Osteochondrosis of the chest

Under osteochondrosis of the chest, doctors understand the relevant degenerative-dystrophic processes in this area, which lead to pathological deformations of cartilage and bone tissue, destruction of ligaments, joints and intervertebral discs.

Reasons for the appearance

The thoracic spine is less mobile than the cervical and lumbar spine, so pathological processes in this area are less noticeable, mainly due to the strong design of the connections of the ribs, sternum and vertebrae.However, it occurs no less often than other types of osteochondrosis.Most people who are constantly in a sitting position at home or at work are prone to weakness of the spinal muscles, scoliosis, injuries in this area, poor posture and, as a result, thoracic osteochondrosis.

As mentioned above, the main cause of the disease is considered to be pathological deformations in the intervertebral discs and joints of the structure.Cartilage surfaces are destroyed, discs become thinner, osteophytes, protrusions, hernias are formed, the nucleus pulposus is significantly reduced and ultimately the root structures of the spinal nerves are damaged, compressive myelopathy and vascular myelosemia occur.

Symptoms and first signs of thoracic osteochondrosis

The signs of osteochondrosis are not as pronounced as in other types of this disease, and unqualified doctors periodically confuse them with the symptoms of other diseases.The above problem provokes the development of pain in the chest and interscapular region, which significantly intensifies during movement and physical work.Pinched nerve fibers provoke conductive unpleasant sensations in the heart and even in the liver, and also form pathologies in the functioning of a number of other organs.

There are two types of pain associated with osteochondrosis of the thoracic region.

1. Dorsalgia is a syndrome of prolonged moderate pain in the affected area, accompanied by unpleasant sensations.
2. Dorsago - paroxysmal severe pain, intense and, as a rule, short-lived.In this case, the patient may have difficulty breathing and mobility in the affected area.

Common symptoms

1. Painful sensations in the interscapular region.They are accompanied by "shooting" of the intercostal nerves in the affected area and corresponding neuralgia.
2. Left sided chest pain syndrome similar to ischemia.
3. Bursting pain in the chest, significantly increasing with high physical activity.
4. Limited chest activity/mobility.This symptom, characteristic of osteochondrosis of the chest, is often confused with manifestations of scoliotic deformity, as well as with ankylosing spondylitis / Forestier / Scheerman-Mao disease.
5. "Remitting" pain in the gastrointestinal tract, heart and liver.
6. Sexual dysfunction.
7. Partial numbness of the chest.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the chest

Osteochondrosis of the chest is treated exclusively with complex long-term therapy, which includes complexes of exercises, various physical and manual procedures, as well as drugs.

How to treat?

The treatment process consists of several stages.The first is to eliminate the symptoms of pain.In addition, restorative and preventive therapy is used, which includes a number of techniques and approaches - from acupuncture to physiotherapy.The last stage is maintenance therapy.The duration of the treatment of the disease varies widely and depends both on the medical techniques used and on the current condition of the patient, as well as on the stage of osteochondrosis itself.

Popular drugs for thoracic osteochondrosis

1. Pain relievers.NSAIDs and analgesics based on various combinations.
2. Hydroprotectors.Necessary to catalyze the repair process of damaged cartilage.
3. vitamins.Most often, complete vitamin complexes or preparations with B-group elements are prescribed.
4. External means.Creams or ointments based on glucocorticosteroids.In addition, local remedies are used to relieve inflammation in the affected area and alleviate the symptoms of the disease.
5. Injections and injections.Most often, they are performed in hospital conditions and are complexes of paravertebral blockade with a long-acting anesthetic.In addition, such drugs improve blood circulation and also promote the recovery of cartilage tissue.

massage

Massage not only reduces the severity of the symptoms of the disease, but also helps a person to recover, which leads to a positive effect of other elements of complex therapy.It is prescribed individually based on the clinical picture of osteochondrosis of the chest, the presence of chronic diseases and contraindications.

Manual therapy relieves pain syndromes of different etiology, prevents atrophy of the spine, normalizes blood circulation and nutrition of the intervertebral discs, relaxes static muscles in the affected area and triggers the natural processes of cartilage tissue regeneration.

The main types of massage for osteochondrosis of the chest:

1. Spot.
2. Medicinal.
3. Hardware canned.
4. Reflex-priosteal.
5. Connective tissue.

Gymnastics and exercise therapy

Therapeutic physical training and complexes of gymnastic exercises are one of the most important stages in the recovery of the spine after osteochondrosis.Naturally, it should be prescribed taking into account the stage of the disease and the condition of the patient by a purely professional doctor.

The main task of therapeutic gymnastics is the systematic development of cartilage, as well as the strengthening of the spinal muscles.With an appropriate diagnosis, a set of author's exercises is often prescribed: the system includes both general strengthening procedures and methods of direct impact on the most problematic area, as well as indicator exercises that facilitate tracking the effectiveness of the treatment.

In private practice, they also use different sets of exercises, using a different method, using special devices.Stages of treatment in this case:

1. Relieving spasms and fighting sensations.
2. Therapeutic loading of the short back muscles.
3. Normalization of blood circulation in the intervertebral discs.
4. Restoring the basic structure of the spine.

Physiotherapy and alternative therapy

This method of treating osteochondrosis of the chest can include hardware and alternative therapy, as well as various physical procedures.The most famous and popular methods:

1. Electrophoresis.A well-known non-operative method of affecting the spine, used since the 1970s.
2. Direct stretch.This method is a relatively safe and effective method of straightening the spine, if, of course, it is performed by a qualified specialist.It is carried out on a massage-traction couch.
3. Vacuum therapy.Type of active impact on the affected area using vacuum boxes.
4. Acupuncture.Classic acupuncture is performed with special thin needles that are inserted at a certain depth into the epithelium at the acupuncture points on the back.
5. Laser puncture.An activity similar to acupuncture, but performed using a laser beam.
6. Magnetic acupuncture.Impact on problem areas with alternating magnetic field.
7. Osteopathy.A complex method that includes elements of massage, chiropractic and orthopedic techniques.
8. Electrical stimulation.Use of electric current to normalize the functioning of the spine.
9. Shock wave therapy.The technique is based on the use of infrasound acoustic waves in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the chest.
10. Traction engine decompression.An automated analogue of direct stretching.

Prevention

The rules for preventing this disease are simple and unambiguous:

1. Regular exercises under the supervision of an orthopedist.
2. Weight normalization.
3. Consumption of foods and medicines rich in magnesium and calcium.
4. Correct posture when working in a seated position.
5. Giving up bad habits.

Question - answer

What pain occurs with osteochondrosis of the chest?

With osteochondrosis of this type, patients experience two types of pain syndromes.

1. Dorsago is a strong, short-lasting pain of high intensity, which periodically appears against the background of reduced motor activity in the affected area and difficulty breathing.
2. Dorsalgia is a persistent background pain of moderate or low intensity that worsens with physical activity.

Localization of the above pain sensations:

1. Interscapular region.
2. Bursting chest pain with partial numbness.
3. Painful "shooting" in the left upper chest, similar to ischemia.
4. Referring to pain in the liver, heart and gastrointestinal tract.

Is gymnastics useful for thoracic osteochondrosis?

Gymnastics and training therapy are one of the main elements of the complex therapy of the disease.With its help, you can strengthen your back muscles, improve blood microcirculation and develop cartilage/intervertebral discs.Naturally, the gymnast itself, as a separate type of therapy, will not help to get rid of osteochondrosis of the chest: in order to consolidate the positive effect, it is necessary to take appropriate drugs, as well as regularly attend physical procedures.