Thoracic osteosarcoma is a rather dangerous disease, which is explained by the difficult diagnostic process, so it is often only possible to identify the disease in the advanced stages. Initially, thoracic spine osteosarcoma was considered a disease of the elderly, but recently there has been a marked "rejuvenation" trend of this disease, so it is important to know the main symptoms and treatment methods to improve. clinical. disease image.
The complexity of the diagnosis is due to the fact that the vertebrae located in the thoracic region are least susceptible to stress and trauma. However, limited mobility is not safe, so the occurrence of diseases in this part is also very common. Statistics show that this disease is not directly related to aging and gender.
Specificity of the disease
This disease is characterized by pathological processes that lead to negative changes in the structure of tissues. As a result of this, annulus destruction of the intervertebral disc can occur, and consequent protrusion of the nucleus pulposus. This condition is very dangerous because there is a risk of compressing the spinal cord and making the patient more disabled.
Disease progression in childhood can lead to premature aging of the musculoskeletal system even before its final formation. That is why, timely diagnosis of the pathology at an early stage, when the destruction of the vertebrae and adjacent tissues has not occurred, is extremely important.
Clinical symptoms
This disease manifests itself in completely different ways, depending on the stage. Therefore, we will outline the general symptoms of osteonecrosis of the thoracic spine:
- Pain. It can arise not only when performing any action, but also during periods of being in a static position for long periods of time.
- The stiffness of the movement interferes with the free movement of the body.
- Shortness of breath due to feeling of pressure in the middle of the back.
- Problems with the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and other internal organs.
Usually, the disease presents with painful sensations on the left side of the chest, which can be interpreted as a symptom of heart disease. This further complicates the diagnosis, but the specialist will evaluate all the patient's complaints as a whole, thereby being able to accurately interpret all the symptoms present.
Knowing what the symptoms of thoracic osteonecrosis are, you can quickly seek professional help. We recommend paying more attention to the signals your body gives.
When making a diagnosis, it is important to know how thoracic osteonecrosis presents, because the disease is insidious in nature, so it is easy to confuse it with other diseases. Based on the nature of the pain, it is possible to distinguish the main types of osteonecrosis of the thoracic spine. One is characterized by persistent pain in the area of the damaged spine, and the second is characterized by the occurrence of acute attacks, which literally restrict a person's movements, make it difficult for them to breathe.
Cause of disease
The following causes of osteonecrosis of the thoracic spine can be distinguished:
- Pathological processes negatively affect the structure of the intervertebral disc. In particular, there is a certain genetic factor to this disease.
- Lack of activity associated with the performance of their work functions and the peculiarities of leisure activities.
- Scoliosis, which causes increased stress on certain parts of the spine.
- Mechanical damage to the thorax.
- Strength training combined with heavy lifting.
- Frequent stressful situations.
- Lower body temperature.
- Calcium deficiency.
- Hormonal disorder.
Classification of diseases
Osteoarthritis of the thoracic spine develops in stages, each of which is characterized by its own negative manifestations:
- First level. The initial stage of thoracic osteonecrosis is characterized by loss of moisture in the disc. Elasticity decreases, pain sensations appear with low intensity, completely disappear when the patient takes a comfortable position.
- Second level. The disc continues to lose moisture. As a result it becomes smaller, cracks appear, some quite deep. The muscles try to adapt, trying to maintain the stability of the spine, which leads to spasms and severe pain in the back, chest, and extremities.
- Third level. At this stage, there is a breakthrough of the pulp nucleus to the outside. At its core, it is a herniated disc in which the pain persists throughout the day. A person is forced to change the type of activity to one where the discomfort will not be too intense.
- Fourth level. Prolonged osteonecrosis of the thoracic spine is very dangerous because at the damaged site, severe restructuring of all tissues begins. There is a natural replacement of annular fibrous tissue with bone, resulting in severe stiffness. The appearance of osteoblasts, deformation of the spine are also observed.
