Thoracic degeneration is a degenerative-dystrophic disorder affecting the thoracic spine. Diseases of this part are not as common as the neck and lumbar, and the cause is that the chest area is not mobile and is more protected than the rest of the spine. People after 30 years of age are more susceptible to this disease.
Osteochondrosis are degenerative changes that occur in different parts of the spine. Statistics show that this disease is more and more rejuvenated, if in the past, the elderly had this disease, today it is diagnosed in the younger generation more and more. This disease becomes the third most common disease after cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
Reason
- Injury;
- Excessive physical activity;
- Age-related changes in the spine;
- Genetic predisposition to degenerative changes;
- metabolic disorder;
- Excessive completeness;
- A lifestyle in which one moves less;
- Scoliosis - curvature of the spine;
- Serious concomitant diseases.
Due to a change in the thoracic spine, nerve roots are pinched and the function of internal organs is disturbed.
Osteochondrosis is capable of disguising itself as many cardiovascular diseases, so a person may experience shortness of breath and a tachycardia and not be able to immediately recognize the disease.
The disease can be confused with different respiratory system and abdominal cavity pathologies. No indication is specific and depends on the severity and localization of the process.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of thoracic necrosis are:
- Pain in the sternum, aggravated by hypothermia, turning around, and bending at night;
- Endometrial pain;
- Numbness of the arms and interstitial areas;
- Pain with strong inhalation and exhalation;
- Chest tightness;
- The tension of the muscles in the upper half of the back and in the chest area;
- In severe cases, pelvic dysfunction.
In the case of bone necrosis of the chest associated with the cervix, symptoms will add dizziness and nausea.
There are three types of pain:
- Dorsagois a sudden, very severe pain that limits movement. Such pains can occur when straightening your back after being in one position for a long time and can last up to several weeks.
- Back painis moderate pain that does not go away for a long time, often accompanied by stiffness with movement. Such pain is not immediately noticeable, as it develops over time and rarely develops a slight pain sensation.
- Rectal painis mild pain in the front of your chest.
Diagnosis
The most common method to diagnose fibroids is an x-ray. This method is less expensive financially but can not always reveal the full picture of the disease, and X-rays also have ionizing radiation on the human body.
It is recommended to take X-rays on an empty stomach and follow the diet for a while before the exam (do not eat gas-producing foods).
X-ray contraindications are: pregnancy (radiation adversely affects the development of the fetus), the patient cannot lie motionless in a position, is obese, diagnosis is also difficult, becauseblurred image. X-ray when lying on your back or lying on your side.
However, medicine does not stand still and experts are increasingly using newer technologies to diagnose bone necrosis, such as:
- CT (computed tomography)
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
Computer tomography
This is a type of diagnosis using X-rays whereby scans are done at different depths and the results are processed by computers. If you have a CT scan without contrast, no preparation is required, but if your CT scan uses contrast, you should refuse to eat 4 hours before your exam. All jewelry and hairpins must be removed prior to the examination.
Contraindicated to CT:
- Pregnant;
- Mental disorder;
- Allergy to the substance injected as a contrast agent (if CT is done using it);
Magnetic resonance imaging
A highly informative diagnostic method using magnetic fields and radio frequency radiation. This is a relatively new diagnostic method, but it has the right place in medicine, as it is harmless and informative.
Such examination requires no preparation, however, the therapist must be warned of allergy-specific bodily features, if the examination is performed with the use of a contrast agent. All metal objects are removed prior to diagnosis.
The procedure is performed in a supine position, which does not cause any pain, except for a slight discomfort due to the sound of the device.
MRI capture is contraindicated:
- Chronic renal failure;
- Are allergic to a substance used as a contrast agent;
- Pregnant;
- Presence of metallic elements in the human body (pacemaker, v. );
- Claustrophobia.
Treatment
Methods used in the treatment of necrosis of the thoracic spine are complex and are prescribed individually by the doctor, depending on the medical history and associated conditions.
These include:
- Medicines;
- Physiotherapy exercises;
- Massage and manual therapy;
- Physiotherapy;
- Traditional treatments.
Medicines
Treatment is aimed at reducing inflammation and pain. Specialists prescribe special ointments, pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs for the patient.
After using drugs aimed at eliminating the pain, the doctor prescribes to the patient a drug that helps normalize microcirculation and blood circulation, as well as vitamin complexes.
exercise therapy
Physical therapy exercises can help relieve muscle pain and spasms. Exercise increases muscle tone and improves blood circulation. All exercises must be performed in a rhythmic manner so as not to cause severe pain. With thoracic necrosis, this complex also includes exercises to help support back muscles.
Massage
Used in conjunction with other treatments. Massage brings a quick effect in the treatment process, reduces pain, improves blood circulation, tightens muscles, eliminates spasm. Massage courses can only be started when the stage of the exacerbation has subsided.
Ideally you should assign the massage to a qualified masseuse and combine it with manual physical and physiotherapy exercises.
Manual therapy
Treatment is the effect of the therapist's hand on the spine.
Contraindicated to manual treatment:
- pregnant; herniation
- ;
- arthritis;
- spinal injury;
- increased blood pressure;
- tumor;
- severe stage of scoliosis; inflammatory processes
- .
Manual therapy should be performed only in the early stages of the thoracic spondylolisthesis process, as directed by physicians and specialists with a rigorous professional background, otherwise this procedure may beleading to serious complications.
Physiotherapy
The advantages of physiotherapy are the minimization of side effects and a quick effect. During the treatment, magnetotherapy, amplipulse, ultrasound, electrophoresis, electrophoresis, diadynamic currents are used.
In each case the doctor will choose a separate procedure. Contraindications: oncology, pregnancy, skin diseases, severe cardiovascular disease.
Traditional medicine
Includes tincture, lotions, ointment, bath medicine.
Before starting treatment with folk remedies, you must consult a doctor and remember about the possibility of an allergic reaction to various herbal ingredients.
Precautions
The main ingredient of preventing thoracic spinal degeneration is an active lifestyle, which helps to maintain the spine in good shape and maintain correct posture. It is also important that the sleeping area is not too soft or stiff. Eat foods high in calcium and magnesium and use complex vitamins.