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 chest 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 that form a person's thoracic spine.
Unlike other forms of the disease, symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis can appear in both young and old people.
A feature of the disease is the complexity of early detection, which is accompanied by poor mobility of the spine and the difficulty of identifying the main symptoms. For this reason, when detecting the first signs of breast osteochondrosis, it is important to consult a specialist in a timely manner in order to prevent irreversible processes.
causes
The main cause of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is the course of dystrophic processes (violation of cell metabolism), tissue transformation and provocation of metabolic disorders caused by an improperly balanced diet and improper load on the intervertebral discs.
In addition, the list of factors that increase your risk of developing breast osteochondrosis includes:
- the presence of intervertebral hernias;
- violation of the blood supply to the spinal cord;
- violation of the mineral balance in the body;
- regularly increased load on the spine;
- predominantly sedentary lifestyle;
- the consequences of the trauma suffered;
- engage in active sports.
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis of the chest region
Chest pain with osteochondrosis is the main symptom of the clinical picture. However, looking at the general symptoms of osteochondrosis of the chest region, one can also distinguish:
- Shortness of breath, chest tightness;
- the difficulty of performing inclinations;
- periodic appearance of a feeling of freezing of the extremities due to circulatory failure;
- brittle nails and hair;
- Nausea, impaired digestive processes;
- Pain that can easily be mistaken for cardiovascular disease;
- Pain in the mammary glands in women;
- Discomfort and difficulty swallowing, cough.
The manifestation of multiple symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis requires immediate consultation and a thorough examination by a specialist in order to make an accurate diagnosis and establish a treatment plan for thoracic osteochondrosis.
Stages of development of the disease
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, slightly painful lumbago, accompanied by a pulling pain in the chest. The unpleasant sensations intensify after strenuous work or weight lifting;
- Muscle spasms, constant tone of the muscle frame for no apparent reason;
- Discomfort in the region of the heart.
A visit to the doctor at the initial stages of the disease guarantees a complete cure for the disease.
Stage 2 - the progression of the disease leads to the formation of microcracks in the intervertebral discs, which become the reason for the limitation of mobility and the appearance of severe pain.
Clinical manifestations include:
- visually perceptible deformation of the spine;
- Lower pressure;
- Accompanying an attempt to put the hand behind the head with palpable pain in the sternum;
- chronic feeling of fatigue;
- Discomfort in the area of the heart and the spine of the chest region.
If a disease is discovered at this stage, the process of restoring health can take quite a long time.
Stage 3 - an ongoing process that negatively affects the entire body.
There are such dangerous manifestations as:
- Restriction of mobility of the spine;
- sharp sensations of pain;
- the appearance of intervertebral hernias;
- Entrapment of blood vessels and nerve roots;
- Diseases of the biliary tract.
Refusal to treat breast osteochondrosis at this stage can result in disability.
How to treat breast osteochondrosis
Before deciding how to treat breast osteochondrosis, it is important to see a specialist. Diagnosis of the disease should only be carried out by a specialist. Treatment for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is determined after a high-quality examination by a neuropathologist.
The most important rule for starting breast osteochondrosis treatment is getting rid of pain. Today there are several optimal treatment options. Let's take a closer look at each of them.
physical therapy
Physiotherapeutic treatment of chest osteochondrosis is widely used in medical practice, both at the stage of exacerbation and after it, to achieve long-term remission of the disease.
In the case of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, physiotherapeutic methods are used, such as:
- Drug electrophoresis - the combined action of direct current and drugs;
- UHF Therapy - Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields;
- Magnetic therapy is an alternative medicine that uses a constant or alternating magnetic field;
- Phonophoresis of drugs - the introduction of drugs under the influence of ultrasound;
- Detensor therapy - relaxation of the muscular frame of the spine with a special mattress / mat.
It is important to note that when prescribing physiotherapeutic methods for the treatment of a degenerative disease, account should be taken of the stage of its development. Improper use of physical therapy treatment can worsen the situation and eliminate the likelihood of prolonged remission.
