Every second person has osteochondrosis. What is it, what is the nature of the disease and what to do if you have back pain? We try to answer all questions. In this article, we will talk about thoracic spine problems.
What is osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis is a dystrophic pathology of the cartilaginous surface of the bones of the musculoskeletal system - vertebrae and discs.
The intervertebral disc is a shock absorber designed to relieve pressure on the spine.
The cause of the disease can be called the vertical lifestyle of mostly modern people. He spends most of his time sitting or standing, and the load on the spine increases significantly. So, after a while, the outer skin of the intervertebral disc cracks. The result of this process is the formation of a hernia, which squeezes the blood vessels or roots of the spinal cord. These changes lead to impaired blood circulation, development of pain syndrome and reflex tension of the back muscles.
Diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
With osteochondrosis, a person may feel pain in the neck, shoulders and arms, back or chest. Often, patients are in no hurry to contact a specialist, but try to independently determine the cause of the unpleasant sensation. However, this is very dangerous. One only has to imagine: one suspects a heart problem, even though in fact, it hurts with a pinched nerve. And if otherwise?
Important! Never self-medicate! Pain in any form is a reason to visit a doctor to determine the correct diagnosis and method of treatment.
What are the symptoms of osteochondrosis in the thoracic region?
pain in the chest and between the shoulder blades, which is especially noticeable when lifting hands, bending and other physical activities;
the sensation of pain increases at night, with deep inhalation and breathing, as well as in cases of hypothermia;
the appearance of "goose bumps" on the skin and numbness of individual areas;
itching, burning, cold foot syndrome;
feel like a loop squeezing the chest.
If a person has recorded at least some of these symptoms, he or she should definitely consult a neurologist or traumatologist. After hearing the complaint, the doctor will conduct an initial examination on the spine and determine if there is a problem with cerebral circulation. One of the important steps in diagnosing a disease is referring to a hardware inspection. In modern medicine, several methods are used, the most accurately recognized as MRI and CT.
Which doctor is treating
With osteochondrosis, you need to consult a neurologist. Having made a presumptive diagnosis based on examination and results of analysis and examination, he is entitled to refer him to consult a more narrow doctor - a chiropractor or vertebrologist.
Methods of treatment
So, a diagnosis has been made. So the next stage is the appointment of effective treatment. As a rule, doctors are guided by the specifics of a particular case and approach the choice of method individually. There are two types of treatment - conservative and surgical. Which of them will be applied to the patient directly depends on the severity of the disease, the presence of internal sources of the body, as well as indications and contraindications.
What are the most common conservative methods:
taking medications and supplements prescribed by a doctor;
manual therapy;
attraction;
acupuncture;
massage;
Exercise therapy, etc.
References. The human body is a subtle and unique system. If a patient is assisted by gymnastics, this is not an indication for his appointment to another. The treating physician always chooses an individual course based on one’s physical characteristics.
The main type of treatment for osteochondrosis of the thoracic area is considered to be gentle manual therapy, and massage, medications, etc. play an additional role.
This is due to the fact that disc nutrition depends on the condition of the muscles surrounding the spinal space. Moreover, the muscles of the spine themselves are an important cause of pain in osteochondrosis in the thoracic region. Chiropractors, affect tissues smoothly, help normalize muscle reflexes and tone, relieve cramps and clamps, relieve and distribute load from the affected disc, as a result intervertebral disc nutrition and spinal circulation improve, and body motor function is restored.
Rehabilitation and Lifestyle Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation of patients with osteochondrosis involves an integrated approach. To maintain treatment results for a long time, it is necessary to combine many techniques of various medical fields. For example, in addition to following a therapeutic diet, performing special gymnastic exercises and visiting a chiropractor, patients should be included in the list of mandatory procedures:
Isometric kinesiotherapy;
Manual therapy;
Reflexology;
underwater hydromassage;
Traction treatment;
Magneto, electrical and vibration stimuli;
Ultrasound and laser therapy;
Vacuum mobilization therapy;
Psychotherapy.
Important! At home, it is quite difficult to take into account all the nuances of the recovery period - from exercising on a simulator to strict adherence to sleep and wakefulness. Public hospital departments do not always have the necessary equipment or staff. The solution to the problem is often a specialized clinic. World quality technical equipment, instruments and equipment allow you to undergo effective therapy in a comfortable and safe environment under the close supervision of specialists.
Lifestyle with osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
To prevent disease, as well as maintain the general condition of the body of patients with osteochondrosis, doctors advise:
Correct spinal curvature and postural disturbances in a timely manner.
Actively involved in sports, which will strengthen muscles and develop muscular corsets.
Follow a diet to maintain normal levels of vitamins, micronutrients and macronutrients.
Fight overweight.
Provide an equal load distribution on the spine if something heavy needs to be lifted.
Sit with your back straight and your shoulders relaxed.
Choose chairs and armchairs that support your back.
Try to "melt" static time at work by walking, warming up, office gymnastics.
Sleep on an orthopedic mattress.
Conclusion
To paraphrase a famous phrase, we can say: "Osteochondrosis is a complicated thing. " It is quite easy to get such a disease, but it will take a long time to heal. Knowing the nature of osteochondrosis as a disease, it is easier for a person to navigate in the issue of treatment. Remember: only by contacting a doctor, you can approach this problem efficiently without endangering yourself.