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Treatment of osteochondrosis of the chest region: How to get rid of pain?

Osteochondrosis of the chest is a chronic disease associated with degenerative processes in the intervertebral discs.The pathological process quickly involves the cartilage and bone tissue of the vertebrae, which is why the back loses flexibility and constantly hurts.The first worrying symptoms occur in people over 25 years of age, more often than 35 years.

The main problem in the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis is its insidiousness.The disease is successfully concealed as heart pain, intercostal neuralgia, gastritis, heart attack, and even banal sleep effects.How can we not fall for the bait of osteochondrosis and recognize it on time?After all, left without treatment, osteochondrosis of the chest can immobilize the patient and cause heart problems, digestive system, kidneys and gall bladder.

Dorsago for osteochondrosis of the chest

Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis should begin with a complete diagnosis and determination of the cause of the disease.

Signs of osteochondrosis of the chest region

The clinical manifestations of thoracic osteochondrosis depend on the age, extent and stages of the patient (acute or remission) of the disease.

Initially, without treatment, chest osteochondrosis can be asymptomatic - even in the second stage of the disease, pain is often absent.The most characteristic of the disease is the pain that occurs in a deep air - if you take a full liver of the air and hold your breath for a few seconds.For osteochondrosis of the chest area, two types of pain are specific:

  • Dorsago - sharp attacks of pain that quickly pass (usually torture at night when they bend and turn the body or effort);
  • Dorsalgia - A slight pain lasted up to 3 weeks, which disappears like the patient "walking around".

Other important criteria for self -diagnosis are stiffness and shattering in the sternum - for example, when trying to move your shoulders one by one or to collect your shoulder blades together.

Significant symptoms and sensations during the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis include:

  1. Lifting Or after a long stay in one position - usually shooting.With movement and active breathing, the pain intensifies and can "surround" the breasts, radiant to the armpit or clavicle.Some patients are also worried about sick shoulder pain at rest.
    Unlike angina pectoris and other "heart pain" that lasts from 3-5 minutes to an hour, thoracic osteochondrosis thoracalia can last weeks and months, sometimes increased for several days, and then decreases.Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis with heart drugs does not bring results. 
  2. "Goosebumps" in the chestSThe sensation most often occurs in the top of the chest area, in the muscle fibers.It can be accompanied by a feeling of tingling, decreased sensitivity (both in the chest and middle of the back).Therefore, the legs turn cold, skin peeling, brittle nails and other symptoms of insufficient tissue feeding.
  3. Colic in internal organsSAcute, piercing pain can occur in the stomach, heart and even the kidneys, which is why patients often suspect they have an ulcer, angina or heart attack.If you have such symptoms, it is better to visit a neurologist for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the chest and only then contact specialized doctors so that you do not make an incorrect diagnosis.
  4. Reflexive violations.With thoracic osteochondrosis, they are most often expressed in a rhythmic twitching of the shoulder and trapezoid spinal muscles in response to their stretching.
  5. A common chest weaknessSFor patients it becomes more difficult to maintain their posture;They begin to get stuck and hug.At the same time, the muscles of the back are becoming more and more overwhelmed, the back "hardens".
  6. Shortness of breathSShortness of breath when climbing stairs, the feeling of lack of air or tightness in the chest are the most common symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis.Treatment begins with the fact that the patient complains of cough, which is why patients accept that they have pneumonia.
  7. Instruumability of the psycho-emotional sphereSPeople who go through the symptoms and treatment of chest osteochondrosis become more disturbing, suffering from constant fatigue and fatigue even with sufficient rest.
  8. On the side of the gastrointestinal tract patients are worried about feeling satiety and loss of appetite, Swelling, flatulence, acids, improper bowel movements, nausea.Patients are struck by sore throat and esophagus, a feeling of "lump" when swallowed.

In women, the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the chest area also include chest and mammary pain and groin.They are incorrectly classified as gynecological problems.In this case, it is better to start checking the symptoms and treating thoracic osteochondrosis with medicines with a visit to an orthopedist or neurologist. 
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis in men can similarly solve problems with potency and urination caused by innervation disorders.

