Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of the musculoskeletal system that occurs in patients of all ages.
Modern medicine has identified several localizations of the disease, which is why the concept of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region appeared.
What is thoracic osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis of the chest is a regenerative (destructive) process localized in the interval from 8 to 19 vertebrae, which forms the spine of the human chest.
Unlike other types of disease, the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis can appear in both young and old people.
A feature of the disease is the difficulty of its early diagnosis, which is associated with low mobility of the spine and the difficulty in identifying the main symptoms.For this reason, it is important to promptly 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 chest is the appearance of dystrophic processes (disorders of cellular metabolism) that transform tissues and provoke complications of metabolic processes, which is due to an insufficiently balanced diet and improper loading of the intervertebral discs.
In addition, the list of factors that increase the risk of developing thoracic osteochondrosis includes:
- the presence of intervertebral hernias;
- impaired blood supply to the spinal cord;
- violation of the mineral balance in the body;
- regular increased load on the spine;
- a mostly sedentary lifestyle;
- consequences of previous injuries;
- engaged in active sports.
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis of the chest
Chest pain with osteochondrosis is the main symptom of the clinical picture.However, considering the general symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, we can also highlight:
- difficulty breathing, chest tightness;
- difficulty bending;
- periodic occurrence of a feeling of freezing of the limbs due to insufficient blood circulation;
- brittle nails and hair;
- nausea, digestive disorders;
- pain that is easily confused with that accompanying cardiovascular diseases;
- soreness of the mammary glands in women;
- discomfort and difficulty swallowing, cough.
The manifestation of several symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis requires immediate consultation and a complete examination by a specialist in order 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.It is characterized by the absence of clinical manifestations.
Signs of stage 1 of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- barely perceptible, slightly painful lumbago, accompanied by excruciating pain in the chest.Unpleasant sensations intensify after hard work or lifting weights;
- muscle spasms, constant tone of the muscle frame for no apparent reason;
- discomfort in the area of the heart.
Visiting a 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 microcracks in the intervertebral discs, which leads to limitation of mobility and the appearance of severe pain.
Clinical manifestations include:
- visually noticeable deformation of the spine;
- pressure reduction;
- accompanying an attempt to place the hand behind the head with a palpable pain in the sternum;
- chronic feeling of fatigue;
- discomfort in the region of the heart and thoracic spine.
If the disease is detected at this stage, the process of restoring health can take quite a long period of time.
Stage 3 is an advanced process that has a negative impact on the entire organism as a whole.
Dangerous events such as:
- 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.The diagnosis of the disease should be carried out only by a specialist.Treatment of osteochondrosis of the chest is determined by a neurologist after a high-quality examination.
The main rule for starting the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis is the elimination of pain.Today, there are several optimal treatment options.Let's look at each of them in more detail.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis is used in medical practice quite often, both in the acute stage and after it, in order to achieve long-term remission of the disease.
For osteochondrosis of the chest, physiotherapeutic methods are used such as:
- drug electrophoresis - the combined effect of direct current and 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;
- drug phonophoresis - administration of drugs under the influence of ultrasound;
- detensor therapy – relaxation of the muscular framework 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 physiotherapy treatment can worsen the situation and exclude the possibility of long-term remission.
Massage for osteochondrosis of the chest
Massage is one of the most effective methods of non-drug treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis.
Providing a reflex massage effect provides a positive effect on the affected area of the spine, which provokes positive dynamics of the treatment.
Unlike other parts of the spine, the thoracic spine requires a special approach to massage.The muscle fibers of this zone have a special threshold of action.
The positive effects of massage procedures are manifested in:
- reducing the level of pain;
- improving blood circulation at the site of the disease;
- elimination of muscle spasms;
- increase in arm muscle strength;
- increasing the mobility of the spine and starting the regenerative processes of cartilage tissue.
Among the main principles of chest massage, it is worth highlighting:
- the beginning of the session should be done with light strokes, which will ensure blood flow and reduce pain;
- during the massage, it is recommended to use squeezing movements, rubbing and patting;
- each movement should be repeated 4-5 times;
- the movements should be carried out along one trajectory: from the shoulder blades to the neck, upwards;
- each side of the chest region should be treated separately.
Exercise therapy for thoracic osteochondrosis
Physical therapy classes (remedial physical education) provide the opportunity to provide high-quality support for optimal tone of the muscular framework of the back and help relieve the soreness of the paravertebral muscles.
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the chest 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 chest, 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 train in comfortable clothes and shoes;
- taking into account existing contraindications.
Absolute contraindications include:
- acute cardiac pathologies;
- elevated body temperature (more than 37.6 ° C);
- oncological diseases;
- mental instability;
- dermatological diseases;
- high blood pressure.
Consultation with a neurologist in combination with a reasonable, competent approach to exercise guarantees successful remission at various stages of the disease.
medicines
Medical treatment of osteochondrosis of the chest is carried out by taking tablets, 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.
Nonsteroidal 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 harm.Consultation with a specialist is required.
Glucocorticosteroids
Due to the fact that the drugs are hormonal, their use must be agreed with the attending physician.Otherwise, you may cause irreparable harm to the body.
Diuretics
Diuretics that relieve swelling in the presence of pinched nerve roots.
Vitamin complexes
The intake of vitamins improves the metabolic processes taking place in the nervous tissue.
To restore high-quality metabolism, patients are prescribed B vitamins.
Chondroprotectors
Medicines, the use of which ensures the restoration of the elasticity and shock-absorbing functions of the intervertebral discs.
The intensity and dosage of taking drugs for thoracic osteochondrosis are determined taking into account the stage of development of the disease.
Antispasmodics
They help to relax the muscle frame and help get rid of the problem of constant spasms by starting the recovery process of thoracic osteochondrosis.
food
Therapeutic treatment of any disease requires adherence to the basics of a balanced diet.
A diet for osteochondrosis of the chest slows down the pathological processes and helps to accelerate the recovery processes.
Nutritional correction includes 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 during degenerative-dystrophic processes should be based on the completeness of the diet and compliance with the drinking regimen.
The diet should include foods containing calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, retinol and vitamins B and C.
It is also 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, fresh baked goods, as well as margarine and carbonated drinks with a high sugar content.
Prevention
To prevent the occurrence or worsening of osteochondrosis of the chest, it is recommended to regularly carry out a number of preventive measures, including:
- giving up bad habits;
- compliance with the principles of proper, balanced nutrition;
- tracking the safest and most comfortable position of the spine when walking, running, sitting;
- ensuring comfortable sleep in the correct body position;
- organizing exercises according to the recommended complexes of exercises for the chest 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 the advice of a specialist who will help you diagnose the disease and choose the right course of treatment for osteochondrosis of the chest.