Pain and limitation of movement are all characteristic manifestations of thoracic spondylosis. But the insidiousness of this pathology lies in the fact that the internal organs are affected from the chest down, so no one but the doctor can understand what is happening. Osteochondrosis occurs as a result of a degenerative-dystrophic process in which discs, joints, ligaments, and spinal roots are affected.
Symptoms of the disease can appear at a very early stage. But diseases of the spine can be affected, the main thing is to know the causes and the laws by which it develops. Doctors are more or less clear about the reason, but the development mechanism in some respects remains in the "shadow".
Causes and course of the disease
Any part of the spine that is constantly subjected to loads, both static and dynamic. Constant pressure leads to the fact that the integrity of the intervertebral disc is violated. It is damaged, the internal components begin to bulge outward.
The disc is nourished, like any other cartilage, in a special way: when pressed, it releases fluid on its own, and when the pressure is released, like a sponge, it absorbstake in all the nutrients. This mechanism does not work during prolonged static positions or during exercise, when pressure is constant on the disc. Daily morning exercises have a positive effect on nutrition.
Degenerative stages
To better understand symptoms, you need to understand what stages the disc goes through and what happens to it. However, in the entire spine.
In the early stages, there was no pain, and the attack did not manifest in any way, but the process was started, the interior was free to move.
In the second stage, the pain has fully appeared, the symptoms of blistering are combined, a person actively uses ointments, but the cause remains unresolved. The disc gradually protrudes and begins to compress the spinal cord. In the third stage, a pain, which manifests mainly as osteonecrosis of the thoracic region, becomes brighter and more intense, ointments do not help. The disc gradually bulges, the phenomenon of convexity.
The final stage leads to the appearance of signs of damage to the outer disc components. The clinical picture is characterized by compression of the roots, blood vessels, and spinal cord. As a result, a pain of considerable intensity develops.
The body tries its best to relieve pain, so characteristic tumors, osteoblasts, appear on the spine. The roots of the spinal cord are compressed due to narrowing of the foramen. The pressure leads to the fact that the rest of the internal organs are affected. Their treatment is fruitless, sometimes confusing the doctor.
Symptoms of the disease
Most often, the cause of the failure of this particular part of the spine lies in a sedentary lifestyle, by clarifying this situation, the diagnosis is greatly facilitated. Usually, pressure is created if a person sits in front of a computer or in a chair for long periods of time. The pain is mainly dull, then becomes aching, burning. It is localized in the middle, between the shoulder blades, some compression in the chest area causes anxiety.
If you try to feel the spinous and transverse areas of the spine, the pain will increase dramatically.
Diagnosis is simplified by tension of the vertebral muscles. Signs will increase if you ask the patient to take deep breaths, perform rotations.
Some patients report pain in the collarbone or lower thoracic spine. This is called posterior limb syndrome and occurs due to displacement of the lower ribs. The pain may disappear suddenly, but may increase with turns.
The sign is manifested by aching pain along the intercostal spaces, this is where the nerve passes. Sensitization is impaired in the area where nerve branches are damaged. Concerned about paresthesia, decreased depth and surface sensitivity. Signs are accompanied by a violation of the function of the abdominal presses, the reflexes of the knees and heels are reduced.
Damage to internal organs
In parallel with the pain, there is a violation of the function of internal organs. In the region of the thoracic spinal cord there are centers responsible for the work of the heart, pulmonary system, liver, intestines and kidneys, pancreas. Shortness of breath, pain, and cardiac disruption, like angina, can be bothersome. The mammary glands may be affected, or everything localized to the right or left hypogastrium, resembling an attack of cholecystitis or pancreatitis.
Sore throat or esophagus. Symptoms located in the left hypogastrium or abdomen, similar to those of inflammation of the stomach or intestines (colitis, enteritis). Violations can be from the kidneys and reproductive system.
Diagnose
Determining the correct diagnosis based on symptoms alone can be difficult. That is why the diagnosis involves making an X-ray. On it can be seen characteristic changes, manifesting osteonecrosis of the thoracic region in the form of a decrease in the height of the discs, sclerosis, and sclerosis. terminal discs and form osteoblasts.
In addition, a CT scan will be performed if the x-ray film does not show results. The study was complemented by MRI, which showed soft tissues, so the diagnosis of herniated disc was established.
Differential diagnosis requires special attention; it is carried out not only on the basis of complaints and clinical manifestations. So pain in the heart area is not affected by angina medications. Epigastric pain is unaffected by food intake and has no seasonal manifestations. Everything appears in the evening and completely disappears after a night of sleep.
Treatment
Treatment is by taking all medicines, which are pills and injections. They start with drugs that reduce the inflammatory process, traditionally, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used for this. Eliminate pain and inflammation, they help to relax the muscles. Only a doctor should prescribe them, otherwise, there is a high risk of complications and contraindications to their use. Tablets, as recommended, are usually taken after meals, but your doctor may also prescribe injections. Locally, this group of drugs is applied in the form of an ointment, which is applied about three times a day.
Pain relievers can supplement the group of drugs described above, in case of severe pain, the injection is prescribed by the doctor, if everything is not so bad, the pill is also very suitable. With pain of considerable intensity, pharmacological blockade can be administered directly to the heart of the pain, allowing you to quickly remove the pain. Special anesthetic ointments may also complement the treatment.
Chondroprotectors allow you to restore the structure of cartilage, but you need to take drugs of this group for a long time. The doctor prescribes injections or oral medications according to the schedule at his discretion. Recently, preparations of this group are presented in the form of ointments, which are applied externally.
Complement comprehensive treatment with antispasmodics. The movement is aimed at relaxing the muscles that are pinched on the arteries and nerves. The pressure is reduced, the patient's condition is facilitated.
Ointments are actively used, they have a local effect, helping to relieve pain. Ointments are applied to the painful area, where they warm the skin. Additionally, ointments have been shown to be used along nerves, so they can provide more effective pain relief. Additional, in addition to ointments, the treatment is capable of making mustard
Hormone-based drugs are also used, mainly injections. They are prescribed as a last resort, when necessary, to relieve severe pain. Non-verbal blockade of the affected area of the nerve or root is often used, the drug is used on a hormonal basis.
In addition to all vitamin-based preparations, injections are made into the muscle. The drug can be represented by biologically active supplements, tablets of which improve cartilage nutrition and relieve pressure.
Physical therapy
All kinds of techniques are actively used to help pacify even a powerful attack. With the procedure, you can use medications that act as a type of blockade. The list of possible procedures is presented as follows:
- Shock wave therapy. Due to the shock wave, it restores nutrition and blood supply to the spine, eliminates pain and allows you to get rid of inflammation.
- Ultraviolet irradiation. Promotes better calcium absorption.
- vibration therapy. Exposure to high-frequency sounds improves blood flow, reducing pressure and pain.
- Magnetic therapy. Exposure to magnetic fields improves important cellular processes, speeds up regeneration. Darsonval works similarly.
- Electrophoresis. The action of an electric current, which contributes to the deeper penetration of the drug into the tissues.
- Diodinamik. The action of variable frequency electric current effectively relieves pain.
- Swimming. Allow the muscles to relax. Only swim in pools with warm water.
- Balance therapy. Used to treat mineral water and mud. Minerals contribute to the healing process, reducing pressure on the roots.
- Acupuncture. It provides the action of thin needles on the active points of the body.
- Manual therapy or massage. Alternatively, you can use an ointment that relaxes muscles and releases blood vessels and nerves.
Methods are strictly selected by a doctor. The main thing is not to start the disease.