Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of the musculoskeletal system, which occurs in patients of different ages.
Modern medicine defines several places of localization of the disease, in connection with which such a concept as osteochondrosis of the chest appeared.
What is thoracic osteochondrosis?
Thoracic osteochondrosis is a regenerative (destructive) process, the localization of which is the interval from 8 to 19 vertebrae, which forms the thoracic spine of a person.
Unlike other types of disease, the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis can occur in both young and old people.
A characteristic feature of the disease is the complexity of its early diagnosis, which is associated with low mobility of the spine and the difficulty of identifying the main symptoms. For this reason, when detecting the first signs of osteochondrosis of the chest, it is important to consult a specialist in a timely manner to prevent irreversible processes.
Reasons
The main cause of osteochondrosis of the chest is the onset of dystrophic processes (violation of cellular metabolism), tissue transformation and provoking complications of metabolic actions, which is caused by insufficiently balanced diet and improper loading of the intervertebral discs.
In addition, the list of factors that increase the risk of developing osteochondrosis of the breast includes:
- the presence of intervertebral hernias;
- disturbance of the blood supply to the spinal cord;
- disturbance of the mineral balance in the body;
- regularly increased load on the spine;
- mostly sedentary lifestyle;
- the consequences of the trauma suffered;
- 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, given the common symptoms of osteochondrosis of the chest, the following can be distinguished:
- shortness of breath, chest tightness;
- the difficulty in performing inclinations;
- periodic feeling of freezing of the limbs due to circulatory failure;
- brittle nails and hair;
- nausea, indigestion;
- pain that can easily be confused with that that accompanies cardiovascular disease;
- soreness of the mammary glands in women;
- discomfort and difficulty swallowing, cough.
The manifestation of several symptoms of osteochondrosis of the chest requires immediate consultation and full examination by a specialist to formulate an accurate diagnosis and determine a plan for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the chest.
Stages of disease development
Specialists distinguish three main stages in the development of thoracic osteochondrosis:
Stage 1 - the beginning of the disease. It is characterized by the absence of clinical manifestations.
Signs of thoracic osteochondrosis of the first stage:
- barely noticeable, slightly painful lumbago, accompanied by pulling chest pain. Unpleasant sensations intensify after hard work or lifting weights;
- muscle spasms, constant tone of the muscle frame for no apparent reason;
- heart discomfort.
A visit to the doctor in the initial stage of the disease guarantees a complete cure of the disease.
Stage 2 - the development 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;
- lowering the pressure;
- accompanying attempt to place the hand behind the head with palpable pain in the sternum;
- chronic feeling of tiredness;
- discomfort in the heart and spine of the chest area.
If a disease is found at this stage, the process of restoring health can take quite a long time.
Stage 3 - an ongoing process that has a negative effect on the whole body.
There are such dangerous manifestations as:
- limiting the mobility of the spine;
- acute pain;
- the appearance of intervertebral hernias;
- pinching of blood vessels and nerve roots;
- diseases of the biliary tract.
Failure to treat osteochondrosis of the breast at this stage may result in injury.
How to treat osteochondrosis of the breast?
Before determining how to treat osteochondrosis of the chest, it is important to visit a specialist. The diagnosis of the disease should be made only by a specialist. The treatment of osteochondrosis of the chest is determined by a neurologist after a high-quality examination.
The main rule for starting treatment for osteochondrosis of the chest is to get rid of the pain. Today there are several optimal treatment options. Let's look at each of them in more detail.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapeutic treatment of osteochondrosis of the chest is used in medical practice quite often, both in the exacerbation stage and after it, to achieve long-term remission of the disease.
In 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;
- phonophoresis of drugs - the introduction of drugs under the influence of ultrasound;
- detensor therapy - relaxation of the muscular frame of the spine with the help of a specialized mattress / pad.
