Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of the musculoskeletal system that occurs in patients of different ages.
Modern medicine defines several places of localization of the disease, in connection with which a concept such as osteochondrosis of the thoracic region appeared.
What is thoracic osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a regenerative (destructive) process, the localization of which is the interval from 8 to 19 vertebrae, which forms the thoracic spine of a person.
Unlike other types of the disease, the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis can occur in both young and old people.
A characteristic of the disease is the complexity of its early diagnosis, which is associated with low mobility of the spine and the difficulty in identifying the main symptoms. Therefore, when detecting the first signs of thoracic osteochondrosis, it is important to promptly consult a specialist to prevent irreversible processes.
Causes
The main cause of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is the course of dystrophic processes (violation of cell metabolism), which transform tissues and provoke complications of metabolic actions, caused by an insufficiently balanced diet and an inadequate load on the intervertebral discs .
Also, the list of factors that increase the risk of developing breast osteochondrosis includes:
- the presence of intervertebral hernias;
- violation of the blood supply to the spinal cord;
- violation of mineral balance in the body;
- regular increase in tension in the spine;
- predominantly sedentary lifestyle;
- the consequences of the trauma suffered;
- participate 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, it can also be distinguished:
- shortness of breath, chest tightness;
- the difficulty of performing inclinations;
- periodic appearance of a sensation of frostbite of the extremities due to circulatory insufficiency;
- brittle nails and hair;
- nausea, disturbed digestive processes;
- pain that can easily be mistaken for that associated with cardiovascular disease;
- pain of the mammary glands in women;
- discomfort and difficulty swallowing, cough.
The manifestation of various symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine requires immediate consultation and a thorough examination by a specialist to formulate an accurate diagnosis and determine a treatment plan for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.
Stages of disease development.
Specialists 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 thoracic osteochondrosis of the first stage:
- Mild painful lumbago, barely perceptible, accompanied by a pulling in the chest. Unpleasant sensations intensify after strenuous work or lifting weights;
- muscle spasms, constant tone of the muscle structure for no apparent reason;
- discomfort in the region of the heart.
Seeing a doctor in the initial stage of the disease guarantees a complete cure of the disease.
Stage 2 - the progress of the disease leads to the formation of microcracks in the intervertebral discs, which becomes the reason for the limitation of mobility and the appearance of severe pain.
The clinical manifestations include:
- visually perceptible deformation of the spine;
- lower the pressure;
- accompanying an attempt to put the hand behind the head with palpable pain in the sternum;
- chronic feeling of tiredness;
- discomfort in the region of the heart and the spine of the thoracic region.
If a disease is detected at this stage, the process of restoring health may require a fairly long period of time.
Stage 3 - A running process that has a negative effect on the whole body as a whole.
There are manifestations as dangerous as:
- limitation of mobility of the spine;
- sharp pain sensations;
- the appearance of intervertebral hernias;
- pinching of blood vessels and nerve roots;
- biliary tract diseases.
Refusal to treat breast osteochondrosis at this stage can lead to disability.
How to treat chest osteochondrosis?
Before determining how to treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, it is important to visit a specialist. Diagnosis of the disease should only be made by a specialist. Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is determined by a neuropathologist, after a high-quality examination.
The key rule in starting treatment for thoracic osteochondrosis is to eliminate pain. Today, there are several optimal treatment options. Let's consider each of them in more detail.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis is used in medical practice quite often, both in the stage of exacerbation and after it, 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 constant or alternating magnetic field;
- drug phonophoresis - the introduction of drugs under the influence of ultrasound;
- Detector therapy: relaxation of the muscular structure of the spine using a specialized mattress / mat.
It is important to note that when prescribing physiotherapeutic methods for treating a degenerative disease, the stage of its development is taken into account. The inappropriate use of a physiotherapeutic treatment can aggravate the situation and exclude the possibility of a prolonged remission.
Massage for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region.
Massage is one of the most effective non-drug treatment methods for thoracic osteochondrosis.
Providing a reflex massage effect provides a positive effect on the affected area of the spine, causing a positive dynamics of the treatment.
