Osteochondrosis of the chest is a fairly common disease. Like other diseases of the musculoskeletal system, in recent years this disease has become younger and younger - it is observed in middle-aged and sometimes young people. And although among all parts of the chest it is the least susceptible to injury, due to the mobility of the position of the vertebrae, this disease is becoming more common in men, women and even children. That is why osteochondrosis of the chest is a disease whose symptoms and treatment are of interest to many.
What are the features of the thoracic spine?
The thoracic spine does not bear as much load as the lumbar spine, and its mobility is less than that of the cervical spine. Therefore, in the chest, the symptoms of osteochondrosis and other diseases appear later than in other parts of the spine. According to statistics, the thoracic spine is the least susceptible to injuries, disabilities and diseases, such as intervertebral hernia and displacement of the vertebrae. However, there are a number of factors that increase the risk of developing diseases and injuries, such as scoliosis and poor posture. With thoracic osteochondrosis, as with any other disease, the disease can usually be detected only after significant development.
Symptoms and signs of thoracic osteochondrosis
Thoracic osteochondrosis can be easily distinguished from other diseases by the characteristic symptoms of the disease. The following signs of osteochondrosis of the chest are distinguished:
- Due to a prolonged stay in one position, chest pain appears - it manifests itself with sudden movements or significant physical exertion;
- Deep inhalation and exhalation causes pain and tightness in the middle of the back;
- When raising the arms up and making sharp turns, a stable pain syndrome is noted;
- Moderate pain in the area of the shoulder blades is constantly observed;
- Some parts of the body become numb and numb;
- Unreasonable tingling or chills;
- Itching or a burning sensation in the legs, a decrease in their temperature compared to the rest of the body;
- The disease causes side effects such as digestive disorders, intercostal neuralgia, problems in the reproductive sphere.
Depending on which symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region appear during the development of the disease, the disease can be confused with other, no less serious diseases, such as pneumonia, angina pectoris. Therefore, for each of the indicated signs of osteochondrosis, a comprehensive examination of the body is necessary.
Pain with this disease is divided into two types:
- Dorsago - sharp pain of considerable intensity, accompanied by a feeling of stiffness and preventing normal breathing;
- Dorsalgia – pain in the area of the intervertebral discs that lasts for a long time.
One of the most striking manifestations of the disease is pain in the epigastric region. Pain exacerbations occur regardless of the season, most often caused by diet.
Causes of thoracic osteochondrosis
The reasons for the development of osteochondrosis of the chest can be different. Among the most common manifestations are the following:
- Pathologies of the structure of the intervertebral discs, including a hereditary tendency to develop spinal diseases;
- Thinned intervertebral discs, hernia;
- Decreased quality of cartilage tissue;
- Circulatory disorders that prevent blood flow to the spinal cord;
- Irrational loading of the spine, causing degeneration of muscle tissue, cartilage or bones;
- Lack of vitamins and trace elements, mainly calcium;
- Constant physical activity;
- Sedentary lifestyle, working on a computer or driving a car;
- Injuries and other damage to the spine.
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the chest should begin as early as possible. Even if manifestations in the form of significant pain are not detected, this does not mean that the disease does not require treatment. The earlier the treatment starts, the easier and faster it will be. Modern medicine offers a wide range of methods for the treatment of osteochondrosis, and in combination with the methods of traditional medicine, you can achieve quick and lasting results.
The first stage of treatment is diagnosis. It is necessary to accurately determine the disease - for this, the doctor performs palpation, examination and collects anamnesis. In order to accurately determine the cause of the disease, it is necessary not only to take a blood and urine test, but also to undergo an X-ray or MRI.
When the diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor determines how to treat osteochondrosis of the chest. The usual course includes not only drug treatment, but also physiotherapy, therapeutic gymnastics and massage.
Exercise therapy for thoracic osteochondrosis
Exercise therapy for this disease is mandatory, as is massage, but the basis of treatment in any case is medication. The doctor treats osteochondrosis based on the specific case of the patient.
Manual therapy
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis will be more complete if, in addition to regular massage and physical education, it includes manual therapy. It helps to get rid of increased muscle tone, eliminate spasms and restore the normal position of the back muscles. A chiropractor can relieve back tension, release blood vessels, improve blood supply, provide quality nutrition, and restore intervertebral discs.
Physiotherapy
Drug therapy is usually combined with physical therapy methods. Patients are usually prescribed:
- Shockwave therapy is the impact of sound waves on the chest area. Improves metabolism, blood supply to the affected area, improves tissue recovery and relieves pain;
- Detensor therapy - helps to unload the spine and relieve spasms under the influence of the patient's own weight;
- Electrotherapy – tissue heating using electric fields delivering pulses to improve blood circulation and stimulate metabolism. Under the influence of the current, drugs for the treatment of osteochondrosis are absorbed more effectively;
- Ultraviolet treatment - quartz treatment improves the production of vitamin D, and also helps to relieve pain and improve the functioning of the immune system;
- Magnetotherapy - a low-frequency electromagnetic field improves the supply of useful substances to the diseased area, accelerates healing and improves blood flow;
- Laser therapy – lasers can relieve spasms and pain, reduce inflammation, stimulate tissue repair processes;
- Ultrasound - the ultrasound vibration helps relieve pain, inflammation and also promotes better absorption of medicines.
