raising your arms.
The sternum has this lesion, with a feeling of squeezing and stiffness.
Grade 2 disease may present with intestinal lesions and shortness of breath. The patient complained of peeling skin, headache, and pain in the heart area.
This pathology can persist for years, alternating periods of exacerbation and remission.
Treatment of 2nd degree thoracic osteochondrosis
The disease requires urgent and complex treatment. To relieve the pain, the doctor prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs. For the effectiveness of the treatment, manual therapy sessions as well as massage are prescribed. These procedures improve blood supply to the spine.
Prompt treatment can significantly slow down the pathological process of the spine and in some cases completely stop the development of osteochondrosis.
Many times, thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine is mistaken for heart disease or other conditions. When the first manifestations appear, it is necessary to consult a doctor to differentially diagnose osteochondrosis from various diseases and to prescribe an effective treatment.