Treatment of thoracic region osteochondrosis: How to get rid of pain?

Osteochondrosis of the spine It 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 it hurts constantly.The first alarming symptoms appear in people over the age of 25, most often - from 35 years.

The main problem in the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis is its consciousness.The disease successfully masks itself as heart pain, intercostal neuralgia, gastritis, heart attack, and even banal consequences of sleep in an unpleasant position.How not to fall for osteochondrosis bait and get to know it in time?After all, leave without treatment, osteochondrosis of the thoracic region can immobilize the patient and cause problems with the heart, digestive system, kidneys and gall bladder.

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

Signs of osteochondrosis of the chest region

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

At first, without treatment, thoracic osteochondrosis can be asymptomatic - even in the second stage of the disease, pain is often absent.The most character of the disease is the pain that occurs when you take a deep breath - if you take a full air lung and keep your breath for a few seconds.For the thoracic region osteochondrosis, two types of pain are specific:

• dorsago - acute pain attacks that pass fast (usually try at night when bending and returning the body, or exercise);
• dorsalgia - Mild pain lasting up to 3 weeks, which comes down as the patient "walks around".

Other important criteria for self -diagnostics are stiffness and pressure in the sternum area - for example, when trying to move your shoulders one by one, or attach shoulder blades.

Symptoms and sensations of the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis include:

1. Pain when lifting weights or after a long stay in a position - usually shooting.With active movement and breathing, the pain intensifies and can "surround" the chest, radiating in the armpit or kolarbone.Some patients also worry about pain in shoulder pain at rest.
   Unlike angina pectoris and other "heart" pains, which last from 3-5 minutes to an hour, thoracalgia with thoracic osteochondrosis can last for weeks and months, sometimes intensifying for several days, then falling.Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis with "heart" medication does not produce results. 
2. “Goosebumps” on the chest.The sensation most commonly occurs in the upper part of the thoracic region, in muscle fibers.It can be associated with a feeling of numbness, decreased sensitivity (both in the chest and in the middle of the back).Because of this, the feet become cold, the peel is observed from the skin, fragile nails and other symptoms of insufficient tissue nutrition.
3. Abdominal pain in internal organs.Sharp pain, with a knife can occur in the stomach, heart and even kidney, this is why patients often suspect they have an ulcer, angina or heart attack.If you have such symptoms, for the treatment of thoracic spine osteochondrosis, it is best to visit a neurologist, and only then contact specialized doctors to avoid making an incorrect diagnosis.
4. Disordishes reflex disorders.With thoracic osteochondrosis, they are often expressed in the rhythmic cartilage of the spinal shoulder and trapezius in response to their extension.
5. General weakness of the spine of the chest.Becomes is more difficult for patients to maintain their behavior;They start sliding and hugging.At the same time, the back muscles become increasingly tense, the back "hardening".
6. Difficulty breathing.Breathing of the breath when you climb the stairs, the feeling of lack of air or tightness in the chest are the most common symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis.Treatment begins with the patient complaining of a cough, which is why patients assume that they have pneumonia.
7. The instability of the psycho-emotional sphere.People who go through the symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine of the chest become more frustrated, suffer from constant fatigue and fatigue even with sufficient rest.
8. On the side of the gastrointestinal tract, patients are disturbed by a feeling of satiety and loss of appetite, bloating, flat, heartburn, irregular bowel movements, nausea.Patients are ruined by sore throat and esophagus, a feeling of a "bump" when swallowed.

In women, the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region also include chest pain and mammal glands, and groin.They are incorrectly classified as gynecological problems.In this case, it is best to start checking the symptoms and treat the thoracic osteochondrosis with a visit to an orthopedist or neurologist. 
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis in men can similarly solve problems with power and urination caused by intrigue disorders.

Causes of the disease

The thoracic osteochondrosis is a relatively rare spine disease.Its "portion" in the total number of patients with osteochondrosis is about 15%. The fact is that the chest beads, to which the ribs are attached, are not very physiologically mobile - on the contrary, they must provide stability for the chest organs.Therefore, their intervertebral discs are less susceptible to clothing, damage and cracking, and vertebral displacements and hernias are rare.But the osteochondrosis of the chest region is also "difficult to access" for treatment.Therefore, it is important to exclude or compensate for the following causes of the disease in advance:

• Excessive physical activity, including.household, professional and sports;
• poor behavior and other deformities of the skeletal muscle system;
• Underdeveloped muscle corset and poor physical form;
• overweight;
• prolonged work seated without heat (for example, working while driving or in front of a computer);
• spine damage (not only chest but also other parts);
• Gastrointestinal diseases;
• bad habits;
• infections;
• hypothermia;
• hormonal disorders;
• chronic stress;
• Excessive salt consumption and lack of potable water habit are the causes of long -term concerns in the balance of water salt in the body;
• Incorrect selection of shoes and inaccurate keeping of bags and other heavy items.

