Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of the musculoskeletal system that occurs in patients of all ages.
Modern medicine identifies several localizations of the disease, which is why the concept of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region appeared.
What is thoracic osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a regenerative (destructive) process localized in the range of 8 to 19 vertebrae, which forms the human thoracic spine.
Unlike other types of disease, symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis can occur in both young and older people.
A characteristic of the disease is the difficulty of its early diagnosis, which is associated with low mobility of the spine and difficulty in identifying the main symptoms.For this reason, it is important to quickly consult a specialist at the first signs of thoracic osteochondrosis to prevent irreversible processes.
Reasons
The main cause of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is the appearance of dystrophic processes (disorders of cellular metabolism) that transform tissues and cause complications of metabolic actions, caused by an insufficiently balanced diet and inadequate load on the intervertebral discs.
Also, the list of factors that increase the risk of developing thoracic osteochondrosis includes:
- the presence of intervertebral hernias;
- poor blood supply to the spinal cord;
- disturbance of the mineral balance in the body;
- regularly increased loads on the spine;
- predominantly sedentary lifestyle;
- consequences of previous injuries;
- practice 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 of the thoracic region, we can also highlight:
- difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest;
- difficulty bending;
- periodic appearance of a feeling of freezing of the extremities due to circulatory failure;
- brittle nails and hair;
- nausea, digestive disorders;
- pain that is easily confused with that accompanying cardiovascular diseases;
- pain of the mammary glands in women;
- discomfort and difficulty swallowing, cough.
The manifestation of various 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 in the development of thoracic osteochondrosis:
Stage 1 - the beginning of the development of the disease.Characterized by the absence of clinical manifestations.
Signs of thoracic osteochondrosis stage 1:
- Slightly painful, barely noticeable low back pain, accompanied by persistent pain in the chest.Unpleasant sensations intensify after strenuous work or lifting heavy objects;
- muscle spasms, constant tone of the muscle structure for no apparent reason;
- discomfort in the heart area.
Consulting 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 causes 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;
- chronic feeling of fatigue;
- discomfort in the heart and spine area of the thoracic region.
If the disease is detected at this stage, the process of regaining health can take a fairly long period of time.
Stage 3 is an advanced process that has a negative impact on the entire body.
Dangerous manifestations such as:
- limited spinal mobility;
- acute pain;
- the appearance of intervertebral hernias;
- pinching of blood vessels and nerve roots;
- diseases of the biliary tract.
Refusing 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 made only by a specialist.Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is determined by a neurologist after a high-quality examination.
The key rule for starting treatment for thoracic osteochondrosis is to eliminate 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 used quite often in medical practice, both in the acute stage and afterwards, to achieve long-term remission of the disease.
For osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, physiotherapy methods are used such as:
- medicinal 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 constant or alternating magnetic field;
- drug phonophoresis - administration of drugs under the influence of ultrasound;
- Detensor therapy: relaxation of the muscular structure of the spine using a specialized mattress or mat.
It is important to note that when prescribing physiotherapy methods to treat a degenerative disease, the stage of its development is taken into account.Inappropriate use of physiotherapy treatment can aggravate the situation and 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 provides a positive effect on the affected area of the spine, which causes a positive dynamics of the treatment.
Unlike other parts of the spine, the thoracic spine requires a special massage approach.The muscle fibers in this area have a special action threshold.
The positive effects of massage procedures are manifested in:
- 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 launching regenerative processes of the cartilage tissue.
Among the basic principles of chest massage it is worth highlighting:
- the start of the session should be done with light movements, which will ensure blood flow and reduce pain;
- during the massage it is recommended to use compression, rubbing and patting movements;
- each movement must be repeated 4-5 times;
- movements should be performed in a single trajectory: from the shoulder blades to the neck, upwards;
- Each side of the thoracic region should be treated separately.
Exercise therapy for thoracic osteochondrosis.
Physiotherapy (therapeutic physical education) classes provide the opportunity to provide high-quality support for optimal tone of the muscular structure of the back and help relieve pain from the paraspinal muscles.
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is most effective in the initial stages of the development of the disease.
When doing gymnastics, it is important to consider and adhere to the basic rules for performing exercises for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, which include:
- 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 clothing and shoes;
- taking into account existing contraindications.
Absolute contraindications include:
- acute cardiac pathologies;
- increased body temperature (more than 37.6°C);
- oncological diseases;
- mental instability;
- dermatological diseases;
- hypertension.
Consultation with a neurologist in combination with a reasonable and competent approach to exercise guarantees the successful achievement of remission at various stages of the disease.
Medications
Drug treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine 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 that occur in the nerve roots.
Self-administration of PVNS is extremely dangerous to health and can cause irreparable damage.Specialized consultation is required.
Glucocorticosteroids
Because the medications are hormonal, their use must be agreed with the treating doctor.Otherwise, irreparable damage to the body may occur.
Diuretics
Diuretics that relieve swelling in the presence of pinched nerve roots.
Vitamin complexes
The intake of vitamins improves the metabolic processes that occur in the nervous tissue.
To restore high-quality metabolism, patients are prescribed vitamin B.
Chondroprotectors
Medicines, the use of which ensures the restoration of elasticity and shock-absorbing functions of intervertebral discs.
The intensity and dosage of medication for thoracic osteochondrosis are determined taking into account the stage of development of the disease.
Antispasmodics
They help relax the muscle structure and help eliminate the problem of constant spasms, starting the recovery process from thoracic osteochondrosis.
meal
Therapeutic treatment of any disease requires compliance with the basic principles of a balanced diet.
A diet for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine slows down pathological processes and helps to 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 during degenerative-dystrophic processes should be based on the integrity 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 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 high sugar content.
Prevention
To prevent the onset or aggravation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, it is recommended to carry out a number of preventive measures at regular intervals, including:
- abandon bad habits;
- adherence to the principles of proper and balanced nutrition;
- track the safest and most comfortable position for the spine when walking, running or sitting;
- ensure comfortable sleep in the correct body position;
- organization of exercises in accordance with the sets 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 a spinal disease appear, seek advice from a specialist who will help you diagnose the disease and select the correct course of treatment for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.