Osteochondrosis is a degenerative dystrophy of the musculoskeletal system, which occurs in patients of different ages.
Modern medicine defines several locations for the disease, and related to this is the emergence of concepts such as osteochondrosis in the sternum area.
What is thoracic osteochondrosis?
Thoracic osteochondrosis is a regenerative (destructive) process, which is positioned from 8 to 19 vertebrae to form a person's thoracic spine.
Unlike other types of diseases, both young and old can have symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis.
A feature of the disease is the complexity of its early diagnosis, which is related to low spinal mobility and difficulty in identifying the main symptoms. For this reason, when the first signs of chest osteochondrosis are detected, it is important to consult a specialist in time to prevent an irreversible process.
reason
The main causes of thoracic osteochondrosis are malnutrition processes (destroying cell metabolism), transforming tissues and causing metabolic complications, which are caused by unbalanced diet and improper load of the intervertebral disc.
In addition, factors that increase the risk of breast osteochondrosis include:
- The presence of intervertebral hernia;
- Violation of the blood supply of the spinal cord;
- Violation of mineral balance in the body;
- Often increase the pressure on the spine;
- A sedentary lifestyle;
- The consequences of the trauma;
- Engage in active sports.
The main symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis
Chest pain with osteochondrosis is the main symptom of clinical manifestations. However, considering the general symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis, one can also distinguish:
- Shortness of breath, chest tightness;
- Difficulty of execution tendency;
- Periodic sensation of freezing in limbs due to circulatory failure;
- Fragile nails and hair;
- Nausea, impaired digestion process;
- It is easily confused with the pain associated with cardiovascular disease;
- Sore breasts in women;
- Discomfort and difficulty swallowing, coughing.
The manifestations of several symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis require immediate consultation and a comprehensive examination by an expert in order to make an accurate diagnosis and determine the treatment plan for thoracic osteochondrosis.
Stage of disease
Experts distinguish the three main stages of the development of sternal osteochondrosis:
Stage 1-the beginning of disease development. It is characterized by no clinical manifestations.
Signs of thoracic osteochondrosis in the first stage:
- Mild low back pain that is barely noticeable, accompanied by chest pain. After strenuous work or lifting weights, the unpleasant feeling will increase;
- Muscle cramps, continuous tension of the muscle frame for no apparent reason;
- Discomfort in the heart area.
Seeing a doctor at the initial stage of the disease can guarantee a complete cure for the disease.
Stage 2-The progression of the disease leads to the formation of microcracks in the intervertebral discs, which are the cause of restricted movement and intense pain.
Clinical manifestations include:
- Visually obvious spinal deformation;
- Reduce the pressure;
- Accompanied by trying to put the hands behind the head, there is obvious pain in the breastbone;
- Chronic fatigue
- Spine discomfort in the heart area and thoracic spine area.
If a disease is discovered at this stage, the process of health recovery may take a considerable amount of time.
Phase 3-The operating process that negatively affects the entire body.
There are such dangerous manifestations:
- Restricted spine movement;
- Severe pain;
- The appearance of intervertebral hernia;
- Pinch blood vessels and nerve roots;
- Biliary disease.
Refusal to treat breast osteochondrosis at this stage can lead to disability.
How is chest osteochondrosis treated?
Before deciding how to treat thoracic osteochondrosis, be sure to see a specialist. The diagnosis of this disease can only be made by a specialist. The treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis is determined by a neuropathologist after a high-quality examination.
The key rule to start the treatment of chest osteochondrosis is to get rid of the pain. Today, there are several best treatment options. Let us consider each of them in more detail.
physiotherapy
Physical therapy of thoracic osteochondrosis is often used in medical practice, whether in the worsening stage or after, to achieve long-term remission of the disease.
For thoracic osteochondrosis, physical therapy is used, such as:
- Drug electrophoresis-the combined effect of direct current and drugs;
- UHF treatment-exposure to high-frequency electromagnetic fields;
- Magnetic therapy is an alternative medicine that involves the use of constant or alternating magnetic fields;
- Acoustics of drugs-the introduction of drugs under the influence of ultrasound;
- detensor therapy-use a special mattress/cushion to relax the muscle frame of the spine.
It is important to note that when prescribing physical therapy for the treatment of degenerative diseases, the stage of development must be taken into account. Improper use of physical therapy can aggravate the condition and rule out the possibility of long-term remission.
