The emergence of a dangerous disease such as osteochondrosis contributes to the development of inflammatory processes in the spinal cartilage and bone tissue.
The causes of such pathology can be many factors. If left untreated, this type of inflammation can lead to disability.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine - what is it?
Osteochondrosis is a lesion of cartilage and bone tissue that causes degenerative changes in the spine. Lack of proper and timely treatment often leads to complete or partial destruction of the intervertebral discs.
This type of disease is often accompanied by many other types of disease. Osteochondrosis of the breast is characterized by the fact that the affected part is hidden by the breast 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 differs slightly from that of the lumbar region because it contains more intervertebral discs. However, they are thinner than others. Therefore, it is very difficult to destroy and improve the damage to the spine in the thoracic region, and the disease progresses much faster.
Causes of the disease
The onset of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is a phenomenon that occurs less frequently than the defeat of the cervical and lumbar vertebrae.
The following reasons may contribute to the formation of an inflammatory process in the breast area:
- Diseases of any origin in the intervertebral discs.
- Herniated intervertebral.
- Inflammatory foci in cartilage tissue.
- Disorders of blood circulation in the tissues of the spinal cord.
- Excessive physical stress on the spine.
- Lack of beneficial minerals in the body.
- Passive lifestyle.
- Rachiocampsis.
- Injuries and bruises.
- Strength sports.
- Frequent hypothermia.
- Frequent stressful situations and difficult working conditions.
The disease may develop due to an inherited predisposition to the onset of symptoms.
Symptoms and signs
The development of osteochondrosis in the thoracic region has the following symptoms:
- Appearance of pain in the ribs.
- Anxiety during breathing.
- Acute pain in bending and lifting the arms.
- The appearance of a pain between the shoulder blades, albeit in a lying position.
- Appearance of congestion swelling in the shoulder blades.
- Increase in body temperature and tremor.
- Burning sensation in the lower extremities.
- Disorders of the normal functioning of the vascular system of the thoracic region.
The following signs of the onset of the disease can be observed in the early stages of development:
- Frequent headaches.
- Nausea.
- An increase in body temperature.
- Pain in the chest when waking up in the morning.
- Dizziness.
- Weakness.
- Painful sensations with sharp breathing and exhalation.
Note!Often the disease can be confused with inflammatory processes of the internal organs, because the symptoms of development often overlap. A special examination is required to confirm the diagnosis.
Necessary measures during an outbreak
If the course of the disease is left without proper attention, exacerbations can occur, in which case a person may experience symptoms of acute pain and a lack of normal functioning of the body.
The following actions are recommended during exacerbation:
- Follow bed rest.
- Follow a proper diet that includes a large number of nutrients that saturate the body with all the vitamins and minerals.
- Contact a medical facility and take all medications.
- Use of funds for external treatment.
- If necessary, perform physiotherapy exercises.
- Undergoing physiotherapy methods with a doctor's appointment
During the exacerbation of the disease, various types of physical activity and stressful situations should be completely ruled out.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
For treatment, the patient must undergo a special examination, which includes the necessary tests and X-ray and tomography procedures.
Only after receiving all the necessary test results, the doctor prescribes treatment consisting of medication, massage and physiotherapy exercises.
Drug treatment
Drug treatment of the disease consists of the following areas - pain relief, cessation of osteochondrosis, removal of the inflammatory process.
Painkillers and antispasmodics are prescribed to reduce pain.
The use of glucosamine and chondroitin is prescribed to repair damaged tissues. In addition, the patient needs to increase the intake of vitamins necessary for the body, if the food is not enough, special vitamin complexes are recommended.
Good to know!A special device must be used to store the necessary fluid in the intervertebral discs. To eliminate the inflammatory process, it is recommended to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which are selected individually for each situation by the attending physician.
Physiotherapy
The use of physiotherapy exercises is prescribed only after the elimination of pain symptoms, the inflammatory process is reduced. Therapeutic exercises are carried out under the supervision of specialists to prevent complications.
Exercise is aimed at relieving muscle spasms and increasing blood flow instead of damage, which reduces the inflammatory process and damaged cells begin to repair themselves.
Massage
The use of massage for osteochondrosis depends on the stage of the disease. For acute symptoms, light rubbing and rubbing is allowed without the use of strong methods.
After the pain symptoms are eliminated, a drainage massage is applied, which improves blood circulation and begins the process of natural repair of cells.
Note!It is recommended to use special gels or essential oils for massage, which reduce inflammation and improve well-being. Massage alone is not recommended, you should contact a specialist.
Manual therapy
Manual therapy for osteochondrosis has the following characteristics of its effect on the lesion focus:
- The specialist heats tense muscle tissue.
- As the spasm is eliminated, a slow stretching of the muscle tissue is performed.
- The patient is given acupressure massages that eliminate inflammation and improve blood circulation.
- Special actions are performed to restore the function of the damaged area of the spine.
Note!After such sessions, the patient sees that the pain decreases and the condition of the whole body improves.
Prevention of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
To prevent the development of the disease, experts recommend following the rules of prevention:
- To prevent hypothermia of the body, it is recommended to take a hot bath in such a situation.
- Perform standard physical exercises that increase the elasticity and plasticity of the spine.
- Avoid prolonged anxiety, lead an active lifestyle.
- Regularly increase the supply of vitamins and minerals in the body.
- Avoid long-term physical pain on the spine.
- Avoid lifting weights.
- Avoid confusion, watch your posture.
By following simple rules, a person can avoid unpleasant symptoms and long-term treatment.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is a very complex inflammatory process that requires complex therapy.
Good to know!This type of disease cannot be treated on its own, so you should seek medical attention for a diagnosis when the first symptoms appear. Based on the answers, the doctor will individually choose the appropriate method to eliminate the problem.