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 has appeared.
What is thoracic osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a regenerative (destructive) process, the localization of which is the range 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 the young and the elderly.
A feature of the disease is the complexity of its early diagnosis, which is associated with low mobility of the spine and the difficulty of identifying the main symptoms. For this reason, when the first signs of thoracic osteochondrosis are detected, 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), the transformation of tissues and the provocation of complications of metabolic actions, which are caused by an insufficiently balanced diet and improper 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 the mineral balance in the body;
- regularly 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, considering the general symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, one can also distinguish:
- shortness of breath, chest tightness;
- the difficulty of performing inclinations;
- periodic appearance of a feeling of frostbite in the extremities due to circulatory failure;
- brittle nails and hair;
- nausea, impaired digestive processes;
- pain that can be easily confused with that which accompanies cardiovascular disease;
- pain of the mammary glands in women;
- discomfort and difficulty in swallowing, cough.
The manifestation of several symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine requires immediate consultation and comprehensive examination by a specialist in order to make an accurate diagnosis and determine a treatment plan for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.
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 stage 1 thoracic osteochondrosis:
- barely noticeable low back pain, light and painful, accompanied by excruciating pain in the chest. Unpleasant sensations intensify after strenuous work or weight lifting;
- muscle spasms, constant tone of the muscle structure for no apparent reason;
- discomfort in the heart region.
Seeing a doctor in the initial stage of the disease guarantees complete cure of the disease.
Stage 2 - the progress of the disease leads to the formation of microfractures in the intervertebral discs, which becomes the reason for the limitation of mobility and the appearance of severe pain.
Clinical manifestations include:
- visually noticeable deformation of the spine;
- lowering of blood pressure;
- accompanying an attempt to put the hand behind the head with palpable pain in the sternum;
- chronic feeling of fatigue;
- discomfort in the region of the heart and in the spine of the thoracic region.
If a disease is detected at this stage, the process of restoring health may take quite a long time.
Stage 3 - a running process that has a negative effect on the whole body as a whole.
There are such dangerous manifestations as:
- limitation of the mobility of the spine;
- sharp pain 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 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 of 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
Physiotherapeutic treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis is used quite often in medical practice, both in the phase of exacerbation 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 constant or alternating magnetic field;
- drug phonophoresis - the introduction of drugs under the influence of ultrasound;
- detensor therapy - relaxation of the muscular structure of the spine using a specialized mattress / pad.
It is important to note that when prescribing physiotherapeutic methods for the treatment of a degenerative disease, the stage of its development is taken into account. Inappropriate use of physiotherapy treatment can aggravate the situation and exclude the likelihood of prolonged remission.
Massage for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
Massage is one of the most effective methods of non-drug treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis.
Providing a reflex massage effect provides a positive effect on the affected area of the spine, which causes a positive dynamics of the treatment.
Unlike other parts of the spine, the chest requires a special approach to massage. The muscle fibers of 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 localization of the disease;
- elimination of muscle spasms;
- increase the strength of the muscles of the arms;
- increasing the mobility of the spinal column and starting the regenerative processes of the 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 strokes, which will ensure blood flow and reduce pain;
- during the massage, it is recommended to use squeezing, rubbing and patting movements;
- each movement should be repeated 4-5 times;
- movements should be performed along a single trajectory: from the shoulder blades - to the neck, top;
- each side of the thoracic region must be processed separately.
Physical therapy for thoracic osteochondrosis
Physical therapy (therapeutic physical culture) provides the opportunity for high-quality support for the optimal tone of the muscle structure of the back and helps relieve pain in the paravertebral muscles.
Physical therapy for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is most effective in the early 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, including:
- systematic repetition for several months;
- the duration of the lesson must not exceed half an hour;
- gymnastics for thoracic osteochondrosis should be performed without the use of additional equipment;
- you should work only in comfortable clothes and shoes;
- taking into account the existing contraindications.
Among the absolute contraindications are:
- acute heart disease;
- increase in body temperature (more than 37. 6 ° C);
- oncological diseases;
- instability of the mental state;
- dermatological diseases;
- high blood pressure.
Consultation with a neurologist, combined with a reasonable and competent approach to classes, guarantees the success of remission in the various stages of the disease.
medications
Medical treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is carried out by taking pills, a course of injections, suppositories, or using ointments / gels.
Drug treatment is carried out for several months. In the absence of positive changes, the disease is eliminated surgically.
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 to health and can cause irreparable harm. 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, 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 the nervous tissue.
To resume a high-quality metabolism, patients are prescribed vitamins of group B.
Chondroprotector
Medicines, the reception of which guarantees the restoration of the elasticity and shock-absorbing functions of the intervertebral discs.
The intensity and dosage of the withdrawal of funds for thoracic osteochondrosis are determined taking into account the stage of development of the disease.
Antispasmodics
They contribute to the relaxation of the muscle structure and help to get rid of the problem of persistent spasms, starting the recovery processes of thoracic osteochondrosis.
Nutrition
Therapeutic treatment of any disease involves adhering to the basics of a balanced diet.
Diet for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine slows down pathological processes and helps speed up the healing process.
Nutritional correction involves an increase in the diet in the proportion of products containing natural chondroprotectors that 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 adherence to the diet.
Without a doubt, the diet should include foods containing calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, retinol, vitamins of group B, C.
It is also necessary to limit the consumption of strong tea and coffee, as well as give up bad habits.
It is advisable to completely exclude from the diet various types of semi-finished products, fresh baked goods, margarine and carbonated drinks with a high sugar content.
Prophylaxis
In order to prevent the appearance 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 a correct and balanced diet;
- trace 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 his health.
When the first symptoms of a spinal disease appear, seek advice from a specialist who will help diagnose the disease and select the correct course of treatment for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.