The causes of the disease

Thoracic osteochondrosis is a relatively rare disease of the spine.Its "share" in the total number of osteochondrosis patients is about 15%. The fact is that the thoracic vertebrae to which the ribs are attached are not very mobile physiological - on the contrary, they must ensure stability of the chest organs.Therefore, their intervertebral discs are less susceptible to wear, injury and cracking, and the displacements of the vertebrae and hernia are rare.But osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is also "difficult to access" for treatment.Therefore, it is important to exclude or compensate in advance the following causes of the disease:

  • Excessive physical activity, incl.household, professional and sports;
  • poor posture and other deformities of the musculoskeletal system;
  • Undeveloped muscle corset and poor physical form;
  • overweight;
  • prolonged stuck work without warming (for example, working while driving or in front of a computer);
  • Back injuries (not only chest but also other parts);
  • gastrointestinal diseases;
  • bad habits;
  • infections;
  • hypothermia;
  • hormonal disorders;
  • chronic stress;
  • Excessive consumption of salt and the lack of a habit of drinking water are the causes of long-term disturbances in the balance of water-salts in the body;
  • The wrong choice of shoes and the wrong wearing of bags and other heavy items.

Others - unfortunately, they cannot be completely eliminated - causes of thoracic osteochondrosis: blood circulation (with atherosclerosis or diabetes), metabolic syndrome, autoimmune diseases and genetic predisposition. Women may need to treat thoracic osteochondrosis during multiple pregnancies.

It is important to prevent the disease - even if there are no indicative symptoms and sensations for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis.Only a doctor can evaluate the proper posture of a teenager.After all, for example, kyphosis is often found smoothly and is inconspicuous to a non -specialist.And in particularly advanced cases, the first signs of degenerative processes in the spinal joints may occur by the age of 15. 

Fortunately, you can start shaping your posture and treating thoracic osteochondrosis even at the age of 40!

Effects of thoracic osteochondrosis

Due to the compression of the blood vessels and nerve roots, the innervation of the muscles and internal organs is impaired and the functionality of the spinal cord deteriorates.In the absence of treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis, this condition is fraught with serious consequences:

  • bowel pathologies, gallbladder dyskinesia;
  • increased risk of heart attack, as well as ischemia and angina;
  • hernia and protrusions of the spinal cord;
  • Liver, kidneys and pancreatic malfunctions;
  • A tendency to pneumonia and other pulmonary pathologies associated with hypoventilation.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

The treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region in stages 1 and 2 of the disease includes conservative therapy aimed at relieving inflammation, stopping pain, restoration of nerve conductivity and blood supply.Also, to relieve the condition, medicines and techniques are used to relieve spasm, incl.Strengthening the posterior muscles.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic area with drugs in the acute stage of the disease takes 1 to 3 months;In the future, it is necessary to observe simple rules throughout life to simple rules for maintaining remission.If there are no hospitalization indications, maintenance therapy is performed on an outpatient basis and does not require large costs.

In the case of advanced osteochondrosis, spinal cord hernia and other potentially dangerous conditions, the surgery is prescribed for decompression and stabilization of the spine (microdiscectomy, framinctomy, lamininectomy).Postoperative treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis in a hospital takes 3 to 7 days, complete healing takes up to 14 days.

Physiotherapy for chest osteochondrosis

The following is used to treat osteochondrosis of the chest:

