Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a disease in which there are changes or disorders in the bone tissue that destroy the intervertebral discs and ligaments in the thoracic region. Sedentary work, a sedentary lifestyle, spinal congestion, bending over, poor posture - all these factors are highly likely to lead to the development of the disease.
Thoracic osteochondrosis occurs less frequently than similar diseases of the cervical or lumbar spine. This is due to the reduced mobility of the bones and joints in this area.
Due to the convex shape of the breast, the load on the bones and joints is unevenly distributed. The spread of processes in the bones often begins in the part that has more stress - on the front wall of the department.
However, it is impossible to start the disease, or even more to ignore it, since the negative consequences of the further development of osteochondrosis can significantly affect a person's lifestyle. Treatment of the disease can only be prescribed by a doctor.
diagnosis of the disease
Only a specialist can diagnose osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, determine the degree of its development and prescribe treatment for the patient. However, there are a number of symptoms that can help a person suspect they have the disease. It may be:
- pain between the shoulder blades and in the left side of the chest;
- pain in the stomach and heart;
- increased pain on deep inspiration;
- numbness in the chest.
Since these symptoms can be due to some other diseases, the doctor needs to conduct a comprehensive diagnosis to confirm the assumptions about the diagnosis. The complex of hospital studies usually includes:
- chest X-ray;
- magnetic resonance imaging;
- Ultrasound examination of internal organs;
- electrocardiography, etc.
Only by excluding all possible concomitant diseases, the doctor can make the final diagnosis – osteochondrosis. If during examinations other disorders in the body were found, then when deciding on the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis, this must be taken into account, so as not to aggravate the situation.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
Treatment of diseases of the thoracic spine should primarily be aimed at relieving pain in the chest area. Therefore, the process of eliminating the problem most often involves taking medication, manual therapy, and therapeutic exercises to relieve pressure on the intervertebral discs. It is not recommended to self-treat thoracic osteochondrosis only after consulting a specialist.
When osteochondrosis worsens, severe back pain appears, the patient can be treated only after the pain subsides. In this case, bed rest is indicated until the patient's condition improves. In addition, the doctor can prescribe several more procedures that can enhance the effect of drugs and provide effective treatment:
- stretching of the intervertebral discs;
- vacuum therapy;
- Acupuncture;
- electrophoresis;
- magnetopuncture;
- inductometry etc.
All these procedures cannot completely cure the patient, but, of course, they have a positive effect on the treatment of the disease.
Spinal stretching is used during an exacerbation of the disease and helps reduce pain by reducing stress on the discs. This procedure can only be carried out under the supervision of a doctor and according to his recommendations.
Acupuncture is a method that has recently gained popularity in the treatment of osteochondrosis, relieves pain in the thoracic spine and normalizes the immune system.
In extremely rare cases of advanced disease, surgery may be required. The decision to carry out the operation is made by the patient together with the doctor if gymnastics and manual therapy cannot alleviate the condition of the thoracic spine.
physical therapy
Therapeutic gymnastics includes a set of exercises, the main purpose of which is to strengthen the muscular corset of the chest region. The types of exercises are developed by the complex and are available to any person who has been prescribed physiotherapeutic exercises to solve the problem of thoracic osteochondrosis.
It is a mistake to assume that gymnastics is harmless and therefore you can prescribe it yourself. Exercises can be started only when the cause of the disease is clear and treatment of osteochondrosis is started. But the correct and specially designed gymnastics can significantly affect the healing process.
Medication
Drug treatment of the disease involves taking anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs. In addition, the doctor should prescribe drugs that restore cartilage tissue and a vitamin complex to strengthen bones and ligaments. However, their use is only possible in combination with other methods of troubleshooting.
An innovative way to treat osteochondrosis is an anti-inflammatory patch that helps solve many spinal problems. By applying it to the chest area, you can reduce pain, reduce inflammation, and improve blood circulation in a specific part of the spine.
Manual therapy
The most effective treatment for a disease such as osteochondrosis is manual therapy. The actions of a specialist help to activate and improve the oxygen supply to the tissues of the intervertebral discs, support the work of blood vessels and improve lymph flow. This allows you to restore the normal functioning of the chest region, stop the development of osteochondrosis, and heal the patient.
Effective treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is possible with a number of actions and measures.
Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis
In any case, no matter how timely and effective the treatment of the disease is, it is easier to engage in prevention. After all, it is better to prevent osteochondrosis than to spend time, effort and money on curing the disease.
Preventive measures recommended by doctors include:
- strengthening the muscles of the spine and avoiding excessive loads;
- avoidance of hypothermia;
- If you get wet in the rain or sweat at the gym, you should change into wet clothes immediately and only wear dry clothes.
- Strength exercises with sedentary work;
- regular back massage course (at least once a year).
A strong corset of the thoracic spine guarantees good health and comfortable mobility for many years. Preventing diseases of the musculoskeletal system is much easier and takes less time than treating the injuries that occurred later. Do not neglect the advice of doctors, it is better to lead an active lifestyle. Then health will always be strong.