Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of the musculoskeletal system that occurs in patients of different ages.
Modern medicine defines many points of localization of the disease, in relation to which such a concept emerged as osteochondrosis of the thoracic region.
What is thoracic osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a regenerative (destructive) process, the detection of which is the interval from 8 to 19 vertebrae, which forms the thoracic spine of an individual.
Unlike other types of the disease, the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis can occur in both young and old.
Characteristic of the disease is the complexity of its early diagnosis, which is associated with low mobility of the spine and the difficulty of recognizing the main symptoms. For this reason, when detecting the first signs of osteochondrosis in the chest, it is important to consult a specialist in time, in order to avoid irreversible processes.
Causes
The main cause of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is the course of dystrophic processes (violation of cellular metabolism), tissue transformation and complication of metabolic activities, which is caused by poorly balanced diet and improper load on the disc.
In addition, the list of factors that increase the risk of developing osteochondrosis of the breast includes:
- the presence of intervertebral hernias.
- violation of the blood supply to the spinal cord.
- violation of the balance of minerals in the body.
- regularly increased pressure on the spine.
- mainly sedentary lifestyle.
- the consequences of the trauma suffered;
- engaging in active sports.
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
Chest pain with osteochondrosis is the main symptom of the clinical picture. However, considering the general symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, one can also distinguish:
- shortness of breath, tightness in the chest.
- the difficulty of performing slopes.
- periodic appearance of a feeling of freezing of the limbs due to circulatory failure.
- fragile nails and hair;
- nausea, impaired digestive processes.
- pain that can easily be confused with that that accompanies cardiovascular disease.
- mammary gland pain in women.
- discomfort and difficulty swallowing, coughing.
The appearance of several symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine requires immediate consultation and thorough examination by a specialist in order to make an accurate diagnosis and determine a treatment plan for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.
Stages of disease development
Experts distinguish three main stages in the development of thoracic osteochondrosis:
Stage 1 - the beginning of the development of the disease. It is characterized by the absence of clinical manifestations.
Signs of first stage thoracic osteochondrosis:
- barely noticeable, slightly painful back pain, accompanied by traction pain in the chest. Unpleasant sensations intensify after hard work or lifting weights.
- muscle spasms, constant tone of the muscular framework for no apparent reason.
- discomfort in the heart area.
A visit to a doctor in the early stages of the disease guarantees a complete cure of the disease.
Stage 2 - the progression of the disease leads to the formation of microcracks in the intervertebral discs, which is the reason for the restriction of mobility and the appearance of severe pain.
Clinical manifestations include:
- visually noticeable deformation of the spine.
- pressure reduction;
- accompanying an attempt to put the hand behind the head with palpable pain in the chest.
- chronic feeling of fatigue;
- discomfort in the area of the heart and spine of the thoracic region.
If a disease is detected at this stage, the health recovery process can take quite a long time.
Stage 3 - an ongoing process that has a negative effect on the whole body as a whole.
There are such dangerous events as:
- restriction of spinal mobility.
- sharp sensations of pain;
- the appearance of intervertebral hernias.
- stinging of blood vessels and nerve roots.
- biliary tract diseases.
Refusal to treat osteochondrosis of the breast at this stage can lead to disability.
How to treat osteochondrosis in the chest?
Before determining how to treat thoracic osteochondrosis, it is important to see a specialist. The diagnosis of the disease should be made only by a specialist. The treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is determined by a neurologist, after a high quality examination.
The basic rule for starting treatment for osteochondrosis of the chest is to get rid of the pain. Today, there are several optimal treatment options. Let's look at each of them in more detail.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy for osteochondrosis of the breast is used in medical practice quite often, both in the exacerbation stage and after it, in order to achieve long-term remission of the disease.
With osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, physiotherapy methods are used, such as:
- drug electrophoresis - the combined effect of direct current and drugs.
- UHF therapy - exposure to high frequency electromagnetic fields.
- Magnetotherapy is an alternative medicine that involves the use of a fixed or alternating magnetic field.
- drug phonophoresis - the introduction of drugs under the influence of ultrasound.
- detensor therapy - relaxation of the muscular framework of the spine with the use of a specialized mattress / carpet.
It is important to note that when prescribing physiotherapy methods for the treatment of a degenerative disease, the stage of its development is taken into account. Improper use of physiotherapy can worsen the condition and rule out the possibility of prolonged remission.
