Thoracic osteochondrosis is a serious disease that few people face.This is a degenerative change in the intervertebral discs.The danger of the pathology is that in the absence of a competent and timely treatment, it leads to irreversible damage to the internal organs and deformations of the chest.Thoracic osteochondrosis and its symptoms can appear in any person, because a sedentary lifestyle and the consequences arising from it are a problem of modern society.
Causes of the disease
The causes of osteochondrosis of the chest region are different and depend on many factors.The main thing is the disturbance in the metabolism of the intervertebral discs, the improper distribution of the load on them, the development of dystrophic pathologies - scoliosis, another type of curvature of the spine.
Every second patient seeking help with a diagnosis of thoracic osteochondrosis is forced to sit for a long time in a static state at work - in the office, while driving a car.
The development of the pathology is facilitated by the way of life:
- 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 illness, you should consult 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 a chameleon in medicine.Main symptoms:
- a feeling of crawling throughout the body, especially in the chest area;
- sexual dysfunction, in men - impotence;
- numbness;
- inheritance;
- disorders in the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
- weakness in arms;
- decreased mobility in the chest region;
- chest pain that worsens with active movement, sometimes while breathing.It has a painful, connected character.
In rare cases, toothache occurs.
This type of osteochondrosis is often confused with other diseases due to stomach pain, heart attack - myocardium, peptic ulcer of the gastrointestinal tract.
Doctors divide pain, as a symptom of a type of osteochondrosis, into 2 categories.Some experts distinguish 3:
- Dorsago.The pain is acute, intense and "comes" in sudden attacks.There may be difficulty in breathing.Vertebral syndrome occurs in people who sit for long periods of time, bending over a surface.Movements in the thoracic and lumbar spine are limited.With osteochondrosis, patients compare the pain in the sternum with a pillar in the chest.
- Dorsalgia.The pain is mild.It usually starts gradually and lasts for several weeks.There may be movement restrictions.The pain intensifies with sudden movements and at night.
- Thoracalgia or intercostal neuralgia.Pain sensations appear in the rib area and radiate to the shoulder and shoulder blade.
With severe stress, overwork, sudden and severe physical strain, the symptoms intensify.
Thoracic osteochondrosis and cough are incompatible.Pulmonary symptoms appear with pneumonia, 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 X-rays and computed tomography.
Drug treatment
In most cases, they use conservative treatment methods, depending on how the thoracic osteochondrosis hurts.At first, pain and inflammation are relieved.Then, the achieved result is 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 surgically.
Different therapies are prescribed (massage, physiotherapy, acupuncture, moxa therapy).The course of treatment lasts 5-8 sessions, depending on the stage of the disease.To eliminate acute pain, 2-4 procedures are enough.
Medicines for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region are prescribed individually.Several types are used: steroid hormones, pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, non-steroids.Immunostimulants and drugs are used to normalize the metabolism in the body.Doctors rarely write prescriptions for sedative medications when anxiety occurs.
During 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 ways:
- Mix linseed oil and horseradish juice in equal proportions.Rub the mixture daily on the chest area.
- Pour a tablespoon of peppermint or lemon balm into a glass of boiling water and let it steep for 10-15 minutes.Take the decoction at room temperature every day in several doses on an empty stomach.
- Mix a tablespoon of butter or lard with a tablespoon of hop cones, previously ground into powder.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 it for 10-15 minutes.Take 2-3 cups a day.
- Put 2 spoons of chamomile in a glass container and pour 250-300 ml of boiling water (can be boiled for 5-10 minutes).Take the 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 it should be used under the strict supervision of doctors and the presence of individual contraindications should be detected.
Therapeutic gymnastics
Yoga for thoracic osteochondrosis is mandatory and is considered the second step on the road to recovery.It aims to reduce muscle tension, restore blood circulation and release tight nerve roots.Exercises strengthen the muscular framework of the neck, lower back, chest and spine as a whole, correct behavior and prevent relapses.Movements during yoga are smooth (sudden movements will worsen the condition), without pain.Do the exercises regularly, otherwise they are ineffective.
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 doctors, especially at the beginning.Otherwise, severe irreversible consequences are possible.
We must not forget the preventive measures:
- moderate salt intake;
- swimming, bath, sauna;
- physiotherapeutic procedures - magnetic therapy, laser therapy;
- moderate physical activity;
- massage;
- static load alternating with dynamic load.
Not many suffer from chest pain (15% of patients with disorders of the musculoskeletal system).It is rare, as the spine in this part of the body is well fixed and inactive.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.