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 without competent and timely treatment it leads to irreversible damage to internal organs and deformation of the breast.Thoracic osteochondrosis and its symptoms can manifest themselves 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 diverse and depend on many factors.The main thing is disorders in the metabolism of the intervertebral discs, incorrect distribution of the load on them, the development of dystrophic pathologies - scoliosis, another type of curvature of the spine.
Every second patient who seeks help with the diagnosis of thoracic osteochondrosis is forced to sit in a static state for a long time at work - in the office, while driving a car.
The development of pathology is facilitated by lifestyle:
- poor diet, lack of eating routine;
- disruption of normal liver function;
- sedentary activity;
- obesity;
- Lack of exercise, excessive physical activity.
Preventing thoracic osteochondrosis is easy.The illness is difficult for them to overcome.At the slightest sign of illness, you should see 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 feeling throughout the body, especially in the chest area;
- sexual dysfunction, in men – impotence;
- Deafness;
- heredity;
- Dysfunction of the cardiovascular system;
- weakness in arms;
- reduced mobility in the chest area;
- Chest pain that gets worse with active movement, sometimes while breathing.Has a painful, caressing character.
In rare cases, toothache occurs.
This type of osteochondrosis is often confused with other diseases due to pain in the stomach and heart - myocardial infarction, peptic ulcer of the gastrointestinal tract.
Doctors divide pain as a symptom of a type of osteochondrosis into two categories.Some experts distinguish 3:
- Dorsago.The pain is acute, intense and “comes” in sudden attacks.Difficulty breathing may occur.Vertebrae syndrome occurs in people who sit and bend over a surface for long periods of time.The movements of the thoracic and lumbar spine are restricted.With osteochondrosis, patients compare pain in the sternum with pain in the chest.
- Dorsalgia.The pain is mild.It usually starts gradually and lasts several weeks.There may be restrictions on mobility.The pain increases with sudden movements and at night.
- Thoracic neuralgia or intercostal neuralgia.Pain sensations occur in the rib area and radiate to the shoulder and scapula.
The symptoms worsen when there is severe stress, overload, or sudden, heavy physical exertion.
Breast osteochondrosis and cough are incompatible.Pneumonia causes pulmonary symptoms that cause chest pain.Possible fever.
The main difference between the diseases is that pain in pneumonia does not have a clear localization.
To diagnose the disease, a comprehensive examination including X-rays and computed tomography is performed.
Drug treatment
In most cases, they resort to conservative treatment methods, depending on how painful the thoracic osteochondrosis is.Initially, pain and inflammation are relieved.The achieved result is then consolidated with the help of yoga and vitamin complexes.Many patients do not dare to see a doctor;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.2-4 procedures are enough to eliminate acute pain.
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 medications are used to normalize metabolism in the body.Doctors rarely write prescriptions for sedatives when anxiety occurs.
During treatment, it is important to avoid injuries and bruises to the spine.
Treatment with traditional methods
An additional measure is the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis using traditional methods.Healers offer options:
- Mix equal parts flaxseed oil and horseradish juice.Rub the mixture into the chest area daily.
- Add a tablespoon of mint or lemon balm to a glass of boiling water and let it steep for 10-15 minutes.Take the decoction at room temperature in several doses daily on an empty stomach.
- Mix a tablespoon of butter or lard with a tablespoon of hop cones previously ground into powder.The ointment helps with osteochondrosis, gout and rheumatism.
- Wild strawberry tea is suitable for treating osteochondrosis.Pour a tablespoon of crushed leaves, fruits and berries with a glass of boiling water.Leave on for 10-15 minutes.Take 2-3 glasses daily.
- Put 2 tablespoons of chamomile in 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 should be used under strict medical supervision and the presence of individual contraindications should be clarified.
Therapeutic gymnastics
Yoga for thoracic osteochondrosis is mandatory and is considered the second step on the road to recovery.The aim is to reduce muscle tension, restore blood circulation and release pinched nerve roots.Exercises strengthen the muscles of the neck, lower back, chest and the entire spine, correct posture and prevent relapses.The movements in yoga are gentle (sudden movements aggravate the condition) and painless.Do the exercises regularly, otherwise they will be ineffective.
There are many recommendations and exercises for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine on the Internet.Especially in the beginning, it is worth doing therapeutic yoga under medical supervision.Otherwise, serious irreversible consequences are possible.
We should not forget about preventive measures:
- moderate salt consumption;
- swimming, bathhouse, sauna;
- physiotherapeutic procedures – magnetic field therapy, laser therapy;
- moderate physical activity;
- Massage;
- Alternating static load with dynamic load.
Not many suffer from chest pain (15% of patients with musculoskeletal disorders).This rarely happens because the spine in this part of the body is well fixed and inactive.The symptoms are difficult to confuse with other forms of osteochondrosis.The pathology can be cured, the main thing is not to delay seeing a doctor.