Chest osteochondrosis massage
Massage is one of the most effective non-drug treatments for chest osteochondrosis.
Providing reflex massage effects can have a positive impact on the affected area of the spine, thereby stimulating positive treatment motivation.
Unlike other parts of the spine, the chest requires a special massage method. The muscle fibers in this area have a special threshold of action.
The positive effects of massage procedures are reflected in:
- Reduce the degree of pain;
- Improve blood circulation at the location of the disease;
- Eliminate muscle cramps;
- Increase the strength of arm muscles;
- Increase the mobility of the spine and initiate the regeneration process of cartilage tissue.
Among the basic principles of breast massage, it is worth emphasizing:
- The training should be done gently at the beginning, this will ensure blood flow and relieve pain;
- When massaging, it is recommended to use squeezing action, rubbing, and pat;
- Each action must be repeated 4-5 times;
- Movement should follow a single trajectory: from the scapula-to the neck, upwards;
- Each side of the chest area must be calculated separately.
Exercise therapy for chest osteochondrosis
Exercise therapy (therapeutic sports culture) provides high-quality support for the optimal tension of the back muscle frame and helps relieve the soreness of the paravertebral muscles.
Exercise therapy for thoracic osteochondrosis is most effective in the initial stages of disease development.
When doing gymnastics, it is important to consider and follow the basic rules for performing thoracic osteochondrosis exercises, including:
- Several months of system repetition;
- The duration of the course should not exceed half an hour;
- Thoracic osteochondrosis gymnastics should be performed without the use of additional equipment;
- You should only work in comfortable clothes and shoes;
- Taking into account the existing contraindications.
Absolute contraindications include:
- Acute heart disease;
- Increased body temperature (over 37. 6°C);
- Tumor disease
- Unstable mental state;
- skin disease;
- hypertension.
Consultation with a neurologist, combined with reasonable and competent classroom methods, can ensure successful remission at all stages of the disease.
drug
The medical treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis is carried out by taking pills, injections, suppositories or using ointments/gels.
The medication lasted for several months. In the absence of positive changes, the disease is eliminated through surgery.
Anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drugs (NSAIDs)
They are used to relieve pain and relieve inflammatory processes that occur in nerve roots.
Self-management PVNS is extremely dangerous to health and may cause irreparable harm. Need to consult an expert.
Glucocorticoid
Since these drugs are hormonal drugs, their intake must be agreed with the attending doctor. Otherwise it will cause irreparable damage to the body.
Diuretics
Diuretics can relieve swelling when nerve roots are compressed.
Vitamin Complex
Taking vitamins can improve the metabolic process of nerve tissue.
In order to restore high-quality metabolism, patients were prescribed B vitamins.
Chondroprotective agent
The reception of the medicine ensures the recovery of the elasticity and shock absorption function of the intervertebral disc.
The withdrawal intensity and dosage for sternal osteochondrosis are determined according to the development stage of the disease.
Antispasmodic
They help relax the muscular framework and help get rid of the problem of persistent cramps and initiate the recovery process of chest osteochondrosis.
Nutrition
The treatment of any disease requires adherence to the basic principles of a balanced diet.
The diet of thoracic osteochondrosis can slow down the pathological process and help speed up the healing process.
Nutritional correction includes increasing the proportion of products in the diet that contain natural cartilage protective agents that promote cartilage tissue regeneration.
It should be noted that the dietary nutrition in the process of degenerative malnutrition should be based on the full value of the diet and adherence to the drinking system.
There is no doubt that the diet should include foods containing calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, retinol, B and C vitamins.
It is also necessary to limit the level of consumption of strong tea and coffee, and to get rid of bad habits.
It is recommended to completely exclude various semi-finished products, fresh baked goods, and high-sugar margarine and carbonated beverages from the diet.
prevention
In order to prevent the appearance or deterioration of thoracic osteochondrosis, it is recommended to take some preventive measures on a regular basis, including:
- Reject bad habits;
- Adhere to the principle of proper and balanced nutrition;
- Track the safest and most comfortable position of the spine when walking, running, and sitting;
- Ensure a comfortable sleep in the correct position;
- Arrange exercise according to the recommended thoracic osteochondrosis exercise group.
The comfort level of a person's daily life depends to a large extent on his health.
When the first symptoms of spinal disease appear, please seek advice from an expert who will help diagnose the disease and choose the correct treatment for thoracic osteochondrosis.