Massage for osteochondrosis of the chest area
Massage is one of the most effective methods of non-drug treatment of osteochondrosis in the chest.
Providing a reflex massage provides a positive effect on the affected area of the spine, which causes a positive healing potential.
Unlike other parts of the spine, the chest requires a special approach to massage. The muscle fibers of this zone have a special threshold of action.
The positive effect of massage procedures is manifested in:
- reduce the level of pain;
- improving blood circulation to the site of disease.
- elimination of muscle spasms;
- increase the strength of the muscles of the hands.
- increase spinal mobility and initiation of regenerative processes of cartilage tissue.
Among the basic principles of chest massage, it is worth noting:
- The session should be started with light strokes, which will ensure blood flow and reduce pain.
- During the massage, it is recommended to use compression movements, rubbing and tapping.
- Each movement must be repeated 4-5 times.
- movements should be made along a single trajectory: from the shoulders - to the neck, up.
- Each side of the chest area should be performed separately.
Exercise treatment for osteochondrosis of the chest
Exercise therapy (therapeutic physical culture) provides an opportunity for high quality support for optimal back muscle tone and helps relieve paravertebral muscle pain.
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is more effective in the early stages of disease development.
When exercising, it is important to consider and follow the basic rules for performing exercises for osteochondrosis of the chest area, including:
- systematic repetition for several months.
- the duration of the course should not exceed half an hour.
- Exercise for thoracic osteochondrosis should be performed without the use of additional equipment.
- you should only work with comfortable clothes and shoes.
- taking into account the existing contraindications.
Among the absolute contraindications are:
- acute heart pathologies.
- increased body temperature (above 37, 6 ° C).
- oncological diseases;
- instability of mental state.
- Dermatological diseases;
- high blood pressure.
Consultation with a neurologist, combined with a sensible, competent approach to the lessons, ensures the successful achievement of remission at various stages of the disease.
Medicines
The medical treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is performed by taking pills, a course of injections, suppositories or by using ointments / gels.
Drug treatment is carried out for several months. In the absence of positive changes, the disease is eliminated with surgery.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
They are used to reduce pain and relieve inflammatory processes that occur at the nerve roots.
Self-administration of PVNS is extremely dangerous to health and can cause irreparable damage. Specialist consultation is required.
Glucocorticoids
Due to the fact that the drugs are hormonal, their reception must be agreed with the treating physician. Otherwise, it can cause irreparable damage to the body.
Diuretics
Diuretics that relieve swelling in the presence of pinched nerve roots.
Vitamin complexes
Taking vitamins improves metabolic processes in nerve tissue.
To restart high-quality metabolism, patients are prescribed B vitamins.
Chondroprotective
Drugs, the reception of which ensures the restoration of elasticity and shock-absorbing functions of the intervertebral discs.
The intensity and dose of fundraising for osteochondrosis in the breast is determined taking into account the stage of development of the disease.
Anticonvulsants
They help to relax the muscular framework and help get rid of the problem of persistent spasms, starting the recovery procedures of osteochondrosis in the chest.
Nutrition
The treatment of any disease includes the observance of the basic elements of a balanced diet.
The diet for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine slows down the pathological processes and helps to accelerate the healing process.
Nutritional correction involves increasing the proportion of products that contain natural cartilage protectors that promote cartilage tissue regeneration.
It is important to note that the nutritional diet in degenerative-dystrophic processes should be based on the full value of the diet and the observance of the alcohol consumption regime.
Without failure, the diet should include foods that contain calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, retinol, B, C vitamins.
It is also necessary to limit the level of consumption of strong tea and coffee, as well as to give up bad habits.
It is recommended to completely exclude from the diet of various types of semi-finished products, fresh pastries, as well as margarine and carbonated beverages with a high content of sugar.
Prophylaxis
In order to prevent the occurrence or exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, it is recommended to take a series of preventive measures at regular intervals, such as:
- rejection of bad habits.
- adherence to the principles of proper, balanced nutrition.
- monitoring the safest and most comfortable position for the spine while walking, running, sitting.
- ensuring a comfortable sleep in the correct position of the body.
- organization of exercise, according to the recommended sets of exercises for the thoracic spine with osteochondrosis.
The comfort of a person's daily life is largely determined by his health.
When the first symptoms of a disease of the spine appear, seek the advice of a specialist who will help diagnose the disease and choose the right course of treatment for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.