Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

Symptoms of breast osteochondrosis are manifested in one way or another in a large number of people, as the disease is very common. Contrary to the belief that joint problems can only appear in old age, signs of the disease can appear in young patients, and by the age of 40, almost everyone suffers from the disease. You need to know when to worry about your condition and see a doctor so as not to miss the first manifestations of osteochondrosis, which will be easier to get rid of in the early stages.

osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

What do you need to know about thoracic spine osteochondrosis?

Osteochondrosis is a condition when the discs between the vertebrae begin to separate in the thoracic region. Because of this, the distance between the vertebral bodies decreases, and this is followed by a violation of the nerve tissue, which causes severe pain. It should be noted that the thoracic spine is most at risk for osteochondrosis due to the fact that the spine is tightly fitted by ribs. But if such a disease develops, the upper back, i. e. the 12 thoracic vertebrae, is involved in the pathological process. Often, the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine arise from the fact that inflammation occurs in the upper vertebrae. The degree of damage to the intervertebral disc can vary completely.

Symptoms of breast osteochondrosis

What is the manifestation of osteochondrosis will depend on many factors. This includes:

  • stage of the disease - either in the acute stage, or in a state of remission;
  • how old the patient is;
  • how much spinal space is affected.

But at the same time, we can say that the disease is characterized by major clinical manifestations, for which doctors begin to suspect the disease. Namely:

  1. Dorsago - pain in the chest area.
  2. Damage to nerve endings, paresthesia.
  3. The changes in the heart muscle that prevent pain disappear after the use of nitroglycerin.
  4. Pulmonary congestion and hypoxia.
  5. Stomach Syndrome.

It is necessary to consider in more detail the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, which makes it possible to identify the cause of discomfort in a timely manner and get rid of it.

Pressure in the back or chest that obstructs breathing

Compression is felt in the chest and back, and the pathology itself does not allow a person to take deep breaths. Otherwise, while taking a deep breath, the person feels severe pain, which makes him stop trying.

Difficulty turning (tilting) the rod

Due to the fact that the disease manifests itself in severe pain, a person experiences significant discomfort from the habit of movement. It is impossible to turn the body and bend, you have to rotate with the whole body, and the person also has trouble raising the hands.

Recurrent numbness sensation

If you do not know what symptoms and sensations occur with osteochondrosis of the chest, you should know that the disease is often accompanied by paresthesia. They are manifested in the form of numbness in the skin area, tingling, decreased sensitivity, as well as a feeling as if the skin is "creeping". This is due to compression of the nerve endings.

Low foot temperature

Due to diseases such as osteochondrosis, the level of blood supply to the limbs may decrease. This will cause a constant feeling of cold on the limbs, which will be noticed by the doctor during the examination.

The cause of its occurrence

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine occurs, its symptoms and treatment are described on this site, for a variety of reasons. It is important to know who is at risk to pay special attention to your health.

Hereditary tendencies

Someone whose family has a case of osteochondrosis is more likely to get sick. But the presence of osteochondrosis in a close relative does not necessarily cause such a disease.

Weight lifted

Large loads on the spinal space lead to increased use of the structure of the musculoskeletal system. As a result, the risk of spinal cord injury and its various diseases, including osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, increases.

Inactivity leading to physical inactivity

Lack of movement causes weakness of the muscles and structure of the musculoskeletal system, which can lead to osteochondrosis. Therefore, people with an inactive lifestyle, inactive occupation, for example, in the office, are more susceptible to this disease. To prevent osteochondrosis in this case, it is enough to do exercise and do not neglect walking in the fresh air.

Curvature of the spine due to poor body posture

People who do not have the correct posture may need to learn about the symptoms and treatment of thoracic spine osteochondrosis. This can lead to the fact that the spine begins to bend and various types of inflammation occur, including osteochondrosis.

Trauma

An injury can lead to a variety of consequences, all of which will depend on how severely the spinal structure is injured. Osteochondrosis in the future can cause:

  • dislocation;
  • fractures;
  • cracks;
  • damage to the soft tissues of the back in the thoracic region;
  • and others . .

If you are injured, do not hesitate to visit a hospital, as injuries that do not heal in a timely manner tend to have serious consequences.

How to treat thoracic osteochondrosis?

Treatment when diagnosing thoracic spine osteochondrosis should be prescribed by an experienced neurologist. A competent approach necessarily includes an integrated approach to getting rid of disease. You will need to be treated with medications, special exercises and gymnastics, and a visit to the massage therapy office will also be effective.

Drugs

If you experience manifestations of osteochondrosis, you will be given medication to:

  • tense muscle relaxation - muscle relaxation;
  • relieves inflammation - non -steroidal anti -inflammatory;
  • strengthens the intervertebral disc and improves the quality of cartilage tissue - chondroprotectors.

The doctor determines the time of admission and its dose individually, because only in this case, the treatment of osteochondrosis of the chest at home will be effective.

Exercise therapy

Exercise is initiated at a stage when inflammation and acute pain subside. They aim to stretch the back muscles, relieve tension, strengthen the muscular corset and restore structure to former mobility. The set of exercises will be selected by the doctor, depending on the general state of health, as well as the degree of the disease and its type.

Sort

Massage is one of the most effective methods to get rid of osteochondrosis. They cannot act as an independent type of treatment, as they cannot relieve inflammation, but they can significantly improve well-being in combination with medications and exercise. To maximize results, it is best to visit a professional massage therapist. He knows everything about the symptoms and treatment of chest osteochondrosis and will, based on a doctor’s prescription, be able to choose the optimal movements and options to affect the soft tissues, which will improve your condition. Massage increases blood and lymph flow in tissues, relieving tense muscles and tone muscles that are less stressed than others.

prevention

In order not to think about what are the signs of the onset of osteochondrosis of the chest, it is better to prevent such a situation. The following tips will help you with this:

  • exercise a lot - jogging in the morning, swimming in the pool, warming up and walking;
  • if the job is associated with long periods in one position, straighten the buttocks and stretch the shoulders, while not forgetting to warm up periodically;
  • to sit, choose a chair with an anatomical back;
  • for sleeping, it is better to choose orthopedic mattresses and special pillows;
  • do not lift many heavy loads, it is better to carry heavy loads in parts than at one time;
  • do abs exercises;
  • prefer comfortable shoes;
  • balance your diet - it should contain a maximum of trace elements and vitamins.

All this will help prevent the occurrence of osteochondrosis, and you - to maintain good health in old age. But, if the first signs of the disease are already there, do not waste time and do not try to prevent it, see a doctor immediately.