Drug therapy
In this disease, drug treatment may include drugs for internal use and topical application.
Tablets for osteochondrosis allow you to:
- They reduce pain;
- Alleviation of inflammation;
- Relax your muscles;
- Improvement of local blood circulation;
- Restoration of metabolism;
- Strengthening tissue regeneration.
In this disease, symptomatic treatment is very important. First of all, take analgesics. They allow you to get rid of the pain that sometimes accompanies any movement. To ensure that the drug not only relieves pain, but also reduces inflammation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with an analgesic effect are recommended. Also, in osteochondrosis, it is recommended to take chondroprotective drugs, vitamin-mineral complexes and immunomodulatory agents.
Local drugs for the treatment of the disease are aimed at the same effect as internal ones. Ointments, gels and creams for application to the affected area may contain analgesics and NSAIDs, as well as chondroprotectors and other necessary agents.
People's funds
Traditional medicine helps in the treatment of osteochondrosis long before all modern medicines were invented. Their effectiveness is not so high, but side effects are absent or minimal. Folk remedies are an excellent addition to the main treatment, and as part of complex therapy, they allow you to recover faster.
Among the folk remedies are:
- Horseradish leaves soaked in boiling water are applied to the diseased area - this relieves the symptoms of osteochondrosis, and regular procedures prevent exacerbation of the disease;
- A compress of homemade cottage cheese with a few drops of vinegar is applied overnight to get rid of the symptoms of osteochondrosis in the chest or neck;
- A tincture of the leaves and flowers of the podbel plant is used to rub the sore spot;
- Pies of fresh rye flour are cooled slightly and applied to sore areas to relieve inflammation and pain.
Offers traditional medicine and means for internal use. For thoracic osteochondrosis, you can use:
- Four cloves of garlic and three crushed lemons, poured with boiling water, are taken on an empty stomach, one tablespoon at a time. It cannot be used in gastritis and peptic ulcer;
- Instead of ordinary tea, a decoction of lingonberry leaves is taken in the amount of a tablespoon per liter of boiling water;
- Horse sorrel boiled for ten minutes. Leave for a few hours, then take a few lozenges three times a day. It is an effective means of treating pain in osteochondrosis;
- Nettle juice. Mixed in equal proportions with honey and ethyl alcohol, take one tablespoon three times a day for a week and a half.
What to do in case of an exacerbation?
Exacerbations are the hardest part of this disease. They are accompanied by sharp and sharp pain, which is called dorsago. It is very difficult to relieve such severe pain and it is not always possible to do it yourself. The cause of exacerbation may be:
- hypothermia;
- Physical exercises;
- Excessive work, constant hard work;
- Too active training;
- Stress and other stresses on the nervous system.
What should a person do if they feel that an exacerbation is approaching? First of all, you need to make an appointment with a neurologist. He will diagnose your condition and prescribe the necessary treatment measures that will help eliminate exacerbations and minimize symptoms. Exacerbation of the disease is often accompanied by nausea, headache of high intensity, limited mobility and general weakness.
Since this disease is closely related to breathing, an exacerbation can cause difficulties with it - deep breaths and sharp exhalations become very painful. To minimize the number of muscle spasms, it is recommended to observe bed rest during an exacerbation.
Patients with an exacerbation of the disease are referred to inpatient treatment, where they are transported by ambulance so that the patient does not have to move a lot. During treatment, drugs that relieve muscle spasms are first prescribed. Analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy are prescribed for pain relief.
One of the most serious consequences of an exacerbation of the disease can be an intervertebral hernia. A slight bulge in the chest can lead to pain in different parts of the back. If the protrusion is large, it can lead to serious problems and endanger the life of the patient. The only way to get rid of the intervertebral hernia in this case is surgery.
In order to avoid such complications during an exacerbation of the disease, it is recommended to follow the rules:
- Maintain bed rest, minimum physical activity and unnecessary movements;
- Maintaining a healthy diet;
- Compliance with all the doctor's recommendations, taking prescribed drugs;
- Massage and rub the affected area;
- On the recommendation of a doctor - exercise therapy;
- Rubbing gels, ointments and creams prescribed by a doctor in the area of the chest and spine;
- Attending physiotherapy procedures prescribed by your doctor.
Prevention measures
Thoracic osteochondrosis is an unpleasant disease that is best avoided. To reduce the risk of developing the disease, you should:
- Avoid lifting weights beyond normal limits;
- Protect the spine from hypothermia;
- Rest regularly and avoid excessive fatigue;
- Make sure your posture is correct.
- Do not stay in the same position for a long time, especially if you are uncomfortable.
If your professional activity inevitably involves staying in one position, you should adopt a rule of physical exercise. Office workers, drivers and other professionals who sit in one place for a long time should regularly get up, change the position of the spine and stretch their legs. If possible, one of the complex exercises specially developed for such cases is performed during these physical culture minutes.
It is equally important to eat properly and nutritiously. The main principle of healthy nutrition for the musculoskeletal system is the avoidance of salty foods. Salt is deposited in the bone and cartilage tissue, which leads to its destruction.
It is best to sleep on orthopedic mattresses. If this is not possible, it is better to sleep on a hard surface than on one that is too soft. You can put a special board on the bed or sofa.