Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine: how to treat the spine?

Sedentary lifestyle, constant presence in front of the computer, lack of physical activity are increasingly common. All these and many other factors, of course, affect the human body, leading to a number of changes or diseases.

One of these diseases is osteochondrosis. Let's try to understand what is osteochondrosis of the breast, what types are there and how to deal with it.

What is osteochondrosis?

Osteochondrosisis ​​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 compress the nerve endings of the spinal cord. Swelling and severe pain occur at this stage.

There are four types of osteochondrosis, each named after the problem part of the spine:

• cervical;
• lumbar;
• breasts;
• together.

Patients often do not know which specialist to consult in the treatment of osteochondrosis. It should be said that the therapistwill refer the patient to a neurologist to clarify the diagnosis. If the case is difficult, you may need the help of a vertebrologist, a narrow specialist in the field of spinal diseases.

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine 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 spine.

If you 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 severe pain, but also to other diseases, and sometimes even damage.

Let's see how thoracic osteochondrosis is diagnosed in patients. Most patients come with clear signs of the disease. In advanced stages, the 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 of the chest

It is important to say that there is no exact period of transition from degree to degree, it all depends only on the individual characteristics of the human body.

There are four stages of thoracic osteochondrosis that progress gradually:

1. 1 degree. The very beginning of thoracic osteochondrosis, when the patient feels almost nothing. There is no severe or constant pain, and sometimes even discomfort. Such sensations appear only after severe fatigue or exercise, but most often the disease may not appear at all.
2. 2nd degree.The second degree is accompanied by destruction of cartilage tissue and as a result reduce intervertebral fissures and pinching of nerve endings, lymph vessels and even arteries.
3. 3rd degree.At this stage, fixed changes in the spine begin. Fixed means irreversible. For example, scoliosis, kyphosis, hump and others develop.
4. 4th degree.This is the last and most serious stage of the disease, which threatens with very serious consequences. At this stage, the consequences are almost irreversible, as 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 the intervertebral discs;
• intervertebral hernia;
• impaired blood supply to the spinal cord;
• lack of nutrients in the body (eg calcium);
• serious spinal injuries;
• lifting weights or regular heavy loads on the spine;
• to be constantly in an awkward 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 breast 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 feature of this particular type of disease is chest pain, which occurs after strenuous exercise, bending to the sides, severe hypothermia or when the patient is in one position for a long time (for example, in sleep).
• Pain between the shoulder blades.Exacerbation of pain is associated with raising the arms up, as well as strong bends in the sides.
• Dull painthat occurs with deep inhalations and exhalations.
• Cough.Cough does not appear immediately and often when this symptom occurs, patients start treatment with viral drugs, which is a big mistake.
• Discomfort between ribs when walking. The symptom can appear even in the early stages of the disease.
• Shortness of breath.It becomes difficult for a person to breathe during exertion.
• Night sweats.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.Limbs may tingle, the symptom appears in the second stage of the disease, when the vertebrae compress the nerve endings and some blood vessels.
• Temperature.It does not always appear and is most often accompanied by severe pain.
• Intercostal neuralgia. The patient feels stiffness and tightness, as if an invisible corset is squeezing in the chest area.
• High blood pressure.
• Panic attacks.Panic attacks are typical of advanced cases (stages 3 and 4).
• Pain in the esophagus.
• Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.Osteochondrosis of the chest and heart.

Osteochondrosis of the chest and heart

The causes of heart pain or extrasystoles are often osteochondrosis of the chest area. The pain is either long-lasting (1-2 weeks) or strong and wavy. Often, along with the latter, there is an accelerated pulse.

Patients often turn to cardiologists by mistake. But research reveals that this is only a side effect of another disease, therefore, pills "heart" and do not bring the desired result.

Osteochondrosis during pregnancy and lactation in women

Often chondrosis of the chest area occurs during pregnancy or lactation. Most often it all starts during pregnancy, when a woman experiences strenuous exercise. All this together with pregnancy can lead to distortion in the chest or lumbar region.

During the breastfeeding period, the situation often worsens, as mothers are often in the wrong position for a long time when feeding a baby, carrying them for too long or "rocking" them. Nevertheless, during the whole period practically no one was able to start the disease after 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 it is always another problem that can generally have serious consequences.

VSD in this case may occur with improper posture during sleep, lack of physical activity and sedentary lifestyle, overweight, etc. As a result of two diseases, the patient begins to raise blood pressure, insomnia, tingling in the hands, memory impairment and much more.

