Thoracic osteochondrosis is a serious disease that few people face.This is a degenerative change of the intervertebral discs.The danger of the pathology is that, in the absence of proper and timely treatment, it leads to irreversible damage to the internal organs and deformation of the chest.Thoracic osteochondrosis and its symptoms can manifest 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 chest region are diverse and depend on many factors.The main thing is the disruption of the metabolism of the intervertebral discs, the incorrect distribution of the load, dystrophic pathologies develop - scoliosis, another curvature of the spine.
Every second patient who asks for help in 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 nutrition, lack of routine in eating;
- disruption 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 overcome.At the slightest sign of the disease, a doctor should be consulted.
Symptoms
Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are pronounced and difficult to ignore.They are similar to other diseases, so the disease is called a chameleon in medicine.Main symptoms:
- crawling sensation throughout the body, especially in the chest area;
- sexual dysfunction, in men - impotence;
- numbness;
- heredity;
- disorders in the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
- weakness in the arms;
- reduced mobility in the chest region;
- chest pain that worsens with active movements, sometimes while breathing.Painful, girdle-like.
In rare cases, toothache occurs.
This type of osteochondrosis is often confused with other diseases of the stomach, heart - myocardial infarction, peptic ulcer of the gastrointestinal tract.
Doctors classify pain as a symptom of one type of osteochondrosis into 2 categories.Some experts distinguish 3:
- Dorsago.The pain is acute, intense and "comes" in sudden attacks.Breathing difficulties may occur.Lumbar syndrome occurs in people who sit for long periods of time and bend over a surface.Movement of the thoracic and lumbar spine is limited.In osteochondrosis, patients compare the pain of 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 restrictions on mobility.The pain worsens with sudden movements and at night.
- Thoracalgia or intercostal neuralgia.Painful sensations appear in the area of the ribs and radiate to the shoulder and shoulder blades.
The symptoms intensify with severe stress, overload, sudden, strong physical exertion.
Chest osteochondrosis and cough are incompatible.In case of pneumonia, inflammation of the lungs occurs, 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, conservative treatment methods are used, depending on how thoracic osteochondrosis hurts.Initially, the pain and inflammation subside.After that, the achieved results are consolidated 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 cured by surgery.
Various therapies are prescribed (massage, physiotherapy, acupuncture, moxa therapy).The duration of the treatment is 5-8 sessions, depending on the stage of the disease.2-4 procedures are sufficient to eliminate acute pain.
Medicines for osteochondrosis of the chest 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 sedative medications when anxiety occurs.
During the 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 the following methods:
- Mix linseed oil and horseradish juice in equal proportions.Rub the mixture into the chest area daily.
- Pour a tablespoon of mint or lemongrass into a glass of boiling water and let it steep for 10-15 minutes.Take the decoction at room temperature in several doses a day on an empty stomach.
- Mix one tablespoon of butter or lard with one tablespoon of previously ground hop cones.Ointment helps with osteochondrosis, gout and rheumatism.
- Wild strawberry tea is suitable for the treatment of osteochondrosis.Pour a tablespoon of crushed leaves, fruits and berries with a glass of boiling water.Leave for 10-15 minutes.Drink 2-3 glasses a day.
- Pour 2 tablespoons of chamomile into a glass jar and pour 250-300 ml of boiling water (can be boiled for 5-10 minutes).Take half a glass of the decoction 2-3 times a day.The course of treatment is individual until the pain stops.
The effectiveness of traditional treatment methods has been proven, but they must be used under the strict supervision of doctors, and the presence of individual contraindications must be established.
Therapeutic gymnastics
Yoga for thoracic osteochondrosis is mandatory and can be considered the second step on the road to recovery.Its purpose is to reduce muscle tension, restore blood circulation and release trapped nerve roots.The exercises strengthen the entire muscles of the neck, lower back, chest and spine, correct posture, and prevent relapse.The movements performed during yoga are smooth (sudden movements worsen the condition), painless.Do the exercises regularly or they will be ineffective.
On the Internet, there are many recommendations and exercises for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.Therapeutic yoga should be performed under medical supervision, especially at first.Otherwise, serious, irreversible consequences may occur.
We must not forget about preventive measures:
- moderate salt intake;
- swimming, bath, sauna;
- physiotherapy procedures – magnet 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).It is rare because the spine in this part of the body is well fixed and inactive.The 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 doctors.