Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of the musculoskeletal system that occurs in patients of different ages.
Modern medicine identifies several sites of disease localization with which a concept such as osteochondrosis of the chest region has emerged.
What is chest osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a regenerative (destructive) process, localized between 8 and 19 vertebrae, which forms the human thoracic spine.
Unlike other types of disease, the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis can manifest in both the young and the elderly.
The peculiarity of the disease is the difficulty of its early diagnosis, which is associated with low mobility of the spine and the difficulty of identifying the main symptoms. For this reason, at the first signs of osteochondrosis of the chest, it is necessary to consult a specialist in a timely manner to prevent irreversible processes.
ᲛReasons
The main cause of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is the course of dystrophic processes (disruption of cellular metabolism), tissue transformation and provoking complications of metabolic actions caused by an improperly balanced diet and improper loading on the intervertebral discs.
In addition, a list of factors that increase the risk of developing breast osteochondrosis includes:
- Presence of intervertebral hernia;
- Disruption of blood supply to the spinal cord;
- Disturbance of mineral balance in the body;
- Regularly increased stress on the spine;
- Predominantly lifeless lifestyle;
- The consequences of the trauma received;
- Engaging in active sports.
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis of the chest region
Chest pain during osteochondrosis is the main symptom of the clinical picture. However, considering the general symptoms of osteochondrosis of the chest region, we can also distinguish:
- Shortness of breath, chest tightness;
- Difficulty in fulfilling inclinations;
- Periodic onset of the sensation of freezing of the extremities due to circulatory failure;
- Brittle nails and hair;
- Nausea, disorders of digestive processes;
- Pain that is easily confused with cardiovascular disease;
- Breast pain in women;
- Discomfort and difficulty swallowing, coughing.
The appearance of several symptoms of thoracic spine osteochondrosis requires urgent consultation and thorough examination by a specialist to establish 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 chest osteochondrosis:
Stage 1 - The beginning of the development of the disease. It is characterized by the absence of clinical manifestations.
Signs of first-stage chest osteochondrosis:
- Barely noticeable, slightly painful lumbago accompanied by tight pain in the chest. Unpleasant sensations intensify after strenuous work or lifting weights;
- Muscle spasm, constant tone of the muscle frame for no apparent reason;
- Discomfort in the heart area.
A visit to the doctor at the initial stage of the disease is a guarantee of a complete cure of the disease.
Stage 2 - Disease progression leads to the formation of microcracks in the intervertebral discs, which leads to limited mobility and the appearance of severe pain.
Clinical manifestations include:
- Visually noticeable deformation of the spinal column;
- Lowering the pressure;
- Accompanying attempt with palpable pain in the chest of the hand placed on the back of the head;
- Feeling of chronic fatigue;
- Discomfort in the heart region and in the thoracic spine.
If the disease is detected at this stage, the health recovery process may take quite a long time.
Stage 3 - The ongoing process that negatively affects the whole body as a whole.
There are dangerous manifestations such as:
- Restriction of spinal mobility;
- Sharp pain sensations;
- Appearance of an intervertebral hernia;
- Stretching of blood vessels and nerve roots;
- Diseases of the biliary tract.
Refusal to treat breast osteochondrosis at this stage can lead to disability.
How to treat chest osteochondrosis?
It is necessary to visit a specialist before determining the treatment of osteochondrosis of the chest region. 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 main rule for starting treatment for chest osteochondrosis is to get rid of the pain. Today, there are several optimal treatment options. Let's discuss each of them in more detail.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapeutic treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis is quite often used in medical practice, both during the exacerbation stage and after, to achieve long-term remission of the disease.
Physiotherapy methods such as:
- Drug electrophoresis - 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 permanent or alternating magnetic field;
- Drug phonophoresis - administration of drugs under the influence of ultrasound;
- Detensor therapy - relaxation of the muscular frame of the spine using 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 during osteochondrosis of the chest region
Massage is one of the most effective methods of non-narcotic treatment of chest osteochondrosis.
