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 and timely treatment it leads to irreversible damage to the internal organs and deformations of the chest.Thoracic osteochondrosis and its symptoms can occur in any person, because a sedentary lifestyle and the resulting consequences 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 disorders in the metabolism of intervertebral discs, improper distribution of the load on them, the development of dystrophic pathologies: scoliosis, another type of curvature of the spine.
Every second patient seeking 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 the pathology is facilitated by lifestyle:
- poor diet, 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 in medicine the disease is called chameleon.Main symptoms:
- a crawling sensation throughout the body, especially in the chest area;
- sexual dysfunction, in men – impotence;
- numbness;
- inheritance;
- disorders in the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
- weakness in the arms;
- decreased mobility in the thoracic region;
- chest pain that worsens with active movements, sometimes during breathing.It has a painful and girdling character.
In rare cases, toothache occurs.
This type of osteochondrosis is often confused with other diseases due to stomach pain, cardiac-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 sharp, intense and “comes” with sudden attacks.There may be difficulty breathing.Spinal 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 starts gradually and lasts 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 rib area and radiate to the shoulder and shoulder blade.
With strong stress, overwork, sudden and 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 the pain during pneumonia does not have a clear localization.
To diagnose the disease, a comprehensive examination is carried out, including x-ray and computed tomography.
Pharmacological treatment
In most cases, they resort to conservative treatment methods, depending on how much the thoracic osteochondrosis hurts.At first, pain and inflammation are relieved.Subsequently, the result obtained is consolidated with the help of yoga and vitamin complexes.Many patients do not dare to ask doctors for help;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 enough.
Drugs for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region are prescribed individually.Different 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 prescribe sedative medications when anxiety occurs.
During treatment it is important to avoid injuries and bruises to the spine.
Treatment with traditional methods
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis with traditional methods is an additional measure.Healers offer ways:
- Mix flaxseed oil and horseradish juice in equal proportions.Rub the mixture into your chest area every day.
- Pour a spoonful of mint or lemon balm into a glass of boiling water and leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes.Take the decoction at room temperature every day in several doses on an empty stomach.
- Mix a spoonful of butter or lard with a spoonful of hop cones, previously ground into powder.The ointment helps with osteochondrosis, gout and rheumatism.
- Strawberry tea is suitable for the treatment of osteochondrosis.Pour a spoonful of chopped leaves, fruits and berries with a glass of boiling water.Leave to act for 10-15 minutes.Take 2-3 glasses a day.
- Pour 2 tablespoons of chamomile into a glass container and pour 250-300 ml of boiling water (you can boil for 5-10 minutes).Take the decoction every day, half a glass 2-3 times.The course of treatment is individual until the pain disappears.
The effectiveness of traditional treatment methods 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 freeing pinched nerve roots.The exercises strengthen the muscular structure 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 many tips and exercises for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.It is worth practicing therapeutic yoga under the supervision of doctors, especially at the beginning.Otherwise, serious irreversible consequences are possible.
We should not forget about preventive measures:
- moderate salt intake;
- swimming, bathhouse, sauna;
- physiotherapeutic procedures – magnetotherapy, laser therapy;
- moderate physical activity;
- massage;
- static load alternating with dynamic load.
Not many suffer from chest pain (15% of patients with musculoskeletal disorders).It is rare, since the spine in this part of the body is well fixed and inactive.Symptoms are difficult to confuse with other types of osteochondrosis.The pathology can be cured, the main thing is not to delay the visit to the doctors.