Dystrophic, as well as degenerative processes that occur in the human spine, usually lead to diseases 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 part of the spine, the vertebrae differ in strength, they are larger than the others. In addition, there is less mobility in this part of the ridge, it is subjected to less stress, and the muscles perfectly support the skeleton.
Defeat of osteochondrosis of the chest is diagnosed much less frequently. This pathology usually takes place with manifestations similar to the symptoms of many diseases and, depending on the degree of destruction of the intervertebral discs, is classified by degree.
Grade 1 thoracic region osteochondrosis: 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 initial stage of the disease, the following symptoms may be observed:
- the patient suffers from sharp penetrating pain. Occurs after physical activity, exertion or lifting heavy objects. The pain is painful, constant, non-intense, accompanied by lumbago;
- as a result of a large load, an unexpected rupture of the capsule in the intervertebral disc occurs and cracks are formed. As a result, the nucleus penetrates through the cracks, irritating the nerves in the spinal column;
- this stage of the disease runs with pronounced muscle tension. As a result, the space in the intervertebral discs narrows more and more, and the pain intensifies.
Thoracic osteochondrosis can occur with pain in the heart area, digestive organs, kidneys. At this stage of the disease, the signs are erased and difficult to diagnose.
Treatment of 1st degree thoracic spine osteochondrosis
Thoracic osteochondrosis in the initial stage is easier to treat. Treatment of the disease is aimed at eliminating the manifestations of the disease and healing the rupture of the capsule.
Because inflammatory processes occur in the tissues that cause severe pain, treatment begins with the use of painkillers in the form of tablets or injections.
To alleviate cramps and increase blood flow in the affected part of the spine, medications are prescribed to help dilate blood 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 the tissues to recover.
To stop the inflammation, doctors often prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, it should be borne in mind that taking these drugs can worsen the course of pre-existing chronic diseases, especially pathology 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 recommendations of the doctor: dose, time of taking the drug and duration of treatment.
All drugs prescribed for treatment can be classified:
- antihistamines;
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- vasoactive agents.
The patient is recommended to adhere to a month of bed rest, it is recommended to undergo physiotherapy procedures.
For preventive purposes, ridge removal is important. It is not necessary to go to the gym for that. There is always a suitable horizontal bar on all sports fields. It is recommended to hang for a few minutes once a day. This procedure helps to relieve stress from the intervertebral discs of all ridge zones.
Grade 2 thoracic spine osteochondrosis: symptoms
If the disease is not released in the early stages and treatment is not started, then the disease progresses to 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 neurological syndrome as well as painful feelings.
This stage of ridge disease is difficult to diagnose and continues with signs similar to heart attack, angina pectoris or pneumonia.
The following signs of grade 2 thoracic osteochondrosis should be noted:
- constant pain in the affected area;
- arterial hypotension may be observed;
- unnatural mobility of part of the ridge appears;
- as a result of thinning of the capsule, joint mobility increases;
- scoliosis occurs due to spinal instability;
- the vessels of the spinal cord are gradually affected.
In grade 2 thoracic osteochondrosis, pain occurs:
- in the chest. Such pains worsen after a long stay in one position;
- in the interscapular zone of the back;
- with deep inhalation or exhalation;
- when turning, as well as tilting the body, when raising the arms upwards.
In this pathology, there is a feeling of tightness in the sternum, as well as stiffness.
Grade 2 disease can occur with intestinal pathologies, shortness of breath. The patient complains of peeling skin, headaches and pain in the heart area.
This pathology can last for years, with alternating periods of exacerbation and remission.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region of the 2nd degree
The disease requires urgent complex treatment. To relieve pain, the doctor prescribes anti-inflammatory drugs. For the effectiveness of the therapy, manual therapy sessions are prescribed, as well as massage. These procedures improve blood flow 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 mistaken for heart disease or other diseases. It is necessary, when the first manifestations appear, to consult a doctor for the differential diagnosis of osteochondrosis from various diseases and the appointment of effective treatment.