Osteochondrosis is a degenerative dystrophic disease of the musculoskeletal system that affects patients of all ages.
Modern medicine identifies several sites of the disease, which is why the concept of thoracic osteochondrosis arose.
What is thoracic osteochondrosis?
Thoracic osteochondrosis is a regenerative (destructive) process that occurs between the 8 to 19 vertebrae that make up the human thoracic spine.
Unlike other types of disease, symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis can occur in both young and old people.
A hallmark of the disease is the difficulty in early diagnosis, which is related to low spinal mobility and difficulty in identifying the main symptoms.Therefore, it is very important to immediately consult a specialist at the first signs of osteochondrosis of the chest to prevent an irreversible process.
reason
The main cause of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is the occurrence of dystrophic processes (disturbance of cellular metabolism) that alter the tissue and cause complications of metabolic activity, which is caused by an unbalanced diet and improper loading of the intervertebral discs.
In addition, factors that increase the risk of developing thoracic osteochondrosis include:
- Presence of intervertebral hernia;
- Damage to the blood supply to the spinal cord;
- Disturbances in mineral balance in the body;
- Regularly increase the load on the spine;
- Mainly sedentary lifestyle;
- consequences of previous injuries;
- Take part in active sports.
Main symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis
Chest pain in osteochondrosis is the main clinical symptom.However, taking into account the general symptoms of osteochondrosis of the chest, we can also emphasize:
- Difficulty breathing, chest tightness;
- Difficulty bending;
- Periodic feeling of coldness in the extremities due to circulatory failure;
- brittle nails and hair;
- Nausea, digestive disorders;
- Easily confused with pain caused by cardiovascular disease;
- Female breast pain;
- Discomfort and dysphagia, cough.
Several symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis require immediate consultation and comprehensive examination by a specialist to make an accurate diagnosis and determine a treatment plan for thoracic osteochondrosis.
stage of disease development
Experts distinguish three main stages in the development of thoracic osteochondrosis:
Stage 1 - the beginning of disease development.It is characterized by no clinical manifestations.
Signs of stage 1 thoracic osteochondrosis:
- Mild low back pain that is almost imperceptible, along with persistent pain in the chest.Unpleasant sensations intensify after strenuous work or heavy lifting;
- Muscle spasms, persistent tension in the muscle frame for no apparent reason;
- Discomfort in the heart area.
Seeing a doctor in the initial stages of the disease can ensure complete cure of the disease.
Stage 2 – The progression of the disease causes micro-cracks to form in the discs, resulting in limited movement and severe pain.
Clinical manifestations include:
- The spine is visually deformed;
- pressure decrease;
- Trying to put your hands behind your head, accompanied by significant pain in your sternum;
- chronic fatigue;
- Discomfort in the chest area, heart and spinal area.
If the disease is detected at this stage, the process of returning to health may take quite some time.
Stage three is an advanced process that negatively affects the entire body.
Dangerous manifestations include:
- Limited spinal movement;
- severe pain;
- the occurrence of intervertebral hernia;
- Compression of blood vessels and nerve roots;
- Biliary tract disease.
Refusing treatment for thoracic osteochondrosis at this stage may result in disability.
How is thoracic osteochondrosis treated?
Before determining how to treat osteochondrosis of the chest, it is important to visit a specialist.The diagnosis of this disease can only be made by a specialist.Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis is determined by a neurologist after a high-quality examination.
The key rule when starting to treat osteochondrosis of the chest is to eliminate the pain.Today, there are several best treatment options.Let's look at each of them in more detail.
physical therapy
Physical therapy for thoracic osteochondrosis is frequently used in medical practice, both during the acute and post-acute phases, to achieve long-term remission of the disease.
For thoracic osteochondrosis, physical therapy methods may be used, such as:
- Drug electrophoresis - the combined effect of direct current and drugs;
- UHF therapy – exposure to high frequency electromagnetic fields;
- Magnet therapy is a type of alternative medicine that involves the use of constant or alternating magnetic fields;
- Phonophoresis - administration of drugs under the influence of ultrasound;
- Stress Reduction Therapy – Using a specialized mattress/cushion to relax the muscular framework of the spine.
It is important to note that when developing physical therapy approaches to treat degenerative diseases, their stage of development should be considered.Inappropriate use of physical therapy may worsen the condition and preclude the possibility of long-term relief.
