Thoracic osteochondrosis is a serious disease that few people face.This is a degenerative change in the intervertebral discs.The danger of pathology is that in the absence of competent and timely treatment, it leads to irreversible damage to internal organs and deformities of the chest.Thoracic osteochondrosis and its symptoms can manifest themselves in every person, because a sedentary lifestyle and its consequences are a problem of modern society.
Causes of 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, poor 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 the pathology is facilitated by lifestyle:
- poor diet, lack of eating routine;
- disruption of normal liver function;
- sedentary work;
- overweight;
- sedentary lifestyle, excessive physical activity.
Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis is simple.The illness 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 chameleon in medicine.Main symptoms:
- a crawling sensation throughout the body, especially in the chest;
- sexual dysfunction, in men – impotence;
- numbness;
- heredity;
- 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 while breathing.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, heart and myocardial infarction, peptic ulcer disease of the gastrointestinal tract.
Doctors divide pain, as a symptom of one type of osteochondrosis, into 2 categories.Some experts distinguish 3:
- Dorsago.The pain is sharp, intense and “comes” in sudden attacks.There may be difficulty breathing.Spinal syndrome occurs in people who sit for long periods of time, hunched over a surface.Movement of the thoracic and lumbar spine is limited.With osteochondrosis, patients compare pain in the sternum to a stake in the chest.
- Back pain.The pain is mild.It usually starts gradually and lasts several weeks.There may be mobility restrictions.The pain intensifies with sudden movements and at night.
- Thoracalgia or intercostal neuralgia.Painful sensations appear in the ribs and radiate to the shoulder and scapula.
In case of intense stress, overwork, sudden and intense physical exertion, the symptoms intensify.
Thoracic osteochondrosis and cough are incompatible.Pulmonary symptoms occur during 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 an x-ray and a CT scan.
Drug treatment
In most cases, they resort to conservative methods of treatment, depending on the severity of thoracic osteochondrosis.Initially, pain and inflammation are relieved.Then the obtained result is consolidated with the help of yoga and vitamin complexes.Many patients do not dare to seek help from a doctor;they mistakenly believe that osteochondrosis can only be cured surgically.
Various therapies are prescribed (massage, physiotherapy, acupuncture, moxotherapy).The duration of treatment lasts 5-8 sessions, depending on the stage of the disease.To eliminate acute pain, 2-4 procedures are enough.
Medicines for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region are prescribed individually.Several types are used: steroid hormones, analgesics, anti-inflammatories, non-steroidal drugs.Immunostimulants and drugs are used to normalize metabolism in the body.Doctors rarely prescribe sedative medications for anxiety.
During treatment, it is important to avoid spinal injuries and bruises.
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 on the chest daily.
- Pour a tablespoon of mint or lemon balm into a glass of boiling water and let it steep for 10 to 15 minutes.Take the decoction daily at room temperature 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 against 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 to act for 10 to 15 minutes.Take 2 to 3 glasses per day.
- 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 treatment methods has been proven, but they must be used under the strict supervision of doctors and detect the presence of individual contraindications.
Therapeutic gymnastics
Yoga for thoracic osteochondrosis is obligatory and is considered the second step on the path to healing.Intended to reduce muscle tension, restore blood circulation and release 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 movements will aggravate the situation), painless.Do the exercises regularly, otherwise they are ineffective.
On the Internet there are many recommendations and exercises for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.It is worth practicing therapeutic yoga under the supervision of doctors, especially at first.Otherwise, serious irreversible consequences are possible.
We must not forget about preventive measures:
- moderate salt intake;
- swimming, public baths, sauna;
- physiotherapeutic procedures – magnetic therapy, laser therapy;
- moderate physical activity;
- massage;
- alternation of static load and dynamic load.
Few people suffer from chest pain (15% of patients with disorders of the musculoskeletal system).This is rare, because 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 the visit to the doctor.