Osteochondrosis of the chest is a disease that causes the destruction of cartilage and bone tissue, as a result of which a person eventually loses the ability to perform usual activities. Incorrect treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine leads not only to a change in the structure of its individual elements, but also to its complete destruction.
Characteristics of the disease
Often, in the context of this disease, such pathologies are formed as:
- infertility;
- malignant neoplasms;
- atherosclerosis;
- prostatitis.
Thoracic osteochondrosis in the initial stage affects the skeletal system. If the pathology occurs in children and adolescents, then the spine begins to collapse even before the full formation of the body. This disease affects both sexes equally, regardless of the age of the patient.
Reasons
Osteochondrosis in the thoracic region occurs for a variety of reasons, however, there are certain factors that provoke the formation of pathology, in particular such as:
- damage to intervertebral discs;
- hernia;
- destruction of cartilage tissue;
- violation of blood microcirculation in the spinal cord.
Pathology can also occur due to a lack of calcium in the body, weight lifting, and can also be formed due to a sedentary lifestyle and insufficient activity. Previous injuries, as well as various types of curvature of the spine, can lead to the onset of the disease.
The psychosomatics of the disease began to be recognized recently. Some doctors assign psychosomatics one of the main places in the appearance of pathology. The link between illness and mental health is strong enough. Psychosomatics can cause very strong painful sensations that are almost impossible to eliminate.
The patient may appear perfectly healthy, but is in any case racked by severe pain. If a person leads a correct lifestyle, but is in any case worried about this unpleasant disease, then it is imperative to pay attention to psychosomatics, since the main reason may be psychological. In the presence of resentment and dissatisfaction with his life, a person begins to stoop, his head falls, and a violation of posture is observed, as a result of which a pathology of the spine can form. Psychosomatics has a detrimental effect on the state of the spine and can lead to serious complications.
Symptoms
Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis in women and men manifest themselves in the initial stages in the form of painful sensations in the spine and inflammation. In the initial stage, painful sensations appear exclusively with prolonged movements or efforts. If the patient stops for a while, the pain disappears immediately.
There are also quite characteristic symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, manifested in the form:
- chest pain;
- constriction;
- numbness in some parts of the body.
There are also other signs of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, which develop more and more with the aggravation of the pathological process. With osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, painful sensations can occur in the area of the shoulder blades. There is a burning sensation or vice versa cold skin. When you cough or inhale deeply enough, the pain can be significantly worse.
The signs of thoracic osteochondrosis in women and men can manifest as pain in the arms and legs, as well as numbness in certain areas of the skin. There can be constant muscle tension in the back or sternum. The patient experiences a certain sensation of discomfort when turning or bending the body.
Important!Knowing how thoracic osteochondrosis manifests itself, you can quickly determine the presence of the disease and carry out competent specialized treatment that will help to eliminate the manifestations of the pathology.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis in the thoracic spine can also appear in the form of dry skin, increased fragility of the nails, as well as disturbances in the activity of the stomach and intestines. All of these manifestations are caused by pinched nerve endings between the vertebrae. Also, there may be rather uncharacteristic signs of thoracic osteochondrosis, manifesting themselves in the form of pain in the abdomen, liver and heart. Since the disease manifests itself in completely different ways, in the presence of certain signs it can be confused with other pathological conditions. That is why it is important to do a full body exam to determine what might be causing painful sensations.
Pain is divided into several different types, and the most dangerous is back pain of the thoracic spine, as this type of pain is very difficult to treat and gives the patient many unpleasant painful sensations.
Knowing how to determine osteochondrosis, it is possible to recognize the presence of pathology in the initial stages, which allows you to quickly eliminate the existing problem and return to normal life.
Treatment
Before determining how to treat thoracic osteochondrosis, it is necessary to find out what could provoke the formation of pathology and stop an acute attack of pain. When preparing a treatment plan that determines how to treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, you must rely on the data of a comprehensive diagnostic examination, based on an X-ray. Such an examination allows you to determine the existing disorders that occur in the area of all parts of the spine and the growth of the vertebral bodies. In addition, the radiograph shows the change in the distance between the intervertebral discs.
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis largely depends on the stage of the pathology and is carried out mainly with the help of conservative therapy and only in exceptional cases surgery is resorted to.
