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 such a concept emerged as osteochondrosis of the chest region.
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 forms the thoracic spine of a person.
Unlike other types of disease, the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis can occur in both young and old.
A feature of the disease is the complexity of its early diagnosis, which is associated with low spinal mobility and difficulty in identifying the main symptoms. Therefore, when the first signs of osteochondrosis of the chest are detected, it is important to consult a specialist in a timely manner to prevent irreversible processes.
Causes
The main cause of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is the flow of dystrophic processes (violation of cellular metabolism), tissue transformation and provocation of complications of metabolic actions, which are caused by a sufficiently balanced diet and improper load on the intervertebral discs.
In addition, the list of factors that increase the risk of developing breast osteochondrosis includes:
- presence of intervertebral hernias;
- violation of blood supply to the spinal cord;
- violation of mineral balance in the body;
- regular added stress on the spine;
- predominantly sedentary lifestyle;
- the consequences of the trauma suffered;
- engaging 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, considering the general symptoms of osteochondrosis of the chest region, the following can also be distinguished:
- shortness of breath, chest tightness;
- difficulty performing tendencies;
- periodic appearance of feeling of freezing of 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;
- mammary gland pain in women;
- discomfort and difficulty swallowing, cough.
The appearance of some symptoms of thoracic spine osteochondrosis requires immediate consultation and thorough examination by a specialist in order to formulate an accurate diagnosis and determine a treatment plan for thoracic spine osteochondrosis.
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 stage I thoracic osteochondrosis:
- barely perceptible, slightly painful lumbago, accompanied by a throbbing chest pain. Unpleasant feelings intensify after heavy work or lifting weights;
- muscle spasms, persistent tone of the muscle frame for no apparent reason;
- discomfort in the heart region.
Seeing a doctor in the initial stage of the disease guarantees a complete cure of the disease.
Stage 2 - disease progression leads to the formation of microcracks in the intervertebral discs, which becomes the cause for limited mobility and the appearance of severe pain.
Clinical manifestations include:
- visible visual deformation of the spine;
- pressure reduction;
- accompanying an attempt to place the hand behind the head with obvious pain in the sternum;
- chronic feeling of fatigue;
- discomfort in the heart region and the spine of the chest region.
If a disease is detected at this stage, the health restoration process may require a fairly long period of time.
Stage 3 - a fluid process that has a negative effect on the whole body as a whole.
There are such dangerous manifestations as:
- restriction of spinal mobility;
- sharp sensations of pain;
- occurrence of intervertebral hernias;
- constriction of blood vessels and nerve roots;
- biliary tract diseases.
Refusal to treat osteochondrosis of the breast at this stage can lead to disability.
How to treat osteochondrosis of the chest?
Before determining how to treat osteochondrosis of the chest region, it is important to visit a specialist. Diagnosis of the disease should be made only by a specialist. Treatment of thoracic spine osteochondrosis is determined by a neuropathologist, after a high quality examination.
The main rule of starting treatment for osteochondrosis of the chest is pain relief. Today, there are several optimal treatment options. Let's examine each of them in more detail.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapeutic treatment of osteochondrosis of the chest is used in medical practice quite often, both in the stage of exacerbation and after it, 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 medication;
- 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 - introduction of drugs under the influence of ultrasound;
- Detensor therapy - relaxation of the muscular frame of the spine using a specialized mattress / mattress.
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. Improper use of physiotherapeutic treatment can worsen the situation and rule out the possibility of prolonged remission.
Massage for osteochondrosis of the chest region
Massage is one of the most effective methods of non-drug treatment of chest osteochondrosis.
Providing a reflex massage effect provides a positive effect on the affected area of the spine, which provokes 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 threshold of action.
The positive effect of massage procedures is manifested in:
- reducing the level of pain;
- improving blood circulation to the site of disease localization;
- elimination of muscle spasms;
- increase in arm muscle strength;
- increase spinal mobility and initiation of cartilage tissue regenerative processes.
Among the basic principles of chest massage, it is worth mentioning:
- the beginning of the session should be performed with light strokes, which will ensure blood flow and reduce pain;
- during the massage, it is recommended to use tight movements, rubbing and caressing;
- each movement should be repeated 4-5 times;
- movements should be performed along a single trajectory: from the edges of the shoulders - to the neck, upwards;
- each side of the chest region should be worked separately.
Exercise therapy for chest osteochondrosis
Exercise therapy (therapeutic physical culture) offers an opportunity for quality support for optimal tone of the back muscle frame and helps relieve paravertebral muscle pain.
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the chest region is most effective in the early stages of disease development.
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 recurrence 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 with comfortable clothes and shoes;
- taking into account existing contraindications.
Among the absolute contraindications are:
- acute heart pathologies;
- increase in body temperature (more than 37. 6 ° C);
- oncological diseases;
- mental instability;
- dermatological diseases;
- high blood pressure.
Consultation with a neurologist, combined with a reasonable, competent approach to classes, ensures the successful achievement of remission at different stages of the disease.
medications
Medical treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is performed 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 by surgery.
Non-steroidal 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 can cause irreparable damage. Consultation of a specialist is required.
Glucorticosteroids
Due to the fact that the drugs are hormonal, their taking must be agreed with the attending physician. Otherwise, irreparable damage can be caused to the organism.
Diuretics
Diuretics that relieve swelling in the presence of constricted nerve roots.
Vitamin complexes
Intake of vitamins improves metabolic processes in nerve tissue.
To resume high-quality metabolism, patients are prescribed B vitamins.
Chondroprotectors
Medications, the intake of which ensures the restoration of elasticity and shock absorption functions of the intervertebral discs.
The intensity and dose of funding for osteochondrosis of the chest is determined taking into account the stage of development of the disease.
Antispasmodics
They contribute to the relaxation of the muscle framework and help eliminate the problem of persistent spasms, initiating the recovery processes of osteochondrosis of the chest.
Nutrition
The 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.
Nutrition correction involves an increase in the diet of the percentage of products containing natural chondroprotectors that promote cartilage tissue regeneration.
It is important to note that dietary food in degenerative-dystrophic processes should be based on the full value of the diet and adherence to the drinking regime.
Without fail, the diet should include foods that contain calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, retinol, vitamins B, C.
It is also necessary to limit the level of consumption of tea and strong coffee, as well as to give up bad habits.
It is recommended to completely exclude from the diet of various types of semi-finished products, fresh baked products, as well as margarine and carbonated drinks with high sugar content.
Prophylaxis
To prevent the onset or worsening of thoracic spine osteochondrosis, it is recommended to perform a series of preventive measures at regular intervals, including:
- rejection of bad habits;
- adherence to the principles of proper and balanced nutrition;
- tracking the safest and most comfortable position for the spine while walking, running, sitting;
- ensuring comfortable sleep in the proper body position;
- organization of exercises, according to the recommended groups of exercises for 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 choose the right course of treatment for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.