The appearance of such a dangerous disease as osteochondrosis contributes to the development of inflammatory processes in the cartilage and bone tissue of the spine.
The causes of such pathology can be a large number of factors. If not treated properly, this type of inflammation can lead to damage.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine - what is it?
Chest osteochondrosis is a lesion of cartilage and bone tissue that leads to degenerative changes in the spine. Lack of proper and timely treatment very often leads to complete or partial destruction of the intervertebral discs.
This type of disease is very often accompanied by a large number of other types of diseases. The peculiarity of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is that the affected area is hidden by the bone tissue of the breast, which complicates the correct diagnosis of the disease and the risk of damage to nearby organs.
Note!The structure of the human thoracic region is slightly different from the lumbar region, as it contains a larger number of intervertebral discs. However, they are much thinner than the others. Therefore, the destruction and damage of the spine in the chest area is much more difficult to cure and the disease progresses much faster.
Causes of the disease
The onset of the disease osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is a phenomenon that occurs much less frequently than the defeat of the cervical and lumbar vertebrae.
The following causes can contribute to the appearance of an inflammatory process in the chest area:
- Disorders of any origin in the intervertebral discs.
- Intervertebral hernia.
- Inflammatory foci in cartilage tissues.
- Disturbance of the level of blood circulation in the tissues in the area of the spine.
- Excessive physical exertion of the spine.
- Insufficient intake of minerals in the body.
- Passive lifestyle.
- Rachiocampsis.
- Injuries and bruises.
- Strength sports exercises.
- Often hypothermia.
- Frequent stressful situations and difficult working conditions.
The disease can develop due to a hereditary predisposition to the onset of symptoms.
Symptoms and signs
The development of osteochondrosis in the chest area has the following symptoms:
- The appearance of pain in the ribs.
- Discomfort during breathing.
- Acute pain when folding and raising arms.
- The appearance of pulling pain between the shoulder blades, even in a supine position.
- The appearance of swelling in stiffness in the shoulder blades.
- Fever and chills.
- Burning sensation in the lower extremities.
- Disturbance of the normal functioning of the vascular system of the thoracic region.
In the initial stages of development, the following signs of the disease can be observed:
- Frequent headaches.
- Nausea.
- Fever.
- Painful sensations in the chest when waking up in the morning.
- Dizziness.
- Weakness.
- Painful sensations with sharp breath and exhalation.
Note!Very often the disease can be confused with inflammatory processes of the internal organs, as the symptoms of development very often coincide. To confirm the diagnosis, it is necessary to undergo a special examination.
Necessary actions during exacerbation
If the course of the disease is left without proper attention, exacerbations can occur, during which a person may experience acute symptoms of pain and lack of normal body function.
During exacerbations, the following actions are recommended:
- Observe bed rest.
- Stick to a proper diet, which should contain a large number of foods that saturate the body with all the vitamins and minerals.
- Contacting a medical institution and taking all medications.
- The use of means of external treatment.
- If necessary, perform physiotherapy exercises.
- With the appointment of a doctor, the transition to methods of exposure to physiotherapy
During the exacerbation of the disease it is necessary to completely exclude various types of physical activity and stressful situations.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the chest
For treatment, the patient must undergo a special examination, which involves the delivery of the necessary tests and the passage of X-ray and tomography procedures.
Only after receiving all the necessary answers to the test, the doctor prescribes treatment, which consists of drugs, massages and physiotherapy exercises.
Medication treatment
Drug treatment of the disease consists of the following guidelines - it is the elimination of pain, stopping the development of osteochondrosis, eliminating the inflammatory process.
Painkillers and antispasmodics are prescribed to reduce pain.
The use of glucosamine and chondroitin is prescribed to repair damaged tissues. In addition, the patient should increase the intake of necessary vitamins in the body, if food is not enough, special vitamin complexes are recommended.
Good to know!A special agent must be used to retain the necessary fluid in the intervertebral discs. To alleviate the inflammatory process, it is recommended to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which the doctor chooses individually for each case.
Physiotherapy
The use of physiotherapy exercises is prescribed only after the removal of pain symptoms, the inflammatory process decreases. Therapeutic exercises are performed strictly under the supervision of specialists to prevent complications.
The exercise is aimed at eliminating muscle spasms and increasing blood flow instead of damage, due to which the inflammatory process decreases and the damaged cells begin to regenerate themselves.
Massage
The use of massage in osteochondrosis is prescribed depending on the stage of development of the disease. In acute symptoms, light stroking and rubbing are allowed, without the use of violent methods.
After relieving the symptoms of pain, a drainage massage is applied, which improves blood circulation and initiates the natural process of cell recovery.
Note! For massage it is recommended to use special gels or essential oils that reduce inflammation and improve a person's well-being. It is not recommended to perform the massage alone, you should contact a specialist.
Manual therapy
Manual therapy for osteochondrosis has the following characteristics of the effect on the focus of the lesion:
- The specialist warms up the tense muscle tissue.
- Slow stretching of the muscle tissue is performed, due to which the spasm is relieved.
- The patient is given acupressure massages, which eliminate inflammation and improve blood circulation.
- Special movements are performed that restore the work of the damaged area of the spine.
Note!After such sessions, the patient notices a reduction in pain and improved condition of the whole body.
Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis
To avoid the development of the disease, experts recommend following the following rules of prevention:
- To prevent hypothermia of the body, in case of such a situation it is recommended to take a hot bath.
- Perform standard exercises that increase the flexibility and plasticity of the spine.
- Avoid staying in awkward positions for a long time, lead an active lifestyle.
- Regularly replenish the reserves of vitamins and minerals in the body.
- Avoid prolonged physical exertion of the spine.
- Avoid lifting weights.
- Avoid moving, watch your posture.
By following simple rules, one can avoid unpleasant symptoms and prolonged treatment.
Osteochondrosis of the chest area is a rather complex type of inflammatory process that requires complex therapy.
Good to know!This type of disease cannot be cured on its own, so when the first symptoms appear, you should contact a medical facility for diagnosis. Based on the answers, the doctor will individually choose the necessary method to eliminate the problem.