Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of the musculoskeletal system that affects patients of all ages.
Modern medicine identifies several locations 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 from 8 to 19 vertebrae, which forms the human thoracic spine.
Unlike other types of disease, the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis can occur in both young and old people.
A feature of the disease is the difficulty of its early diagnosis, which is associated with reduced mobility of the spine and difficulty in identifying the main symptoms.For this reason it is important to promptly consult a specialist when the first signs of thoracic osteochondrosis are detected in order to prevent irreversible processes.
Reasons
The main cause of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is the onset of dystrophic processes (disturbances of cellular metabolism) that transform tissues and cause complications of metabolic actions, caused by an insufficiently balanced diet and improper load on 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;
- disturbance of mineral balance in the body;
- regularly increased loads 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, considering the general symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, we can also highlight:
- difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest;
- difficulty bending over;
- periodic appearance of a feeling of freezing in the extremities due to circulatory failure;
- brittle nails and hair;
- nausea, digestive disorders;
- pain that is easily confused with that which accompanies cardiovascular disease;
- pain of the mammary glands in women;
- discomfort and difficulty swallowing, cough.
The manifestation of numerous symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis requires immediate consultation and comprehensive examination by a specialist in order to make an accurate diagnosis and determine a treatment plan for thoracic osteochondrosis.
Stages of development of the disease
Experts distinguish three main stages of the development of thoracic osteochondrosis:
Phase 1 – the beginning of the development of the disease.Characterized by the absence of clinical manifestations.
Signs of stage 1 thoracic osteochondrosis:
- barely perceptible, mild painful low back pain, accompanied by an annoying pain in the chest.Unpleasant sensations intensify after strenuous work or heavy lifting;
- muscle spasms, constant tone of the muscle structure for no apparent reason;
- discomfort in the heart area.
Seeing a doctor at the initial stage of the disease guarantees complete cure of the disease.
Stage 2 – the progression of the disease leads to the formation of microcracks in the intervertebral discs, which cause limited mobility and the appearance of severe pain.
Clinical manifestations include:
- visually noticeable deformation of the spine;
- decrease in pressure;
- accompanying the attempt to place the hand behind the head with palpable pain in the sternum;
- chronic feeling of tiredness;
- discomfort in the heart and spine area of the thoracic region.
If the disease is detected at this stage, the process of restoring health may take a sufficiently long period of time.
Phase 3 is an advanced process that negatively impacts the entire body as a whole.
Dangerous manifestations 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.Diagnosis of the disease should be carried out only by a specialist.Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is determined by a neurologist after a high-quality examination.
The fundamental rule for starting the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis is to eliminate the 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 quite often in medical practice, both in the acute phase and after, in order 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;
- Magnetotherapy is an alternative medicine that involves the use of a constant or alternating magnetic field;
- drug phonophoresis - drug administration under the influence of ultrasound;
- detensor therapy – relaxation of the muscular structure of the spine using a specialized mattress/mat.
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.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 treatment.
Unlike other parts of the spine, the thoracic spine requires a special approach to massage.The muscle fibers of 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 starting regenerative processes of the cartilaginous tissue.
Among the basic principles of chest massage it is worth highlighting:
- the beginning of the session should be carried out with light strokes, which will ensure blood flow and reduce pain;
- during the massage it is recommended to use squeezing, rubbing and stroking movements;
- each movement must be repeated 4-5 times;
- the movements must be performed along a single trajectory: from the shoulder blades to the neck, upwards;
- each side of the thoracic region should be treated separately.
Physical therapy for thoracic osteochondrosis
Physiotherapy classes (therapeutic physical education) provide the opportunity to provide high-quality support for the optimal tone of the muscular structure of the back and help relieve pain in the paravertebral muscles.
Physical 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, including:
- systematic repetition over several months;
- the duration of the lesson must not exceed half an hour;
- gymnastics for thoracic osteochondrosis should be performed without the use of additional equipment;
- You should only exercise in comfortable clothes 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 physical exercise guarantees successful remission at various stages of the disease.
Medicines
Drug treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is carried out by taking tablets, a course of injections, suppositories or using ointments/gels.
Treatment with drugs is carried out for several months.In the absence of positive changes, the disease is eliminated by surgical intervention.
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 your health and can cause irreparable damage.Specialist advice is required.
Glucocorticosteroids
Since the drugs are hormonal in nature, their use must be agreed with the treating doctor.Otherwise, irreparable damage may be caused to the body.
Diuretics
Diuretics that relieve swelling in the presence of pinched nerve roots.
Vitamin complexes
Taking vitamins improves metabolic processes occurring in the nervous tissue.
In order to restore high-quality metabolism, patients are prescribed B vitamins.
Chondroprotectors
Medicines, the use of which guarantees 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 relax the muscle structure and help get rid of the problem of constant spasms, starting the recovery process of thoracic osteochondrosis.
Food
Therapeutic treatment of any disease requires compliance with the basics of a balanced diet.
A diet for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine slows down pathological processes and helps speed up recovery processes.
Nutritional correction involves increasing the percentage 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 regime.
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 and abandon 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
In order to prevent the onset or aggravation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, it is recommended to implement a number of preventive measures at regular intervals, including:
- abandon bad habits;
- adherence to the principles of a correct and balanced diet;
- track the safest and most comfortable position for the spine while walking, running, sitting;
- ensure comfortable sleep in the correct body position;
- organization of exercises according to the recommended sets of exercises 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 diagnose the disease and select the correct course of treatment for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.