It is now more and more common a sedentary lifestyle, constant presence at the computer, lack of physical activity. All these and many other factors, of course, affect the human body, which leads to a number of changes or diseases.
One of these diseases is osteochondrosis. Let’s try to understand what thoracic osteochondrosis is, what types it has and how to deal with it.
What is osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis is a disease that affects the intervertebral discs and other tissues of the spine. Simply put, the vertebrae are compressed, thus compressing the intervertebral discs.IMPORTANT! If treatment is not taken in time, the vertebrae become less elastic and begin to seize the nerve endings of the spinal cord. At this stage, severe swelling and pain appear.
There are four types of osteochondrosis, each named after the problematic part of the spine:
- cervix;
- mesit;
- chest;
- cooperative.
Patients often do not know which specialist to consult when treating osteochondrosis. It should be noted that the therapistwill refer the patient to a neurologist to clarify the diagnosis. If the problem is difficult, you may need the help of a vertebrologist, a specialist in the field of spinal diseases.
Thoracic spine osteochondrosis or thoracic chondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine (or simply chondrosis) of the spine is a degenerative-dystrophic disease caused by changes in the intervertebral discs of the thoracic vertebrae.
If we look in more detail, then thoracic osteochondrosis first affects the bone tissue (vertebrae), and with development begins to affect the cartilage tissue. Subsequently, osteochondrosis can lead not only to serious pain, but also to other diseases, and sometimes even disability.
Let's see how thoracic osteochondrosis is diagnosed in patients. Most patients already come with obvious signs of illness. In advanced stages, a specialist can determine the exact disease with a simple examination. In other cases, an X-ray or MRI is needed for a complete picture.
Degrees of osteochondrosis in the chest region
important it is important to say that there is no exact period of transition from step to step, it all just depends on the individual characteristics of the human body.
There are four stages of thoracic osteochondrosis, which pass gradually:
- 1 degree. Onset of thoracic osteochondrosis, when the patient feels almost nothing. There is no severe or persistent pain, and sometimes even discomfort. Such sensations appear only after severe overload or physical exertion, but more often the disease may not appear at all.
- 2nd degree.The second stage is associated with the destruction of cartilage tissue, and as a result, a decrease in intervertebral fissures and pinchings of nerve endings, lymphatic vessels and even arteries.
- 3rd degree.At this stage, fixed changes in the spine begin. Fixed means irreversible. For example, scoliosis, kyphosis, lumps and others develop.
- 4th degree.This is the latest and most serious stage of the disease, which threatens with very serious consequences. At this stage, the consequences are almost irreversible because the changes in the spine become very serious.
Causes of thoracic osteochondrosis
Consider a list of causes (predisposing factors) of the disease:
- pathological changes in intervertebral discs;
- intervertebral hernia;
- impaired blood supply to the spinal cord;
- lack of nutrients in the body (for example, calcium);
- serious spinal cord injuries;
- lifting weights or heavy regular loads on the back;
- being constantly in an uncomfortable and unnatural position in the absence of exercise or any physical activity (sedentary lifestyle);
- curvature of the spine.
Symptoms and signs of thoracic osteochondrosis
Each disease has its own symptoms and characteristic manifestations of pathology. Osteochondrosis is no exception, although when it comes to chest disease, the symptoms are often confused with heart disease or lung disease.
Let’s look at a list of the main symptoms characteristic of thoracic chondrosis:
- Chest pain or burning.The main distinguishing feature of this particular type of disease is chest pain that occurs after a serious physical exertion, when leaning sideways, with severe hypothermia or when the patient is in a position for a long time (for example, asleep).
- Pain between the shoulders.Exacerbation of pain is accompanied by raising the arms up, as well as strong lateral curves.
- Dull pain, which occurs during deep breathing and breathing.
- Cough.Cough does not appear immediately and often when this symptom appears, patients start treatment with viral drugs, which is a big mistake.
- Discomfort between the ribs when walking. Symptoms can also appear in the early stages of the disease.
