Treatment of osteocondrosis in the thoracic region: How to get rid of pain?

Osteocondrosis of the thoracic back is a chronic disease associated with degenerative processes in the intervertebral discs.The pathological process quickly involves cartilage and bone tissue in the vertebrae, which is why the back loses flexibility and constantly hurts.The first alarming symptoms appear in people over the age of 25, more often - from 35 years.

The main problem of treating thorax osteochondrosis is its insidiousness.The disease successfully explains itself as heart pain, intercostal neuralgia, gastritis, heart attacks and even the banal consequences of sleeping in an unpleasant position.How to not fall for the bait to osteocondrosis and recognize it in time?After all, back without treatment, osteocondrosis in the thoracic region can immobilize the patient and cause problems with the heart, digestive system, kidneys and gallbladder.

Treatment of thorax osteocondrosis should begin with a comprehensive diagnosis and determination of the cause of the disease.

Signs of osteocondrosis in the thorax region

Clinical manifestations of thorax osteocondrosis depend on the patient's age, degree and scene (acute or remission) of the disease.

Only without treatment can thorax osteochondrosis be asymptomatic - even on the other phase of the disease, pain is often absent.The most characteristic of the disease is the pain that occurs when you take a deep breath - if you take a full lungful air and hold your breath for a few seconds.For osteocondrosis in the thorax region, two types of pain are specific:

• Dorsago - Acute attack of pain that quickly passes (usually plagues at night when bending and turning the body or exertion);
• Dorsalgia - Mild pain lasting up to 3 weeks, which subsides when the patient "walks around."

Other important criteria for self -diagnosis are stiffness and crushing in the sternum - 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 thorax osteochondrosis include:

1. Pain when you lift weights Or after a long stay in a position - usually shooting.With movement and active breathing, the pain intensifies and can "surround" the chest and radiate to the armpit or bone.Some patients are also bothered by sore pain in the shoulders at rest.
   Unlike angina pectoris and other "heart" pain that lasts from 3-5 minutes to an hour, thoracalgia with thorax osteochondrosis can last for weeks and months, which sometimes intensify for several days and then fall.Treatment of thorax osteocondrosis with medicine "from the heart" does not bring results. 
2. "Goosebumps" in the chest.The sensation most often occurs in the upper part of the thorax region of the muscle fibers.Can be accompanied by a feeling of numbness, decreased sensitivity (both in the chest and the center of the back).Because of this, the feet become cold, peeling of the skin, crispy nails and other symptoms of insufficient tissue nutrition are observed.
3. Colic in internal organs.Sharp, stabbing pain can occur in the stomach, heart and even kidneys, which is why patients often suspect they have a stomach ulcer, angina or heart attack.If you have such symptoms for treating osteochondrosis of the thoracic back, it is better to visit a neurologist and only then contact specialized doctors to avoid making a wrong diagnosis.
4. Reflective disorders.With thorax osteochondrosis, they are most often expressed in rhythmic jerks of the shoulder and trapezius spinal muscles in response to their stretch.
5. General weakness in the thoracic ridge.It becomes more difficult for patients to maintain their attitude;They start to relax and luke over.At the same time, the muscles on the back become more and more tense, the back "hardens".
6. Trouble.A breathless when climbing the stairs is a feeling of lack of air or density in the breast the most common symptoms of thorax osteocondrosis.Treatment begins with the patient complaining about a cough, which is why patients assume they have pneumonia.
7. Instability of the psycho-emotional sphere.People who undergo symptoms and treatment of osteocondrosis in the thoracic backing become more irritable, suffering from constant fatigue and fatigue, even with adequate rest.
8. From the stomach -tarmal tract, patients are bothered by a feeling of mettle and Loss of appetite, bloating, flatulence, heartburn, irregular bowel movements, nausea.Patients are plagued by pain in the throat and esophagus, a feeling of a "lump" when swallowing.

In women, symptoms of osteocondrosis in the thorax region also include pain in the chest and mammary glands and groin.They are incorrectly classified as gynecological problems.In this case, it is better to start controlling symptoms and treating thorax osteochondrosis with medication with a visit to an orthopedist or neurologist. 
Treatment of thorax osteocondrosis in men can similarly solve problems with strength and urination caused by innervation disorders.

Causes of the disease

Thoracic osteochondrosis is a relatively rare rare disease of the spine.Its "proportion" in the total number of patients with osteochondrosis is approx.15%. The fact is that thorax spine that the ribs are attached to is not very mobile physiological - on the contrary, they must provide stability for the breast organs.Therefore, their intervertebral disks are less susceptible to wear, damage and cracks and back wings and hernias are rare.But osteocondrosis in the thorax 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, incl.household, professional and sports;
• Bad attitude and other deformations of the musculoskeletal system;
• undeveloped muscle cross and poor physical shape;
• obese;
• Long -term sedentary work without warming up (for example, working while driving or in front of a computer);
• back injuries (not only thorax, but also other parts);
• Gastrointestinal diseases;
• Bad habits;
• infections;
• Hypothermia;
• hormonal disorders;
• chronic stress;
• Excessive salt consumption and lack of habit of drinking water are the causes of long-term disturbances in the water-salt balance in the body;
• Incorrect choice of shoes and incorrect carrying bags and other heavy objects.

