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Treatment of osteochondrosis of thorax area: how to get rid of pain?

Thoracic spine osteochondrosis is a chronic disease associated with the degenerative process in the intervertebral disc.The pathological process quickly involves cartilage and vertebral bone tissue, which is why the back loses flexibility and is always painful.The first worrying symptoms appear in people over the age of 25, more often - from 35 years.

The main problem in treating thoracic osteochondrosis is its hatred.The disease has succeeded in disguising as a heart disease, intercostal neuralgia, gastritis, heart attack, and even a shallow sleep in an uncomfortable position.How does not fall for osteochondrosis bait and recognize it on time?After all, left without treatment, osteochondrosis of the thoracic area can loosen the patient and cause problems with the heart, digestive system, kidneys and gall bladder.

Dorsago for thoracic spinal osteochondrosis

Thoracic osteochondrosis treatment should start with a comprehensive diagnosis and determination of the cause of the disease.

Sign of osteochondrosis of the thoracic area

Clinical manifestations of thoracic osteochondrosis depend on the age, degree and stage of the patient (acute or remission) of the disease.

Initially, without treatment, thoracic osteochondrosis can be asymptomatic - even in the second stage of the disease, pain is often absent.The most common features of these diseases are the pain that occurs while taking a long breath - if you take full air and hold your breath for a few seconds.For osteochondrosis of thoracic areas, two types of pain are specific:

  • Dorsago - Acute attacks of pain are fast passing (usually torture at night, when bending and turning on the body, or doing);
  • Dorsalgia - Light pain lasting up to 3 weeks, which decreases as a "walk -walking patient."

Another important criterion for self -diagnosis is stiffness and cramps in the sternum area - for example, when trying to move your shoulders one by one, or bring your shoulder blades together.

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

  1. Pain during heavy lifting Or after a long stay in one position - usually shooting.With active movement and breathing, the pain is increasing and can "surround" the chest, radiating to the armpits or collarbone.Some patients are also interrupted by shoulder pain during rest.
    Unlike other pectoris and other "heart" pain, which lasts from 3-5 minutes to an hour, thoracalgia with thoracic osteochondrosis can last for weeks and months, sometimes intensively intensively for a few days, then declines.Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis with drugs "from the heart" does not produce results. 
  2. "Goosebumps" in the chest.The most common sensation occurs in the upper thoracic region, in muscle fibers.It can be accompanied by numbness, a decrease in sensitivity (both in the chest and middle back).As a result, the feet become cold, peel off the skin, fragile nails and other symptoms of insufficient tissue nutrition.
  3. Colic in the internal organs.Sharp pain, stab can occur in the stomach, heart and even the kidneys, which is why patients often suspect they have ulcers, angina or heart attack.If you have such symptoms, for the treatment of thoracic spinal osteochondrosis, it is best to visit a neurologist, and simply contact a specialized doctor to avoid making the wrong diagnosis.
  4. Reflex disorders.With thoracic osteochondrosis, they are most often expressed in sweating from the shoulders and muscles of the trapezius in response to their stretching.
  5. A general weakness of thoracic spine.It becomes more difficult for patients to maintain their posture;They began to bend and reveal.At the same time, the back muscles become tighter, the back is "hardened".
  6. The difficulty of breathing.Short breath when climbing stairs, feelings of lack of air or chest tension are the most common symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis.Treatment begins with patients complaining of cough, so the patient considers them to have inflammation of the lung.
  7. Psycho-emotional instability.People who undergo symptoms and treatment of thoracic spinal osteochondrosis become more irritable, experienced fatigue and continuous fatigue even with sufficient rest.
  8. In the gastrointestinal tract, the patient is disturbed by feeling full and loss of appetite, bloated, bloated, heartburn, irregular bowel movements, nausea.Patients are suffering from pain in the throat and esophagus, the feeling of "lump" during swallowing.

