Thoracic osteochondrosis is a serious disease that few people face.This is a degenerative change in the intervertebral discs.The pathological danger is that in the absence of competent, timely treatment, it causes irreversible damage to internal organs and chest deformations.Thoracic osteochondrosis and its symptoms appear in every 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 diverse and depend on many factors.The main thing is in the metabolism of intervertebral discs, the correct distribution of loads on them, in the development of dystrophic pathologies, dystonic pathologies, another curvature of the spine.
Every second patient who seeks help with the diagnosis of thoracic osteochondrosis has to sit for a long time at work - in the office while driving a car.
The development of pathology is facilitated by lifestyle:
- poor nutrition, lack of daily meals;
- violation 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 to eliminate.At the slightest sign of the disease, you should consult a doctor.
Symptoms
Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are pronounced and difficult to ignore.They resemble other diseases, so the disease is called a chameleon in medicine.Main symptoms:
- creeping sensation throughout the body, especially in the chest area;
- Sexual dysfunction in men - impotence;
- numbness;
- hereditary;
- disorders in the activity of the cardiovascular system;
- weakness in arms;
- decreased mobility in the thoracic region;
- Chest pain that gets worse with active movements, sometimes when breathing.Painful, belt-like.
Rarely, 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 one type of osteochondrosis into 2 categories.Some experts distinguish 3:
- Dorsago.The pain is sharp, intense and "comes" in sudden attacks.It may be difficult to breathe.Vertebral syndrome occurs in people who sit for a long time, bend over a surface.Movements in the thoracic and lumbar spine are limited.Patients with osteochondrosis compare pain in the sternum to a lump in the chest.
- Dorsalgia.The pain is mild.It usually starts gradually and lasts for several weeks.There may be restrictions on mobility.The pain worsens with sudden movements and at night.
- Thoracic or intercostal neuralgia.Smart sensations appear in the area of the ribs and radiate to the shoulder and shoulder blade.
Severe stress, overwork, sudden, heavy physical exertion, symptoms intensify.
Thoracic osteochondrosis and cough are not suitable.Pulmonary symptoms occur with pneumonia, which causes chest pain.Possible fire.
The main difference between the diseases is that there is no obvious localization of pain during pneumonia.
To diagnose the disease, a comprehensive examination is carried out, including radiography and computed tomography.
Drug treatment
In most cases, depending on how thoracic osteochondrosis hurts, conservative treatment methods are used.First, pain and inflammation are relieved.After that, the obtained result is combined 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 treated surgically.
Various 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 relieve acute pain.
Medicines for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region are prescribed individually.Several types are used: steroid hormones, pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, non-steroidal drugs.Immunostimulants and drugs are used to normalize metabolism in the body.Doctors rarely prescribe sedatives for anxiety.
During treatment, it is important to avoid injuries and bruises of the spine.
Traditional treatment
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis by traditional methods is an additional measure.Healers suggest ways:
- Mix linseed oil and horseradish juice in equal proportions.Rub the mixture on the chest area every day.
- Pour a spoonful of mint or lemon balm into a glass of boiling water and steep for 10-15 minutes.Infuse in several doses daily at room temperature on an empty stomach.
- Mix it with a spoonful of butter or a spoonful of hop cones, which were previously powdered.Ointment helps with osteochondrosis, gout and rheumatism.
- Wild strawberry tea is suitable for the treatment of osteochondrosis.Pour a spoonful of crushed leaves, fruits and berries with a glass of boiling water.Leave for 10-15 minutes.Take 2-3 glasses daily.
- 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 half a glass 2-3 times a day.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 learn 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 aims to reduce muscle tension, restore blood circulation and release nerve roots.Exercises strengthen the muscular framework of the neck, lower back, chest and back, as well as correct posture and prevent relapse.Movements during yoga are smooth (sudden ones will worsen the situation), painless.Do the exercises regularly, otherwise they are ineffective.
There are many recommendations and exercises for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine on the Internet.It is especially worth doing therapeutic yoga first under the supervision of doctors.Otherwise, serious irreversible consequences are possible.
We must not forget about preventive measures:
- moderate salt intake;
- Swimming, bath, sauna;
- Physiotherapy procedures - magnetic therapy, laser therapy;
- moderate physical activity;
- massage;
- Alternate static load with dynamic load.
Many do not suffer from chest pain (15% of patients have disorders of the musculoskeletal system).This is rare because the spine in this part of the body is fine and immobile.Symptoms are difficult to confuse with other types of osteochondrosis.Pathology can be treated, the main thing is not to delay visiting doctors.