Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a disease in which changes or disorders of bone tissue occur that destroy discs and ligaments in the thoracic region. Sedentary work, sedentary lifestyle, congestion of the spine, crouching, poor posture - all these factors are very likely to lead to the development of the disease.
Chest osteochondrosis occurs less frequently than similar disorders of the cervical or lumbar spine. This is due to the lower mobility of the bones and joints in this area.
Due to the fact that the chest is convex, the load on the bones and joints is unevenly distributed. The multiplication of processes in the bones often begins in the part that has the most pressure - in the front wall of the part.
However, it is impossible to start or, even more, to ignore the disease, because the negative consequences of the further development of osteochondrosis can significantly affect a person's lifestyle. The treatment of the disease can be prescribed only 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 the treatment of the patient. But there are a number of symptoms with which a person can assume the presence of the disease in himself. May be:
- pain between the shoulders and on the left side of the chest.
- stomach and heart pain;
- increased pain on deep inhalation.
- numbness in the chest.
As these symptoms may be due to certain other diseases, the doctor must make a comprehensive diagnosis to confirm the hypotheses regarding the diagnosis. The set of hospital studies usually includes:
- chest X-ray;
- Magnetic resonance imaging?
- ultrasound examination of internal organs.
- electrocardiogram etc.
Only by excluding all possible concomitant diseases, the doctor can make the final diagnosis - osteochondrosis. If other disorders in the body are detected during the examination, this should be taken into account when deciding on the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis, so as not to aggravate the condition.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
The treatment of diseases of the thoracic spine, first of all, should aim at reducing the pain in the chest area. Therefore, most of the time the elimination process involves taking medication, manual therapy and therapeutic exercises to relieve pressure on the discs. It is not recommended to treat thoracic osteochondrosis alone, only after consultation with a specialist.
If osteochondrosis worsens, sharp back pain occurs, the patient can be treated only after the pain subsides. In this case, it is advisable to rest in bed until the patient's condition is relieved. In addition, the doctor can prescribe many more procedures that can enhance the effect of the medication and provide effective treatment:
- stretching the discs of the spine.
- vacuum treatment;
- acupuncture;
- electrophoresis?
- magnetic puncture?
- inductive measurement etc.
All these procedures can not completely cure the patient, but, of course, will have a positive effect on the treatment of the disease.
Spinal stretching is used during an exacerbation of the disease and helps relieve pain by reducing the load on the discs. This procedure can be performed only under the supervision of a doctor and in accordance with his recommendations.
Acupuncture is a method that has recently become increasingly popular in the treatment of osteochondrosis, helps relieve pain in the thoracic spine, as well as normalize the immune system.
In extremely rare cases of advanced disease, surgery may be needed. The decision to perform the operation is made by the patient together with the doctor, if exercise and manual therapy can not alleviate the condition of the thoracic spine.
Physiotherapy
Therapeutic gymnastics includes a set of exercises, the main purpose of which is to strengthen the muscular corset of the chest area. The types of exercises are developed by the group and are available to any person who has been prescribed physiotherapy exercises to solve the problem of thoracic osteochondrosis.
It is a mistake to assume that exercise is harmless and therefore you can prescribe it yourself. Exercise can only begin when the cause of the disease is clear and treatment for osteochondrosis has begun. But proper and specially designed exercise can significantly affect the healing process.
Medication
Pharmacological treatment of the disease includes taking anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs. In addition, the doctor should prescribe drugs that restore cartilage tissue and a complex of vitamins aimed at strengthening bones and ligaments. However, their application is possible only in combination with other methods of eliminating the problem.
An innovative way to treat osteochondrosis is an anti-inflammatory patch, which helps to solve many problems of the spine. Applying it to the chest area allows you to reduce pain, relieve inflammation and improve blood circulation to a specific area of the spine.
Manual therapy
The most effective treatment for a disease such as osteochondrosis involves the use of manual therapy. The actions of a specialist will help to activate and enhance the supply of oxygen to the tissues of the intervertebral discs, as well as to improve the function of blood vessels and to improve lymph flow. This allows you to return to normal chest function, stop the development of osteochondrosis and heal the patient.
Effective treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is possible using a set of actions and measures.
Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis
No matter how timely and effective the treatment of the disease, in any case, it is easier to participate in prevention. After all, it is better to prevent osteochondrosis than to spend time, effort and money to cure the disease.
Precautions recommended by doctors include:
- strengthening the muscles of the spine and preventing excessive load.
- avoid hypothermia;
- When it rains or sweats in the gym, you should immediately get dressed in wet clothes and wear only dry clothes.
- strengthening gymnastics during sedentary work.
- regular back massage class (at least once a year).
A strong corset of the thoracic spine will guarantee good health and comfortable mobility for many more years. Preventing any disease of the musculoskeletal system is much easier and requires less time than dealing with the violations that have occurred later. Do not neglect the advice of doctors, it is better to follow an active lifestyle. Then health will always be possible.