In women, symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic area also include pain in the chest and glands, and in the thighs.They are not properly classified as gynecological problems.In this case, it is best to start examining symptoms and treating thoracic osteochondrosis with medications with visits to orthopedists or neurologists. 
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis in men can also solve problems with potential and urination caused by conservation disorders.

Cause

Thoracic osteochondrosis is a relatively rare disease in the spine.The "stock" in the number of patients with osteochondrosis is about 15%. The fact is that the thoracic vertebrae, in which the ribs are attached, not very physiologically mobile - instead, they must provide stability for the chest organs.Therefore, their intervertebral discs are less prone to wear, injury and cracks, and the displacement of vertebra and hernia is rare.But osteochondrosis of the thoracic area is also "difficult to access" for treatment.Therefore, it is important to exclude or compensate for the following causes of the disease:

  • Excessive physical activity, including household, professional and sports;
  • weak posture and other deformation of the musculoskeletal system;
  • Non -developing muscle corsets and weak physical forms;
  • overweight;
  • Prolonged work without heating (for example, working while driving or in front of a computer);
  • back injuries (not only thorax, but also other parts);
  • gastrointestinal disease;
  • bad habits;
  • infection;
  • hypothermia;
  • hormone disorders;
  • chronic stress;
  • Excessive use of salt and lack of drinking water habits is a long -term cause of disruption in the balance of water salt in the body;
  • The selection of the wrong shoes and carrying the wrong bags and other heavy items.

Others - unfortunately, cannot be completely eliminated - causes of thoracic osteochondrosis: circulatory disorders (with atherosclerosis or diabetes), metabolic syndrome, autoimmune diseases and genetic tendencies. In women, treatment for thoracic osteochondrosis may be needed during double pregnancy.

It is important to prevent the disease - although there are no symptoms and indicative sensations for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis.Only a doctor can evaluate the right posture of a teenager.After all, for example, kyphosis often occurs smoothly and cannot be seen by non -experts.And in more advanced cases, at the age of the first 15 years of signs of degenerative processes in the vertebral joints may appear. 

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

As a result of thoracic osteochondrosis

Due to compression of blood vessels and nerve roots, the preservation of muscles and internal organs is disrupted, and the function of the spinal cord declines.In the absence of treatment for thoracic osteochondrosis, this condition is full of serious consequences:

  • Pathology in the intestine, bile dyskinesia;
  • increased risk of heart attack, as well as ischemia and angina;
  • hernia and spinal cord protrusions;
  • liver damage, kidney and pancreas;
  • The tendency for inflammation of the lungs and other lung pathology related to hypoventilation.

Thoracic spinal osteochondrosis treatment

Treatment of osteochondrosis of thoracic areas at stage 1 and 2 diseases involving conservative therapy aimed at relieving inflammation, stopping pain, restoring nerve conduction and blood supply.Also, to reduce the condition, medicines and techniques used to relieve cramps, including strengthening the back muscles.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of thoracic areas with drugs in the acute stage of the disease takes 1 to 3 months;In the future, lifelong adherence to simple rules is needed to maintain forgiveness.If there is no sign of hospitalization, maintenance therapy is carried out on an outpatient and does not require a large cost.

In the case of advanced osteochondrosis, spinal cord herniation and other potentially harmful conditions, surgery is prescribed to decompose and stabilize the spine (microdiscectomy, foraminotomy, laminectomy).Postoperative treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis in the hospital takes 3 to 7 days, complete healing takes up to 14 days.

