Dystrophic as well as degenerative processes occurring in the human spine usually lead to the onset of a disease such as osteochondrosis. This pathology can affect a segment of the crest, or the entire spine. Some parts of the spine are affected more often, some less often.
In the thoracic region of the spine, the vertebrae vary in strength, they are larger than the others. Moreover, in this part of the crest there is less mobility, less subject to stress and the muscles perfectly support the skeleton.
Loss of osteochondrosis of the chest area is diagnosed much less frequently. This pathology usually proceeds with manifestations similar to the symptoms of many diseases and, depending on the degree of destruction of the intervertebral discs, is classified according to the degree.
Grade 1 osteochondrosis of the chest region: symptoms
In patients suffering from the initial stage of thoracic osteochondrosis, a decrease in the elasticity of the discs between the ridge vertebrae is observed. Possible extension of the fibrous ring.
In the initial stage of the disease, the following symptoms can be observed:
- the patient suffers from a sharp penetrating pain. Occurs after physical activity, straining or lifting heavy objects. The pain is painful, persistent, not intense, accompanied by lumbago;
- as a result of a large load, a sudden rupture of the capsule in the intervertebral disc occurs and cracks are created. As a result, the nucleus penetrates through the cracks, irritating the nerves in the spine;
- this degree of disease persists 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 area of the heart, digestive organs, kidneys. At this stage of the disease, the scars disappear and it is difficult to diagnose.
Treatment of grade 1 thoracic spine osteochondrosis
Thoracic osteochondrosis in the initial stage is easier to treat. Treatment of the disease aims to eliminate the manifestations of the disease and cure the rupture of the capsule.
Since inflammatory processes occur in the tissues, causing severe pain, treatment begins with the use of sedatives 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 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 inflammation, doctors often prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, it should be remembered that taking these medications can worsen the course of chronic diseases already existing, particularly pathologies of the gastrointestinal system. For this reason, the duration of taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should not exceed 10 days.
All medications should only be prescribed by a physician. To get positive results, the patient should strictly follow all the recommendations of the doctor: the dose, time of taking the drug and the duration of treatment.
All medications that are prescribed for treatment can be classified:
- antihistamines;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- vasoactive agents.
The patient is advised to adhere to a month of bed rest, it is advised to undergo physiotherapy procedures.
For preventive purposes, ridge extraction is important. For this, it is not necessary to go to the gym. There is always a suitable horizontal bar on each sports field. It is recommended to hang for a few minutes once a day. This procedure helps relieve stress from the intervertebral discs of all ridge areas.
Thoracic spine osteochondrosis 2 degrees: symptoms
If in the early stages the disease is not betrayed and treatment is not started, then the disease passes to the 2nd degree. With this pathology, a subsequent decrease in the elasticity of the discs between the vertebrae occurs, hernias may 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 continues with signs similar to a heart attack, angina pectoris or pneumonia.
The following signs of second-degree thoracic osteochondrosis should be noted:
- persistent pain in the affected area;
- arterial hypotension may be observed;
- unnatural mobility of the ridge section appears;
- as a result of the dilution 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, the pain appears:
- in the chest. Such pains aggravate after a long stay in one position;
- in the intercapsular area of the back;
- with a deep breath or exhalation;
- while turning, as well as tilting the body, when raising the arms up.
With this pathology in the sternum there is a feeling of squeezing as well as stiffness.
Grade 2 disease can occur with intestinal pathologies, shortness of breath. The patient complains of skin rash, headache and pain in the cardiac region.
This pathology can last for years, with alternating periods of exacerbations and remissions.
Treatment of second-degree thoracic osteochondrosis
The disease requires urgent complex treatment. To relieve pain, your doctor prescribes anti-inflammatory medications. For the effectiveness of therapy, manual therapy sessions as well as massage are described. 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.
Too often, thoracic spine osteochondrosis is confused with heart pathology 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 an effective treatment.