Thoracic osteochondrosis is a serious disease that few people encounter.This is a degenerative change in the intervertebral discs.The danger of the pathology is that in the absence of competent, timely treatment, it leads to irreversible damage to the internal organs and deformations of the chest.Thoracic osteochondrosis and its symptoms can manifest in any person, because a sedentary lifestyle and the consequences that arise from it are a problem of modern society.
Causes of disease
The causes of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region are different and depend on many factors.The main thing is disturbances in the metabolism of the intervertebral discs, improper distribution of the load on them, dystrophic pathologies develop - scoliosis, another type of curvature of the spine.
Every other 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 doctor's office, while driving a car.
The development of pathology facilitates the way of life:
- 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 disease is difficult for her to overcome.At the slightest sign of illness, you should consult a doctor.
Symptoms
Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are pronounced and difficult to ignore.They are similar to other diseases, which is why the disease is called a chameleon in medicine.Main symptoms:
- crawling sensation all over the body, especially in the chest area;
- sexual dysfunction, in men - impotence;
- numbness;
- heredity;
- disorders in the work of the cardiovascular system;
- weakness in arms;
- reduced mobility in the thoracic region;
- chest pain that worsens with active movement, sometimes while breathing.It has a painful, girdling character.
In rare cases, a toothache occurs.
This type of osteochondrosis is often confused with other diseases due to pain in the stomach, heart - myocardial infarction, peptic ulcer of the gastrointestinal tract.
Doctors divide pain, as a symptom of some kind of osteochondrosis, into 2 categories.Some experts distinguish 3:
- Dorsago.The pain is acute, intense and "comes" in sudden attacks.Difficulty breathing may occur.Vertebral syndrome occurs in people who sit for a long time, bending over the surface.Movements in the thoracic and lumbar spine are limited.With osteochondrosis, patients compare the pain in the sternum to a stake in the chest.
- Dorsalgia.The pain is mild.It usually starts gradually and lasts for several weeks.There may be movement restrictions.The pain increases with sudden movements and at night.
- Thoracalgia or intercostal neuralgia.Painful sensations occur in the area of the ribs and radiate to the shoulder and shoulder blade.
With severe stress, excessive work, sudden, 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 radiography and computer tomography.
Drug treatment
In most cases, they resort to conservative treatment methods, depending on how painful thoracic osteochondrosis is.At the beginning, pain and inflammation are alleviated.After that, the achieved 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.
Different therapies are prescribed (massage, physiotherapy, acupuncture, moxa therapy).The course of treatment lasts 5-8 sessions, depending on the stage of the disease.2-4 procedures are enough to remove acute pain.
Medicines for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region are prescribed individually.Several types are used: steroid hormones, painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, non-steroidal drugs.Immunostimulants and drugs are used to normalize the body's metabolism.Doctors rarely write prescriptions for tranquilizers when anxiety strikes.
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 to:
- Mix linseed oil and horseradish juice in equal proportions.Rub the mixture into the chest area daily.
- Pour a spoonful of mint or lemon balm over a glass of boiling water and let it stand for 10-15 minutes.Take the decoction at room temperature daily in several doses on an empty stomach.
- Mix a spoonful of butter or lard with a spoonful of hop cones, previously ground into powder.Ointment helps with osteochondrosis, gout and rheumatism.
- Wild strawberry tea is suitable for the treatment of osteochondrosis.Pour a glass of boiling water over a spoonful of crushed leaves, fruit and berries.Leave for 10-15 minutes.Take 2-3 glasses a day.
- Pour 2 tablespoons of chamomile into a glass container and cover with 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 it should be used under the strict supervision of a doctor and determine the presence of individual contraindications.
Therapeutic gymnastics
Yoga for thoracic osteochondrosis is mandatory and is considered the second step on the road to recovery.It is intended to reduce muscle tension, restore blood circulation and release pinched nerve roots.Exercises strengthen the muscular framework of the neck, lower back, chest and spine as a whole, correct posture and prevent relapses.Movements during yoga are smooth (sudden movements will worsen the condition), 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 doing therapeutic yoga under the supervision of a doctor, especially in the beginning.Otherwise, serious irreversible consequences are possible.
Do not forget about preventive measures:
- moderate salt intake;
- bathing, bathroom, sauna;
- physiotherapeutic procedures - magnetic therapy, laser therapy;
- moderate physical activity;
- massage;
- alternating static load with dynamic load.
Not many suffer from chest pain (15% of patients with disorders of the musculoskeletal system).It is rare, because 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 doctor.