Thoracic osteochondrosis is far less common than other departments. However, the rarity of this disease cannot be underestimated how dangerous it is. The fact is that the chest area is less active than eg the neck area. In addition, its structure is special: there are far more vertebrae than in other departments, and the disc itself is thinner and smaller. Why does thoracic vertebral osteochondrosis occur and how is it treated?
What is osteochondrosis?
The term osteochondrosis refers to the condition of the articular cartilage and surrounding bone tissue. As a result of this spinal disorder, the discs thin and lose their elasticity. If left untreated, the body of the disc can be destroyed from time to time and joints and ligaments lose strength. Although thoracic osteochondrosis doesn't manifest right away, patients still need medical help.
cause of disease
The etiology of thoracic osteochondrosis is the same as that of other departmental diseases. first of all:
- wrong way of life;
- overweight;
- a sedentary lifestyle;
- bad habits;
- diabetes;
- hormonal disorders;
- Lazio Campsis;
- Osteochondrosis is present in any other department.
The risk of developing osteochondrosis increases significantly if multiple factors occur. A special risk of getting sick also exists for those whose jobs are associated with staying in the same position for extended periods of time. Therefore, it cannot be said that only the elderly, or only the overweight people, develop osteochondrosis. There has even been a notable resurgence of the disease in recent years.
symptoms of disease
In order to be able to seek medical help promptly, it is important to be able to recognize the first signs of illness:
- persistent back pain;
- chest pain when inhaling;
- Heart pain that doesn't stop after taking heart medication;
- numbness in the chest;
- pain when trying to raise your hand;
- itching, burning, or cold in the lower extremities;
- Digestive system diseases;
- loss of sensation in the extremities;
- Violation of male potency.
Obviously, there is a risk of confusing thoracic osteochondrosis with other diseases. For example, you may think you have a problem with your heart, stomach or nervous system. Therefore, it is important to seek medical help in order to establish an accurate diagnosis, as well as for further treatment of the spine.
treatment of disease
For osteochondrosis, doctors use several treatments. For example, the first step in a patient's admission to the hospital is often medication. If necessary, he will take pain medication. NSAIDs can also be used to relieve swelling or inflammation.
When providing first aid, chondroprotective agents can be used, their effects are not immediately apparent, but they can be very effective with long-term use. It plays an important role in the use of vitamins and minerals necessary for the normal function of cartilage tissue in the body.
In addition to prescribing medication, your doctor may recommend exercising for thoracic osteochondrosis. Practice has shown that this method has its own positive effect in the treatment of such diseases. Exercises for thoracic osteochondrosis help strengthen the spinal muscles and relieve pain.
Just as exercise is effective for thoracic osteochondrosis, massage also plays an important role in treatment. This method allows you to relax tense muscles in your spine, which means releasing compressed nerve endings. Massage should be performed by a specialist and the course of this method should be at least two weeks.
Also, if hydrotherapy is used, good results can be achieved in the treatment of osteochondrosis. Swimming, hydromassage (underwater massage), and taking a bath have a good effect on the health of the spine.
In recent years, acupuncture has become more and more popular. This technique allows you to relieve tension on your nerve endings and provide quick pain relief.
How to save yourself at home?
The problem is obvious, and there are serious contraindications to medical treatment. How can you help yourself in this situation?
First, it's important to let go of any bad habits and take care of the health of your spine. Even in a hospital setting, complete cure for osteochondrosis is not possible. It is important to keep it in good working order for as long as possible.
To help yourself fight this disease, it's important to follow some simple rules:
- During the day, regularly change the position of the spine;
- Try lying down for 30-40 minutes several times a day;
- Participate in more outdoor activities, such as swimming more;
- Apply a set of exercises to treat the back.
If it becomes apparent that the condition of the spine will only get worse, it is important to seek medical help right away. Specialists will perform all the necessary complex laboratory tests, for example, they will perform X-rays or MRIs, collect blood for biochemical analysis and establish a correct diagnosis. In this case, you can be sure that the correct treatment was chosen and that symptoms can be relieved quickly.