Drug therapy
Many people ask how to cure thoracic osteochondrosis quickly so that it does not lead to complications and which doctor treats osteochondrosis. Basically, the treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine depends on the symptoms and is carried out with the use of drugs.
Drug therapy is based on principles such as:
- taking vitamin complexes;
- the appointment of muscle relaxants and spasmolytics, eliminating muscle spasm;
- pain relievers and pain relievers.
Furthermore, therapy for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine involves the use of chondroprotectors. These drugs are necessary to repair damaged cartilage tissue.
After the elimination of the acute period of the course of the disease, massage of the back muscles is applied. Manual therapy, like the use of medications, is selected exclusively by the attending physician, based on the results of the examination.
It is necessary to treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine comprehensively and the duration of therapy largely depends on the severity of the pathology, as well as the characteristics of the age-related changes that have occurred.
Gymnastics
The treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis involves a therapeutic exercise, which involves the return of mobility of the intervertebral joints. With a correctly selected gymnastics complex, you can very quickly eliminate the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the chest and even the most severe spasms.
In the presence of osteochondrosis in women, treatment involves a daily complex of therapeutic exercises.
Massage
Treatment of osteochondrosis during lactation involves only the exercise of a gymnastic therapeutic complex, as well as massage, since many drugs are prohibited during feeding. Massage helps not only reduce the severity of the symptoms of the disease, but also helps improve well-being.
Massage is strictly prescribed individually, depending on the characteristics of the pathology, the presence of chronic diseases, the available indications and contraindications.
To eliminate hypertonicity in the course of osteochondrosis of the spine, to eliminate mobility of the back, manual therapy techniques are widely used. Thanks to this, it is possible to improve blood microcirculation, as well as improve tissue oxygenation.
Knowing what osteochondrosis is and what to do when this pathology occurs, you can quickly improve your health and get rid of painful manifestations in the thoracic region.
Exercises
Many patients are interested in how to cure osteochondrosis of the thoracic region and what methods are used for therapy. Depending on the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine and the appropriate treatment, aimed at relaxing and strengthening all muscle groups. As a result, it is possible to stabilize the patient's condition and quickly eliminate osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.
It is quite possible to treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine with the help of specially selected exercises.
You should stand up straight, bring your feet together and place your arms along your torso. As you inhale, raise your arms and stretch them, and as you exhale, bend back a little. Do 8 to 10 repetitions. Sit in a chair, gently place your hands behind your head, and then gradually lean back. Get on all fours and try to bend your back as much as possible, as in the photo, stay in this position for literally a few seconds.
By knowing how to treat thoracic osteochondrosis at home, you can quickly eliminate existing signs of the disease and achieve long-term remission.
Peculiarities of treatment during exacerbation
The symptoms and treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis during an exacerbation can be very different, which is why it is important to know how osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is treated so that an acute attack can be stopped quickly.
During this period, one should not self-medicate, since in case of thoracic osteochondrosis progressing into the acute stage, wrong actions can lead to dangerous consequences. It is very important to know which doctor is treating osteochondrosis and what medications should be taken. During this period, it is important to consult a neurologist and exclude stress, hypothermia, and difficult working conditions.
Prevention
Knowing how osteochondrosis manifests itself and what exactly triggered the onset of the disease, you can quickly eliminate the existing problem and return to a full life. In order not to wonder whether the disease can be cured, it is necessary to carry out the prevention of pathology.
Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis involves regular warming up, frequent changes of posture during work, and it is also important to avoid heavy loads on the spine, eat well, and control your weight. Prevention of osteochondrosis in men and women will prevent the formation of this dangerous disease.
Complications and consequences
Many patients are interested in the danger of thoracic osteochondrosis and how to get rid of this disease very quickly. The consequences of thoracic osteochondrosis can be very serious and in the initial stages are manifested in the form of severe pain, dizziness and fainting.
Sometimes the consequences of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region can be more serious, as they lead to disruption of the activity of the heart muscle and lungs. The danger of this disease also lies in the appearance of intervertebral hernias. In order not to wonder what the danger of osteochondrosis is, it is necessary to treat and prevent the disease in time.