  • Magnetic laser therapy. Helps relieve pain, swelling and inflammation, increases humoral immunity.The course consists of 14 daily sessions of 10-15 minutes.The intervals between the courses should last for at least 1 month, and the number of courses should not exceed 4 per year.
  • Amplipulse (SMT), incl.with local anesthesia.It has a strong analgesic effect.Stimulates muscle and prevents muscle atrophy.Helps relieve swelling and inflammation, dilates blood vessels and improves tissue nutrition.The course requires 8-15 procedures for 10-20 minutes.
  • Ultrasound therapy (optional - with glucocorticosteroid).Provides the micromass of periarticular tissues, improves cartilage nutrition, prevents inflammation and destruction of the joints, dilates blood vessels and accelerates regeneration.It has an analgesic and antispasmodic effect.The course includes 10-12 procedures from 10-15 minutes each.
  • Mineral baths, mud therapy, ozoc and paraffin baths and other balneological techniques. They provide long -lasting dilation of blood vessels, have an antioxidant and anti -inflammatory effect, relieve swelling and facilitate movement in the joint.The duration of the session, the length of the course and the impact depend on the composition of the bathroom or the therapeutic mixture.
  • Hydromassage. Improves tissue nutrition and nervous conductivity, promotes the relaxation of the cramping muscles.It accelerates regeneration and shortens the recovery period after exacerbation of thoracic osteochondrosis.Course-10-25 sessions.The duration of the session is gradually increasing from 15 to 30 minutes.
  • Thermotherapy. It has a relaxing, analgesic and anti -inflammatory effect, improves lymph and blood circulation.The duration of the course and the procedure depends on the technique.
  • Acupuncture.Stimulates regeneration and improves the innervation of tissues around the spine, the functioning of the internal organs of the breast, normalizes blood circulation and reduces pain due to the release of endorphins.The course consists of 15 sessions that take place daily or every other day. 
  • Methods of grip. It is used for non -surgical elimination of hernia and convexity, combating the numbness of the limbs and brackets.They help to increase the distance between the vertebrae, improve the posture, promote the decompression of nerve roots, relax and strengthen the muscles of the posterior.This reduces the intensity of inflammation and pain.The standard course is 10-12 sessions, you may need to be completed.
  • Manual therapy. Improves blood circulation in the spinal cord, helps fight the seizure.Restores the anatomically correct position of the spine, promotes the treatment of hernia and convexities.Eliminates spasms and tightness in the chest area.The course is a minimum of 10-15 sessions lasting from several minutes to an hour.

In addition to physical therapy and drug treatment for thoracic osteochondrosis, patients may need to work with a psychologist.This will help get rid of anxiety that accompanies diseases of the musculoskeletal system.It also motivates to maintain a healthy stand.
During physical activity, it is recommended that patients wear an orthopedic corset (but not constantly so as not to weaken the posterior muscles).

Chest osteochondrosis massage

For osteochondrosis of the chest spine, clinical massage is recommended - classic therapeutic (with medicines for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis or essential oils), vacuum, lymph drainage, water or acupressure.The doctor or device has an indirect effect on the thoracic area through the muscles of the shoulders and upper back, stimulates the microcirculation of the blood, eliminates pain and swelling, restores the normal range of movement and normalizes the tone of the muscle corset.Massage also enhances the effect of treating thoracic osteochondrosis with drugs.
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis in male drivers and operators involves the use of massage devices - pillows and seat lids, bolts, hand massage therapists.

Gymnastics for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis

The first lasting effect of exercise therapy occurs during the first 2 weeks of classes, but temporary relief is possible after 4-7 sessions.It is necessary to increase the load during the treatment of osteochondrosis of the chest area gradually, alternating it with rest.Performing exercise through pain and severe fatigue is not allowed, as well as sudden movements that can injure the joint and adjacent tissues.It is very important to perform exercises to treat thoracic osteochondrosis every day or better, 3-5 times a day, at least 5 reps each.

  1. Stand straight, legs together, your hands on your body.As you exhale, lift your arms up and as you inhale, bend back.Lower your hands and bend forward as you exhale, lowering your head and shoulders.
  2. Sit in a chair.As you inhale, place your right hands behind your head and as you exhale, bend well back without lifting your shoulders from the back of the chair.
  3. Standing on fours, bend your back and freeze for 3 seconds, looking straight ahead.
  4. Lying on your stomach, place your hands on the floor and bend back, lifting your chest off the floor.
  5. Lies on your stomach, extend your hands on your body.Bend your breasts by making a "boat": at the same time lift your legs and head up.

In addition to the proposed gymnastics for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis, patients benefit from Scandinavian walking, yoga, cycling and water sports (swimming, diving, aqua aerobics).Be sure to relieve your spine during the day: Do not sit in one position for more than 2 hours and during the lunch break, try to lie on a flat surface for 40 minutes.Stretch, stand up, bend down as soon as your back begins to harden.

