Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a disease characterized by changes or disorders in the bone tissue that destroy the discs and ligaments in the thoracic region. Sedentary work, a sedentary lifestyle, spinal congestion, arching, poor posture - all these factors are very likely to lead to the development of the disease.
Thoracic osteochondrosis occurs less frequently than similar disorders of the cervical or lumbar spine. This is due to the reduced mobility of the bones and joints in this area.
Due to the fact that the chest has a convex shape, the load on the bones and joints is unevenly distributed. The proliferation of processes in the bones often begins in the most stressed part - on the front wall of the department.
However, it is impossible to start or, even more so, ignore the disease, 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 how to treat the patient. But there are a number of symptoms by which a person can assume the presence of the disease in itself. It can be:
- pain between the shoulder blades and in the left side of the chest;
- stomach and heart pain;
- increased pain during deep inspiration;
- numbness in the chest.
Since these symptoms may be due to other illnesses, the doctor should perform a comprehensive diagnosis to confirm assumptions about the diagnosis. The complex of hospital studies usually includes:
- pulmonary radiography;
- 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 other disorders were found in the body during examinations, this should be taken into account when deciding to treat thoracic osteochondrosis so as not to aggravate the situation.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
Treatment of diseases of the thoracic spine should primarily be aimed at reducing pain in the chest area. Therefore, most often the process of eliminating the problem includes taking medication, manual therapy and therapeutic exercises to relieve pressure on the discs. It is not recommended to treat thoracic osteochondrosis on your own, only after consulting a specialist.
If osteochondrosis worsens, sharp pains in the back appear, the patient can be treated only after the pain subsides. In this case, bed rest is indicated until the patient's condition is relieved. In addition, the doctor may prescribe several other procedures that may improve the effect of medications and provide effective treatment:
- stretching of spinal discs;
- vacuum therapy;
- acupuncture;
- electrophoresis;
- magnetopuncture;
- inductometer, etc.
All these procedures cannot completely cure the patient, but, of course, they will have a positive effect on the treatment of the disease.
Stretching the spine is used during an exacerbation of the disease and helps relieve pain by lightening the load on the discs. This procedure can be performed only under the supervision of a doctor and according to 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 required. The decision to perform the operation is made by the patient together with the doctor, if gymnastics and manual therapy cannot relieve the condition of the thoracic spine.
Physiotherapy
Therapeutic gymnastics involves a set of exercises, the main purpose of which is to strengthen the muscle corset of the chest region. Types of exercises are developed by the complex and are available to anyone who has been prescribed physiotherapy 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 the treatment of osteochondrosis is started. But proper and specially designed gymnastics can significantly affect the healing process.
Medical treatment
Drug treatment of the disease consists of taking anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs. Also, the doctor should prescribe drugs that restore cartilage tissue and a vitamin complex 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 with many spinal problems. Applying it to the chest allows you to reduce pain, relieve inflammation and improve blood circulation in a certain part 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 activate and improve the supply of oxygen to the tissues of the intervertebral discs, as well as help the work of blood vessels and improve lymphatic flow. This allows you to restore the normal functioning of the chest region, stop the development of osteochondrosis and cure the patient.
Effective treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is possible with the use of a set of actions and measures.
Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis
No matter how quickly and effectively the treatment of the disease, in any case 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.
Preventative measures recommended by doctors include:
- strengthen the muscles of the spine and prevent excessive load;
- avoid hypothermia;
- getting wet in the rain or sweating in the gym, you should immediately put on wet clothes and wear only dry clothes;
- strengthening gymnastics during sedentary work;
- regular course of back massage (at least once a year).
A strong thoracic spine brace will ensure good health and comfortable mobility for many years. Prevention of any disease of the musculoskeletal system is much easier and takes less time than treating violations that have arisen later. Do not neglect the advice of doctors, it is better to lead an active lifestyle. Then health will always be strong.