The emergence of such a dangerous disease as osteochondrosis contributes to the development of inflammatory processes in the cartilage and bone tissues of the spine.
The causes of such a pathology can be a large number of factors. If not properly treated, this type of inflammation can lead to disability.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine - what is it?
Disease osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is a lesion of cartilaginous and bone tissues, which lead to degenerative changes in the spine. Lack of correct and timely treatment very often leads to complete or partial destruction of intervertebral discs.
This type of disease is very often accompanied by a large number of other types of disease. The peculiarity of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is that the affected area is hidden by the breast bone tissues, which complicates the correct diagnosis of the disease and the risk of damage to organs that are located nearby.
Note!The structure of the human thoracic region is slightly different from the lumbar, as it contains a larger number of intervertebral discs. However, they are much thinner than the rest. Therefore, destruction and damage to the spine in the chest area is much more difficult to heal, and the disease progresses much faster.
Causes of the disease
The onset of the disease of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is a phenomenon that happens much less often than the defeat of the cervical and lumbar vertebrae.
The following reasons can contribute to the appearance of an inflammatory process in the thoracic region:
- Disorders of any origin in the intervertebral discs.
- Herniated intervertebral.
- Inflammatory foci in cartilage tissues.
- Violation of the level of blood circulation in the tissues in the region of the spine.
- Excessive physical stress on the spine.
- Insufficient intake of useful minerals in the body.
- Passive lifestyle.
- Rachiocampsis.
- Injuries and bruises.
- Strength sports exercises.
- Frequent 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 thoracic region has the following symptoms:
- The appearance of pain in the ribs.
- Discomfort during breathing.
- Sharp pain on bending and raising arms.
- The appearance of a pulling pain between the shoulder blades, even in a lying position.
- The appearance of swelling in numbness in the area of the shoulder blades.
- Increased body temperature and chills.
- Burning sensation in the lower extremities.
- Violation of the normal functioning of the vascular system of the thoracic region.
At the initial levels of development, the following signs of the onset of the disease may be observed:
- Frequent headaches.
- Nausea.
- Increased body temperature.
- Painful sensations in the chest on awakening in the morning.
- Dizziness.
- Weakness.
- Painful sensations with a sharp breath and exhalation.
Note!Very often, the disease can be confused with the inflammatory processes of the internal organs, since the symptoms of development very often coincide. To confirm the diagnosis, it is necessary to undergo a special examination.
Necessary actions during an exacerbation
If the course of the disease is left without proper attention, exacerbations may occur, during which a person may feel severe pain symptoms and the lack of normal functioning of the body.
During exacerbations, the following actions are recommended:
- Observe bed rest.
- Adhere to a proper diet, which should contain a large number of foods that saturate the body with all vitamins and minerals.
- Contacting a medical institution and taking all medications.
- The use of funds for external treatment.
- If necessary, perform physiotherapy exercises.
- At the appointment of a doctor, the passage of methods of exposure to physiotherapy.
At the time of exacerbation of the disease, it is necessary to completely exclude various kinds of physical activity and stressful situations.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
For treatment, the patient needs to undergo a special examination, which implies the delivery of the necessary tests and the passage of the X-ray and tomography procedure.
Only after receiving all the necessary test answers, the doctor prescribes treatment, which consists of medications, massages and physiotherapy exercises.
Drug treatment
Drug treatment of the disease consists of the following directions - it is the elimination of pain, the cessation of the development of osteochondrosis, the removal of the inflammatory process.
To reduce pain, pain relievers and antispasmodic drugs are prescribed.
To restore damaged tissues, the use of glucosamine and chondroitin is prescribed. In addition, the patient needs to increase the intake of necessary vitamins into the body, if the food is not enough, special vitamin complexes are recommended.
Good to know!In order to retain the necessary fluid in the intervertebral discs, a special agent must be used. To relieve the inflammatory process, it is recommended to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which the attending physician selects individually for each case.
Physiotherapy
The use of physiotherapy exercises is prescribed only after the pain symptoms are eliminated, the inflammatory process decreases. Carrying out therapeutic exercises is carried out strictly under the supervision of specialists to prevent the occurrence of complications.
Exercise is aimed at eliminating muscle spasms and increasing the flow of blood instead of damage, due to which the inflammatory process decreases and damaged cells begin to regenerate on their own.
Massage
The use of massage for osteochondrosis is prescribed depending on the degree of development of the disease. For acute symptoms, light stroking and rubbing is permissible, without the use of forceful methods.
After the pain symptoms have been eliminated, a drainage massage is applied, which improves blood circulation and initiates the natural process of cell repair.
Note! For the 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 carry out the massage on your own, you should contact a specialist.
Manual therapy
Manual therapy for osteochondrosis has the following features of the effect on the lesion focus:
- The specialist heats up the tense muscle tissue.
- Slow stretching of muscle tissue is performed, due to which the spasm is relieved.
- The patient is given acupressure massages that 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 decrease in pain and an improved condition of the whole body.
Prevention of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
To avoid the development of the disease, experts recommend observing the following prevention rules:
- To prevent hypothermia of the body, in the event of such a situation, it is recommended to take a hot bath.
- Perform standard physical exercises that increase the flexibility and flexibility of the spine.
- Avoid being in uncomfortable positions for a long time, leading an active lifestyle.
- Regularly replenish the supply of vitamins and minerals in the body.
- Avoid prolonged physical exertion on the spine.
- Avoid lifting weights.
- Avoid stoop, watch your posture.
By following simple rules, a person can avoid unpleasant symptoms and long-term treatment.
The disease osteochondrosis of the thoracic region 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, therefore, when the first symptoms appear, you must contact a medical institution for diagnostics. Based on the answers, the doctor will individually select the necessary method to eliminate the problem.