Physiotherapy for thoracic osteochondrosis

For the treatment of thoracic spinal osteochondrosis, the following are used:

  • Magnetic laser therapy. Helps relieve pain, swelling and inflammation, increases humoral immunity.The course consists of 14 daily 10-15 minutes.The interval between courses should take at least 1 month, and the number of courses per year should not exceed 4.
  • Amplipulse (SMT), including local anesthetics.Has a strong analgesic effect.Stimulates muscles and prevents muscle atrophy.Helps relieve swelling and inflammation, widen blood vessels and improve tissue nutrition.This course requires 8-15 procedures for 10-20 minutes.
  • Ultrasound therapy (optional - with glucocorticosteroid).Provides periarticular tissue micromassage, improves cartilage nutrition, prevents inflammation and joint destruction, expands blood vessels and accelerates regeneration.Has analgesic and antispasmodic effects.This course includes 10-12 10-15 minutes procedures each.
  • Mineral baths, mud therapy, ozokites and paraffin baths and other balneological techniques. They provide durable blood vessels, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, relieve swelling and facilitate movement in the joints.The duration of the session, the length of the course and the effect depends on the composition of the bath or therapeutic mixture.
  • Hydromassage. Improves tissue nutrition and nerve conduction, promotes muscle relaxation of spasming.Accelerate regeneration and shorten the recovery period after enlargement of thoracic osteochondrosis.Course-10-25 sessions.The session period gradually increases from 15 to 30 minutes.
  • Thermotherapy. It has a relaxing, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect, improving lymph and blood circulation.The duration of the course and procedure depends on the technique.
  • Acupuncture.Stimulates regeneration and improves tissue conservation around the spine, functioning of the internal organs of the chest, normalizing blood circulation and reducing pain due to the release of endorphins.The course consists of 15 sessions, held daily or daily. 
  • The method of attractiveness. Used for removal of hernia and non -surgical protrusion, combating limb and clamps.They help increase the distance between vertebrae, increase posture, promote nerve root compression, relax and strengthen the back muscles.This reduces the intensity of inflammation and pain.The standard course is 10-12 sessions, repeated solutions may be required.
  • Manual therapy. Increases blood circulation in the spinal cord, helping to fight fainting.Restores the right spinal position anatomically, promoting the treatment of hernia and protrusions.Eliminates cramps and tension in the thoracic region.The course is a minimum of 10-15 sessions that last from a few minutes to an hour.

In addition to physical therapy and drug treatment for thoracic osteochondrosis, patients may need to work with psychologists.This will help eliminate the anxiety that accompanies the disease of the musculoskeletal system.It also motivates to maintain a healthy posture.
During physical activity, patients are recommended to wear orthopedic (but not always, so as not to weaken the back muscles).

Massage for thoracic osteochondrosis

For thoracic spinal osteochondrosis, clinical sequences are recommended - classical therapeutic (with medication for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis or essential oils), vacuum, lymph drainage, water or acupressure.Doctors or devices have an indirect effect on the thoracic region through the shoulder and upper back muscles, stimulates blood circulation, eliminates pain and swelling, restoring various movements and normalizing muscle corset tones.Massage also enhances the effects of thoracic osteochondrosis with medicines.
Thoracic osteochondrosis treatment on male drivers and operators involves the use of massage devices - cushions and seat covers, buttocks, shrimp.

Gymnastics for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis

The first lasting effect of exercise therapy occurs during the first 2 weeks of the class, but temporary release is possible after 4-7 sessions.It is necessary to increase the burden during the treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic area gradually, alternating with rest.Performing exercises through pain and severe fatigue is not allowed, such as the movement that can injure the joint tissue and adjacent.It is very important to practice training for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis daily, or better, 3-5 times a day, at least 5 repetitions each.

  1. Stand straight, legs together, arms all over your body.As you breathe, lift your hands, and when you inhale, bend again.Reduce your arms and bend forward as you breathe, lower your head and shoulders.
  2. Sitting on a chair.As you inhale, place your straight arm behind your head, and when you exhale, bend well, without lifting your shoulder blade from the back of the chair.
  3. Stand in all four, back curves and freeze for 3 seconds, looking straight forward.
  4. Lie on your stomach, place your hands on the floor and bend again, lifting your chest from the floor.
  5. Lying on your stomach, put your hands on your body.Bend your chest, make a "boat": at the same time lift your feet and head.

