Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of the musculoskeletal system that occurs in patients of different ages.
Modern medicine identifies several locations in the localization of the disease, in connection with which a concept such as osteochondrosis of the thoracic region has emerged.
What is chest osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a regenerative (destructive) process, the localization of which is between 8 and 19 vertebrae, forming the thoracic spine of man.
Unlike other types of the disease, symptoms of chest osteochondrosis can occur in both the young and the elderly.
The disease is characterized by the complexity of early diagnosis, which is associated with low mobility of the spine and difficulty in 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 prevent irreversible processes.
Cause
The main causes of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are the course of dystrophic processes (violation of cellular metabolism), tissue transformation and the provocation of metabolic complications caused by an improperly balanced diet and inadequate loading of the intervertebral discs.
In addition, 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 of the body;
- regularly increased stress on the spine;
- predominantly sedentary lifestyle;
- the consequences of the trauma suffered;
- active sports.
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis of the chest region
Osteochondrosis chest pain is a major symptom of the clinical picture. However, considering the general symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, it is possible to distinguish:
- shortness of breath, tightness in the chest;
- difficulty in implementing tendencies;
- intermittent occurrence of limb freezing due to circulatory insufficiency;
- brittle nails and hair;
- nausea, impaired digestive processes;
- pain that is easily confused with the pain that accompanies cardiovascular disease;
- mammary gland pain in women;
- discomfort and difficulty swallowing, coughing.
The manifestation of many symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine requires immediate consultation and full medical examination to make 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 - onset of the disease. It is characterized by a lack of clinical manifestations.
Signs of the first stage of chest osteochondrosis:
- barely noticeable, mildly painful lumbago accompanied by pulling pain in the chest. Uncomfortable feelings intensify after strenuous work or weight lifting;
- muscle cramps, constant tone of muscle skeleton for no apparent reason;
- discomfort in the heart area.
Seeing a doctor in the early stages of the disease guarantees complete recovery from the disease.
Stage 2 - progression of the disease leads to the development of microcracks in the intervertebral discs, which is the reason for the restriction of mobility and the appearance of severe pain.
The clinical manifestations are as follows:
- visually noticeable deformation of the spine;
- pressure relief;
- the attempt to place it behind the palm of the hand is accompanied by pain in the sternum;
- feeling tired;
- discomfort in the spine of the heart and chest region.
If a disease is detected at this stage, the process of restoring health can take quite a long time.
Stage 3 - a running process that has a negative effect on the whole body.
There are dangerous manifestations such as:
- restriction of spinal mobility;
- sharp pain sensation;
- 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 deciding how to treat osteochondrosis of the chest region, it is important to visit a specialist. Diagnosis of the disease should only be performed by a specialist. Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is determined by a neuropathologist after a high-quality examination.
The main rule for starting treatment for chest osteochondrosis is to get rid of the pain. Today, there are several optimal treatment options. Let's look at each in more detail.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapeutic treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis is used quite frequently in medical practice, both during and after the exacerbation phase, to achieve long-term remission of the disease.
Physiotherapy is used for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, such as:
- drug electrophoresis - the combined effect of direct current and drugs;
- UHF therapy - exposure to high frequency electromagnetic fields;
- Magnetotherapy is an alternative drug that involves the use of a permanent or alternating magnetic field;
- phonophoresis of drugs - introduction of drugs by ultrasound;
- detensor therapy - relaxation of the muscular skeleton of the spine with the help of a special mattress / mat.
It is important to note that physiotherapeutic methods for the treatment of degenerative disease take into account its stage of development. Improper use of physiotherapy may exacerbate the situation and rule out the possibility of prolonged remission.
Massage for osteochondrosis of the chest region
Massage is one of the most effective non-pharmacological treatments for chest osteochondrosis.
Providing a reflexology effect has a positive effect on the affected area of the spine, triggering positive dynamics of treatment.
Unlike other parts of the spine, the chest requires a special approach to massage. The muscle fibers in this zone have a special threshold for action.
The positive effects of massage procedures are manifested in the following:
- reducing the level of pain;
- improving blood circulation at the site of the disease;
- elimination of muscle cramps;
- increases the strength of the arm muscles;
- increasing the mobility of the spinal column and initiating the regeneration processes of cartilage tissue.
Among the principles of massage of the chest region, it is worth highlighting:
- the start of the session should be done with light movements that ensure blood flow and reduce pain;
- it is recommended to use squeezing movements, rubbing and groping during the massage;
- each movement should be repeated 4-5 times;
- the movements must be performed along a single path: from the shoulder blades to the neck, upwards;
- both sides of the chest region should be developed separately.
Practice therapy in thoracic osteochondrosis
Gymnastics (therapeutic physical culture) provides an opportunity to provide a high level of support for the optimal tone of the back musculature and helps relieve pain in the paravertebral muscles.
Practical therapy for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is most effective in the early stages of the disease.
During exercise, it is important to consider and follow the basic rules for performing exercises for osteochondrosis of the chest region, including:
- systematic repetition for several months;
- the duration of the hour shall not exceed half an hour;
- chest osteochondrosis should be performed without the use of additional equipment;
- work only in comfortable clothes and shoes;
- taking into account existing contraindications.
Absolute contraindications include:
- acute cardiac pathologies;
- increased body temperature (more than 37. 6 ° C);
- oncological diseases;
- mental instability;
- dermatological diseases;
- hypertension.
Consultation with a neurologist, combined with a sensible, knowledgeable approach by the departments, will ensure successful remission at different stages of the disease.
Medicines
Medical treatment for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is performed using tablets, injections, suppositories or ointments / gels.
The medication is given for several months. In the absence of positive changes, the disease is terminated by surgery.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
They are used to reduce pain and alleviate inflammatory processes in the nerve roots.
Self-treatment of PVNS is extremely dangerous to health and can cause irreparable damage. Specialist consultation is required.
Glucocorticosteroids
Due to the hormonal nature of the drugs, their intake should be discussed with your doctor. Otherwise, it can cause irreparable damage to the body.
Diuretics
Diuretics that relieve swelling when nerve roots are pinched.
Vitamin complexes
Intake of vitamins improves metabolic processes in nerve tissue.
Patients are prescribed B vitamins to restore good quality metabolism.
Chondroprotectors
Medications that provide restoration of the flexibility and shock-absorbing functions of intervertebral discs.
The intensity and dose of treatment for thoracic osteochondrosis are determined by the stage of development of the disease.
Anticonvulsants
They help to relax the musculoskeletal system and help get rid of the problem of persistent cramps, initiating recovery processes in chest 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 increasing the proportion of products in the diet that contain natural chondroprotectors that help cartilage tissue regenerate.
It is important to note that in degenerative-dystrophic processes, diet should be based on the total value of the diet and adherence to the drinking system.
The diet must include foods that contain calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, retinol, and vitamins B and 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 various semi-finished products, fresh baked goods, as well as margarine and high-carbonated carbonated beverages from the diet.
Prophylaxis
A number of preventive measures are recommended at regular intervals to prevent the onset or worsening of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, including:
- rejection of bad habits;
- adherence to the principles of a proper, balanced diet;
- following the safest and most comfortable position of the spine while walking, running, sitting;
- ensuring comfortable sleep in a proper posture;
- organization of exercises according to the series of exercises recommended for the thoracic spine of osteochondrosis.
The comfort of a person's daily life is largely determined by their health.
When the first symptoms of spinal disease appear, seek the advice of a specialist who will help diagnose the disease and select the appropriate treatment for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.