Dystrophic processes, as well as degenerative processes occurring in the human spine, usually lead to the development of such a disease as osteochondrosis. This pathology can affect a segment of the ridge, or the entire spine. Certain parts of the spine are affected more often, others less often.
In the thoracic region of the spine, the vertebrae differ in power, they are larger than the rest. In addition, in this section of the ridge there is less mobility, it is under less stress, and the muscles perfectly support the skeleton.
The defeat of osteochondrosis of the chest 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 1st degree thoracic region: symptoms
In patients suffering from the initial stage of thoracic osteochondrosis, there is a decrease in the elasticity of the discs between the crest vertebrae. Possible protrusion of the fibrous annulus.
At the initial stage of the disease, the following symptoms can be observed:
- the patient suffers from sharp penetrating 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, an unexpected rupture of the capsule in the intervertebral disc occurs and cracks are formed. As a result, the core penetrates through the cracks, irritation of the spinal nerves;
- this degree of disease occurs with pronounced muscle tension. As a result, the space in the intervertebral discs narrows further 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 it is difficult to diagnose.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine of the 1st degree
Thoracic osteochondrosis in the initial stage is easier to treat. Treatment of the disease is aimed at eliminating the manifestations of the disease and curing 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.
To relieve spasms and increase blood flow to the affected part of the spine, medications are prescribed to help dilate the vessels. Daily intravenous administration of sodium chloride will help relieve swelling. The duration of such therapy is 5 days.
Additionally, 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 remembered that taking these drugs can aggravate the course of already existing chronic diseases, in particular, 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 achieve positive results, 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 categorized:
- antihistamines;
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- vasoactive agents.
The patient is recommended to observe a month of bed rest, it is advisable to undergo physiotherapy procedures.
As a preventive measure, the extraction of the ridge is important. For this, it is not necessary to go to the gym. On any sports field there is always a suitable horizontal bar. It is recommended to suspend for a few minutes once a day. This procedure helps relieve intervertebral disc stress from all areas 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, the disease proceeds to the 2nd degree. With this pathology, a further decrease in the elasticity of the discs between the vertebrae occurs, 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 disease is difficult to diagnose and progresses with signs similar to heart attack, angina, 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 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. These pains are aggravated after a long stay in one position;
- in the interscapular zone of the back;
- with a deep breath or exhale;
- turning, as well as tilting the body, raising the arms.
With this pathology in the sternum there is a feeling of compression, as well as stiffness.
2 degrees of the disease can occur with intestinal pathologies, shortness of breath. The patient complains of peeling 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 2nd degree
The disease requires urgent complex treatment. To relieve the pain, the doctor prescribes anti-inflammatories. For the effectiveness of therapy, sessions of manual therapy are prescribed, as well as massage. These procedures improve the blood supply to the spine.
Timely therapy can significantly slow down pathological processes in the spine, and in some situations completely stop the development of osteochondrosis.
Quite often, thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine is confused with 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.