In addition to gymnastics proposed for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis, patients benefit from nordic sports, yoga, biking and water (swimming, diving, aerobic aqua).Remember to relieve your spine during the day: do not sit in one position for more than 2 hours, and during your lunch break, try to lie on a flat surface for 40 minutes.Stretch, stand, bend as soon as your back starts to harden.

The release of symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region in women also requires maintaining the right body position when performing a homework - try to spend as little time as possible in a tendency, if possible, sitting straight if long term homework is needed.

Thoracic osteochondrosis drug treatment

Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis with medicines is complex and various vectors.The patient is prescribed:

  1. Nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).They are taken orally, in the course 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 layer when taken orally.Therefore, it is recommended to bring them together with proton pump inhibitors.If you have gastritis, ulcer, colitis or other gastrointestinal problems, it is best to choose injection.

  2. Glucocorticoids.Steroid drugs (hormones) are prescribed in cases where anti -conventional medications are ineffective -for example, to relieve severe severity or pain in the later stage of osteochondrosis.For this purpose, GC can be set together with analgesics in the form of injection restrictions.

    The selection of glucocorticoid and its dose is performed exclusively by the attending physician.Drugs in this group, when taken uncontrollably, have serious side effects - they can cause hormone imbalance, weight gain, and skin problems.

  3. Chondroprotective drugs for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis.Preparation based on cartilage and hyaluronic acid components promotes the regeneration of cartilage tissue.They supply the body with "building materials" for collagen and synovial fluid, which allows you to extend drug -free forgiveness.They must be taken every year, from 3 to 6 months.This will help reduce inflammation, keep the intervertebral disc from deteriorating, and increases flexibility.

  4. Muscle relaxants.Muscle tension and cramps significantly reduce the quality of life of the patient and cause discomfort even during rest.But the main thing is that they affect nutrient access to the intervertebral joints, which causes the destruction and weakness of cartilage tissue.Also, prolonged tension leads to destruction (atrophy) of muscle tissue and increased load on the joints.To avoid this, muscle relaxants are used.

  5. Vitamins and antioxidants.These medicines are protectors and "living search" joints.They prevent the destruction of cartilage and bone tissue due to aggressive oxidative effects, and prevent the formation of new erosion on the cartilage surface.Vitamins (such as vitamin B) are effective in combating inflammation.They are also needed to maintain the strength and elasticity of cartilage tissue - they prevent cracks and chips from shaping, and improving the features of its shock absorber.

  6. Diuretic.These injection drugs are used for emergency treatment of nerve root swelling.They help prevent damage to the spinal cord and long -term recovery with a neurologist.Left untreated, swelling of the nerve root can cause severe pain, muscle weakness, and organ dysfunction.

  7. Neuroprotectors and anticholinesteric.Such drugs increase the metabolism of the nerve tissue and stimulate the flow of nerve impulses.They help normalize the transmission of nerve impulses through the spinal cord and the preservation of the internal organs, that is, maintaining control of your body.

  8. Angioprotectors and blood circulation correction.Angioprotective agents protect blood vessels, promote the normal expansion and permeability of vascular walls.Because the thoracic region osteochondrosis greatly affects the cardiovascular system, it should take these drugs to combat dizziness, numbness of the body and other features.

Dosage and originality of the use of certain drugs for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis should be determined by the attending physician.

Diet for thoracic area osteochondrosis

At the first symptoms and treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis, high menu of collagen, vitamin A, B and C are recommended, which promotes the generation of intervertebral cartilage and ligaments.It is also advisable to "accelerate" metabolism with easy digestive foods (small portions every 3 hours). 

Diet includes breakfast protein (eggs, dairy products) and dinner (boiled, boiled, roasted in foil fish, chicken, seafood).During the day you need to eat beans, cereals, vegetables, fruits and berries.

It should reduce the use of starch, salt, flour products, processed foods and carbonated drinks.Drink regimen - from 2 liters of clean water daily.