Chest osteochondrosis is a disease in which changes or disorders of the bone tissue occur that destroy the discs and ligaments in the chest area. Sedentary work, sedentary lifestyle, overload of the spine, stooping, poor posture - all these factors are very likely to lead to the development of the disease.
Thoracic osteochondrosis is less common than similar disorders in the cervical or lumbar spine. This is due to the lower mobility of the bones and joints in this area.
Due to the fact that the chest has a convex shape, the load on the bones and joints is unevenly distributed. Proliferation of processes in the bones often begins in the part that has more tension - the front wall of the department.
However, it is impossible to start or even ignore the disease, as the negative consequences of the further development of osteochondrosis can significantly affect a person's lifestyle. Treatment of the disease can be prescribed only by a doctor.
Diagnosis of the disease
Only a specialist can diagnose osteochondrosis of the chest, determine the degree of its development and prescribe how to treat the patient. But there are a number of symptoms by which one can assume the presence of the disease in oneself. Can not be:
- pain between the shoulder blades and on the left side of the chest;
- stomach and heart pain;
- increased pain during deep inspiration;
- tingling in the chest.
As these symptoms may be due to some other diseases, the doctor must make a comprehensive diagnosis to confirm the assumptions about the diagnosis. The complex of hospital examinations usually includes:
- chest x-ray;
- Magnetic resonance;
- ultrasound examination of internal organs;
- electrocardiography, etc.
Only by excluding all possible concomitant diseases, the doctor can make the final diagnosis - osteochondrosis. If any other abnormalities are found during the examination, this should be taken into account when deciding how to treat thoracic osteochondrosis so as not to aggravate the situation.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
The treatment of chest diseases in the first place should be aimed at reducing chest pain. That is why most often the process of eliminating the problem includes medication, manual therapy and therapeutic exercises to relieve pressure on the discs. Self-treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis is not recommended only after consultation with a specialist.
If osteochondrosis worsens, acute back pain occurs, the patient can be treated only after the pain subsides. In this case, bed rest is indicated until the patient's condition is alleviated. In addition, your doctor may prescribe several other procedures that can enhance the effect of the medication and provide effective treatment:
- stretching of the discs of the spine;
- vacuum therapy;
- acupuncture;
- electrophoresis;
- magnetopuncture;
- inductometry, etc.
All these procedures can not completely cure the patient, but, of course, will have a positive effect on the treatment of the disease.
Stretching the spine is used during the exacerbation of the disease and helps relieve pain by relieving the strain on the discs. This procedure can be performed only under the supervision of a physician and according to his recommendations.
Acupuncture is a method that has recently become increasingly popular in the treatment of osteochondrosis, helps to relieve chest pain and normalize the immune system.
In extremely rare cases of advanced disease, surgery may be necessary. The decision to perform the operation is made by the patient together with the doctor, if gymnastics and manual therapy can not alleviate the condition of the chest.
Physiotherapy
Therapeutic gymnastics includes a set of exercises, the main purpose of which is to strengthen the muscular corset of the chest area. The types of exercises are developed by the complex and are available to anyone who has been prescribed physiotherapy exercises to solve the problem of thoracic osteochondrosis.
It is a mistake to assume that gymnastics is harmless and therefore you can prescribe it yourself. Exercise can be started only when the cause of the disease is clear and treatment of osteochondrosis is started. But proper and specially developed gymnastics can significantly affect the healing process.
Medication treatment
Medical treatment of the disease includes taking anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs. In addition, the doctor must prescribe drugs that restore cartilage and a complex of vitamins aimed at strengthening bones and ligaments. However, their application is possible only in combination with other methods to eliminate the problem.
An innovative way to treat osteochondrosis is an anti-inflammatory patch that helps solve many spinal problems. Applying it to the chest area allows you to reduce pain, relieve inflammation and improve blood circulation in a certain part of the spine.
Manual therapy
The most effective treatment for a disease such as osteochondrosis involves the use of manual therapy. The actions of a specialist will help to activate and increase the supply of oxygen to the tissues of the intervertebral discs, as well as to support the work of blood vessels and improve lymph flow. This allows you to restore the normal functioning of the chest, stop the development of osteochondrosis and cure the patient.
Effective treatment of osteochondrosis of the chest is possible with the help of a set of actions and measures.
Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis
No matter how timely and effective the treatment of the disease is, in any case it is easier to engage in prevention. After all, it is better to prevent osteochondrosis than to spend time, effort and money on treating the disease.
Preventive measures recommended by doctors include:
- strengthening the muscles of the spine and preventing overload;
- avoid hypothermia;
- getting wet in the rain or sweating in the gym, you should immediately change into wet clothes and wear only dry clothes;
- strengthening gymnastics during sedentary work;
- regular back massage course (at least once a year).
A strong chest corset will ensure good health and comfortable mobility for many years to come. Preventing any disease of the musculoskeletal system is much easier and takes less time than treating disorders that occur later. Do not ignore the advice of doctors, it is better to lead an active lifestyle. Then health will always be strong.