Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of the musculoskeletal system that occurs in patients of all ages.
Modern medicine identifies several foci of the disease, which is why the concept of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region arose.
What is thoracic osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a regenerative (destructive) process localized in the area of 8 to 19 vertebrae that forms the human thoracic spine.
Unlike other forms of the disease, symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis can occur in both young and elderly people.
A feature of the disease is the difficulty of its early detection, which is associated with low mobility of the spine and difficulty in identifying the main symptoms.For this reason, it is important to consult a specialist in a timely manner at the first signs of thoracic osteochondrosis in order to prevent irreversible processes.
Reasons
The main cause of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is the occurrence of dystrophic processes (disorders of cellular metabolism), which change tissues and provoke complications in metabolic processes caused by an insufficiently balanced diet and incorrect load on the intervertebral discs.
In addition, the list of factors that increase the risk of developing thoracic osteochondrosis includes the following:
- the presence of intervertebral hernias;
- impaired blood supply to the spinal cord;
- Disturbance of the mineral balance in the body;
- regularly increased load on the spine;
- predominantly 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, taking into account the general symptoms of osteochondrosis of the chest area, we can also highlight the following:
- Difficulty breathing, chest tightness;
- difficulty bending over;
- periodic occurrence of a feeling of coldness of the extremities due to circulatory failure;
- brittle nails and hair;
- nausea, indigestion;
- Pain that can easily be confused with pain associated with cardiovascular disease;
- pain in the mammary glands in women;
- Malaise and difficulty swallowing, cough.
The appearance of multiple symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis requires immediate consultation and comprehensive 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 development of thoracic osteochondrosis:
Stage 1 – the beginning of the development of the disease.Characterized by the absence of clinical manifestations.
Signs of stage 1 thoracic osteochondrosis:
- barely noticeable, slightly painful lumbago, accompanied by an excruciating pain in the chest.Unpleasant sensations increase after strenuous work or heavy lifting;
- muscle spasms, constant tone of the muscle frame for no apparent reason;
- Discomfort in the heart area.
A visit to the doctor at the initial stage of the disease guarantees a complete cure of the disease.
Stage 2 – The progression of the disease leads to the formation of micro-tears in the intervertebral discs, resulting in limited mobility and the appearance of severe pain.
Clinical manifestations include:
- visually noticeable deformation of the spine;
- pressure drop;
- Accompanied by an attempt to put the hand behind the head, with palpable pain in the sternum;
- chronic feeling of fatigue;
- Complaints in the area of the heart and the spine of the thoracic region.
If the disease is detected at this stage, recovery to health may take a longer period of time.
Stage 3 is an advanced process that negatively affects the entire body.
Dangerous phenomena such as:
- limited mobility of the spine;
- stabbing pain;
- the appearance of intervertebral hernias;
- pinching of blood vessels and nerve roots;
- Diseases of the biliary tract.
Refusal to treat thoracic osteochondrosis at this stage can lead to disability.
How to treat thoracic osteochondrosis?
Before deciding how to treat thoracic osteochondrosis, it is important to consult a specialist.Diagnosis of the disease should only be carried out by a specialist.Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is determined by a neurologist after a high-quality examination.
The most important rule for starting treatment for thoracic osteochondrosis is to eliminate pain.Today there are several optimal treatment options.Let's take a closer look at each of them.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapeutic treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis is widely used in medical practice both in the acute stage and after it to achieve long-term remission of the disease.
For osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, physiotherapy methods are used such as:
- medical electrophoresis – the combined effect of direct current and medication;
- UHF therapy – exposure to high frequency electromagnetic fields;
- Magnetic therapy is an alternative medicine that uses a constant or changing magnetic field.
- Phonophoresis of drugs – administration of drugs under the influence of ultrasound;
- Detensor therapy – relaxation of the muscular structure of the spine using a special mattress/mat.
It is important to note that when prescribing physiotherapeutic methods for the treatment of a degenerative disease, the stage of development is taken into account.Improper use of physiotherapy treatment can aggravate the situation and eliminate 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 creates positive treatment dynamics.
Unlike other parts of the spine, the thoracic spine requires a special approach to massage.The muscle fibers in this zone have a special threshold of action.
The positive effects of massage procedures can be seen in:
- reduction in pain levels;
- improving blood circulation at the site of the disease;
- elimination of muscle spasms;
- increasing arm muscle strength;
- Increasing the mobility of the spine and initiating regeneration processes of the cartilage tissue.
Among the basic principles of chest massage it is worth highlighting:
- The beginning of the session should be with light strokes to ensure blood circulation and relieve pain.
- During the massage, pressing movements, rubbing and tapping are recommended.
- each movement must be repeated 4-5 times;
- Movements should be performed along a single trajectory: from the shoulder blades to the neck, upwards;
- Each side of the chest region should be treated separately.
Exercise therapy for thoracic osteochondrosis
Physiotherapy courses (therapeutic physical education) offer the opportunity to provide high-quality support for the optimal tone of the back muscles and to relieve pain in the paravertebral muscles.
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is most effective at the initial stage of disease development.
When doing gymnastics, it is important to observe and adhere to the basic rules for performing exercises for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, including:
- systematic repetition over 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 clothing and shoes;
- taking into account existing contraindications.
Absolute contraindications are:
- acute heart disease;
- increased body temperature (more than 37.6 ° C);
- oncological diseases;
- mental instability;
- dermatological diseases;
- High blood pressure.
Consultation of a neurologist in combination with a reasonable and competent approach to training ensures the successful achievement of remission at different stages of the disease.
Medication
Drug treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is carried out by taking tablets, injections, suppositories or using ointments/gels.
The drug treatment takes place over several months.In the absence of positive changes, the disease is eliminated by surgery.
Anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal drugs (NSAIDs)
They are used to relieve pain and relieve inflammatory processes in the nerve roots.
Self-administration of PVNS is extremely harmful to health and can cause irreparable harm.Specialist advice is required.
Glucocorticosteroids
Since the medications are hormonal agents, their use must be coordinated with the treating doctor.Otherwise, irreparable damage to the body may occur.
Diuretics
Diuretics that relieve swelling in pinched nerve roots.
Vitamin complexes
Taking vitamins improves metabolic processes in nervous tissue.
To restore high-quality metabolism, patients are prescribed B vitamins.
Chondroprotectors
Medicines, the use of which ensures the restoration of elasticity and shock-absorbing functions of the intervertebral discs.
The intensity and dosage of taking medications for thoracic osteochondrosis is determined taking into account the stage of development of the disease.
Antispasmodics
They help to relax the muscle frame, eliminate the problem of constant spasms and begin the recovery process of breast osteochondrosis.
Eat
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 accelerate recovery processes.
Nutritional correction involves increasing the proportion of foods in the diet that contain 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 completeness of the diet and compliance with the drinking regime.
The diet must include foods containing calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, retinol, 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 from the diet various semi-finished products, fresh baked goods, as well as margarine and carbonated drinks with a high sugar content.
Prevention
To prevent the occurrence or exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, it is recommended to periodically carry out a number of preventive measures, including:
- give up bad habits;
- Compliance with the principles of proper, balanced nutrition;
- Determination of the safest and most comfortable position for the spine when walking, running and sitting;
- Ensuring a comfortable sleep in the correct posture;
- Organization of exercises according to the recommended sets of exercises for the thoracic spine for osteochondrosis.
The comfort in 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 you diagnose the disease and choose the right method of treatment for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.