Unlike other parts of the spine, the chest requires a special approach to massage. The muscle fibers in this area have a special action threshold.
The positive effect of massage procedures is manifested in:
- reduce the level of pain;
- improve blood circulation at the site of disease localization;
- elimination of muscle spasms;
- increasing the strength of the arm muscles;
- increasing the mobility of the spine and initiating the regenerative processes of the cartilage tissue.
Among the basic principles of massage of the thoracic region, it should be noted:
- the start of the session should be done with light strokes, which will ensure blood flow and reduce pain;
- during massage, it is recommended to use squeezing, rubbing and patting movements;
- each movement should be repeated 4-5 times;
- movements should be carried out along a single trajectory: from the shoulder blades, to the neck, upwards;
- each side of the thoracic region should be worked separately.
Exercise therapy for thoracic osteochondrosis
Exercise therapy (therapeutic physical culture) provides the opportunity to provide high-quality support for optimal tone of the back muscle structure and helps relieve pain in the paravertebral muscles.
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is most effective in the initial stages of the development of the disease.
When doing gymnastics, it is important to take into account and adhere to the basic rules for performing exercises for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, which include:
- systematic repetition for several months;
- the duration of the lesson should not exceed half an hour;
- gymnastics for thoracic osteochondrosis should be performed without the use of additional equipment;
- you should only work in comfortable clothes and shoes;
- taking into account the existing contraindications.
Among the absolute contraindications are:
- acute cardiac pathologies;
- increased body temperature (more than 37. 6 ° C);
- oncological diseases;
- instability of mental state;
- dermatological diseases;
- High blood pressure
Consultation with a neurologist, combined with a reasonable and competent approach to classes, ensures the successful achievement of remission at various stages of the disease.
Medicines
Medical treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is carried out by taking pills, a cycle of injections, suppositories or using ointments / gels.
Drug treatment is carried out for several months. In the absence of positive changes, the disease is removed by surgery.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
They are used to reduce pain and relieve inflammatory processes that occur in the nerve roots.
Self-administration of PVNS is extremely dangerous for health and can cause irreparable damage. Consultation of a specialist is required.
Glucorticosteroids
Due to the fact that the drugs are hormonal, their intake must be agreed with the attending physician. Otherwise, irreparable damage to the body can be caused.
Diuretics
Diuretics that relieve swelling in the presence of pinched nerve roots.
Vitamin complexes
The intake of vitamins improves metabolic processes in nervous tissue.
To resume high-quality metabolism, patients are prescribed B vitamins.
Chondroprotectors
Drugs, the reception of which ensures the restoration of elasticity and shock-absorbing functions of intervertebral discs.
The intensity and dosage of taking funds for osteochondrosis of the chest is determined taking into account the stage of development of the disease.
Antispasmodics
They contribute to the relaxation of the muscular structure and help to eliminate the problem of persistent spasms, initiating the recovery processes of thoracic osteochondrosis.
Nutrition
The therapeutic treatment of any disease implies compliance with the basic principles of a balanced diet.
The diet for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine slows down pathological processes and helps speed up the healing process.
The nutritional correction implies an increase in the diet of the proportion of products that contain natural chondroprotectors that favor the regeneration of cartilage tissue.
It is important to note that dietary nutrition in degenerative-dystrophic processes should be based on the total value of the diet and adherence to the drinking regime.
Without fail, the diet should include foods containing calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, retinol, vitamins of group B, C.
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 various types of semi-finished products, fresh baked goods, as well as margarine and carbonated drinks with a high sugar content.
Prophylaxis
To prevent the occurrence or prevent exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, it is recommended to carry out a number of preventive measures at regular intervals, including:
- rejection of bad habits;
- adherence to the principles of proper and balanced nutrition;
- track the safest and most comfortable position for the spine while walking, running or sitting;
- ensure comfortable sleep in the correct position of the body;
- organization of exercise, according to the recommended exercise sets for the thoracic spine with osteochondrosis.
The comfort of a person's daily life is largely determined by their health.
When the first symptoms of a spinal disease appear, seek the advice of a specialist who will help you diagnose the disease and select the correct course of treatment for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.