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, about which such a concept 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 of 8 to 19 vertebrae, which forms the thoracic spine of a person.
Unlike other types of disease, symptoms of chest osteochondrosis can occur in both young and old alike.
A feature of the disease is the complexity of its early diagnosis, which is associated with poor mobility of the spine and the difficulty in identifying the main symptoms. For this reason, when detecting the first signs of thoracic osteochondrosis, it is important to consult a specialist in a timely manner in order to avoid irreversible processes.
Causes
The main cause of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is the course of dystrophic processes (violation of cell metabolism), transforming tissues and causing complications of metabolic actions, caused by insufficiently balanced nutrition and improper load on the intervertebral discs.
Additionally, the list of factors that increase the risk of developing breast osteochondrosis include:
- the presence of intervertebral hernias;
- violation of blood supply to the spinal cord;
- violation of mineral balance in the body;
- steadily increased stress on the spine;
- predominantly sedentary lifestyle;
- the consequences of the trauma suffered;
- practicing active sports.
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
Chest pain with osteochondrosis is the main symptom of the clinical picture. However, taking into account the general symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, one can also distinguish:
- shortness of breath, chest tightness;
- the difficulty of tilting;
- periodic appearance of a feeling of freezing of the extremities due to circulatory failure;
- brittle nails and hair;
- nausea, digestive disorders;
- pain that can be easily confused with that which accompanies cardiovascular disease;
- pain of the mammary glands in women;
- discomfort and difficulty swallowing, cough.
The manifestation of several symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine requires immediate consultation and a comprehensive examination by a specialist in order 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 first stage thoracic osteochondrosis:
- Barely noticeable mild painful lumbago accompanied by a drawing pain in the chest. Unpleasant sensations intensify after heavy work or lifting weights;
- muscle spasms, constant tone of the muscle structure for no apparent reason;
- discomfort in the region of the heart.
Consulting a doctor at the initial stage 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 becomes the reason for the limitation of mobility and the appearance of strong pain.
Clinical manifestations include:
- visually noticeable deformation of the spine;
- lower the pressure;
- accompanying an attempt to put the hand behind the head with palpable pain in the breastbone;
- feeling of chronic fatigue;
- discomfort in the heart region and the spine of the thoracic region.
If disease is detected at this stage, the process of restoring health may require a fairly long period of time.
Stage 3 - an ongoing process that has a negative effect on the whole body as a whole.
There are dangerous manifestations such as:
- limitation of mobility of the spine;
- sharp painful sensations;
- the appearance of intervertebral hernias;
- pinching of blood vessels and nerve roots;
- diseases of the biliary tract.
Refusal to treat breast osteochondrosis at this stage can lead to disability.
How to treat thoracic osteochondrosis?
Before determining how to treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, it is important to consult a specialist. Diagnosis of the disease should be carried out only by a specialist. Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is determined by a neuropathologist, after a high-quality examination.
The key rule to starting treatment for chest osteochondrosis is to get rid of the pain. Today, there are several optimal treatment options. Let's take a look at each of them in more detail.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis is used quite often in medical practice, both at the stage of exacerbation and after, 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 which involves the use of a constant or alternating magnetic field;
- phonophoresis of drugs - the introduction of drugs under the influence of ultrasound;
- stress reliever therapy - relaxation of the muscular framework 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. Inappropriate use of physiotherapeutic treatment can worsen the situation and exclude the likelihood of prolonged remission.
Massage for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
Massage is one of the most effective non-drug treatment methods for chest osteochondrosis.
Providing a reflex massage effect provides a positive effect on the affected area of the spine, which causes a positive treatment dynamics.
Unlike other parts of the spine, the chest requires a special approach to massage. The muscle fibers in this area have a particular threshold of action.
The positive effect of massage procedures is manifested by:
- reduce the level of pain;
- improve blood circulation to the site of localization of the disease;
- elimination of muscle spasms;
- increase the strength of the arm muscles;
- increase the mobility of the spine and start the processes of regeneration of cartilage tissue.
Among the basic principles of massage of the thoracic region it is worth highlighting:
- the beginning of the session should be carried out with light movements, which will ensure blood circulation and reduce pain;
- during massage it is recommended to use squeezing, rubbing and tapping movements;
- each movement should be repeated 4 to 5 times;
- movements should be carried out along a single path: from the shoulder blades - to the neck, up;
- each side of the thoracic region should be worked separately.
Exercise therapy for thoracic osteochondrosis
Exercise therapy (therapeutic physical culture) offers the possibility of high-quality support for the optimal tone of the back muscle framework and helps to relieve pain in the paravertebral muscles.
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is most effective in the early stages of the development of the disease.
When practicing gymnastics, it is important to take into account and adhere to the basic rules for performing exercises for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, including:
- 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 heart pathologies;
- increased body temperature (over 37, 6 ° C);
- oncological diseases;
- instability of mental state;
- dermatological diseases;
- arterial hypertension.
Consultation of a neurologist, combined with a reasonable and competent approach to classes, ensures successful remission at various stages of the disease.
Medications
Medical treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is carried out by taking pills, injections, suppositories or using ointments / gels.
Drug treatment is carried out for several months. In the absence of positive changes, the disease is eliminated by surgery.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
They are used to reduce pain and relieve inflammatory processes occurring in the nerve roots.
Self-administration of PVNS is extremely dangerous to health and may cause irreparable damage. Consultation with a specialist is necessary.
Glucorticoids
Due to the fact that the drugs are hormonal, their consumption should be agreed with the attending physician. Otherwise, irreparable damage can be done to the body.
Diuretics
Diuretics that relieve swelling in the presence of pinched nerve roots.
Vitamin complexes
Taking vitamins improves metabolic processes in nervous tissue.
In order to resume a high-quality metabolism, patients are prescribed B vitamins.
Chondroprotectors
Drugs, the reception of which ensures the restoration of the elasticity and damping functions of the intervertebral discs.
The intensity and dosage of taking funds for thoracic osteochondrosis is determined taking into account the stage of development of the disease.
Antispasmodics
They contribute to the relaxation of muscle structure and help to eliminate the problem of persistent spasms, initiating the recovery processes of thoracic osteochondrosis.
Nutrition
Therapeutic treatment of any disease involves observing the basics of a balanced diet.
The diet for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine slows down pathological processes and helps to speed up the healing process.
Nutritional correction involves an increase in the diet of the proportion of products containing natural chondroprotectors which promote the regeneration of cartilage tissue.
It is important to note that dietary nutrition in degenerative-dystrophic processes should be based on the full value of the diet and compliance with the regime of alcohol consumption.
For sure, 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 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
In order to prevent the onset or exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, it is recommended to take a number of preventive measures at regular intervals, including:
- rejection of bad habits;
- respect for the principles of an appropriate and balanced diet;
- follow the safest and most comfortable position for the spine while walking, running, sitting;
- ensure comfortable sleep in the correct position of the body;
- organization of the exercise, according to the series of exercises recommended 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 disease of the spine appear, seek the advice of a specialist who will help you diagnose the disease and choose the right treatment for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.