It is important to note that when prescribing physiotherapy methods for the treatment of degenerative disease, the stage of its development is taken into account. Improper use of physiotherapy can worsen the situation and rule out the possibility of prolonged remission.
Massage for osteochondrosis of the chest
Massage is one of the most effective methods of non-drug treatment of osteochondrosis of the chest.
Providing the effect of reflex massage provides a positive effect on the affected area of the spine, which provokes a positive dynamics of treatment.
Unlike other parts of the spine, the chest requires a special approach to massage. The muscle fibers in this area have a special threshold of action.
The positive effect of massage procedures is manifested in:
- reducing the level of pain;
- improving blood circulation at the site of the disease;
- elimination of muscle spasms;
- increase the strength of the muscles of the arms;
- increasing the mobility of the spine and starting the regenerative processes of cartilage tissue.
Among the basic principles of chest massage is worth emphasizing:
- the beginning of the session should be done with light strokes, which will ensure blood flow and reduce pain;
- squeezing movements, rubbing and tapping are recommended during the massage;
- each movement should be repeated 4-5 times;
- the movements must be performed in one trajectory: from the shoulders - to the neck, up;
- each side of the chest should be treated separately.
Exercise for osteochondrosis of the chest
Physical therapy (healing physical culture) provides the opportunity for high-quality support for optimal tone of the muscular frame of the back and helps relieve pain in the paravertebral muscles.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the chest is most effective in the early stages of the disease.
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 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 work only with comfortable clothes and shoes;
- taking into account existing contraindications.
Among the absolute contraindications are:
- acute cardiac pathologies;
- fever (more than 37. 6 ° C);
- oncological diseases;
- mental instability;
- dermatological diseases;
- high blood pressure.
Consultation with a neurologist, combined with a reasonable, competent approach to training, ensures the successful achievement of remission at various stages of the disease.
Medications
The medical treatment of osteochondrosis of the chest is performed by taking pills, a course of injections, suppositories or the use of ointments / gels.
Drug treatment is carried out for several months. In the absence of positive changes, the disease is eliminated by surgery.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
They are used to reduce pain and relieve inflammatory processes in the nerve roots.
Self-administration of PVNS is extremely dangerous to health and can cause irreparable damage. Consultation with a specialist is required.
Glucorticosteroids
Due to the fact that the drugs are hormonal, their use should be agreed with the attending physician. Failure to do so may cause irreparable damage to the body.
Diuretics
Diuretics that relieve swelling in the presence of pinched nerve roots.
Vitamin complexes
Vitamin intake improves metabolic processes in nervous tissue.
To restore high-quality metabolism, patients are prescribed B vitamins.
Chondroprotectors
Drugs, the reception of which restores the elasticity and damping functions of the intervertebral discs.
The intensity and dosage of taking drugs for osteochondrosis of the chest are determined taking into account the stage of development of the disease.
Antispasmodics
They contribute to the relaxation of the muscular frame and help to get rid of the problem of constant spasms, starting the recovery process in osteochondrosis of the chest.
Nutrition
Therapeutic treatment of any disease involves following the basics of a balanced diet.
The diet for osteochondrosis of the chest slows down the pathological processes and helps speed up the healing process.
Nutritional correction includes increasing the proportion of products containing natural chondroprotectors in the diet, which promote the regeneration of cartilage tissue.
It is important to note that the diet in degenerative-dystrophic processes should be based on the completeness of the diet and adherence to the drinking regime.
The diet must include foods containing calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, retinol, 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 beverages with high sugar content.
Prevention
To prevent or prevent exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the chest, it is recommended that a number of preventive measures be taken at regular intervals, including:
- rejection of bad habits;
- adherence to the principles of proper, balanced nutrition;
- tracking the safest and most comfortable position for the spine when walking, running, sitting;
- ensuring comfortable sleep in the correct body position;
- organization of exercises according to the recommended sets of exercises for the chest with osteochondrosis.
Comfort in 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 spine.