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 a section of the ridge, or the entire spine. Some parts of the spine more oftenare affected, some less frequently.
In the thoracic region of the spinal column, vertebrae differ in strength, they are larger than others. In addition, this section of the ridge has less mobility, it is less strained, and the muscles as a wholeSupport the skeleton.
The defeat of osteochondrosis of the chest region 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, is classified by degree.
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 vertebrae of the ridge. Possible protrusion of the fibrous ring.
In the early stages of the disease, the following symptoms may be observed:
- The patient has intense penetrating pain. This occurs after physical activity, exertion or lifting heavy objects. The pain is aching, constant, non-acute, accompanied by lumbago;
- As a result of a high load, there is an unexpected rupture of the capsule in the intervertebral disc and the formation of cracks. As a result, the nucleus enters through the crack, irritation of the nerves in the spinal column;
- This degree of the disease proceeds with pronounced muscle tension. As a result, the space in the intervertebral disc becomes more compressed and the pain intensifies.
Thoracic osteochondrosis may be accompanied by pain in the heart region, digestive organs, kidneys. At this stage of the disease, the symptoms fade, and it is difficult to diagnose.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine of the first degree
Thoracic osteochondrosis is easier to treat in the early stages. Treatment of the disease is aimed at eliminating the manifestations of the disease and correcting the capsular rupture.
Since inflammatory processes occur in the tissues, causing severe pain, treatment begins with the use of painkillers in the form of tablets or injections.
Medications are prescribed to help dilate the vessels, to distend the spine and to increase blood flow to the affected part of the spinal column. Daily intravenous administration of sodium chloride will help relieve swelling. Such therapyThe duration is 5 days.
In addition, chondroprotectors are prescribed for treatment. These drugs act on the affected areas and help the tissues to recover.
To prevent inflammation, doctors often prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, it should be remembered that taking these drugs can aggravate the course of pre-existing chronic diseases, especially pathologies of the gastrointestinal system. For this reason, the duration of taking nonsteroidal drugs should not exceed 10 days.
All drugs should be prescribed only by a doctor. To obtain a positive result, the patient must strictly follow all the recommendations of the doctor: dosage, time of taking the drug and duration of treatment.
All drugs prescribed for treatment can be classified as:
- antihistamines;
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- Vasoactive agent.
The patient is advised to take a month's bed rest, 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. There is always a suitable horizontal bar in any playground. It is recommended to hang for a few minutes once a day. This procedureHelps to relieve tension from the intervertebral discs of all areas of the ridge.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine 2nd degree: symptoms
If the disease is not deceived in the early stages and treatment is not started, the disease passes into the second 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 Ridge's disease is difficult to diagnose and proceeds with symptoms such as heart attack, angina pectoris or pneumonia.
The following symptoms of the second degree of thoracic osteochondrosis should be highlighted:
- persistent pain in the affected area;
- Arterial hypotension may be observed;
- Unnatural dynamics of the ridge section is manifested;
- As a result of thinning of the capsule, the mobility of the joint increases;
- Due to instability of the spine, scoliosis is formed;
- The spinal cord vessels are gradually affected.
With 2 degrees of thoracic osteochondrosis, pain occurs:
- In the chest. Such pains increase after a long stay in one position;
- in the intersection area of the back;
- with a deep breath or exhalation;
- When turning, as well as when bending the body, raising the arms.
With this deformity in the sternum, there is a feeling of squeezing, as well as stiffness.
2nd degree disease may occur with intestinal pathology, shortness of breath. The patient complains of peeling of the skin, headache and pain in the heart region.
This pathology can last for years, with alternating periods of exacerbations and remissions.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region of the second degree
The disease requires immediate complex treatment. For pain relief, doctors prescribe 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 spinedoes.
Timely therapy can significantly slow down the pathological processes in the spine, and in some situations completely stop the development of osteochondrosis.
Often, thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine is mistaken for heart pathology 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 for the appointment of effective treatment.