- Gulçim.It becomes difficult for a person to breathe during exertion.
- Sweating at night.At night, a person is in a position for a long time, which causes not only pain but also sweating.
- Numbness of the hands at night.The limbs may become numb, the symptoms appear in the second stage of the disease, when the vertebrae stick to the nerve endings and some blood vessels.
- Temperature.It does not always appear and is more often associated with severe pain.
- Intercostal neuralgia. The patient feels stiffness and squeezing, as if an invisible corset is being tightened in the chest area.
- Increased blood pressure.
- Panic attacks.Panic attacks are typical of advanced cases (stages 3 and 4).
- Pain in the esophagus.
- Gastrointestinal tract disorder.Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region and heart.
The causes of heart pain or extrasystoles are often osteochondrosis of the thoracic region. The pain is either long-term (period 1-2 weeks), or strong and wavy. Often, along with the latter, there is a rapid heartbeat.
Osteochondrosis during pregnancy and lactation in womenPatients often mistakenly refer to cardiologists. But examination reveals that this is only a side effect of another disease, therefore, "heart" pills and do not bring the desired result.
Often, chondrosis of the thoracic region occurs during pregnancy or lactation. Most often, it all starts during pregnancy, when a woman is experiencing a strong physical strain. All of this along with pregnancy can lead to curvature in the thoracic or lumbar regions.
During the period of breastfeeding, the situation often worsens, because often mothers are in the wrong position for a long time when feeding a baby, they are held in the arms for a long time or "shake". However, throughout the period, practically no one managed to start the disease beyond the 2nd degree.
VSD in osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis is the cause of the development of vegetative-vascular dystonia. Experts say that VSD is not an independent disease, but that this disease always causes another problem, which in total can lead to serious consequences.
VSD in this case may present with incorrect sleep behavior, lack of physical activity and a sedentary lifestyle, being overweight, etc. As a result of both diseases, the patient's blood pressure begins to rise, insomnia appears, numbness in the hands, memory impairment and much more.
Osteochondrosis and scoliosis
Scoliosisis a congenital or acquired lateral curvature of the spine. If we are talking about congenital scoliosis, then everything is clear. The one gained is interesting in this case because it appears more often for a reason.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can often be the cause of scoliosis, although the cause may be different. Scoliosis can develop in the third stage of the disease.
Riveted chondrosis
"Spines" are osteophytes of the spine, which are the growth of bone tissue along articular processes or along the vertebrae. They are called thorns because they often look like thorns growing from the spine on X-rays.
This disease can be the cause of advanced osteochondrosis. This is a natural reaction of the body, which seeks to increase the surface area of the vertebrae so that the displacement does not create so much pressure. It is the "thorns" that are most often the cause of cartilage hardening.
Typical manifestations of thoracic osteochondrosis in women
The female body differs in many respects from the male, therefore, with this disease, it has a number of characteristics. In women, many autonomic nerve fibers pass to the chest region, which go to the limbs and internal organs.
In women, chondrosis has a number of additional symptoms that patients often confuse.
This includes:
- heart pain;
- stomach pain;
- pain in the liver area;
- pain in the mammary glands;
- feeling of numbness or coldness in the hands and feet.
Worsening of osteochondrosis of the chest is divided into two types:
- Dorsago.Suddenly sharp pain that appears after a long stay in an uncomfortable position. There is a feeling that a dagger has been inserted into the patient between the shoulder blades, which is very similar to the symptom of myocardial infarction. It is recommended to seek help from specialists in the hospital.
- Dorsalgia.It appears gradually and lasts for 2-3 weeks. The pain becomes quite strong and permanent, intensifying with bending, deep breathing, or prolonged standing in one position. Gradually passes with exercise and medication treatment.
Deterioration is a strong painful sensation that occurs not only with prolonged exposure to a strong position or load, but simply for no apparent reason. The pain can radiate to different parts of the sternum.
What to do in case of an acute pain attack?
