Dystrophic as well as 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. Certain parts of the spine are affected more often, some less frequently.
In the thoracic region of the spine, the vertebrae differ in force, they are larger than others. In addition, in this part of the ridge there is less mobility, it is exposed to less stress, and the muscles support the skeleton perfectly.
The defeat of osteochondrosis in the breast area is diagnosed much less frequently. This pathology usually continues 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 vertebrae. Possible protrusion 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. It occurs after physical activity, exertion or lifting of heavy objects. The pain is painful, constant, non-intense, accompanied by lumbago;
- as a result of a high load, an unexpected rupture of the capsule in the intervertebral disc occurs and cracks form. As a result, the nucleus penetrates the cracks, irritating the nerves in the spine;
- this degree of disease continues with pronounced muscle tension. As a result, the space in the intervertebral discs narrows more and the pain intensifies.
Thorax osteochondrosis can occur with pain in the heart zone, 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 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 healing the capsule rupture.
As inflammatory processes occur in the tissues causing severe pain, treatment begins with the use of painkillers in tablet form or injections.
To relieve spasms and increase blood flow to the affected part of the spine, medication is prescribed to help dilate the 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 tissues to recover.
To stop inflammation, doctors often prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It should be remembered, however, that taking these drugs can aggravate the course of pre-existing chronic diseases, especially pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract. For this reason, the duration of taking non-steroidal drugs should not exceed 10 days.
All medicines should only be prescribed by a doctor. To achieve positive results, the patient must carefully follow all the doctor's recommendations: dosage, time of administration of the drug and duration of treatment.
All medicines prescribed for treatment can be classified:
- antihistamines;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- vasoactive agents.
The patient is advised to adhere to a month's bed rest, it is advisable 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. At any 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 in all areas of the ridge.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine 2 degrees: symptoms
If the disease is not betrayed in the early stages and treatment is not started, the disease passes into 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 altitude sickness is difficult to diagnose and continues with signs similar to a heart attack, angina pectoris or pneumonia.
The following signs of 2nd degree thoracic osteochondrosis should be highlighted:
- constant pain in the affected area;
- arterial hypotension can be observed;
- unnatural mobility of the ridge section is shown;
- 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 in the spinal cord are gradually affected.
With 2 degrees of thoracic osteochondrosis pain occurs:
- in the chest. Such pain worsens after a long stay in one position;
- in the interscapular zone of the back;
- with a deep inhalation or exhalation;
- by turning, as well as tilting the body when lifting the arms up.
With this pathology in the sternum, there is a feeling of squeezing as well as stiffness.
2 degree 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 osteochondrosis of the thoracic region of 2nd degree
The disease requires acute complex treatment. For pain relief, your doctor will prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs. For the effectiveness of the therapy, manual therapy sessions as well as massage 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 confused with cardiac 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.