Massage for chest osteochondrosis
Massage is one of the most effective non-drug treatments for thoracic osteochondrosis.
Providing reflexology massage can have a positive effect on the affected areas of the spine, thus motivating the treatment.
Unlike other parts of the spine, the thoracic spine requires special massage methods.The muscle fibers in this area have a special threshold of action.
The positive effects of the massage procedure are reflected in:
- Reduce pain levels;
- Improve blood circulation in diseased areas;
- Eliminate muscle spasms;
- Increase arm muscle strength;
- Increases spinal mobility and initiates the regeneration process of cartilage tissue.
The basic principles of chest massage are worth emphasizing:
- Treatment should begin with gentle stroking to ensure blood flow and relieve pain;
- It is recommended to use squeezing, rubbing, and tapping movements during massage;
- Each action must be repeated 4-5 times;
- The movement should follow a single trajectory: from shoulder blades to neck, upward;
- Each side of the chest area should be treated individually.
Exercise therapy for thoracic osteochondrosis
Physiotherapy (therapeutic physical education) sessions provide the opportunity to provide high-quality support for optimal tension of the muscular framework of the back and help relieve soreness in the paravertebral muscles.
Exercise therapy for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis is most effective in the initial stages of disease development.
When performing gymnastics, it is important to consider and follow the basic rules for performing exercises for thoracic osteochondrosis, including:
- Repeated systematically over several months;
- Lessons should last no longer than half an hour;
- Chest osteochondrosis gymnastics should be performed without the use of additional equipment;
- You should only exercise in comfortable clothing and shoes;
- Take into account existing contraindications.
Absolute contraindications include:
- acute heart disease;
- Increased body temperature (above 37.6°C);
- neoplastic diseases;
- Mental instability;
- skin disease;
- hypertension.
Consultation with a neurologist combined with sound, effective exercise can ensure successful remission at all stages of the disease.
drug
Medical treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis is carried out by taking tablets, a course of injections, suppositories or using ointments/gels.
Medication takes several months.In the absence of positive changes, surgery is performed to eliminate the disease.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
They are used to reduce pain and relieve the inflammatory process that occurs in the nerve roots.
Self-administration of PVNS is extremely dangerous to health and may cause irreparable harm.Expert consultation is required.
Glucocorticoids
Since these drugs are hormonal drugs, their use must be approved by the treating physician.Otherwise, it may cause irreparable damage to the body.
diuretics
Diuretics relieve swelling when nerve roots are compressed.
vitamin complex
Taking vitamins improves the metabolic processes that occur in nervous tissue.
To restore high-quality metabolism, patients need to take B vitamins.
chondroprotectant
Medications, the use of which ensures that the intervertebral discs regain their elasticity and shock-absorbing function.
The intensity and dosage of drug therapy for thoracic osteochondrosis are determined according to the stage of disease development.
Antispasmodics
They help to relax the muscle framework and help get rid of the problem of persistent spasms and start the recovery process from osteochondrosis of the chest.
food
The treatment of any disease requires adhering to the basic principles of a balanced diet.
Diet for thoracic osteochondrosis can slow down the pathological process and help speed up the recovery process.
Nutritional correction involves increasing the proportion of foods in the diet that contain natural chondroprotectants that promote the regeneration of cartilage tissue.
It is worth noting that dietary nutrition in the process of degenerative malnutrition should be based on the integrity of the diet and the observance of drinking habits.
Foods containing calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, retinol, and vitamins B and C must be included in the diet.
You also need to limit the amount of strong tea and coffee you drink and break bad habits.
It is recommended to completely exclude from the diet all kinds of semi-finished products, fresh baked goods, as well as margarine and carbonated drinks with a high sugar content.
prevention
In order to prevent the occurrence or worsening of thoracic osteochondrosis, it is recommended to perform a number of preventive measures on a regular basis, including:
- Quit bad habits;
- Adhere to the principle of proper and balanced nutrition;
- Track the safest and most comfortable position for your spine while walking, running, and sitting;
- Make sure you sleep comfortably with the correct body position;
- Exercises are organized according to recommended exercise sets for the thoracic spine with osteochondrosis.
A person's comfort in daily life largely depends on his or her health.
When the first symptoms of spinal disease appear, seek advice from a specialist who will help diagnose the disease and choose the right treatment for thoracic osteochondrosis.