Most often, such attacks occur in people who have already consulted a doctor, have orthopedic mattresses, corsets and know what physiotherapy exercises are. Those who do not know about their illness often call an ambulance, which is also a good option.
However, it is helpful to know a few tips:
- Lie down and try to give the maximum body part. When a person lies, the stress on the vertebrae is minimal. It is best to lie on your back or in a fetal position.
- Take pain pills if the pain is unbearable.Also consult your doctor for recommendations.
- Try to stretch as much as possible during the first few days,until the pain subsides.
- Once the pain subsides, you should start getting up more often and doing exercise therapy exercises.
How to lower blood pressure with chest chondrosis at home?
it has already been said that an increase in blood pressure is a symptom and at the same time a side effect of the disease in question.
If the cause of high blood pressure is osteochondrosis, then you can lower your blood pressure in the following ways:
- Normalize the blood supply to the brain.For this, there are medicines that should be taken regularly with the advice of a doctor.
- Relieve muscle spasms.Regular exercise therapy as well as massage and physiotherapy can handle this.
- Removal of tissue edema.Physiotherapy, massage and acupuncture are very effective here.
How and how to treat osteochondrosis of the chest region?
Treatment of the disease in question usually takes a long time and involves a number of procedures. Some can be made at home on their own, and some only with the recommendation of specialists. Consider different treatments.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the breast at home
Basic Home Remedies:
- physical therapy exercises or at least simple morning exercises;
- special mattress;
- simple self-massage techniques;
- herbal baths and rubs to relieve pain and restore blood circulation.
Medicines and medicines
It is important to remember that relieving and healing pain are two different things. You do not have to be patient and constantly use pain relievers, you have to take medication.
ATTENTION! It is very important to understand that osteochondrosis is a serious disease, so it is necessary to take the pill strictly on the recommendation of a specialist after a thorough diagnosis!
Consider a list of the most popular medicinal products:
- Pain reliever.Should be taken in case of deterioration.
- Hydroprotectors(restore cartilage tissue).
- Injections and injections.Most often prescribed by a doctor, depending on the severity of the disease and the patient's predisposition to certain medications.
- Ointment and gel.
- Vitamin complexes.Any vitamin complex is suitable, it is important that they contain vitamin B.
Massage and manual therapy
Massages are recommended for all types of osteochondrosis because they help relieve tension, pain, restore the functioning of the nervous system and blood circulation. But it is important to understand that massage should be therapeutic.
Manual therapyis a procedure that is very similar to massage, but uses slightly different techniques. Manual therapy is an impact on the anatomical structures of the human body with the hands of a specialist, to eliminate restrictions and relax the muscles.
The special thing about manual massage is that it can be done in different positions (lying on your back, not on your side, standing or sitting). Often, during pressure, flexion, stretching or other techniques, the patient may feel pain, but after the procedure, relief and "freedom" are always felt.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is not accessible to everyone, but it is still quite effective. The procedure helps to get rid of discomfort, and also starts recovery processes.
In the early stages, acupuncture can be a key treatment tool, eliminating the need for medication or other procedures to treat breast osteochondrosis.
Physiotherapy
Electrotherapy, magnetotherapy, laser therapy, shock wave therapy, balneotherapy and vibration are often used.
It is important to note that there are a number of contraindications to these procedures, so you should consult a specialist.
Physiotherapy and exercise
The main task of physiotherapy exercises for thoracic osteochondrosis is to strengthen the back muscles, the shoulder complex muscles, as well as the respiratory muscles. Exercise therapy is recommended to be practiced in separate groups, but you can do exercises at home. It is very important to choose exercises for a specific disease and not to get involved in exacerbations.
Let's look at some basic exercises:
- Sitting in a chair, lean your upper back against your back and bend as much as possible with your hands behind your head(it is important that it workschest region). After that, the maximum forward turn is made. Repeat 4-5 times.
- Also, sitting in a chair and placing your hands behind your head, take a deep breath and then bend 3-5 times, resting your upper back on your back. Then repeat the forward bend and exhale slowly 4-6 times.