Massage for osteochondrosis of the chest region
Massage is one of the most effective methods of non-drug treatment for chest osteochondrosis.
The provision of a reflex massage has a positive effect on the affected area of the spine, which creates positive treatment dynamics.
Unlike other parts of the spine, the chest requires a special massage approach. The muscle fibers in this zone have a special threshold.
The positive effect of massage procedures is expressed in:
- Reduction in pain level;
- Improvement of blood circulation in the place of localization of the disease;
- Elimination of muscle spasms;
- Increasing the strength of the arm muscles;
- to increase the mobility of the spine and to initiate the regeneration processes of the cartilage tissue.
Among the basic principles of massage of the chest region, it is worth highlighting:
- the beginning of the session should be done with light strokes to ensure blood circulation and relieve pain.
- during the massage it is recommended to use squeezing movements, rubbing and tapping;
- each movement must be repeated 4-5 times;
- Movements should be performed along a single trajectory: from the shoulder blades - up to the nape of the neck;
- each side of the thoracic region must be worked out separately.
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the chest
Exercise therapy (therapeutic body culture) offers the possibility of high-quality support for the optimal tone of the back muscles and helps to relieve sore muscles in the paravertebral muscles.
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the chest region is most effective in the initial stages of the development of the disease.
When doing gymnastics, it is important to consider and adhere to the basic rules for performing exercises for osteochondrosis of the chest region, including:
- systematic repetition over several months;
- the duration of the lesson should not exceed half an hour;
- Gymnastics for thoracic osteochondrosis should be carried out without the use of additional equipment;
- You should only work in comfortable clothes and shoes;
- taking into account existing contraindications.
The absolute contraindications include:
- acute heart disease;
- 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 sensible and competent teaching approach, ensures the successful achievement of remission in various stages of the disease.
Medication
Medical treatment for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is carried out by taking pills, injections, suppositories or using ointments / gels.
Treatment with drugs is carried out over several months. In the absence of positive changes, the disease is eliminated by surgery.
Anti-inflammatory Nonsteroidal Drugs (NSAIDs)
They are used to relieve pain and relieve inflammatory processes in the nerve roots.
Self-administration of PVNS is extremely hazardous to health and can cause irreparable damage. Consultation with a specialist is required.
Corticosteroids
Since the drugs are hormonal, their intake must be coordinated with the attending physician. Otherwise, irreparable damage can be done to the body.
Diuretics
Diuretics, which relieve swelling in trapped nerve roots.
Vitamin complexes
The intake of vitamins improves metabolic processes in the 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 the intervertebral discs.
The intensity and dosage of funds for osteochondrosis of the breast is determined taking into account the stage of development of the disease.
Antispasmodics
They contribute to the relaxation of the muscle framework and help to get rid of the problem of persistent cramps by initiating the recovery processes of osteochondrosis of the chest.
nutrition
Therapeutic treatment of any disease involves observing the principles of a balanced diet.
Diet for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine slows down pathological processes and helps accelerate the healing process.
In the case of nutritional correction, the proportion of products in the diet that contain natural chondroprotectors, which promote the regeneration of cartilage tissue, is increased.
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 drinking regime.
The diet should necessarily include foods that contain calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, retinol, vitamins of group B, C.
It is also necessary to limit the consumption of strong tea and coffee and 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 high sugar content.
prophylaxis
To prevent the occurrence or exacerbation of thoracic osteochondrosis, it is recommended that a number of preventive measures be carried out at regular intervals, including:
- Rejection of bad habits;
- Adherence to the principles of proper, balanced nutrition;
- Keeping track of the safest and most comfortable position for the spine while walking, running, sitting;
- Ensuring a comfortable sleep in the correct body position;
- Organization of exercises according to the recommended series of exercises 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 spinal disease appear, contact a specialist who will help diagnose the disease and choose the right treatment for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.