The emergence of dangerous diseases such as osteochondrosis contributes to the development of inflammatory processes in the cartilage and bone tissue of the spine.
The cause of such pathology can be a large number of factors. If not treated properly, this type of inflammation can lead to deformities.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine - what is it?
Osteochondrosis disease in the thoracic region is a lesion of cartilage and bone tissue, which leads to degenerative changes in the spine. Lack of proper and timely treatment often results in complete or partial destruction of the intervertebral disc.
This type of disease is often accompanied by a large number of other types of diseases. The peculiarity of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is that the affected area is hidden by breast bone tissue, which complicates the correct diagnosis of the disease and the risk of damage to nearby organs.
Note!The structure of the human thoracic region is slightly different from the lumbar, as it contains a large number of intervertebral discs. However, they are much thinner than the others. Therefore, destruction and damage to the spine in the chest area is much more difficult to cure, and the disease progresses faster.
The cause of the disease
The onset of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is a phenomenon that occurs more rarely than the defeat of the cervical and lumbar vertebrae.
The following reasons may contribute to the emergence of inflammatory processes in the thoracic region:
- Disorders of any origin on the intervertebral disc.
- Intervertebral Herniated.
- The focus of inflammation is on cartilage tissue.
- Violation of the level of blood circulation in the tissues in the spinal area.
- Excessive physical stress on the spine.
- Inadequate intake of useful minerals in the body.
- Passive lifestyle.
- Rachiocampsis.
- Injuries and bruises.
- Strength sports training.
- Frequent hypothermia.
- Frequent stressful situations and difficult work conditions.
The disease can develop due to a hereditary predisposition to the onset of symptoms.
Symptoms and signs
The development of osteochondrosis in the thoracic region has the following symptoms:
- The appearance of pain in the ribs.
- Discomfort during breathing.
- Sharp pain when bending and raising hands.
- The appearance of pain between the shoulder blades, even in a lying position.
- The appearance of numb swelling in the shoulder blade area.
- Increased body temperature and chills.
- Burning sensation in the lower part of the leg.
- Violation of the normal functioning of the vascular system of the thoracic region.
In the early stages of development, the following signs of disease onset can be observed:
- Frequent headaches.
- Nausea.
- Increased body temperature.
- Painful sensation in the chest when waking up in the morning.
- Dizziness.
- Weakness
- Painful sensations with sharp breaths and breaths.
Note!Often, the disease can be confused with inflammatory processes in internal organs, because the symptoms of its development often occur. To confirm the diagnosis, it is necessary to undergo a special examination.
Action required during exacerbations
If the disease is left without due attention, exacerbations can occur, in which a person can feel sharp pain symptoms and lack of normal body function.
During an exacerbation, the following actions are recommended:
- Notice the bed rest.
- Follow a proper diet, which should contain large amounts of foods that fill the body with all the vitamins and minerals.
- Contact a medical institution and take all medications.
- Use of funds for external treatment.
- If necessary, do physiotherapy exercises.
- With a doctor's appointment, the path of physiotherapy exposure methods
At the time of the onset of the disease, it is necessary to exclude various types of physical activity and stressful situations.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
For treatment, patients need to undergo a special examination, which implies the delivery of the necessary tests and pass the X-ray and tomography procedures.
Only after receiving all the required test answers, the doctor prescribes treatment, which consists of medications, massage and physiotherapy exercises.
Drug treatment
Drug treatment of the disease consists of the following indications - these are the elimination of pain, cessation of the development of osteochondrosis, the elimination of inflammatory processes.
To reduce pain, painkillers and antispasmodics are prescribed.
To restore damaged tissue, the use of glucosamine and chondroitin is prescribed. In addition, patients need to increase the intake of necessary vitamins into the body, if food products are insufficient, special vitamin complexes are recommended.
Good to know!To maintain the required fluid in the intervertebral disc, special agents must be used. To relieve the inflammatory process, it is recommended to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which the attending physician chooses individually for each case.
Physiotherapy
The use of physiotherapy exercises is prescribed only after the symptoms of pain are eliminated, the inflammatory process is reduced. Conducting therapeutic exercises is carried out strictly under the supervision of a specialist to avoid the occurrence of complications.
Exercise aims to relieve muscle spasms and increase blood flow instead of damage, which causes the inflammatory process to decrease and damaged cells begin to regrow on their own.
Sort
The use of massage for osteochondrosis is prescribed depending on the stage of development of the disease. For acute symptoms, mild strokes and rubbing are allowed, without using forceful methods.
Once the pain symptoms are eliminated, a drainage massage is performed, which improves blood circulation and starts the process of cell repair naturally.
Note!For massage, it is recommended to use special gels or essential oils that reduce inflammation and improve a person’s well -being. You can not do the massage yourself, you should contact a specialist.
Manual therapy
Manual therapy for osteochondrosis has the following effect characteristics on the lesion focus:
- Specialists warm up tense muscle tissue.
- Slow stretching of muscle tissue is done, as the spasm is relieved.
- Patients are given an acupressure massage that eliminates inflammation and improves blood circulation.
- Special movements are performed that restore the work of the damaged spinal area.
Note!After the session, the patient noticed a decrease in pain and an improved overall body condition.
Prevention of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
To prevent the development of this disease, experts recommend adhering to the following rules of prevention:
- To avoid hypothermia of the body, if it occurs, you are recommended to take a hot bath.
- Perform standard physical exercises that increase the flexibility and plasticity of the spine.
- Avoid being in an uncomfortable position for long periods of time, lead an active lifestyle.
- Replenish the supply of vitamins and minerals in the body on a regular basis.
- Avoid prolonged physical exercise on the spine.
- Avoid lifting weights.
- Avoid burping, pay attention to your body posture.
By following simple rules, one can avoid unpleasant symptoms and long -term treatment.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is a relatively complex type of inflammatory process that requires complex therapy.
Good to know!This type of disease cannot be cured on its own, therefore, when the first symptoms appear, you must contact a medical institution for diagnostics. Based on the answers, the doctor will individually select the method needed to get rid of the problem.