Other - unfortunately, cannot be completely eliminated - the causes of thoracic osteochondrosis: circulatory disorders (with atherosclerosis or diabetes), metabolic syndrome, autoimmune diseases and genetic predisposition. In women, treatment for thoracic osteochondrosis may be required during numerous pregnancies.

It is important to prevent the disease - even if there are no symptoms and indicative sensations for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis.Only a doctor can evaluate a teenager's correct behavior.After all, for example, kyphosis often occurs smoothly and is invisible to a non-specialist.And in particularly advanced cases, from the age of 15, the first signs of degenerative processes in the vertebral joints may appear. 

Fortunately, you can start forming your behavior and treating your chest osteochondrosis even at age 40!

The consequences of thoracic osteochondrosis

Due to the compression of the blood vessels and nerve roots, the intrigue of the muscles and internal organs is interrupted, and the functionality of the spinal cord deteriorating.In the absence of treatment for chest osteochondrosis, this condition is fraught with serious consequences:

• pathology in the gut, gall bladder dyskinesia;
• Increased risk of heart attack, as well as ischemia and angina;
• Hernias and spinal cord extensions;
• Liver, kidney and pancreatic dysfunctions;
• A tendency for pneumonia and other pulmonary pathologies associated with hypoventilation.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine of the chest

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region in stages 1 and 2 of the disease involves conservative therapy aimed at relieving inflammation, stopping pain, restoring nerve conveyance and blood supply.Also, to ease the condition, medication and techniques are used to relieve spasm, including.Strengthening the back muscles.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the chest region with acute stage drugs lasts from 1 to 3 months;In the future, eternal adhesion to simple rules is required to maintain forgiveness.If there are no indications for hospitalization, maintenance therapy is carried out on outpatient basis and does not require high costs.

In cases of advanced osteochondrosis, spinal cord hernitions and other potentially dangerous conditions, surgery is prescribed to decompress and spinal stabilization (microdisectomy, foraminotomy, laminctomy).Post -surgery treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis in a hospital lasts from 3 to 7 days, full recovery lasts up to 14 days.

Physiotherapy for thoracic osteochondrosis

For the treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine of the chest is used below:

• Magnetic laser therapy. Helps relieve pain, swelling and inflammation, enhances humoral immunity.The course consists of 14 daily sessions of 10-15 minutes.Intervals between courses should last at least 1 month, and the number of courses per year should not exceed 4.
• Amplulse (SMT), including.with a local anesthesia.It has a strong analgesic effect.Stimulates muscle and prevents muscle atrophy.It helps relieve swelling and inflammation, dilutes blood vessels and improves tissue nutrition.The course requires 8-15 procedures for 10-20 minutes.
• Ultrasound therapy (optional - with glucocorticosteroid).Provides periarticular tissue micromasage, improves cartilage nutrition, prevents inflammation and destruction of joints, dilutes blood vessels and accelerates regeneration.It has an analgesic and antispasmodic effect.The course includes 10-12 procedures of 10-15 minutes each.
• Mineral baths, muddy therapy, ozokerite baths and paraffin and other balneological techniques. They provide a long dilation of blood vessels, have an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect, facilitate 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 bath or therapeutic mixture.
• Hydromassage. Improves tissue nutrition and nerve tracking, promotes relaxation of spasm muscles.Accelerates regeneration and shortens the recovery period after irritations of thoracic osteochondrosis.Course-10-25 sessions.The duration of the session is gradually increased 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 tissue intrigue around the spine, functioning of the internal organs of the chest, normalizes blood circulation and reduces pain due to the release of endorphins.The course consists of 15 sessions, which are held daily or other day. 
• Attraction methods. It is used for non-surgical elimination of hernia and extensions, combating numbness of limbs and clips.They help increase the distance between the beads, improve behavior, promote decompression of nerve roots, rest and strengthen the back muscles.This reduces the intensity of inflammation and pain.The standard course is 10-12 sessions, repeated completion can be required.
• Manual therapy. Improves blood circulation in the spinal cord, helps fight pallor.Restores anatomically accurate spinal cord position, promotes the treatment of hernias and extensions.Eliminates spasms and tightness in the chest region.The course is a minimum of 10-15 sessions lasting from a few minutes to an hour.

In addition to physical therapy and medication treatment for thoracic osteochondrosis, patients may need to work with a psychologist.This will help remove the anxiety that accompanies diseases of the muscular system.It also motivates to maintain healthy behavior.
During physical activity, patients are recommended to wear an orthopedic corset (but not constantly, so as not to weaken the back muscles).

