Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a disease in which changes or disorders of the bone tissue occur, destroying discs and ligaments in the chest area. Sedentary work, a sedentary lifestyle, congestion of the spine, slouching, poor posture - all these factors are very likely to lead to the development of the disease.
Thoracic osteochondrosis occurs less frequently than similar disorders in the cervical or lumbar spine. This is due to the decreased 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 part that has the most stress - in the front wall of the apartment.
However, it is impossible to start or, even more so, to ignore the disease, because 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 itself. Can be:
- pain between the shoulder blades and on the left side of the chest;
- pain in the stomach and heart;
- increased pain during deep inspiration;
- numbness in the chest
Since these symptoms may be due to other diseases, the doctor must make a complete diagnosis to confirm 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 other disorders were found in the body during examinations, then this should be taken into account when deciding how to treat thoracic osteochondrosis so as not to aggravate the situation.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
Treatment of diseases of the thoracic spine, first of all, should be aimed at reducing pain in the chest area. Therefore, most of the time 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 with a specialist.
If osteochondrosis worsens, sharp pains appear in the back, the patient can be treated only after the pain has subsided. In this case, bed rest is indicated until the patient's condition is relieved. Also, the doctor may prescribe several more procedures that can enhance the effect of drugs and provide effective treatment:
- stretching of the spinal discs;
- vacuum therapy;
- acupuncture;
- electrophoresis;
- magnetopuncture;
- inductometry, etc.
All these procedures cannot completely cure the patient, but, of course, they 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 relieving the load on the discs. This procedure can only be performed 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, it helps relieve pain in the thoracic spine, normalizes the immune system.
In extremely rare cases of advanced disease, surgery may be necessary. The decision to perform the operation is made by the patient together with the doctor, if gymnastics and manual therapy cannot alleviate the condition of the thoracic spine.
Physiotherapy
Therapeutic gymnastics consists of a set of exercises, the main purpose of which is to strengthen the muscular corset of the thoracic region. Types of exercises are developed by the complex and are available to everyone who has been prescribed physical therapy 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.
drug treatment
Pharmacological treatment of the disease involves taking anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers. Also, the doctor must prescribe drugs that restore cartilage tissue and a complex of vitamins aimed at strengthening bones and ligaments. However, its application is only possible in combination with other methods to eliminate the problem.
An innovative way to treat osteochondrosis is an anti-inflammatory patch, which helps to solve many spinal problems. Its application in the pectoral area allows to reduce pain, relieve inflammation and improve blood circulation in a certain area of the spine.
Manual therapy
The most effective treatment for such a disease 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 lymph flow. This allows you to restore the normal functioning of the thoracic 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 timely and effective the treatment of the disease is, 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 to cure the disease.
Preventive measures recommended by doctors include:
- strengthen the muscles of the spine and prevent excessive load;
- avoid hypothermia;
- get wet in the rain or sweat in the gym, you should immediately change into wet clothes and wear only dry clothes;
- gymnastics strengthening 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 diseases of the musculoskeletal system is much easier and takes less time than treating violations that arose later. Do not neglect the advice of doctors, it is better to lead an active lifestyle. Then health will always be strong.