Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of the musculoskeletal system that occurs in patients of all ages.
Modern medicine defines several places of the disease, so the concept of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region appeared.
What is thoracic osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a localized regenerative (destructive) process in the interval with 8-19 vertebrae that make up the human thoracic spine.
Unlike other types of the disease, symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis can occur in both young and old people.
A feature of the disease is the low mobility of the spine and the difficulty of its early diagnosis, which makes it difficult to identify the main symptoms.For this reason, it is important to consult a specialist when detecting the first signs of thoracic osteochondrosis in order to prevent irreversible processes.
Reasons
The main cause of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is the formation of complications of metabolic movements that disrupt a sufficiently balanced diet and improper loading of metabolic movements that turn tissues and intervertebral discs.
In addition, the list of factors that increase the risk of developing thoracic osteochondrosis includes:
- the presence of intervertebral hernias;
- blood supply to the spinal cord is impaired;
- violation of mineral balance in the body;
- regular loads on the spine;
- mainly sedentary lifestyle;
- consequences of previous injuries;
- engage in active sports.
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
Chest pain with osteochondrosis is the main symptom of the clinical picture.However, even if we consider the general symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, we can emphasize:
- Difficulty breathing, chest tightness;
- has difficulty bending over;
- periodic occurrence of a feeling of freezing of the extremities due to lack of blood circulation;
- Brittle nails and hair;
- nausea, indigestion;
- pain that is easily confused with that accompanying cardiovascular diseases;
- mammary gland pain in women;
- Anxiety and difficulty swallowing, cough.
Manifestation of several symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis requires immediate consultation and full examination by a specialist to make an accurate diagnosis and determine a treatment plan for thoracic osteochondrosis.
Stages of disease development
Experts distinguish three main stages of the development of thoracic osteochondrosis:
Stage 1 - The beginning of the development of the disease.It is characterized by the absence of clinical manifestations.
Symptoms of stage 1 thoracic osteochondrosis:
- A slight painful lumbago with difficulty, accompanied by a dull pain in the chest.Unpleasant feelings intensify after strenuous work or heavy lifting;
- Muscle spasms, constant tone of the muscle frame for no reason;
- Disturbance in the heart region.
Seeing a doctor at the initial stage of the disease guarantees complete treatment of the disease.
Stage 2 - The progression of the disease leads to the formation of microcracks in the intervertebral discs, which cause limited mobility and the appearance of severe pain.
Clinical manifestations include:
- visually noticeable deformation of the spine;
- decrease in pressure;
- Accompanied by an attempt to put the hand behind the head with palpable pain in the sternum;
- feeling of chronic fatigue;
- Discomfort in the region of the heart and spine of the thoracic region.
If the disease is detected at this stage, the process of restoring health may take a long time.
Stage 3 is an advanced process that negatively affects the entire body.
Some dangerous manifestations:
- limited mobility of the spine;
- sharp pain;
- the appearance of intervertebral hernias;
- pinching of blood vessels and nerve roots;
- Biliary tract diseases.
Refusal to treat thoracic osteochondrosis at this stage can lead to disability.
How to treat thoracic osteochondrosis?
Before determining how to treat thoracic osteochondrosis, it is important to visit a specialist.Diagnosis of the disease should be carried out only by a specialist.Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is determined by a neurologist after a high-quality examination.
The main rule for starting treatment for thoracic osteochondrosis is getting rid of pain.Today, there are several optimal treatment options.Let's look at each one in more detail.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis is used both in the acute phase and in medical practice to achieve long-term remission of the disease.
Physiotherapy methods for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine:
- drug electrophoresis - direct current and combined effect of drugs;
- UHF therapy - exposure to high frequency electromagnetic fields;
- Magnetic therapy is an alternative medicine that involves the use of a permanent or alternating magnetic field;
- Phonophoresis of drugs - administration of drugs under the influence of ultrasound;
- Compression therapy - Relaxation of the muscular framework of the spine using a special mattress / mat.
