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Symptoms, treatment of spondylosis of the thoracic spine

Spondylosis of the thoracic spine accompanied by the growth of osteophytes bone between the vertebral bodies at the level of Th1-Th12. Bony growths are localized in the attachment of the ligament to the intervertebral segments. As a consequence, calcification (deposition of calcium salts, ossification) in the area of the intervertebral discs causes immobility of the concerned divisions of the vertebral column.

spondylosis of the thoracic spine

On the radiograph of bone osteophytes are clearly seen in the form of intense "spikes" along the lateral parts of the vertebrae. In the initial stages they are not fused with each other, but over time can "wrap" almost the entire thoracic spine. Consequently, there is an immovability of the damaged segment of the spine.

Causes

It Should be understood that anatomically the thoracic vertebral column is fixed by the ribs and are highly repositioning within side. Consequently, thoracic spondylosis 1 or 2 degrees (osteophytes close ½ of the vertebral body, but do not merge with each other) may not be accompanied by specific symptoms.

nevertheless, this condition leads to rapid deterioration of the intervertebral discs, so over time we should expect worsening of symptoms on the background of compression of the nerve root emerging from spinal canal. In this situation the patient, a feeling of disruption of the heart and persistent pain in the intercostal spaces, which can not be removed anti-inflammatory drugs (intercostal neuralgia).

The Appearance of degenerative-dystrophic processes, as well as the destruction of the vertebrae leads to the deposition of minerals (calcium salts) in them. Gradually, the ligament thickens and begins to push on passing in it thicker nerve fibers and blood vessels. In such situation there is pain in the area of the intercostal spaces, the sternum, which can be confused with manifestations of cardiac disease.

Hazardous thoracic spondylosis high probability of narrowing of the spinal canal. If this occurs, the paralysis of the limbs (complete immobilization). Especially often this symptom occurs in the elderly. He causes the disability.

the treatment of thoracic spondylosis

Heal

To carry out effective treatment of spondylosis (spondylarthrosis) it is necessary to identify all the pathogenetic links and the symptoms that it creates. Every person, the disease is individual, so therapy should be based primarily on the specific characteristics of the disease in the patient.

The Ossification of the tissues is not necessarily evidence of the presence of degenerative disc disease (a reduced height of intervertebral disks), but, as a rule, spondylarthrosis and reduced height of intervertebral disks exist together, as caused by degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine (the violation of chemicals and blood supply).

drugs prescribed for pathology:

  • non-Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are recommended in patients with severe pain syndrome;
  • Muscle relaxants to relax the skeletal muscles and prevent spasmodic compression of blood vessels and nerve roots, passing in the thickness of the muscular tissue;
  • protective agents – drugs to slow the degenerative processes in cartilaginous tissue. They do the intervertebral discs are more durable and flexible
  • Tools to normalize blood circulation and improve local blood flow in the spine and accelerate the delivery of nutrients to the vertebrae.

The Most commonly with medication and pathology of group means prescribe non-steroidal drugs such as Ketonal, Movalis, indomethacin and diclofenac. It eliminates not only inflammation, but also possess analgesic properties. The effectiveness of a group of NSAIDs is enhanced by simultaneous use with them chondroprotectors.

These medications cannot be used alone because they have serious side effect – provoking the gastric ulcer and 12 duodenal ulcer. If NSAIDs are contraindicated, doctors will resort to eliminate pain by procaine blockade (injection of anesthetic into the subarachnoid space of the spinal cord).

Types of Muscle relaxants mydocalm not assigned to long courses, as cause decrease in blood pressure. Some doctors do not apply them because the local muscle spasm can be treated with massage or physiotherapeutic procedures.

Gymnastics and massage

Physiotherapy is the basis of home treatment pathology. A list of effective exercises in each individual case determined by the doctor. Before applying physical therapy need to prepare skeletal muscles for subsequent physical activity, which is achieved by massage. It should be understood that for the treatment of pathology, the therapist must have a medical degree.

Medical gymnastics in diseases of the musculoskeletal system is best done under the supervision of a physician-physiotherapist, who not only knows what exercises will suit each specificthe patient, but will control their force and intensity.

In any case the patient should understand that to completely cure spondylosis of the thoracic spine he can not. Treatment will prevent complications and relieve the symptoms that you can comfortably perform your daily work. If the disease is progressing rapidly, it can lead to disability due to the complete immobilization of extremities (paralysis).