The appearance 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 treated properly, this type of inflammation can lead to disability.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine: what is it?
The disease of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is a lesion of the cartilaginous and bone tissues, which leads to degenerative changes in the spine. The lack of correct and timely treatment very often leads to the total or partial destruction of the intervertebral discs.
This type of disease is usually 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 tissues of the sternum, 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 one, as it contains a greater number of intervertebral discs. However, they are much thinner than the rest. 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 appearance of the disease of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is a phenomenon that occurs 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.
- Wounds and bruises.
- Sports strength exercises.
- Frequent hypothermia.
- Frequent stressful situations and difficult working conditions.
The disease can develop due to a hereditary predisposition to the appearance of symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
The development of osteochondrosis in the thoracic region has the following symptoms:
- The appearance of pain in the ribs.
- Discomfort when breathing
- Sharp pain when bending and raising the arms.
- The appearance of a pulling pain between the shoulder blades, even in a lying position.
- The appearance of swelling with 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 can be observed:
- Frequent headaches
- Nausea.
- Increased body temperature
- Painful sensations in the chest when waking up in the morning.
- Dizziness.
- Weakness.
- Painful sensations with sharp breathing and exhalation.
Note!Very often, the disease can be confused with inflammatory processes of internal organs, since the symptoms of development very often coincide. To confirm the diagnosis, it is necessary to undergo a special examination.
Actions needed during an exacerbation.
If the course of the disease is left without proper care, exacerbations can occur, during which a person may feel symptoms of acute pain and a lack of normal functioning of the body.
During exacerbations, the following actions are recommended:
- Observe the bed rest.
- Follow a proper diet, which should contain a large amount of food that saturates the body with all vitamins and minerals.
- Contact a medical institution and take all medications.
- The use of funds for external treatment.
- If necessary, do physical therapy exercises.
- With the appointment of a doctor, the passage from exposure methods to physiotherapy.
At the time of exacerbation of the disease, it is necessary to completely exclude various types of physical activity and stressful situations.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region.
For treatment, the patient must undergo a special examination, which involves conducting the necessary tests and passing the X-ray and tomography procedure.
Only after receiving all the answers from the necessary tests, the doctor prescribes a treatment, which consists of drugs, massages and physical therapy exercises.
Drug treatment
Drug treatment of the disease consists of the following instructions: it is the elimination of pain, the cessation of the development of osteochondrosis, the elimination 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. Also, the patient should increase the intake of necessary vitamins in the body, if the food products are not enough, special vitamin complexes are recommended.
Good to know! To retain the necessary fluid in the intervertebral discs, a special agent must be used. To alleviate 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 subsides. The performance of therapeutic exercises is carried out strictly under the supervision of specialists to prevent the occurrence of complications.
Exercise aims to eliminate muscle spasms and increase blood flow rather than damage, so the inflammatory process slows down 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 are allowed, without the use of forceful methods.
Once the pain symptoms are eliminated, a drainage massage is applied, which improves blood circulation and starts the natural process of cell repair.
Note!For massage, it is recommended to use special gels or essential oils that reduce inflammation and improve the well-being of the person. It is not recommended to perform massage on your own, you need to contact a specialist.
Manual therapy
Manual therapy for osteochondrosis has the following characteristics of the effect on the focus of the injury:
- The specialist warms up the tight muscle tissue.
- A slow stretching of the muscle tissue is performed, thereby relieving the spasm.
- The patient receives 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 a better condition of the whole body.
Prevention of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region.
To avoid the development of the disease, experts recommend observing the following rules of prevention:
- To prevent hypothermia of the body, in such a situation, it is recommended to take a hot bath.
- Perform standard physical 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 supply of vitamins and minerals in the body.
- Avoid prolonged physical strain on the spine.
- Avoid lifting weights.
- Avoid slouching, watch your posture.
By following simple rules, a person can avoid unpleasant symptoms and long-term treatment.
The disease of 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 should contact a medical institution for a diagnosis. Based on the answers, the doctor will individually select the necessary method to eliminate the problem.