Thoracic osteochondrosis is a serious disease that some people face.These are degenerative changes in the intervertebral disc.The danger of the pathology is that in the absence of competent treatment, in time it leads to irreversible damage to internal organs and deformation of the chest.Thoracic osteochondrosis and its symptoms can manifest in every person, because an inactive lifestyle and the consequences arising from it are a problem of modern society.
Cause of disease
The causes of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region are different and depend on many factors.The main thing is a disturbance in the metabolism of intervertebral discs, an improper distribution of loads on them, dystrophic pathology develops - scoliosis, another curvature of the spine.
Every second patient who seeks help with the diagnosis of thoracic osteochondrosis has to sit for a long time in a static position at work - in the office, while driving a car.
Pathological development is facilitated by lifestyle:
- poor nutrition, lack of routine in eating;
- disruption of the normal function of the liver;
- inactive work;
- overweight;
- Sedentary lifestyle, excessive physical activity.
Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis is simple.This disease is difficult 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, therefore the disease is called chameleon in medicine.Main Symptoms:
- crawling feeling all over the body, especially in the chest area;
- sexual dysfunction, in men - impotence;
- numbness;
- descent;
- disorders in the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
- weakness in arms;
- decreased mobility in the thoracic region;
- Chest pain that worsens with active movement, sometimes while breathing.Having a sick, girdling character.
In rare cases, toothache occurs.
This type of osteochondrosis is often confused with other diseases because of pain in the stomach, heart - myocardial infarction, peptic ulcer of the gastrointestinal tract.
Doctors divide pain, as a symptom of osteochondrosis, into 2 categories.Some experts distinguish 3:
- Dorsago.The pain is acute, intense, and "comes" in sudden attacks.There may be difficulty breathing.Vertebral syndrome occurs in people who sit for long periods of time, bending over the surface.Movement in the thoracic and lumbar spine is limited.With osteochondrosis, the patient compares the pain in the sternum to the importance 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.
- Thoracalgia or intercostal neuralgia.A painful sensation appears in the rib area and radiates to the shoulder and shoulder blade.
With severe stress, hard work, sudden physical exertion, heavy, the symptoms are increasing.
Thoracic osteochondrosis and cough are incompatible.Pulmonary symptoms occur with pneumonia, which causes pain in the chest area.Maybe a fever.
The main difference between the diseases is that the pain during pneumonia does not have a clear localization.
To diagnose this disease, a comprehensive examination is carried out, including radiography and computed tomography.
Drug treatment
In most cases, they use conservative treatment methods, depending on how painful thoracic osteochondrosis is.At first, pain and inflammation are relieved.After that, the achieved results are consolidated with the help of yoga and vitamin complexes.Many patients do not dare to seek help from doctors;They mistakenly believe that osteochondrosis can only be cured by surgery.
Various therapies are prescribed (massage, physiotherapy, acupuncture, moxotherapy).The course of treatment lasts 5-8 sessions, depending on the level of the disease.To eliminate acute pain, 2-4 procedures are enough.
Drugs 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 write prescriptions for sedative drugs when anxiety occurs.
During treatment, it is important to avoid injury and bruising of the spine.
Treatment with traditional methods
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis with traditional methods is an additional step.The healer offers ways:
- Mix linseed oil and radish juice in equal proportions.Rub the mixture every day on the chest area.
- Pour a spoonful of mint or lemon balm into a glass of boiling water and let steep for 10-15 minutes.Take the decoction at room temperature every day in several doses on an empty stomach.
- Mix a spoonful of butter or lard with a spoonful of hops, previously powdered.Ointment helps with osteochondrosis, gout, and rheumatism.
- Wild strawberry tea is suitable for the treatment of osteochondrosis.Pour a spoonful of 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 a decoction every day, 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 the strict supervision of a doctor and knowing the presence of individual contraindications.
Therapeutic gymnastics
Yoga for thoracic osteochondrosis is mandatory and considered the second step on the road to recovery.Aims to reduce muscle tension, restore blood circulation, and release pinched nerve roots.Exercise strengthens the muscle frame of the neck, lower back, chest, and spine as a whole, correct posture, and prevent relapse.Movement during yoga is smooth (which will suddenly worsen the situation), painless.Do the exercises regularly, otherwise they will not be effective.
On the internet there are many recommendations and exercises for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.It is worth performing therapeutic yoga under the supervision of a doctor, especially in the beginning.Otherwise, serious irreversible consequences are possible.
We must not forget preventive measures:
- moderate salt intake;
- swimming, bath, sauna;
- Physiotherapy Procedures - Magnetic Therapy, Laser Therapy;
- moderate physical activity;
- Massage;
- Static load alternates with dynamic load.
Not many have chest pain (15% of patients with disorders of the musculoskeletal system).It is rare, because the spine in this part of the body remains fine and inactive.The symptoms are difficult to confuse with other types of osteochondrosis.Pathology can be cured, the main thing is not to delay visiting the doctor.