- Lying on your stomach, bend at the chest region as much as possible(but not stiffly), trying to raise your head and legs as high as possible. Repeat 5-8 times.
- Standing, hands down, feet together.Raise your arms up at the entrance, and then bend over. Once the arms are lowered into the breath and a forward turn is made, the back should try to be rounded.
There are many simple back exercises that can help treat illnesses and are great for prevention or morning exercises.
Most exercises are simple and taken from exercise therapy or yoga:
- An effective set of exercises with a stick. A simple set of exercises to help strengthen your back muscles and straighten your spine. The complex includes 5 basic exercises that should be done every day.
- Exercises for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region with extension. In this case, it is recommended to do the simplest exercises of exercise therapy, which include bending the back in a standing position, lying down and sitting.
- Isometric exercises.
Isothermal exercises are rarely used, so let's look at some examples:
- "Karate" Exercise. In a sitting or standing position, the arms are bent at the elbows at a 90-degree angle, the toes are clenched into fists, the back is straight, looking forward. Otherwise, each hand strikes in front of itself.
- Exercise "Ballerina". Sitting in a chair, your hands are closed in front of you at shoulder level. Turns to the right and left are performed alternately to the maximum (do not do sharply). If pain occurs during exercise, it should be stopped.
- Japanese Greeting Exercise. The hands are folded in front of you at chest level, palm to palm. The pressure is applied with both hands for 30 seconds. After that, you need a gate. Place your hands on the edges of the opening and hold them. You do not need to press with your hands anywhere, you just have to bend with your hands (as if going through the opening) forward, and then back.
The author's methods of doing gymnastics will help reduce the onset of severe symptoms:
- 7 basic exercises by Alexandra Boninafor chest chondrosis.
- Bubnovsky's author method.This is a complex treatment of osteochondrosis using special gymnastics as well as special unique simulator. According to the creator, the disease can be cured with this method even without medication.
- Gymnastics from cervicothoracic chondrosis of Dr. Popov. The main difference of this gymnastics is that it does not strengthen the big muscles (like most other exercises), but, on the contrary, the small ones. This type of gymnastics is also called micro-gymnastics.
- Exercises according to the method of Dr. Shishonin.This method consists of 7 simple but unique exercises that strengthen the muscles of the spine as well as the chest.
Treatment with folk remedies
Consider the most popular and effective folk remedies: herbal baths, rubs based on calendula and dandelion, chamomile tincture, as well as tincture based on lemon balm leaves and orange peel. Often in folk medicine, different rubbing is used.
Ficus Tincture with Butter:
- Cut some fig leaves and mix with butter in a ratio of 1: 1.
- Then place the mixture in a preheated oven for 1, 5 hours, then remove and drain.
- The cooled substance should be rubbed along the spine daily.
Potato compress will also be effective in treating osteochondrosis of the chest:
- Take 4-5 potatoes and boil them, then press and turn into a thick puree.
- This puree is wrapped in several layers of seal and applied to the affected area of the spine.
- After that, the compress is covered with a woolen scarf or a thick towel, held until cool.
- When the potatoes have cooled, remove the compress and rub the sore spot with alcohol, then lie down under the blanket. Repeat every other day before bed until the pain disappears.
Prevention of osteochondrosis of the chest
Preventing thoracic osteochondrosis is an active lifestyle, without excessive stress. Proper nutrition, intake of vitamin and mineral complexes, as well as regular medical examinations.
But if we deviate from the general rules, we can distinguish some features:
- Sleeping on an orthopedic mattress in a natural position.
- When working sitting down, keep your back straight, getting up periodically and warming up.
- Morning gymnastics, fitness classes, yoga and the like.
Such activities have a positive effect on the spine and the body as a whole, so regular moderate physical activity will help prevent spinal diseases.
To summarize, let's say that osteochondrosis is a serious disease that must be treated without fail. It is not recommended to treat yourself, especially if the pain becomes a constant accompaniment. But it is also worth remembering that prevention is the best treatment, therefore a healthy lifestyle is the key to success and good health!