The symptoms of osteochondrosis of the breast manifest themselves in one way or another in many people, as this disease is very common. Contrary to the belief that joint problems can only occur in old age, signs of the disease can occur 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 are easier to eliminate at an early stage.
What you need to know about osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine?
Osteochondrosis is a condition in which the plates between the vertebrae begin to separate in the chest region. This reduces the distance between the vertebral bodies, followed by damage to the nerve tissue, leading to severe pain. It is worth knowing that it is the thoracic spine that poses the least risk of developing osteochondrosis because the ribs are rigidly fixed. But if such a disease does develop, the upper back, namely 12 thoracic vertebrae, is involved in the pathological process. Most often, the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine result from inflammation in the upper vertebrae. The level of damage to the intervertebral discs can be completely different.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the breast
Manifestations of osteochondrosis depend on many factors. These include:
- the stage of the disease - whether it is in an acute stage or in remission;
- how old is the patient;
- how much it affects the spine.
But at the same time, we can say that the disease is characterized by the main clinical manifestations, according to which the doctor begins to suspect the disease. Namely:
- Dorsago - pain in the chest area.
- Damage to nerve endings, occurrence of paraesthesias.
- Changes in the heart muscle that prevent pain from going away after using nitroglycerin.
- Lung congestion and hypoxia.
- Abdominal syndrome.
It is worth considering in more detail the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, which allow the causes of discomfort to be identified and relieved in time.
Pressure in the back or chest that prevents breathing
Compression is felt in both the chest and back, and the pathology itself does not allow a person to take a deep breath. Otherwise, when you take a deep breath, the person feels severe pain that causes them to stop trying.
Difficulty rotating (tilting) the boot
Due to the fact that the disease manifests itself in severe pain, a person experiences significant discomfort due to normal movements. It is impossible to turn and bend the torso, the whole body must be turned, and the person also has problems raising his hand.
Recurrent feelings of numbness in the body
If you do not know what symptoms and feelings occur in chest osteochondrosis, you should know that the disease is often accompanied by paresthesia. These appear in numbness, tingling, decreased sensitivity of the skin surfaces, and as if the skin "creeps". This is due to the compression of the nerve endings.
Lower temperature of lower limbs
Due to a disease such as osteochondrosis, the level of blood supply to the limbs may be reduced. This causes a constant feeling of coldness in the limbs, which the doctor notices during the examination.
Causes of occurrence
The occurrence of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, the symptoms and treatment of which are described at this site, for a variety of reasons. It is worth knowing who is at risk in order to pay special attention to your health.
Hereditary predisposition
A person with a family history of osteochondrosis is more likely to get sick. But the presence of osteochondrosis in close relatives does not necessarily cause such a disease.
Raised weights
High loads on the spine cause increased wear on the structure of the musculoskeletal system. As a result, the risk of spinal cord injuries and various diseases, including osteochondrosis of the chest region, increases.
Inactivity leading to physical inactivity
Lack of movement leads to weakening of the structures of the muscles and musculoskeletal system, which can lead to osteochondrosis. Therefore, people with sedentary lifestyles and sedentary work, such as in the office, are more susceptible to the disease. To avoid osteochondrosis in this case, it is sufficient to exercise and walks in the fresh air should not be neglected.
Curvature of the spine due to poor posture
People with poor posture may need symptoms and treatment for chest spinal osteochondrosis. This can lead to the spine bending and various inflammations to occur, including osteochondrosis.
Injury
A person with injuries can lead to a variety of consequences, all depending on how severely damaged the structure of the spine is. In the future, osteochondrosis can lead to:
- displacements;
- fractures;
- cracks;
- damage to the soft tissues of the back in the chest region;
- etc.
If you are injured, do not hesitate to visit the hospital, as injuries that do not heal in time are likely to have serious consequences.
How to treat chest osteochondrosis?
When diagnosing osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, treatment should be prescribed by an experienced neurologist. A competent approach necessarily includes an integrated approach to disease eradication. It will need to be treated with medications, special exercises and gymnastics, and a visit to a massage therapist will also be effective.
Drugs
If you are experiencing manifestations of osteochondrosis, you will be prescribed medication:
- relaxation of tense muscles - muscle relaxants;
- anti-inflammatory - non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug;
- strengthening intervertebral discs and improving cartilage tissue quality - chondroprotectors.
The doctor will determine the time of admission and the dosage individually, as only in this case will the treatment of chest osteochondrosis at home be effective.
Exercise therapy
The exercises begin at the stage when the inflammation and acute pain recede. Their purpose is to stretch the back muscles, relieve tension, strengthen the muscle ligament, and restore the structures to their former mobility. The series of exercises is chosen by the doctor, depending on the general state of health and the stage and type of the disease.
Massage
Massages are one of the most effective ways to get rid of osteochondrosis. They are unable to function as a stand-alone type of treatment as they are unable to alleviate inflammation, but in combination with medications and exercises, they can significantly improve well-being. To maximize the result, it is best to visit a professional massage therapist. He knows all about the symptoms and treatment of chest osteochondrosis and will be able to select the optimal movements and options for influencing the soft tissues that will improve his condition based on the doctor’s prescriptions. Massage improves blood and lymph flow in the tissues, relaxes tense muscles and tones muscles that are less stressful than others.
Prevention
In order not to think about what are the signs of the appearance of chest osteochondrosis, it is best to prevent such a condition. The following tips will help you with this:
- have plenty of exercise for yourself - jogging in the morning, swimming in the pool, warming up and walking;
- if the work is associated with a long stay in one position, straighten your back and relax your shoulders while remembering to warm up regularly;
- choose a chair with an anatomical backrest for the seat;
- to choose the best orthopedic mattress and a special pillow for sleep;
- do not lift many heavy loads, it is better to transport heavy loads in parts than at once;
- perform abdominal exercises;
- prefer comfortable shoes;
- balance your diet - it can contain up to trace elements and vitamins.
All this will help prevent the occurrence of osteochondrosis, and you - to maintain health in old age. However, if the first signs of the disease are already present, do not waste your time and do not try to prevent it, consult a doctor immediately.