Osteochondrosis is a degenerative dystrophic disease of the musculoskeletal system that occurs in patients of different ages.
Modern medicine defines several locations for the disease, from which a concept such as osteochondrosis of the thoracic region emerged.
What is thoracic osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a regenerative (destructive) process whose location is the range of 8 to 19 vertebrae that forms a person's thoracic spine.
Unlike other types of the disease, symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis can occur in 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 detecting the first signs of thoracic osteochondrosis, 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 course of dystrophic processes (violation of cell metabolism), transforming tissues and causing complications of metabolic actions, which are caused by an insufficiently balanced diet and inadequate load on 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 body's mineral balance;
- regular increase in spinal stress;
- predominantly sedentary lifestyle;
- the consequences of the trauma suffered;
- play 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 in the thoracic region, one can also distinguish:
- shortness of breath, chest tightness;
- the difficulty of performing inclines;
- periodic occurrence of freezing sensation in the extremities due to circulatory failure;
- brittle nails and hair;
- nausea, impaired digestive problems;
- pain that can easily be confused with that which accompanies cardiovascular disease;
- pain in the mammary glands in women;
- discomfort and difficulty in swallowing, coughing.
The manifestation of various symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine requires prompt consultation and thorough examination by a specialist to formulate an accurate diagnosis and determine a treatment plan for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.
Stages of disease development
Experts distinguish three main stages in the development of thoracic osteochondrosis:
Stage 1 - the onset of disease development. It is characterized by the absence of clinical manifestations.
Signs of first-stage thoracic osteochondrosis:
- barely noticeable, mild and painful low back pain, accompanied by a tug of pain in the chest. Unpleasant sensations intensify after strenuous work or weight lifting;
- muscle spasms, constant tone of muscle structure for no apparent reason;
- discomfort in the heart region.
Seeing a doctor in the early stages of the illness ensures complete cure for the illness.
Stage 2 - the progress of the disease leads to the formation of microfissures in the intervertebral discs, which becomes the reason for the limitation of mobility and the appearance of severe pain.
Clinical manifestations include:
- visually noticeable spinal deformation;
- decreasing the pressure;
- accompanying an attempt to place the hand behind the head with palpable pain in the sternum;
- chronic feeling of tiredness;
- discomfort in the heart region and in the spine of the thoracic region.
If an illness is detected at this stage, the process of restoring health may take a very long time.
Step 3 - an ongoing process that has a negative effect on the entire body as a whole.
There are dangerous manifestations such as:
- limited spinal mobility;
- sharp pain sensations;
- the appearance of intervertebral hernias;
- compression of blood vessels and nerve roots;
- diseases of the bile ducts.
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 only be made by a specialist. The treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is determined by a neuropathologist after a high-quality examination.
The main rule of thumb for starting treatment for thoracic osteochondrosis is to eliminate pain. Today, there are several ideal treatment options. Let's consider each of them in more detail.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapeutic treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis is used quite frequently in medical practice, both in the exacerbation phase and after it, in order to achieve long-term remission of the disease.
In osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, physical therapy 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;
- Detensive therapy - relaxation of the muscular structure of the spine using a specialized mattress/mat.
It is important to emphasize that, when prescribing physical therapy methods for the treatment of a degenerative disease, the stage of its development must be taken into account. Inappropriate use of physical therapy 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 non-drug treatment methods for thoracic osteochondrosis.
Providing a reflex massage effect provides a positive effect on the affected area of the spine, which causes a positive treatment dynamic.
Unlike other parts of the spine, the chest requires a special approach to massage. The muscle fibers in this area have a special threshold of action.
The positive effect of massage procedures manifests itself in:
- reducing the level of pain;
- improve blood circulation at the site of disease location;
- elimination of muscle spasms;
- increase the strength of arm muscles;
- increasing spinal mobility and initiating the regenerative processes of cartilage tissue.
Among the basic principles of massage of the thoracic region, it is worth mentioning:
- the beginning of the session should be done with light blows, which will guarantee blood flow and reduce pain;
- during massage, the use of compression, friction and patting movements is recommended;
- each move must be repeated 4-5 times;
- the movements must be performed along a single trajectory: from the shoulder blades - to the neck, upwards;
- each side of the thoracic region must be worked separately.
Exercise Therapy for Thoracic Osteochondrosis
Exercise therapy (therapeutic physical culture) provides an opportunity for high-quality support for optimal back muscle tone and helps relieve pain in the paravertebral muscles.
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is most effective in the early stages of disease development.
When exercising, it is important to take into account and follow the basic rules for performing exercises for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, which include:
- systematic repetition for several months;
- the duration of the class must 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 cardiac pathologies;
- increased body temperature (over 37, 6 °C);
- cancer diseases;
- mental state instability;
- dermatological diseases;
- high pressure.
Consultation with a neurologist, combined with a reasonable and competent approach to classes, ensures successful remission at various stages of the disease.
Medicines
Medical treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is by taking pills, injections, suppositories or 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 that occur in nerve roots.
Self-administration of PVNS is extremely dangerous to health and can cause irreparable harm. Specialist consultation is required.
glucocorticosteroids
Due to the fact that medications are hormonal, their ingestion must be agreed with the treating physician. Otherwise, irreparable damage could be caused to the body.
Diuretics
Diuretics that relieve swelling in the presence of pinched nerve roots.
vitamin complexes
Vitamin intake improves metabolic processes in nervous tissue.
To resume high-quality metabolism, patients are prescribed B vitamins.
Chondroprotectors
Medicines whose reception guarantees the restoration of the elasticity and shock absorption functions of the intervertebral discs.
The intensity and dosage of fundraising 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, triggering the recovery processes of thoracic osteochondrosis.
Nutrition
Therapeutic treatment of any disease involves adherence to the basic principles 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 that promote the regeneration of cartilage tissue.
It is important to note that dietary nutrition in degenerative-dystrophic processes should be based on the total value of the diet and adherence to the drinking regimen.
Without fail, the diet should include foods that contain calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, retinol, vitamins from groups B, C.
It is also necessary to limit the level of consumption of strong tea and coffee, as well as abandoning 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 soft drinks with a high sugar content.
Prophylaxis
In order to prevent the onset or prevent the exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, it is recommended to carry out a series of preventive measures at regular intervals, including:
- rejection of bad habits;
- adherence to the principles of adequate and balanced nutrition;
- tracking the safest and most comfortable position for the spine when walking, running, sitting;
- ensure a comfortable sleep in the correct body position;
- organization of exercises, 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 spinal disease appear, seek expert advice who will help diagnose the condition and select the correct course of treatment for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.