The relief of symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the chest region in women also requires maintenance of the correct position of the body when performing household duties - try to spend as much time in inclined positions, if possible, to sit straight if long -term household work is required.

Treatment of the drug of thoracic osteochondrosis

Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis with drugs is a complex and multi-vector.Patients are prescribed:

  1. Non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)SThey are accepted orally, in courses of about 10-12 days, used externally (gels, ointments, creams - without restrictions) or in the form of injections.Please note that most NSAIDs can damage the gastric lining when taken orally.Therefore, it is recommended that you take them with the proton pump inhibitors.If you have gastritis, ulcers, colitis or other gastrointestinal problems, it is better to choose injections.

  2. GlucocorticoidsSSteroid (hormonal) drugs are prescribed in cases where conventional anti -inflammatory drugs are ineffective - for example, to relieve severe exacerbations or pain in the short stages of osteochondrosis.For this purpose, GC can be prescribed with analgesics in the form of an injection blockade.

    The choice of glucocorticoid and its dose is made exclusively by the attending physician.Medicines in this group, when taken uncontrolled, have serious side effects - they can cause hormonal imbalances, weight gain and skin problems.

  3. Chondroprotective drugs to treat chest osteochondrosisSCartilage -based preparations and hyaluronic acid promote the regeneration of cartilage tissue.They supply the body with a "building material" for collagen and synovial fluid, which allows you to prolong the remission without medication.They should be taken annually, from 3 to 6 months.This will help reduce inflammation, do not worsen the intervertebral discs and improve the flexibility of the back.

  4. Muscle relaxantsSMuscle tension and spasms significantly reduce the quality of life of the patient and cause discomfort even during rest.But the main thing is that they violate the access of nutrients to the intervertebral joints, which provokes their more destruction and weakening of cartilage tissue.Also, prolonged tension leads to the destruction (atrophy) of muscle tissue and increased joint load.Muscle relaxants are used to prevent this.

  5. Vitamins and antioxidantsSThese drugs are protectors and "holders" of the joints.They prevent the destruction of cartilage and bone tissue due to aggressive oxidative effects and prevent the formation of new foci of erosion on the surface of the cartilage.Vitamins (such as B vitamins) are effective in combating inflammation.They are also necessary to maintain the strength and elasticity of cartilage tissue - they prevent the formation of cracks and chips and improve its characteristics that absorb shocks.

  6. DiureticsSThese injection drugs are used for urgent treatment for nerve swelling.They help to avoid damage to the spinal nerves and long -term rehabilitation with a neurologist.Left untreated, swelling of the nerve roots can cause severe pain, muscle weakness and organs dysfunction.

  7. Neuroprotectors and anticholinesterySSuch drugs improve the metabolism of nerve tissue and stimulate the conductivity of nerve impulses.They help to normalize the transmission of nerve impulses through the spinal cord and innervation of the internal organs, ie.maintain control of their body.

  8. Angioprotectors and Microcirculation CorrectionsSAngoprotective agents protect blood vessels, promote their expansion and normal vascular permeability.As osteochondrosis of the chest area significantly affects the cardiovascular system, it is worth taking these drugs to combat dizziness, numbness of the limbs and other characteristic problems.

The dosage and expediency of the use of specific drugs for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis should be determined by the attending physician.

A diet for osteochondrosis of the chest region

In the first symptoms and treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis, a menu with a high content of collagen, vitamins A, B and C is recommended, which promotes the regeneration of intervertebral cartilage and strengthening the ligaments.It is also advisable to "accelerate" the metabolism with easily digestible food (small portions every 3 hours). 

The diet includes a protein breakfast (eggs, dairy products) and dinner (boiled, stewed, baked in fish foil, poultry, seafood).During the day you should eat legumes, whole grains, vegetables, fruits and fruits.

It is worth reducing the consumption of starch, salt, flour products, processed foods and carbonated drinks.Drinking mode - 2 liters of clean water per day.