Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a disease in which changes or disorders occur in the bone tissue that destroy the discs and ligaments in the thoracic region. Sedentary work, sedentary lifestyle, spinal obstruction, bending, bad posture - all these factors are likely to lead to the development of the disease.
Thoracic osteochondrosis is less common than similar disorders in the cervical or lumbar region. This is due to the low mobility of the bones and joints in this area.
Because the chest has a convex shape, the load is unevenly distributed to the bones and joints. The spread of processes in the bones often begins with the most stressful part - the anterior wall of the branch.
However, it is not possible to start the disease or be more negligent, because the negative consequences of the subsequent development of osteochondrosis can significantly affect a person's lifestyle. Treatment of the disease can be prescribed only by a doctor.
Diagnosis of the disease
Only a specialist can diagnose thoracic lumbar osteochondrosis, determine its stage of development and determine how to treat the patient. However, there are a number of symptoms that a person can suspect the presence of the disease. Can be:
- pain between the shoulder blades and on the left side of the chest;
- stomach and heart pain;
- increased pain during deep inspiration;
- chest tightness.
Because these symptoms may be related to some other illness, the doctor should make a thorough diagnosis to confirm the hypotheses about the diagnosis. The hospital research complex usually includes:
- chest radiography;
- magnetic resonance imaging;
- ultrasound examination of internal organs;
- electrocardiography, etc.
With the exception of all possible concomitant diseases, the doctor can make a final diagnosis - osteochondrosis. If any other abnormalities are found during the examination, this should be taken into account when deciding how to treat thoracic osteochondrosis to avoid aggravating the condition.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
Treatment of thoracic spine disease should focus primarily on reducing pain in the chest area. Therefore, the most common problem-solving process includes medication, hand therapy, and therapeutic exercises to reduce pressure on the discs. Independent treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis is not recommended, only after consultation with a specialist.
If osteochondrosis worsens, if there is severe pain in the back, the patient can be treated only after the pain subsides. In this case, bed rest is indicated until the patient's condition improves. In addition, your doctor may prescribe several other procedures that can increase the effectiveness of medications and provide effective treatment:
- elongation of the discs of the spine;
- vacuum therapy;
- acupuncture;
- electrophoresis;
- magnetic field;
- inductometry, 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 exacerbations of the disease and helps relieve pain by relieving the load on the discs. This procedure can be performed only under the supervision of a physician and in accordance with his recommendations.
Acupuncture is a method that has recently become increasingly popular in the treatment of osteochondrosis, helping to relieve pain in the thoracic spine, as well as normalize the immune system.
In very rare cases, surgery may be required for advanced disease. When gymnastics and manual therapy do not alleviate the condition of the thoracic spine, the decision to perform surgery is made by the patient together with the doctor.
Physiotherapy
Therapeutic gymnastics involves a series of exercises, the main purpose of which is to strengthen the muscular corset of the thoracic region. The types of training have been developed by the complex and are available to anyone who has been prescribed physiotherapy exercises to address the problem of thoracic osteochondrosis.
It is a mistake to think that gymnastics is harmless, so you can determine it yourself. Exercise can be started only when the cause of the disease is clear and treatment of osteochondrosis is started. However, proper and specially designed gymnastics can significantly affect the healing process.
Drug treatment
Drug treatment of the disease includes the use of 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 solving the problem.
An innovative way to treat osteochondrosis is an anti-inflammatory patch that helps solve many spinal problems. Applying it to the chest area can reduce pain, eliminate 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 hand therapy. The actions of a specialist will help to activate and strengthen 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 function of the thoracic region, stop the development of osteochondrosis and treat the patient.
Effective treatment of thoracic lumbar osteochondrosis is possible using a number of measures and interventions.
Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis
No matter how timely and effective the treatment of the disease, in any case, it is easier to deal with prevention. After all, it is better to prevent osteochondrosis than to spend time, effort and money to treat the disease.
Preventive measures recommended by doctors include:
- strengthen the muscles of the spine and prevent overload;
- avoid hypothermia;
- soaking in the rain or sweating in the gym, you should immediately switch to wet clothes and wear only dry clothes;
- strengthening gymnastics during sedentary work;
- regular back massage course (at least once a year).
A strong thoracic corset will guarantee health and comfortable mobility for many years. Prevention of any disease of the musculoskeletal system is easier and takes less time than the treatment of subsequent disorders. Do not ignore the advice of doctors, it is better to lead an active lifestyle. Then health will always be strong.