Osteochondrosis is a very common disease that is familiar to the vast majority of people. It went to humanity as a "reward" for upright posture. With the vertical position of the body, the spine experiences strong loads, which lead to degeneration of the intervertebral discs. There is osteochondrosis of the cervical, thoracic, lumbar. Often there is a mixed form, for example, cervicothoracic osteochondrosis or lumbar thoracic. It is believed that the disease affects middle-aged people, but in recent years osteochondrosis is getting younger due to a sedentary lifestyle, malnutrition, bad habits.
Cervical and lumbar osteochondrosis is more common than thoracic osteochondrosis, the symptoms of which are very diverse. Due to the good fixation by the ribs, sternum and muscle corset, the middle section of the spine is rarely injured, and intervertebral hernias are almost never formed here.
The main causes of breast osteochondrosis are a long stay in an uncomfortable position, scoliosis, stoop, and a sedentary lifestyle. Most often, people who have to sit or stand in an uncomfortable position are affected: dentists, surgeons, programmers, hairdressers, accountants, drivers and others. The cause of the disease can be stress and nervous tension. The situation is aggravated by bad habits, hypothermia, a lack of vitamin C, malnutrition.
With a pathology such as thoracic osteochondrosis, symptoms are manifested by pain in the chest, back, upper abdomen, lateral parts of the chest. The disease develops rather slowly. For chest osteochondrosis, a phenomenon such as intercostal neuralgia is characteristic. Cutting or burning pain suddenly pierces the chest area with a sudden movement, laughter, cough, inhalation. Breathing becomes shallow - a deep breath causes severe pain. Movement is limited - it is impossible to bend, turn, get out of bed. This condition can persist from a couple of minutes to several hours.
As a rule, thoracic osteochondrosis, the symptoms of which are not very pronounced, is manifested by aching or dull pain in the chest, abdomen, between the shoulder blades, when raising the arms. The pain intensifies with movements, weight lifting, deep breathing, coughing, with a long stay in one position. Painful sensations appear in the space between the ribs during a quick walk. With thoracic osteochondrosis, goosebumps can run, numb skin areas, feet freeze. The pain is constant or paroxysmal. Acute periods of the disease are followed by remissions.
Thoracic osteochondrosis is therefore dangerous, the symptoms of which are similar to the signs of various diseases, because it is easily mistaken for ischemia of the heart, angina pectoris, and even heart attack. Thoracic osteochondrosis may have signs of digestive system diseases: cholecystitis, peptic ulcer, pancreatitis, gastritis. Possible pain in the esophagus, sensation of a lump in the throat, shortness of breath.
Diagnosed with X-ray and MRI. Neurologists, gastroenterologists, cardiologists, therapists are involved in the examination of the patient.
Once arising, osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, the symptoms of which will appear periodically, will remain forever. If the disease is left to chance, then it will only progress, and, possibly, will lead to disability. Therefore, timely initiated treatment is the key to a good quality of life.
How to treat thoracic osteochondrosis? First of all, it is necessary to strengthen the whole body, increase immunity, eat right, do not overcool, exercise, fully rest, monitor posture, use orthopedic mattresses for sleeping, orthopedic pillows on the seats and under the back in the car and in the office.
With a diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, treatment should be comprehensive. It includes taking painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, physical procedures, acupuncture, massage, physiotherapy exercises.
The best prevention of the disease is the formation of proper posture from childhood, strengthening the muscles of the chest, back and abdomen, physical activity. When sedentary work, it is necessary to occupy a comfortable position, more often change the pose and make movements. It is important not to get cold or wet, because humidity and cold damage the spine.