Severe period
Manifestations of thoracic osteonecrosis in the exacerbation phase are characterized by the presence of paroxysmal pain, which is difficult to alleviate by improvisational measures. Self-medication during this period is unacceptable, so you should urgently see a doctor or call 911 for pain relief.
Only a neurologist can accurately interpret your complaints, prescribe an appropriate follow-up examination and treatment. During an exacerbation, it is extremely important to alleviate the patient's condition.
Exacerbations can be caused by a variety of factors, including stressful situations, hypothermia, and activities involving intense loads. In this condition, the patient's state of health deteriorates significantly, breathing may be difficult and mobility may be limited. In some cases, hospitalization may be required.
Basic diagnostic methods
Signs of thoracic spondylolisthesis are the appearance of various localized pain, stiffness of movements as well as difficulty in breathing. The complexity of the diagnosis lies in the fact that a large number of diseases of various natures fit this description. In particular, there is such a concept - "stomach syndrome", which is characterized by the appearance of epigastric pain, which can be misunderstood as a manifestation of gastritis or other diseases of the digestive tractchemical.
Only modern diagnostic methods can make an accurate diagnosis, on the basis of which a neurologist will prescribe appropriate therapy. It all started with a detailed patient interview, clarifying existing complaints and associated illnesses.
After taking the history, the doctor conducts a direct examination with special tests. The patient then undergoes the necessary laboratory tests, as well as X-rays and MRIs. Magnetic resonance imaging allows you to study the condition of the spine in more detail, determine the existing pathology, the size and location of the hernia (if any).
How does the treatment go?
It is extremely important to know what to do with thoracic osteonecrosis. After confirming the diagnosis, the doctor will prescribe an individual treatment regimen for the patient. It is necessary to take into account age and the presence of concomitant diseases, as well as allergies to certain drugs.
In the early stages, treatment is carried out with various drugs: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics and antispasmodics.
The main goal in this phase is to alleviate the patient's condition, relieve pain syndrome and muscle tissue spasms. In particularly severe cases, when immediate acute pain relief is needed, pain-blocking drugs are used.
Topical agents in the form of ointments and gels can also be used, but their effectiveness is somewhat lower because of the difficulty in delivering active ingredients to the lesions.
In general, the treatment of thoracic spondylosis is an integrated method, combining the use of many methods at the same time. Such a therapy alone may not result in a one-time positive result but an improvement in the clinical picture over time.
Physical therapy
Physiotherapy is performed after pain relief. It is extremely important to do all movements slowly, avoiding sudden movements, to prevent worsening of the condition.
Remember that if exercise causes you pain, stop immediately and see your doctor.
Massage procedure
Muscle spasms, hyperemia, pain - this is how osteochondrosis in the thoracic spine is manifested. To get rid of these symptoms, it is possible to use massage, which is performed by a qualified specialist. These procedures can not only be used for therapeutic purposes, but also as a good preventive measure.
Preventive
The consequences of osteonecrosis of the thoracic spine will not be so strong if you strictly follow some medical recommendations. If your therapist has prescribed you bed rest, then you should not ignore this, or your condition may worsen. A person should limit physical activity, so he will have to refuse to go to the gym, work with weights.
An important component of primary prevention is the timely identification of persons during physical examination with early signs of thoracic osteonecrosis. Another point that is equally important is proper nutrition, that is, avoiding certain foods. Salt should be limited, so smoked meats, spicy spices and pickles will have to be eliminated from the diet.
It is very important to use drugs that have a chondroprotective effect, slow down the progression of bone degeneration of the thoracic spine, nourish and improve metabolic processes in cartilage tissue.
Conclusion
Spinal osteosarcoma is treatable. To be able to do this, you must strictly follow the recommendations of your attending physician, as well as adhere to the established treatment regimen. Osteoarthritis of the thoracic spine is best treated initially, so it is extremely important to pay attention to your body, responding to the slightest symptoms of the disease.
To avoid a possible recurrence of the disease, you need to follow preventive measures, monitor your posture, which is especially important when you are sedentary. Contact only qualified doctors, because only they can prescribe a competent treatment regimen and further restore.