It is important to note that the stage of its development is taken into account when prescribing physiotherapeutic methods to treat a degenerative disease.Inappropriate use of physiotherapeutic treatment aggravates the condition and may exclude the possibility of long-term 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 has a positive effect on the affected area of the spine, which causes positive dynamics of treatment.
Unlike other parts of the spine, a special approach is required to massage the thoracic spine.The muscle fibers of this zone have a special movement threshold.
There are positive effects of massage procedures:
- reduce the level of pain;
- improve blood circulation at the site of the disease;
- eliminate muscle spasms;
- Increase arm muscle strength;
- Increasing the mobility of the spine and starting the regenerative processes of the cartilage tissue.
Among the main principles of thoracic massage, it is worth highlighting:
- The beginning of the session should be done with light strokes that will reduce blood flow and pain;
- During the massage, it is recommended to use compressive movements, friction and patches;
- Each movement should be repeated 4-5 times;
- Movements should be carried out along a trajectory: from the shoulder blades to the neck, upwards;
- Each side of the thoracic region should be treated separately.
Exercise therapy for thoracic osteochondrosis
Physical therapy (therapeutic physical training) classes provide an opportunity to provide high-quality support to the optimal tone of the muscle frame of the back and help to relieve pain in the paravertebral muscles.
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is most effective in the early stages of the disease.
When doing gymnastics, it is important to consider and follow the basic rules for performing exercises for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region.
- systematic repetition 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 exercise in comfortable clothes and shoes;
- taking into account the existing contraindications.
Absolute contraindications include:
- acute heart pathologies;
- increased body temperature (more than 37.6 ° C);
- oncological diseases;
- mental instability;
- dermatological diseases;
- high pressure.
Consultation with a neurologist, combined with a reasonable, competent approach to treatment, ensures successful remission at various stages of the disease.
Medicines
Drug treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is carried out using tablets, injections, suppositories or ointments / gels.
Treatment with drugs is carried out for several months.If there is no positive change, the disease is eliminated by surgery.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
They are used to reduce pain and eliminate inflammatory processes occurring in nerve roots.
Self-management of PVNS is extremely dangerous for health and can cause irreparable damage.Expert consultation is required.
Glucocorticosteroids
Since the drugs are hormonal, their use should be agreed with the attending physician.Otherwise, there may be irreparable damage to the body.
Diuretic
Diuretics that eliminate swelling with the presence of removed nerve roots.
Vitamin complexes
Taking vitamins improves the metabolic processes occurring in nerve tissue.
To restore high-quality metabolism, patients are prescribed B vitamins.
Chondroprotectors
The use of drugs that ensure the restoration of the elasticity and shock absorption functions of the intervertebral discs.
The intensity and dosage of medication for thoracic osteochondrosis is determined taking into account the stage of development of the disease.
Antispasmodics
They help to relax the muscle frame and get rid of the problem of constant spasms, they help to start the recovery process of budekon osteochondrosis.
Food
Therapeutic treatment of any disease requires adherence to the basics of a balanced diet.
A diet for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine slows down pathological processes and helps speed up recovery processes.
Nutritional correction involves increasing the proportion of foods in the diet that are natural chondroprotectors that promote the regeneration of cartilage tissue.
It is important to note that during degenerative-dystrophic processes, dietary nutrition should be consistent with the completeness of the diet and the drinking regime.
The diet should include foods containing calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, retinol and vitamins B and C.
It is necessary to limit the level of consumption of strong tea and coffee, as well as to give up bad habits.
It is recommended to completely exclude from the diet various types of semi-finished products, freshly baked goods, as well as high-sugar margarine and carbonated drinks.
Prevention
To prevent the occurrence or aggravation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, it is recommended to regularly carry out a number of preventive measures, including:
- give up bad habits;
- adhere to the principles of proper, balanced nutrition;
- Follow the safest and most comfortable position of the spine while walking, running, sitting;
- ensure comfortable sleep in the correct body position;
- The organization of the recommended exercises, with osteochondrosis in the recommended root of the recommended exercises.
The comfort of a person's daily life is determined by his health.
When the first signs of a spinal disease appear, seek advice from a specialist who will help you diagnose the disease and choose the right course of treatment for osteochondrosis of the Thoracic spine.