Massage for chest osteochondrosis

For osteochondrosis of the spine, clinical massage - classic therapeutic massage (with medicines for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis or essential oils is recommended), vacuum, lymphatic drainage, water or acupressure.The doctor or device has an indirect effect on the thoracic region through the shoulder muscles and the upper back, stimulates blood microcyrus, eliminates pain and swelling, restores the normal range of movement, and normalizes the tone of the muscles.Massage also increases the effect of treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis with medication.
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis in male drivers and operators involves the use of massage equipment - pillows and seat covers, straps, hand massages.

Gymnastics for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis

The first stable effect of exercise therapy occurs during the first 2 weeks of class, but temporary relief is possible after 4-7 sessions.It is necessary to increase the load during the treatment of osteochondrosis of the chest region gradually, alternating it with rest.Performing exercises through pain and severe fatigue is not permitted, such as sudden movements that can damage joint and adjacent tissue.It is very important to perform exercises for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis daily, or better yet, 3-5 times a day, at least 5 repetitions each.

1. Stand straight, legs together, arms along your body.As you draw, lift your arms up and inhale, bend.Lower your arms and bend forward as you take out, lowering your head and shoulders.
2. Sit in a chair.As you inhale, place your arms straight behind your head, and while drawing, bend well, without raising the shoulder blade from the back of the chair.
3. Standing on all four sides, arrest your back and raise for 3 seconds, looking straight and forward.
4. Lying on your stomach, put your hands on the floor and bend back, raising your chest from the floor.
5. Lying on the abdomen, extend the arms along your body.Bend your chest, making a "boat": at the same time lift your feet and head up.

In addition to the proposed gymnastics for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis, patients benefit from Nordic walking, yoga, cycling and water sports (swimming, diving, aqua aerobics).Remember to ease the spine during the day: do not sit in a position for more than 2 hours, and during your lunch break, try to lie on a flat surface for 40 minutes.Lie down, get up, bend as soon as the spine starts to harden.

Symptom relief and treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region in women also requires maintaining the correct position of the body when performing homework - try to spend as little time as possible in prone positions, if possible, sit straight, if long -term housework is required.

Drug treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis

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

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

2. Glucocorticoid.Steroidal (hormonal) drugs are prescribed in cases where conventional anti -inflammatory drugs are ineffective - for example, to relieve severe irritation or pain in the later stages of osteochondrosis.For this purpose, GC can be described together with analgesics in the form of an injection block.

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

3. Chondroprotective drugs for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis.Preparations based on cartilage ingredients and hyaluronic acid promote regeneration of cartilage tissue.They supply the body with "building materials" for collagen and synovial fluid, allowing you to extend the forgiveness without medication.They should be taken every year, from 3 to 6 months.This will help reduce inflammation, maintain intervertebral discs to deteriorate further and improve the flexibility of the back.

4. Muscle relaxants.Muscle tension and spasms significantly reduce the patient's quality of life and cause discomfort even during rest.But the main thing is that they damage the entry of nutrients into the intervertebral joints, which provoke their further destruction and weakening of cartilage tissue.Also, prolonged tension leads to destruction (atrophy) of muscle tissue and increased load on the joint.To prevent this, muscle relaxants are used.

5. Vitamins and antioxidants.These medicines are protective and "beneficiaries" of the joints.They prevent the destruction of cartilage and bone tissue due to aggressive oxidizing effects, and prevent the formation of new erosion seals on the surface of the cartilage.Vitamins (such as vitamins B) are effective in combating inflammation.They are also needed to maintain the strength and elasticity of cartilage tissue - they prevent the formation of cracks and chips, and improve its characteristics for absorbing shock.

6. Diuretics.These injectable medicines are used for urgent treatment of nerve root swelling.They help avoid spinal nerve damage and long -term rehabilitation with a neurologist.Untreated left, swelling of the nerve roots can cause severe pain, muscle weakness and organs dysfunction.

7. Neuroprotectors and anticholinesterics.Such drugs improve nerve tissue metabolism and stimulate the transmission of nerve impulses.They help normalize the transmission of nerve impulses through the spinal cord and intrigue of the internal organs, ie, to keep control over your body.

8. Angioprotectors' corrections and blood microcyrus.Angioprotective agents protect blood vessels, promote their expansion and normal permeability of vascular walls.Since the osteochondrosis of the chest region significantly affects the cardiovascular system, it is worth taking these medicines to combat dizziness, limb numbness and other characteristic problems.

The dose and advisory of the use of specific medicines for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis should be determined by the attending physician.

Diet for osteochondrosis of the chest region

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

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

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