Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of the musculoskeletal system that occurs in patients of different ages.

Modern medicine defines several sites of disease localization, in connection with which a concept such as osteochondrosis of the thoracic region has emerged.

What is thoracic osteochondrosis?

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a regenerative (destructive) process, the localization of which is an interval of 8 to 19 vertebrae, which makes up the thoracic spine of a person.

Unlike other types of disease, the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis can occur in both young and older people.

A characteristic feature of the disease is the complexity of its early diagnosis, which is associated with low mobility of the spine and difficulty recognizing the main symptoms. For this reason, when detecting the first signs of osteochondrosis of the chest, 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 cellular metabolism), tissue transformation and causing complications of metabolic action, which is caused by insufficiently balanced diet and improper loading of 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 mineral balance in the body;
• regularly increased stress on the spine;
• predominantly sedentary lifestyle;
• the consequences of the trauma suffered;
• engaging in active sports.

The main symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region

Chest pain in osteochondrosis is the main symptom of the clinical picture. However, with regard to the general symptoms of thoracic region osteochondrosis, they may also differ:

• shortness of breath, chest tightness;
• difficulty in deriving preferences;
• periodic onset of limb freezing due to circulatory failure;
• brittle nails and hair;
• nausea, impaired digestive processes;
• pain that can easily be confused with that which accompanies cardiovascular disease;
• pain in the mammary glands in women;
• discomfort and difficulty swallowing, cough.

Manifestation of several symptoms of thoracic spine osteochondrosis requires urgent consultation and full 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 disease development. It is characterized by the absence of clinical manifestations.

Signs of thoracic osteochondrosis of the first stage:

• barely noticeable, mild painful lumbago, accompanied by traction pain in the chest. Unpleasant sensations intensify after hard work or lifting weights;
• muscle cramps, constant tone of the muscular frame for no apparent reason;
• discomfort in the heart area.

A visit to the doctor in the initial phase of the disease guarantees a complete cure of the disease.

Stage 2 - the progression of the disease leads to the formation of microcracks in the intervertebral discs, which becomes the reason for limited mobility and the appearance of severe pain.

Clinical manifestations include:

• visually noticeable deformity of the spine;
• lowering pressure;
• an accompanying attempt to place an arm behind the head with palpable pain in the sternum;
• chronic feeling of tiredness;
• discomfort in the area of the heart and spine in the thoracic region.

If the disease is detected at this stage, the process of restoring health can take quite a long time.

Stage 3 - an ongoing process that has a negative effect on the whole body as a whole.

There are such dangerous manifestations as:

• restriction of spinal mobility;
• sharp feelings of pain;
• occurrence of intervertebral hernias;
• pinching of blood vessels and nerve roots;
• diseases of the biliary tract.

Refusal to treat osteochondrosis of the breast at this stage can lead to disability.

How to treat osteochondrosis of the chest?

Before deciding how to treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, it is important to visit specialists. Diagnosis of diseases should be made only by a specialist. Treatment of thoracic spine osteochondrosis is determined by a neuropathologist, after a quality examination.

The key rule to start treating osteochondrosis of the chest is to remove the pain. Today, there are several optimal treatment options. Let's look at each of them in more detail.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapeutic treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis is often used 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, physiotherapeutic 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;
• Detensor therapy - relaxation of the muscular frame of the spine with the help of a specialized mattress.

It is important to note that when prescribing physiotherapeutic methods for the treatment of degenerative disease, the stage of its development is taken into account. Improper use of physiotherapy treatment can worsen the situation and rule out the possibility of prolonged remission.

Massage for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region

Massage is one of the most effective methods of non-drug treatment of osteochondrosis of the chest.

Providing the effect of reflexology massage has a positive effect on the affected area of the spine, which causes a positive dynamics of treatment.

Unlike other parts of the spine, the breasts require a special approach to massage. The muscle fibers of this zone have a special threshold of action.

The positive effect of massage procedures is manifested in:

• reduction of pain levels;
• improving blood circulation at the site of disease;
• removal of muscle cramps;
• increase arm muscle strength;
• increasing the mobility of the spinal column and initiating the regenerative processes of cartilage tissue.

Among the basic principles of thoracic region massage it is worth mentioning:

• the beginning of the session should be reported with light strokes, which will ensure blood flow and reduce pain;
• during the massage, the use of squeezing, rubbing and tapping movements is recommended;
• each movement must be repeated 4-5 times;
• movements should be performed along one path: from the shoulder blades - to the neck, up;
• each side of the thoracic region must be treated separately.

Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the chest

Exercise therapy (therapeutic physical culture) provides 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 thoracic region is most effective in the initial 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 thoracic region, including:

• 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;
• should work only in comfortable clothes and shoes;
• taking into account existing contraindications.

Among the absolute contraindications are:

• acute cardiac pathology;
• increased 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 teaching, ensures the successful achievement of remission in various stages of the disease.

Medications

Treatment of thoracic spine osteochondrosis is carried out by taking tablets, 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 alleviate inflammatory processes that occur in the nerve roots.

Self-application of PVNS is extremely dangerous to health and can cause irreparable damage. A specialist consultation is required.

Glucorticosteroids

Due to the fact that the drugs are hormonal, their intake must be agreed with the attending physician. Otherwise, irreparable damage can be done to the body.

Diuretics

Diuretics that relieve swelling in the presence of pinched nerve roots.

Vitamin complexes

Taking vitamins improves metabolic processes in nervous tissue.

In order to restore quality metabolism, patients are prescribed B vitamins.

Chondroprotectors

Drugs whose intake ensures the restoration of elasticity and damping function of intervertebral discs.

The intensity and dose of taking drugs for osteochondrosis of the chest are determined taking into account the stage of development of the disease.

Antispasmodics

They contribute to the relaxation of the muscular frame and help solve the problem of persistent cramps, starting the recovery processes of osteochondrosis of the chest.

Nutrition

Therapeutic treatment of any disease involves adhering to the basics of a balanced diet.

Diet for thoracic spine osteochondrosis slows down pathological processes and helps speed up the healing process.

Dietary correction includes increasing the proportion of products in the diet that contain natural chondroprotectors that stimulate the regeneration of cartilage tissue.

It is important to note that the diet in degenerative-dystrophic processes should be based on the full value of the diet and adherence to the drinking regime.

The diet should definitely include foods that contain calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, retinol, B vitamins, C.

It is also necessary to limit the consumption of strong tea and 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 pastries, as well as margarine and carbonated beverages with high sugar content.

Prophylaxis

In order to prevent the occurrence or exacerbation of thoracic spine osteochondrosis, it is recommended to carry out a number of preventive measures at regular intervals, including:

• rejection of bad habits;
• adherence to the principles of proper, balanced diet;
• monitoring the safest and most comfortable position for the spine when walking, running, sitting;
• ensuring comfortable sleep in the correct body position;
• organization of exercise, according to the recommended sets of exercises for the thoracic spine in osteochondrosis.

The comfort of a man's daily life largely depends on his health.

When the first symptoms of spinal disease appear, seek expert advice to help diagnose the disease and choose the right way to treat thoracic spine osteochondrosis.