Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a disease in which changes or disorders of bone tissue occur that destroy discs and ligaments in the chest area. Inactive work, inactive lifestyle, spinal congestion, bending, poor posture - all these factors are most 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 movement of the lower 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 bone usually begins in the part that has more pressure - in the front wall of the department.
However, it is impossible to initiate or, moreover, 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 its stage of development and prescribe how to treat the patient. But there are some symptoms in which a person can assume the presence of the disease in himself. It can be:
- pain between the shoulder blades and on the left side of the chest;
- pain in the abdomen and heart;
- increased pain during deep inspiration;
- numbness in the chest.
Since these symptoms may be caused by several other diseases, the physician must conduct a comprehensive diagnosis to confirm assumptions about the diagnosis. Hospital research complexes typically include:
- chest x-ray;
- Magnetic resonance imaging;
- ultrasound examination of internal organs;
- electrocardiography, etc.
Only by excluding all possible concomitant diseases, the doctor can make a final diagnosis - osteochondrosis. If there are other disorders in the body during the examination, this must be taken into account when deciding how to treat thoracic osteochondrosis so as not to aggravate the condition.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
Treatment of thoracic spine disease, first of all, should be aimed at reducing pain in the chest area. Therefore, often the process of eliminating the problem includes taking medication, manual therapy and therapeutic exercises to relieve pressure on the disc. It is not recommended to treat thoracic osteochondrosis on your own, only after consultation with a specialist.
If osteochondrosis worsens, sharp pain in the back appears, 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. In addition, the doctor may prescribe several other procedures that can enhance the effect of the drug and provide effective treatment:
- spinal disc strain;
- vacuum therapy;
- acupuncture;
- electrophoresis;
- magnetopuncture;
- inductometry, etc.
All these procedures can not cure the patient completely, but, of course, they will have a positive effect on the treatment of the disease.
Spinal stretching is used during disease exacerbation and helps relieve pain by relieving 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 more and more popular in the treatment of osteochondrosis, helping to relieve pain in the thoracic spine, as well as normalizing the immune system.
In very rare cases of further disease, surgery may be required. The decision to perform surgery 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 involves a set of exercises, the main purpose of which is to strengthen the muscular corset of the thoracic area. This type of exercise is developed by the complex and is available to every person who has been prescribed physiotherapy training to solve the problem of thoracic osteochondrosis.
It is a mistake to assume that gymnastics is harmless, and therefore you can fix it yourself. Exercise can be started only when the cause of the disease is clear and treatment of osteochondrosis is started. But proper and specially designed gymnastics can significantly affect the healing process.
Drug treatment
Drug treatment of the disease involves the intake of anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs. In addition, doctors should prescribe medications that restore cartilage tissue and vitamin complexes aimed at strengthening bones and ligaments. However, their 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 solve many spinal problems. Its use on the chest allows you to reduce pain, relieve inflammation and improve blood circulation in certain parts of the spine.
Manual therapy
The most effective treatment for diseases such as osteochondrosis involves the use of manual therapy. Specialist actions will help activate and increase the supply of oxygen to the intervertebral disc tissue, as well as help the work of blood vessels and improve lymph flow. This allows you to restore the normal function of the thoracic area, stop the development of osteochondrosis and heal the patient.
Effective treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is possible by using a set of actions and steps.
Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis
No matter how timely and effective 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 to cure the disease.
Preventive measures recommended by doctors include:
- strengthens the muscles of the spine and prevents excessive load;
- avoid hypothermia;
- wet in the rain or sweating in the gym, you should immediately change into wet clothes and wear dry clothes only;
- strengthen gymnastics during sedentary work;
- regular back massage course (at least once a year).
A strong thoracic spine corset will guarantee good health and comfortable mobility for years to come. Prevention of any disease of the musculoskeletal system is much easier and takes less time than treating violations that arise later. Do not ignore the advice of a doctor, it is better to lead an active lifestyle. Then health will always be strong.