Other - unfortunately cannot be removed completely - causes of thorax osteocondrosis: circulation disorders (with atherosclerosis or diabetes), metabolic syndrome, autoimmune diseases and genetic disposal. In women, treatment of thorax osteochondrosis may be required during several pregnancies.

It is important to prevent the disease - although there are no indicative symptoms and sensations for treating thorax osteocondrosis.Only a doctor can assess the correct attitude of a teenager.After all, for example, kyphosis often occurs smoothly and is imperceptible to a non-specialist.And in particularly advanced cases, the first signs of degenerative processes in the spine at the age of 15 can. 

Fortunately, you can start shaping your attitude and treatment of thorax osteochondrosis, even at the age of 40!

Consequences of thorax osteocondrosis

Due to the compression of blood vessels and nerve roots, the innerving of muscles and internal organs is disturbed and the functionality of the spinal cord is aggravated.In the absence of treatment of thorax osteocondrosis, this condition is filled with serious consequences:

• Pathologies in the intestines, dyskinesia in the gallbladder;
• increased risk of heart attack as well as ischemia and angina;
• hernias and projections of the spinal cord;
• Error in the liver, kidneys and pancreas;
• A tendency for pneumonia and other lung pathologies associated with hypoventilation.

Treatment of osteocondrosis of the thoracic back

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thorax region in steps 1 and 2 of the disease involves conservative therapy aimed at relieving inflammation, stopping pain, recovery of nerve conduction and blood supply.To alleviate the condition, drugs and techniques are also used to relieve spasm, incl.Strengthen the back muscles.

Treatment of osteocondrosis in the thoracic region with medicine in the acute phase of the disease takes from 1 to 3 months;In the future, lifelong compliance with simple rules is required to maintain remission.If there are no indications of hospitalization, maintenance treatment is performed on a policinic basis and does not require high costs.

In case of advanced osteocondrosis, spinal cord loads and other potentially dangerous conditions, surgery is prescribed to decompress and stabilize the spine (microdiscectomy, foraminotomy, laminectomy).Postoperative treatment of thorax osteocondrosis in a hospital takes from 3 to 7 days, complete healing takes up to 14 days.

Physiotherapy for thorax osteocondrosis

For the treatment of osteocondrosis of the thorax spine is used as follows:

• Magnetic laser therapy. Helps relieve pain, swelling and inflammation, increases humoral immunity.The course consists of 14 daily sessions in 10-15 minutes.Intervals between courses must last at least 1 month and the number of courses per year should not exceed 4.
• Amplip pulse (SMT), incl.with a local anesthetic.Have a strong painkilling effect.Stimulates the muscles and prevents muscle atrophy.Helps relieve swelling and inflammation, expanding blood vessels and improving tissue nutrition.The course requires 8-15 procedures for 10-20 minutes.
• Ultrasonic treatment (optional - with glucocorticosteroid).Provides micro -massage of periarticular tissue, improves cartilage nutrition, prevents inflammation and joint death, expanding blood vessels and accelerating regeneration.Has a painkiller and antispasmodic effect.The course includes 10-12 procedures of 10-15 minutes each.
• Mineral baths, mud therapy, ozokerite and paraffin baths and other balneological techniques. They provide a prolonged expansion of blood vessels, have an antioxidant and anti -inflammatory effect, relieve swelling and facilitates movement in the joint.The duration of the session, the length of the course and the influence depends on the composition of the bath or the therapeutic mixture.
• Hydromassage. Improves tissue nutrition and nerve conduction, promotes relaxation of spasing muscles.Provides regeneration and shortens the recovery period after worsening thorax osteocondrosis.Course-10-25 sessions.The duration of the session gradually increases from 15 to 30 minutes.
• Thermotherapy. It has a relaxing, painkiller 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 the innerving of tissues around the spine, the function 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 held daily or every other day. 
• Traction methods. Used for non-surgical elimination of hernias and projections, combating numbness in the limbs and clamps.They help increase the distance between the vertebrae, improve the attitude, promote decompressation of nerve roots, relax and strengthen the back muscles.This reduces the intensity of inflammation and pain.The standard price is 10-12 sessions that may be required repeated completion.
• Manual therapy. Improves blood circulation in the spinal cord, helps fight fainting.Restores the anatomically correct position of the spine and promotes the treatment of hernias and projections.Eliminates spasms and density in the thorax region.The course is at least 10-15 sessions that last from several minutes to one hour.

In addition to physiotherapy and drug treatment for thorax osteochondrosis, patients may need to work with a psychologist.This will help get rid of the anxiety that accompanies diseases of the musculoskeletal system.Also motivates to maintain a healthy posture.
During physical activity, patients are recommended to carry an orthopedic corset (but not constantly so as not to weaken the back muscles).

