One of the most common pathologies of the musculoskeletal system of the body is thoracic osteoarthritis.Due to the development of the disease, a person's spine becomes deformed.Such pathology leads not only to complete impairment of mobility, but also to dysfunction of certain organs and systems.The disease is accompanied by severe pain.
Symptoms and signs of the disease
One of the common reasons why a person sees a doctor is due to pain.In case of osteoarthritis of the thoracic region, the pain syndrome may have several characteristics:
- After the pain, the feeling of numbness in the chest gradually spreads to the left arm.
- Pain syndrome occurs in a normal position of the body, accompanied by a burning sensation in the chest.
- Pain not only in the sternum but also in the heart, liver, stomach and even kidneys.This phenomenon is explained by the fact that this disease "covers" itself like other diseases.
- The appearance of pain with sudden bending and increased breathing.
- The pain gradually increases at night.
But thoracic spondylosis is not only characterized by pain, but also by a number of other signs:
- Reduced mobility in the thoracic spine.
- Paresthesias (goosebumps).
- Reduced sensitivity (perception of touch, temperature).
- Motor activity is impaired.
Stages of osteoarthritis
Osteonecrosis in the chest area develops in stages.Their duration depends on the individuality of the body and the cause of the disease.In total, there are four stages of disease development, each with certain clinical features.
First stage
First, the intervertebral disc begins to "dehydrate", as a result of which its hardness and elasticity decrease, although the damaged vertebrae can still withstand any physical stress.As a result, the disc gradually collapses and loses height.At the first stage, the formation of protrusions begins.
The patient complains of localized pain syndrome: pain is felt only in the damaged area of the spine.The nature of the pain is constant, it can be in the form of low back pain.Sometimes people notice strange pain in the heart, uncontrolled muscle contractions like cramps.
Second stage
The annulus fibrosus becomes covered with cracks, and the spinal segment becomes unstable.Patients note increased pain when moving, as well as discomfort that occurs when performing long-term positions.In the second stage, subluxation may appear.
At this stage, osteochondrosis of the chest, manifested by subluxation, is characterized by additional symptoms: malaise, weakness, intercostal pain, pain not only in the chest organs, but also in the limbs.Subluxations with osteoarthritis are dangerous because they can manifest themselves after an indefinite period of time.
Third stage
At this stage, cervical thoracic degenerative disease is very difficult for the patient to ignore.In the spinal segment, the fiber ring is broken, causing a herniation to form in the disc.As a result, a person not only feels severe pain, but also notices signs of dysfunction of other organs and systems.
People with muscular and neurovascular disorders.The mobility of the spine is limited due to the formation of kyphosis or scoliosis.The result of these processes is a decrease in the degree of spinal fixation.
Fourth stage
As the disease progresses, the cartilage between the vertebrae begins to lose function.The vertebrae surrounding the damaged spinal segment do not encounter the usual resistance caused by cartilage, so they begin to move closer together.As a result of this process, the joints between the vertebrae become deformed and spondylolisthesis or spondylolisthesis develops.
To preserve the spine, the body activates processes that compensate for lost functions: damaged vertebrae begin to gradually grow in width, thereby increasing their area.The destroyed tissue in the annulus fibrosus will be replaced by bone.At this stage, the patient notices a decrease in pain but is replaced by limited mobility (the spine is ossified in the damaged area).
Treatment methods for thoracic osteoarthritis
Cervicothoracic osteoarthritis is not a fatal disease and can be cured with appropriate treatment.The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the easier it is to get rid of it.
Currently, treatment of thoracic osteoarthritis is performed using the following methods:
- Conservative treatment.
- Traction force.
- Surgical treatment.
Drug treatment is based on the following principles.The main thing is the fight against pain and inflammation.To eliminate pain, doctors use anti-inflammatory drugs.
Improves the condition of cartilage tissue.For this purpose, doctors write the patient a prescription for chondroprotectors.
Reduce muscle spasms.Often the movement of the spine is limited by tight muscles.To eliminate this pathology, doctors prescribe muscle relaxants.
To relieve pain, doctors advise patients to use a variety of ointments with a warming effect.
The dosage of the drug is controlled by the attending physician.Patients must remember that they should take medications in the order prescribed by their doctor.You should not mix medications or replace them with similar substances without your doctor's permission.
In addition to drug treatment, doctors also practice acupuncture, acupressure, physical therapy, and massage.Each treatment method must be discussed with your doctor and performed by a specialist.
In the early stages of the disease, all methods of treatment for osteoarthritis are limited to gymnastics and special exercises.Drug treatment includes prescribing drugs that improve metabolism and vitamin therapy.
Patients are discouraged from participating in exercise without physician supervision.It should be noted that during the acute stage of the disease, it is impossible to exercise.Any exercise therapy chosen depends on the location of the damaged segment in the spine.
Consequences of osteoarthritis
If the disease is not treated, it will progress.If treatment is successful, the risk of complications will be minimized.The main complications are:
- Sciatica.
- VSD.
- Intervertebral hernia.
- Radiation inflammation.
- Migraine headache.
- Low back pain.
- Inflammation of the spine.
- Degeneration of the spine.
- Disability.
- Decreased hearing or vision.
- Inflammation of the epicondyle.
Disease prevention
To avoid the development of osteonecrosis of the thoracic spine, you must always take care of your health.
To begin with, you should exclude all factors that can provoke the development of osteoarthritis: do not forget about the dangers of heavy physical activity, adhere to the rules of maintaining correct posture.
Every person should undergo regular medical examinations.If during examination, the doctor discovers a primary pathology of the spine, the patient should immediately make an appointment with an orthopedist.
To prevent disease, it is necessary to promptly treat all diseases that arise in the musculoskeletal system.After injury, it is mandatory to undergo a rehabilitation course.
It is necessary to take care of the body: change body position more often during work, avoid hypothermia and overheating and regularly be under the supervision of a doctor.
At home, a person can always support his body with the help of gymnastics.Their task is to strengthen the back muscles and improve the health of the body.
The best prevention of any disease is a balanced diet.Your diet should include not only vegetables, but also vitamin complexes that need to be supplemented in spring and winter.To strengthen the musculoskeletal system, you can use massage, medication and swimming.