Sedentary lifestyle, injury or excessive physical activity cause diseases of the musculoskeletal system. To avoid complications, it is important to start treatment early in the process. To do this, you need to know about the causes and symptoms of the disease.
Description of this disease, how dangerous is it?
Thoracic osteosarcoma is a chronic disease in which dystrophic changes begin in the cartilage located in the disc space. The pathology is manifested by a decrease in the height of the intervertebral discs and compression of the intercostal nerve endings.
Thoracic osteosarcoma goes through several stages of progression.
The first is characterized by hardening of the discs, loss of firmness and elasticity, and the appearance of cracks. The pain is mild and goes away after the patient rests a bit.
In the second stage, the disc decreases in height, the intravertebral recess fills with the medullary nucleus but does not extend beyond its borders. Muscles are constantly tense. A person complains of severe pain, which subsides after rest.
The third stage is characterized by exit of the medullary nucleus pulposus, fissuring to the vertebral margin. As a result, a herniated disc mass is formed. The pain becomes constant.
In the fourth stage, the connective tissue overgrows, putting pressure on the adjacent vertebrae. To compensate for the reduced layer, the growth of bone tissue begins. More and more growths (osteocytes) appear.
Types of thoracic osteonecrosis and complications
According to the nature of the pain, there are two types of thoracic osteonecrosis:
- low back pain, which is characterized by acute sharp pain in the form of low back pain, localized in the thoracic spine. This condition is accompanied by muscle tension, problems with movement in the neck and chest area;
- back pain, in which pain increases slowly. Inhaling and rotating the body, as well as holding a position for a long time will increase discomfort. At night, the discomfort deepens and disappears when hiking.
In the absence of adequate treatment, nerve endings become increasingly compressed. As a result, osteonecrosis of the thoracic spine can cause complications:
- kidney disease;
- diseases of the digestive system;
- immobility;
- persistent pain;
- interruption of the work of the heart;
- disc herniation;
- reduced fertility;
- violations in the work of the lungs, caused by the growth of connective tissue.
Why does thoracic spine disease occur?
This part of the spine is subjected to moderate loads and limited mobility. However, pathology is common. This disease can be triggered by one of the following reasons or a combination of them:
- injury and damage;
- overload on parts, including in childhood;
- age-related changes associated with a decrease in nutrition of the tissues of the intervertebral discs;
- endocrine diseases, especially during menopause;
- age-related violations of calcium absorption;
- excess body weight;
- vascular problems, atheroma deposits in the vessels of the chest area;
- weak bra.
How the pathology manifests itself
Symptoms of thoracic osteonecrosis manifest as pain and increased muscle tone. The pain can be short-lived, accompanied by low back pain and long-lasting soreness. A convulsion may be felt in the chest anteriorly, under the ribs, and in the shoulder. Pain is worse when lying in one position for a long time.
A characteristic sign of pathology is sensitivity to palpation of torsion processes of the thoracic vertebrae.
Symptoms of osteonecrosis of the thoracic spine are similar to those of other diseases and include:
- discomfort in the region of the heart, reminiscent of pain during angina attacks;
- pain when breathing, shortness of breath, also manifested in pneumonia, pulmonary tuberculosis, obstructive lung disease;
- pain in the epigastrium, under the lower ribs, similar to signs of gastrointestinal diseases.
Methods of treatment of thoracic bone tumors
If you complain, you should contact a neurologist. Therapy includes medication, physical therapy, therapeutic exercise, and massage.
Among the drugs the doctor prescribes:
- meant to eliminate the focus of inflammation in the spine;
- drugs that reduce muscle tone and the risk of compression of the sensitive roots of the spinal cord;
- neuroprotectant designed to help restore nerve fibers.
The selection and dosage is chosen by the physician, who will take into account the patient's tolerability, comorbidities, and weight.
It is important to adhere to the recommended duration of treatment to avoid recurrence. You can buy prescription drugs inexpensively in the online store. Information on prices, drugs in stock, current promotions and discounts are available on the website.
You can order medicine now, customers have the choice of door-to-door delivery and self-delivery.
Physical therapy includes:
- diadynamic therapy, i. e. treatment with electrical currents to relax muscles and relieve pain;
- electrophoresis with analgesics;
- Magnetic therapy to reduce discomfort and swelling.
The massage should be done carefully, using massage techniques. The area under the shoulder blades and between the ribs should be treated with care. For the appearance of the effect, at least 10-15 sessions are needed.
In physical therapy exercises, the focus is on exercises that strengthen the muscles, neck, and lower back.
Locally prescribed anti-inflammatory ointments and gels, warming patches, topical needles.