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, which are related to concepts such as osteochondrosis in the thoracic region appear.
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 make up a person’s thoracic spine.
Unlike other types of disease, symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis can occur in young and old people.
Characteristic of the disease is the complexity of its initial diagnosis, which is associated with low mobility of the spine and difficulty identifying the main symptoms. For this reason, when detecting the first signs of chest osteochondrosis, it is important to consult a specialist in a timely manner to avoid an irreversible process.
cause
The main cause of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a dystrophic process (violation of cellular metabolism), changing tissues and provoking complications of metabolic action, caused by an unbalanced diet and improper load on the intervertebral disc.
In addition, the list of factors that increase the risk of developing breast osteochondrosis includes:
- the presence of an intervertebral hernia;
- violation of blood supply to the spinal cord;
- violation of mineral balance in the body;
- frequently increasing pressure on the spine;
- a mostly inactive lifestyle;
- as a result of the trauma suffered;
- engaging in active sports.
The main symptom of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
Chest pain with osteochondrosis is the main symptom of the clinical picture. However, given the general symptoms of osteochondrosis in the thoracic region, one can also distinguish:
- shortness of breath, chest tightness;
- difficulty performing tendencies;
- periodic occurrence of a feeling of freezing in the legs due to circulatory failure;
- brittle nails and hair;
- nausea, impaired digestive processes;
- pain that can be easily confused with that accompanying cardiovascular disease;
- mammary gland pain in women;
- discomfort and difficulty swallowing, cough.
Manifestation of some symptoms of thoracic spine osteochondrosis requires immediate consultation and full examination by a specialist to formulate an accurate diagnosis and determine a treatment plan for thoracic spine osteochondrosis.
Stages of disease development
Experts distinguish three main stages in the development of thoracic osteochondrosis:
Stage 1 - the beginning of disease progression. It is characterized by the absence of clinical manifestations.
Signs of first-degree thoracic osteochondrosis:
- almost invisible, mild low back pain, accompanied by an interesting pain in the chest. Unpleasant sensations increase after heavy work or heavy lifting;
- muscle spasms, fixed skeletal muscle tone for no apparent reason;
- discomfort in the heart area.
Seeing 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 disc, which is the reason for the limitation of mobility and the appearance of intense pain.
Clinical manifestations include:
- visually significant spinal deformities;
- lowering pressure;
- accompanying attempts to place hands behind head with marked pain in sternum;
- chronic fatigue;
- discomfort in the heart area and the spinal column of the thoracic region.
If the disease is detected at this stage, the process of health recovery may require a relatively long period of time.
Stage 3 - a walking process that has a negative effect on the whole body as a whole.
There are dangerous manifestations such as:
- spinal mobility limits;
- sharp sensation of pain;
- appearance of intervertebral hernia;
- pinching blood vessels and nerve roots;
- bile duct disease.
Refusal to treat breast osteochondrosis at this stage can lead to disability.
How to treat chest osteochondrosis?
Before deciding how to treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, it is important to visit a specialist. Diagnosis of the disease should only be carried out by a specialist. Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is determined by a neuropathologist, after high -quality examination.
The main rule for starting treatment for chest osteochondrosis is pain relief. Today, there are several optimal treatment options. Let’s consider each of them in more detail.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy treatment of chest osteochondrosis is used in medical practice quite frequently, both at the stage of exacerbation and thereafter, 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 continuous or intermittent magnetic field;
- drug phonophoresis - the identification of drugs under the influence of ultrasound;
- detensor therapy - relaxation of the skeletal muscles of the spine using a special mattress / mat.
It is important to note that when prescribing physiotherapeutic methods for the treatment of degenerative diseases, their stage of development is taken into account. The use of inappropriate physiotherapeutic treatment can exacerbate the condition and exclude the possibility of prolonged remission.
Massage for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
Massage is one of the most effective methods for the non -drug treatment of chest osteochondrosis.
The effect of reflex massage has a positive effect on the affected area of the spine, which gives rise to the positive dynamics of treatment.