Massage for thorax osteochondrosis

For osteocondrosis of the thoracic back, clinical massage - classic therapeutic (with drugs for treating thorax osteochondrosis or essential oils), vacuum, lymphatic drainage, water or acupressure.The doctor or unit has an indirect effect on the thorax region through the muscles of the shoulders and upper back, stimulates blood microcirculation, eliminates pain and swelling, restores the normal range of motion and normalizes the tone of the muscle corset.Massage also improves the effect of treating thorax osteocondrosis with medicine.
Treatment of thorax osteochondrosis in male drivers and operators involves the use of massage units - pillows and seat covers, bolsters, hand massages.

Gymnastics for treating thorax osteocondrosis

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

1. Stand straight, feet together, arms along your body.When you exhale, lift your arms up and when you inhale, bend back.Lower your arms and bend forward as you exhale and lower your head and shoulders.
2. Sit on a chair.When inhaling, place your straight arms behind your head and when you exhale bend back well without lifting your shoulder blades from the back of the chair.
3. Standing on all fours, bows your back and freeze for 3 seconds and look straight ahead.
4. Lying on your stomach, place your hands on the floor and bend back, lift your chest from the floor.
5. Lying on your stomach, stretch your arms along your body.Bend your chest, make a "boat": lift your legs at the same time and drive up.

In addition to the proposed gymnastics for treating thorax osteochondrosis, patients benefit from Nordic hiking, yoga, cycling and water sports (swimming, diving, aqua aerobic).Don't forget to relieve your spine during the day: Don't sit in a position for more than 2 hours and try during your lunch break to lie on a flat surface for 40 minutes.Stretch, get up, bend over as soon as your back begins to stiffen.

Relief of symptoms and treatment of osteocondrosis in the thorac region of women also requires to maintain the correct location of the body when performing household tasks - try spending as little time as possible in oblique positions, if possible, sitting equally if long -term housework is required.

Drug treatment of thorax osteocondrosis

Treatment of thorax osteochondrosis with medicine is complex and multi-vector.Patients are prescribed:

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

2. Glucocorticoids.Steroid (hormonal) drugs are prescribed in cases where conventional anti -inflammatory drugs are ineffective - for example, to relieve severe worsening or pain in the later stages of osteochondrosis.For this purpose, GCS can be prescribed together with painkillers in the form of an injection blockade.

   The choice 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 imbalances, weight gain and skin problems.

3. Chondroprotective medications to treat thorax osteocondrosis.Preparations based on cartilage components and hyaluronic acid promote regeneration of cartilage tissue.They supply the body with "building material" to collagen and synovial fluid so you can extend drug -free remission.They must be taken annually from 3 to 6 months.This will help reduce inflammation, preventing the intervertebral discs from further deteriorating and improving flexibility back.

4. Muscle relaxants.Muscle tension and spasms significantly reduce the patient's quality of life and cause discomfort, even during rest.But the most important thing is that they detract from access to nutrients to the intervertebral joints that provose their additional destruction and weakening of cartilage tissue.Long -term voltage also 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 drugs are protectors and "parents" of collections.They prevent the destruction of cartilage and bone tissue due to aggressive oxidative effects and prevent the formation of new erosion focy on the surface of the cartilage.Vitamins (such as B vitamins) are effective in combating inflammation.They are also needed to maintain the strength and elasticity of cartilage tissue - they prevent cracks and chips from forming and improving its shock absorbing properties.

6. Diuretics.These injectable medications are used to acute treatment of swelling of the nerve roots.They help avoid damage to the spinal cord nerves and the long -term rehabilitation with a neurologist.Left untreated, swelling of the nerve roots can cause severe pain, muscle weakness and organic function.

7. Neuro -protectors and anti -stingers.Such drugs improve the metabolism of nerve tissue and stimulate the cord of nerve impulses.They help normalize the transmission of nerve impulses through the spinal cord and the innervation of internal organs, ie.maintain control over your body.

8. Angioprotectors and blood microcirculation correctors.Angios protectors protect blood vessels, promote their expansion and normal permeability of vascular walls.Since osteocondrosis in the thorax region significantly affects the cardiovascular system, it is worth taking these drugs to combat dizziness, numbness in the limbs and other characteristic problems.

The dosage and benefit of using specific drugs to treat thorax osteochondrosis must be determined by the participating physician.

Diet to osteocondrosis in the thorax region

For the first symptoms and treatment of thorax osteochondrosis, a menu is recommended high in collagen, vitamin A, B and C, which promotes regeneration of intervertebral cartilage and strengthening of ligaments.It is also advisable to "speed up" metabolism with easily digestible food (small portions every 3 hours). 

Diet includes a protein breakfast (eggs, dairy products) and dinner (cooked, stooded, baked in foil fish, poultry, seafood).During the day, 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 gime - from 2 liters of clean water a day.