Osteochondrosis and scoliosis

Scoliosisis ​​a congenital or acquired lateral curvature of the spine. If we talk about congenital scoliosis, then everything is clear. Acquired is interesting in this case, because it appears most 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.

Thorn chondrosis

"Thorns" are osteophytes of the spine that represent the growth of bone tissue along the articular processes or vertebrae. They are called thorns because they often look like thorns that grow from the spine in X-rays.

This disease may be the cause of advanced osteochondrosis. This is a natural reaction of the body, which tends to increase the area of ​​the vertebrae so that the displacement does not create so much pressure. It is the "spikes" that are the most common cause of cartilage hardening.

Typical manifestations of thoracic osteochondrosis in women

The female body differs in many respects from the male, therefore in this disease it has a number of characteristics. In women, many autonomic nerve fibers pass into the chest area, which goes 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;
• pain in the mammary glands;
• feeling of tingling or cold hands and feet.

Worsening of thoracic osteochondrosis

Exacerbations most often occur in spring and autumn, when weather conditions change dramatically, the body lacks essential vitamins and human activity increases.

Exacerbation of thoracic osteochondrosis is divided into two types:

• Dorsago.Sudden sharp pain that occurs after a long stay in an awkward position. There is a feeling that the patient has had a push of a dagger between the shoulder blades, which is very similar to the symptom of a myocardial infarction. It is advisable to seek help from specialists in the hospital.
• Dorsalgia.Appears gradually and lasts 2-3 weeks. The pain becomes quite strong and constant, intensifying with bending, deep breathing or prolonged stay in one position. It passes gradually with exercise and medication.

Exacerbation is a very painful sensation that occurs not only with prolonged exposure to a position or heavy load, but simply for no reason. The pain can radiate to different parts of the sternum.

What to do in case of an acute attack of pain?

Most often such attacks occur in people who have already consulted a doctor, have orthopedic mattresses, corsets and know what physiotherapy is. Those who do not know about their disease often call an ambulance, which is also a good option.

However, a few tips are helpful:

• Lie down and try to give your body maximum rest. 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 lie down as much as possible for the first few days,until the pain subsides.
• As soon as the pain subsides, you should start getting up more often and doing exercise exercises.

How to reduce chest pressure 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 reduce the pressure in the following ways:

• Normalize the blood supply to the brain.There are medications for this that should be taken regularly on the advice of a doctor.
• Relieves muscle spasms.Regular exercise therapy, as well as massage and physiotherapy can handle this.
• Eliminate tissue swelling.Physiotherapy, massage and acupuncture are very effective here.

How and how to treat osteochondrosis of the chest?

Treatment of the disease in question usually takes a long time and involves a number of procedures. Some can be made at home yourself, and others only on the recommendation of specialists. Think about the different treatments.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the breast at home

Basic home treatments:

• physical therapy exercises or at least simple exercises in the morning;
• special mattress;
• simple self-massage techniques;
• herbal baths and rubbing to relieve pain and restore blood circulation.

Medicines and medicines

It is important to remember that pain relief and treatment are two different things. You do not have to constantly tolerate and use painkillers, you have to take medication.

WARNING! It is very important to understand that osteochondrosis is a serious disease, so it is necessary to take pills strictly on the recommendation of a specialist after a complete diagnosis!

Consider a list of the most popular drugs:

• Relieves pain.Must be taken in case of exacerbation.
• Hydroprotectors(restores cartilage tissue).
• Injections and injections.It is most often prescribed by a doctor, depending on the degree of the disease and the patient's predisposition to certain drugs.
• Ointments and gels.
• Vitamin complexes.All vitamin complexes are suitable, it is important that they contain B vitamins.

Massage and manual therapy

Massages are recommended for all types of osteochondrosis because they help relieve tension, pain, restore the nervous and circulatory system. But it is important to understand that massage must 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 remove restrictions and relax the muscles.

The peculiarity of the manual massage is that it can be done in different positions (lying on your back, not sideways, standing or sitting). Often during pressure, bending, stretching or other techniques, the patient may feel pain, but after the procedure there is always a feeling of lightness and "freedom".

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is not available to everyone, but it is still quite effective. The procedure helps to get rid of the discomfort and also starts recovery processes.

In the early stages, acupuncture can be a major treatment, eliminating the need for medications or other procedures to treat osteochondrosis of the breast.