Delivering the effect of reflexology massage has a positive effect on the injured side of the spinal column, provoking positive dynamics of the treatment.
Unlike other parts of the spine, the chest requires a special approach to massage. The muscle fibers of this zone have a special barrier of action.
The positive effects of massage procedures are revealed:
- Reducing pain levels;
- Improving blood circulation at the site of disease localization;
- Eliminate muscle spasms;
- Increase the strength of the arm muscles;
- Increase the mobility of the spinal column and start the regenerative processes of cartilage tissue.
Among the basic principles of chest massage are:
- The beginning of the session should be held with light strokes to ensure blood flow and reduce pain;
- During the massage it is recommended to use compression movements, rubbing and coloring;
- Each movement should be repeated 4-5 times;
- Movements should be made 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
Exercise therapy (therapeutic physical culture) provides high quality support for optimal tone of the spinal cord frame and helps relieve paravertebral muscle pain.
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the chest region is most effective in the early stages of disease development.
When performing gymnastics, it is important to consider and follow the basic rules for performing osteochondrosis exercises in the chest region, including:
- Systematic recurrence over several months;
- The duration of the lesson should not exceed half an hour;
- Chest osteochondrosis gymnastics should be performed without the use of additional equipment;
- You should work only in comfortable clothes and shoes;
- Given the existing contraindications.
Absolute contraindications include:
- Acute heart pathologies;
- Increase in body temperature (above 37. 6 ° C);
- Oncological diseases;
- Instability of mental state;
- Dermatological diseases;
- High blood pressure.
Consulting a neurologist, combined with a reasonable, competent approach to classes, ensures successful remission at different stages of the disease.
Medications
Medical treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is carried out by taking pills, injections, suppositories or using ointments / gels.
Medication treatment lasts for several months. In the absence of positive changes, the disease is eliminated surgically.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
They are used to reduce pain and alleviate inflammatory processes in the nerve roots.
Self-help with PVNS is extremely dangerous to health and can cause irreparable damage. Specialist consultation is required.
Glucocorticosteroids
Because the drugs are hormonal, their use 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 stretched nerve roots.
Vitamin complexes
Intake of vitamins improves metabolic processes in nervous tissue.
Patients are prescribed B vitamins to restore high quality metabolism.
Chondroprotectors
Medications that provide restoration of intervertebral disc elasticity and shock absorption functions.
The intensity and dose of joint intake in chest osteochondrosis is determined by the stage of disease development.
Antispasmodics
They help to relax the muscle frame and help to get rid of the problem of permanent spasms, start the recovery processes of thoracic osteochondrosis.
food
Therapeutic treatment of any disease involves adhering to the basics of a balanced diet.
Diet for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine slows down the pathological processes and helps to accelerate the healing process.
Nutritional correction involves increasing the diet of products containing natural chondroprotectors that promote cartilage tissue regeneration.
It is important to note that dietary nutrition in degenerative-dystrophic processes should be based on the full value of the diet and adherence to the drinking regime.
Mistakenly, the diet should include foods containing calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, retinol, B, C group vitamins.
It is also necessary to limit the consumption of strong tea and coffee, as well as to abandon bad habits.
It is recommended to completely exclude from the diet a variety of semi-finished products, fresh baked goods, as well as margarine and carbonated drinks with high sugar content.
Prevention
To prevent the onset or exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, it is recommended to take a number of preventive measures at regular intervals, including:
- Rejection of bad habits;
- Adherence to the principles of proper, balanced nutrition;
- Tracking the safest and most comfortable position of the spine while walking, jogging, sitting;
- Ensuring comfortable sleep in the correct position of the body;
- Organize exercise according to the recommended set of exercises for the thoracic spine during osteochondrosis.
The comfort of a person's daily life is largely determined by his health.
When the first symptoms of spinal disease appear, consult a specialist who will help you diagnose the disease and select the right course of treatment for osteochondrosis of the spine.