Thoracic osteochondrosis is a serious disease that few people face.This is a degenerative change in the intervertebral discs.The danger of the pathology is that in the absence of competent, timely treatment it leads to irreversible damage to internal organs and deformations of the chest.Thoracic osteochondrosis and its symptoms can manifest in every person, because a sedentary lifestyle and the consequences arising from it are a problem of modern society.
Causes of the disease
The causes of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region are varied and depend on many factors.The main thing is disturbances in the metabolism of the intervertebral discs, improper distribution of the load on them, dystrophic pathologies develop - scoliosis, another type of curvature of the spine.
Every second patient who seeks help with a diagnosis of thoracic osteochondrosis is forced to sit for a long time in a static state at work - in the office, while driving a car.
The development of pathology is facilitated by lifestyle:
- poor nutrition, lack of routine in eating;
- disruption of the normal functioning of the liver;
- sedentary work;
- overweight;
- sedentary lifestyle, excessive physical activity.
Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis is simple.The disease is difficult for her to overcome.At the slightest sign of illness, you should consult a doctor.
Symptoms
The symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are pronounced and difficult to ignore.They are similar to other diseases, which is why the disease is called a chameleon in medicine.Main symptoms:
- a feeling of crawling throughout the body, especially in the chest area;
- sexual dysfunction, in men – impotence;
- numbness;
- heredity;
- disturbances in the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
- weakness in the arms;
- decreased mobility in the thoracic region;
- chest pain that gets worse with active movements, sometimes while breathing.Has an aching, girdling character.
In rare cases, toothache occurs.
This type of osteochondrosis is often confused with other diseases due to pain in the stomach, heart - myocardial infarction, peptic ulcer of the gastrointestinal tract.
Doctors divide pain, as a symptom of a type of osteochondrosis, into 2 categories.Some experts distinguish 3:
- Dorsago.The pain is acute, intense, and “comes” in sudden attacks.There may be difficulty breathing.Vertebral syndrome occurs in people who sit for long periods of time, bending over a surface.Movements in the thoracic and lumbar spine are limited.With osteochondrosis, patients compare pain in the sternum to a stake in the chest.
- Dorsalgia.The pain is mild.It usually begins gradually and lasts for several weeks.There may be restrictions on mobility.The pain intensifies with sudden movements and at night.
- Thoracalgia or intercostal neuralgia.Pain sensations appear in the area of the ribs and radiate to the shoulder and shoulder blade.
With severe stress, overwork, sudden, heavy physical exertion, the symptoms intensify.
Thoracic osteochondrosis and cough are incompatible.Pulmonary symptoms occur with pneumonia, which causes pain in the chest area.Possible fever.
The main difference between the diseases is that pain during pneumonia does not have a clear localization.
To diagnose the disease, a comprehensive examination is carried out, including radiography and computed tomography.
Drug treatment
In most cases, they resort to conservative methods of treatment, depending on how the thoracic osteochondrosis hurts.At the beginning, pain and inflammation are relieved.Afterwards, the achieved result is consolidated with the help of yoga and vitamin complexes.Many patients do not dare to seek help from doctors; they mistakenly believe that osteochondrosis can only be cured surgically.
Various therapies are prescribed (massage, physiotherapy, acupuncture, moxotherapy).The course of treatment lasts 5–8 sessions, depending on the stage of the disease.To eliminate acute pain, 2–4 procedures are sufficient.
Drugs for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region are prescribed individually.Several types are used: steroid hormones, painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, non-steroidal drugs.Immunostimulants and drugs are used to normalize metabolism in the body.Doctors rarely write prescriptions for sedative medications when anxiety occurs.
During treatment, it is important to avoid injuries and bruises of the spine.
Treatment with traditional methods
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis with traditional methods is an additional measure.Healers offer ways:
- Mix flax seed oil and horseradish juice in equal proportions.Rub the mixture daily into the chest area.
- Pour a tablespoon of mint or lemon balm into a glass of boiling water and leave to steep for 10-15 minutes.Take the decoction at room temperature daily in several doses on an empty stomach.
- Mix a tablespoon of butter or lard with a tablespoon of hop cones, previously ground into powder.The ointment helps with osteochondrosis, gout, and rheumatism.
- Wild strawberry tea is suitable for the treatment of osteochondrosis.Pour a tablespoon of crushed leaves, fruits and berries with a glass of boiling water.Leave for 10-15 minutes.Take 2-3 glasses daily.
- Pour 2 tablespoons of chamomile into a glass container and pour 250-300 ml of boiling water (can be boiled for 5-10 minutes).Take the decoction daily, half a glass 2-3 times.The course of treatment is individual until the pain disappears.
The effectiveness of traditional methods of treatment has been proven, but it should be used under the strict supervision of doctors and find out the presence of individual contraindications.
Therapeutic gymnastics
Yoga for thoracic osteochondrosis is mandatory and is considered the second step on the path to recovery.Aimed at reducing muscle tension, restoring blood circulation, and releasing pinched nerve roots.Exercises strengthen the muscular frame of the neck, lower back, chest, and spine as a whole, correct posture, and prevent relapses.Movements during yoga are smooth (sudden ones will worsen the condition), painless.Do the exercises regularly, otherwise they are ineffective.
On the Internet there are a lot of recommendations and exercises for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.It is worth performing therapeutic yoga under the supervision of doctors, especially at first.Otherwise, serious irreversible consequences are possible.
We should not forget about preventive measures:
- moderate salt intake;
- swimming, bathhouse, sauna;
- physiotherapeutic procedures – magnetic therapy, laser therapy;
- moderate physical activity;
- massage;
- alternating static load with dynamic load.
Not many suffer from chest pain (15% of patients with disorders of the musculoskeletal system).It is rare, since the spine in this part of the body is well fixed and inactive.The symptoms are difficult to confuse with other types of osteochondrosis.The pathology can be cured, the main thing is not to delay visiting the doctors.