Unlike other parts of the spine, the chest requires a special approach to massaging. The muscle fibers of this zone have a special action threshold.
The positive effects of massage procedures are shown in:
- reduce pain levels;
- improve blood circulation at the site of localization of the disease;
- elimination of muscle spasms;
- increase arm muscle strength;
- increases the mobility of the spinal space and initiates the regenerative process of cartilage tissue.
Among the basic principles of thoracic massage, it should be highlighted:
- the beginning of the session should be carried out with a light stroke, which will ensure blood flow and reduce pain;
- during massage, it is recommended to use squeezing, rubbing and patting movements;
- each movement must be repeated 4-5 times;
- movements should be performed along a single trajectory: from the shoulder blades - to the neck, upwards;
- each side of the thoracic region must be worked separately.
Exercise therapy for chest osteochondrosis
Exercise therapy (therapeutic physical culture) provides an opportunity for high -quality support for optimal skeletal tone of the back muscles and helps relieve paravertebral muscle pain.
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is most effective in the early stages of disease development.
When doing gymnastics, it is important to take into account and adhere to the basic rules for doing exercises for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, including:
- systematic repetition over 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 just have to work with comfortable clothes and shoes;
- taking into account existing contraindications.
Among the absolute contraindications are:
- acute cardiac pathology;
- increase in body temperature (more than 37. 6 ° C);
- oncological diseases;
- mental state instability;
- dermatological diseases;
- high blood pressure.
Consultation with a neurologist, combined with a reasonable and efficient class approach, ensures successful remission achievement at various stages of the disease.
Medications
Medical treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is carried out by taking pills, injection courses, suppositories or using ointments / gels.
Treatment with drugs is carried out for several months. If there are no positive changes, the disease is eliminated by surgery.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
It is used to reduce pain and relieve inflammatory processes that take place at the nerve roots.
Self -administration of PVNS is extremely dangerous to health and can cause irreparable harm. Expert consultation is required.
Glucorticosteroids
Due to the fact that the drugs are hormones, their intake must be agreed with the attending physician. Otherwise, irreparable harm can be caused to the body.
Diuretics
A diuretic that relieves swelling in the presence of pinched nerve roots.
Vitamin complex
Vitamin intake enhances metabolic processes in nerve tissue.
To maintain high -quality metabolism, patients are given vitamin B.
Chondroprotectors
Medications, the reception of which ensures the restoration of elasticity and shock absorption function of the intervertebral disc.
The intensity and dose of taking funds for osteochondrosis of the chest is determined taking into account the stage of development of the disease.
Antispasmodic
They contribute to the relaxation of the muscular skeleton and help eliminate the problem of persistent cramps, smoothing the recovery process of chest osteochondrosis.
Nutrition
Therapeutic treatment of any disease involves adherence to the basics of a balanced diet.
Diet for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine slows down the pathological process and helps speed up the healing process.
Nutritional correction involves an increase in dietary proportions of products containing natural chondroprotectors that promote the regrowth of cartilage tissue.
It is important to note that nutritional intake in degenerative-dystrophic processes should be based on the full value of diet and adherence to a drinking regime.
Without fail, the diet should include foods containing calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, retinol, vitamins of groups B, C.
It is also necessary to limit the level of consumption of strong tea and coffee, as well as abandon bad habits.
It is recommended to completely exclude from the diet of various types of semi -finished products, fresh baked goods, as well as margarine and carbonated beverages with high sugar content.
Prophylaxis
To prevent the appearance or prevent worsening of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, it is recommended to carry out several preventive measures on a regular basis, 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, sitting;
- ensure comfortable sleep in the correct body position;
- exercise organization, according to the recommended set of exercises for the thoracic spine with osteochondrosis.
The comfort of a person’s daily life is largely determined by his or her health.
When the first symptoms of spinal disease appear, seek advice from a specialist who will help diagnose the disease and choose the right treatment for thoracic spine osteochondrosis.