Physiotherapy

Electrotherapy, magnetic therapy, 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 exercises

The main task of physiotherapeutic exercises for thoracic osteochondrosis is to strengthen the muscles of the back, the muscles of the shoulder complex, as well as the respiratory muscles. Exercise therapy is recommended to be practiced in special groups, but you can do the exercises at home. It is very important to choose exercises for a specific disease and not to do exercises during exacerbations.

Let's look at a few basic exercises:

• Sitting in a chair, support your upper back to back and lean back as much as possible with your hands behind your head(it is important to act the chest area). Then make the maximum forward turn. Repeat 4-5 times.
• Also, sitting in a chair and placing your hands behind your head, take a deep breath and then lean back 3-5 times, leaning your upper back. Then repeat the forward bend and exhale slowly 4-6 times.
• Lying on your stomach, bend at the chest as much as possible(but not abruptly), trying to raise your head and legs as high as possible. Repeat 5-8 times.
• Upright, arms folded, legs together.Raise your arms up at the entrance and then lean back. Once the arms are lowered on the exhale and a forward tilt is made, you should try to round your back.

There are many simple back exercises that can help treat illness and are great for prevention or morning exercises.

Most exercises are simple and taken from exercises or yoga:

• An effective set of exercises with a stick. A simple set of exercises that help strengthen the muscles of the back and straighten the spine. The complex includes 5 basic exercises that must be done daily.
• Exercises for osteochondrosis of the chest with a bulge. In this case, it is recommended to do the simplest exercises for exercise, which include curves of the back in an upright, lying and sitting position.
• Isometric exercises.

Isothermal exercises are rarely used, so let's look at a few examples:

• Karate exercise. In a sitting or standing position, the arms are bent at the elbows at an angle of 90 degrees, the fingers are bent into fists, the back is straight, looking forward. Alternatively, each hand strikes in front of you.
• Exercise "Ballerina". Sitting in a chair, your hands are locked in front of you at shoulder level. Turns to the right and left are made sequentially to the maximum (not abruptly). If pain occurs during exercise, it should be stopped.
• Japanese Congratulatory Exercise. The arms are folded in front of you at chest level, palm to palm. The pressure is applied with both hands for 30 seconds. Then you need a door. Place your hands on the edges of the hole and hold them. You don't have to press with your hands anywhere, you just want to bend your hands (as if to go through the hole) forward and then back.

Author's methods of gymnastics will help reduce the symptoms of severe symptoms:

• 7 basic exercises by Alexandra Boninafor chest chondrosis.
• Author's method of Bubnovski.This is a complex treatment of osteochondrosis with the help of special gymnastics, as well as special unique simulators. According to the creator, the disease can be cured with this method even without drugs.
• Gymnastics for cervicothoracic chondrosis by Dr. Popov. The main difference of this gymnastics is that it does not strengthen large muscles (like most other exercises), but, on the contrary, small ones. This type of gymnastics is also called microgymnastics.
• 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, rubbing on the basis of calendula and dandelion, tincture of chamomile, as well as tincture based on the leaves of lemon balm and orange peel. Various rubbings are often used in folk medicine.

Ficus tincture with oil:

1. Cut a few ficus leaves and mix with oil in a ratio of 1: 1.
2. Then place the mixture in a warm oven for 1, 5 hours, then remove and strain.
3. The chilled substance should be rubbed on the spine every day.

Potato compress will also be effective in treating osteochondrosis of the chest:

1. Take 4-5 potatoes and boil them, then crush and puree.
2. This puree is wrapped in several layers of seal and applied to the affected area of ​​the spine.
3. The compress is then covered with a woolen scarf or a thick towel held until cool.
4. When the potatoes have cooled, remove the compress and rub the sore spot with alcohol, then lie down under the blanket. Repeat the day before bed until the pain disappears.

Prevention of osteochondrosis of the chest

Prevention of 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 several characteristics:

• Sleeping on an orthopedic mattress in natural positions.
• When sitting, keep your back straight, periodically getting up and warming up.
• Morning gymnastics, fitness, yoga and the like.

Such activities have a positive effect on the spine and the body as a whole, so regular moderate exercise will help prevent spinal diseases.

In summary, let's say that osteochondrosis is a serious disease that must be treated without fail. Self-medication is not recommended, especially if the pain becomes a constant companion. But it is also worth remembering that prevention is the best treatment, so a healthy lifestyle is the key to success and good health!