Dystrophic and degenerative processes occurring in the human spine usually lead to the appearance of a disease such as osteochondrosis. This pathology can affect a segment of the ridge or the entire spine. Some parts of the spine are affected more often, others less.
In the thoracic region of the spine, the vertebrae differ in power, they are larger than others. In addition, in this section of the ridge there is less mobility, it is subjected to less stress and the muscles perfectly support the skeleton.
Defeat of osteochondrosis of the thoracic area 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.
1st degree osteochondrosis of the 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 vertebrae of the ridge. Possible protrusion of the fibrous ring.
At the initial stage of the disease, the following symptoms can be observed:
- the patient suffers from severe piercing pain. It occurs after physical activity, exertion, or lifting heavy objects. The pain is painful, constant, not intense, accompanied by low back pain;
- due to a high load, an unexpected rupture of the capsule occurs in the intervertebral disc and cracks are formed. As a result, the nucleus penetrates through the cracks, irritation of the nerves in the spine;
- this degree of disease proceeds with pronounced muscle tension. As a result, the space in the intervertebral discs narrows 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 it is 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 curing the rupture of the capsule.
Since inflammatory processes occur in the tissues, causing severe pain, treatment begins with the use of pain relievers in the form of tablets or injections.
To relieve spasms and increase blood flow to the affected section of the spine, medications are prescribed to help expand the vessels. Daily intravenous administration of sodium chloride will help relieve swelling. The duration of such therapy is 5 days.
Also, 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 non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, it should be remembered that taking these drugs can exacerbate the course of already existing chronic diseases, in particular pathologies of the gastrointestinal system. For this reason, the duration of taking non-steroidal 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: dosage, time of taking the drug and duration of treatment.
All drugs prescribed for treatment can be classified:
- antihistamines;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- vasoactive agents.
The patient is recommended to comply with a month of bed rest, it is recommended 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. In every sports field there is always a suitable horizontal bar. It is recommended to hang for a few minutes once a day. This procedure helps relieve stress from the intervertebral discs of 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 passes to the 2nd degree. With this pathology, a subsequent 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 and painful sensations.
This stage of ridge disease is difficult to diagnose and proceeds with signs similar to a heart attack, angina pectoris, or pneumonia.
The following signs of the 2nd degree of thoracic osteochondrosis should be highlighted:
- 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 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 area of the back;
- with a deep breath or exhalation;
- when turning, as well as tilting the body, when raising the arms.
With this pathology in the sternum there is a feeling of squeezing and stiffness.
2 degrees of the disease can occur with intestinal pathologies, 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 2nd degree osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
The disease requires urgent complex treatment. To relieve pain, the doctor prescribes anti-inflammatory drugs. For the effectiveness of therapy, manual therapy sessions and massages are prescribed. 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.
Quite often, thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine is mistaken for heart disease 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 the appointment of effective treatment.