The appearance of such a dangerous disease as osteochondrosis contributes to the development of inflammatory processes in the cartilage and bone tissue of the spine.
The causes of such 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?
Osteochondrosis of the disease in the chest region is a lesion of cartilaginous and bone tissues, which lead to degenerative changes in the spine. Lack of correct and timely treatment very often leads to complete or partial destruction of intervertebral discs.
This type of disease is very often accompanied by a large number of other types of disease. The peculiarity of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is that the affected area is hidden by the breast bone tissue, which complicates the accurate 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 middle, as it contains a larger number of intervertebral discs. However, they are much thinner than the rest. Therefore, destruction and damage to the spine in the chest area is much more difficult to heal, and the disease progresses much faster.
Causes of the disease
The onset of osteochondrosis disease in the chest region is a phenomenon that occurs much less frequently than the defeat of the cervical and lumbar vertebrae.
The following reasons may contribute to the appearance of an inflammatory process in the chest region:
- Disorders of any origin in the intervertebral discs.
- Intervertebral herniation.
- Inflammatory foci in cartilage tissue.
- 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 beneficial minerals in the body.
- Passive lifestyle.
- Rachiocampsis.
- Injuries and bruises.
- Strength training.
- Frequent hypothermia.
- Frequent stressful situations and difficult working conditions.
The disease can develop due to an inherited predisposition to the onset of symptoms.
Symptoms and signs
The development of osteochondrosis in the chest region has the following symptoms:
- The appearance of pain in the ribs.
- Discomfort during breathing.
- Sharp pain in bending and raising the arms.
- The appearance of a pulling pain between the shoulder blades, even in a supine position.
- The appearance of swelling in the 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 chest region.
In the early stages of development, the following signs of the onset of the disease can be observed:
- Frequent headaches.
- Mixed.
- Increased body temperature.
- Painful sensations in the chest during waking up in the morning.
- Dizziness.
- Weaknesses.
- Painful sensations with a sharp breath and breathing.
Note!Very often, the disease can be confused with inflammatory processes of internal organs, as the developmental symptoms often coincide. To confirm the diagnosis, it is necessary to undergo a special examination.
Necessary actions during a deterioration
If the course of the disease is left without proper attention, exacerbations can occur, during which a person may feel sharp symptoms of pain and lack of normal functioning of the body.
During exacerbations, the following actions are recommended:
- Observe the rest of the bed.
- Adhere to a proper diet, which should contain a large number of foods that saturate the body with all the vitamins and minerals.
- Contacting a medical institution and taking all medications.
- Use of funds for external treatment.
- If necessary, perform physiotherapy exercises.
- With the appointment of a doctor, switching methods of exposure to physiotherapy
At the time of disease exacerbation, it is necessary to completely exclude different types of physical activity and stressful situations.
Treatment of osteochondrosis in the chest region
For treatment, the patient must undergo a special examination, which means delivering the necessary tests and undergoing the X-ray and tomography procedure.
Only after receiving all the necessary test answers, the doctor prescribes treatment, which consists of medication, massage and physiotherapy exercises.
Medication treatment
Drug treatment of the disease consists of the following directions - it is the elimination of pain, cessation of the development of osteochondrosis, removal of the inflammatory process.
To reduce pain, pain relievers and antispasmodic medications are prescribed.
The use of glucosamine and chondroitin is prescribed to restore damaged tissue. In addition, the patient needs to increase the intake of necessary vitamins in the body, if food products are not enough, special vitamin complexes are recommended.
Good to know! A special agent must be used to retain the necessary fluid in the intervertebral discs. To facilitate the inflammatory process, the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is recommended, which the attending physician selects individually for each case.
Physiotherapy
The use of physiotherapy exercises is prescribed only after eliminating the symptoms of pain, the inflammatory process is reduced. Performing 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 to the site of injury, due to which the inflammatory process is reduced 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 is permissible, without the use of mandatory methods.
Once the pain symptoms are eliminated, a drainage massage is applied, which improves blood circulation and begins the natural process of cell repair.
Note!For massage, it is recommended to use special gels or essential oils that reduce inflammation and improve a person's well-being. It is not recommended to do the massage yourself, you should contact a specialist.
Manual therapy
Manual therapy for osteochondrosis has the following features of the effect on the focus of the lesion:
- The specialist heats up the tense muscle tissue.
- Slow stretching of muscle tissue is performed, due to which the spasm is relieved.
- The patient is given 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 an improved condition of the whole body.
Prevention of osteochondrosis in the chest region
To avoid the development of the disease, experts recommend adhering to the following rules of prevention:
- To prevent hypothermia of the body, in case of such a situation, it is recommended to take a hot bath.
- Perform standard physical exercises that increase flexibility and plasticity of the spine.
- Avoid staying in uncomfortable 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 your back.
- Avoid lifting weights.
- Avoid touching, watch your behavior.
By following simple rules, a person can avoid unpleasant symptoms and long-term treatment.
Osteochondrosis disease of the chest region is a rather complex type of inflammatory process that requires complex therapy.
Good to know!This type of disease can no longer be cured on its own, therefore, when the first symptoms appear, you should contact a medical institution for diagnosis. Based on the answers, the doctor will individually choose the method needed to eliminate the problem.