Sternal osteochondrosis is a degenerative dystrophic disease that affects the thoracic spine. Diseases in this area are not common, such as the cervical and lumbar spine. This is due to the fact that the chest area is less mobile than other spine and is more protected. People after the age of 30 are more susceptible to this disease.
Osteochondrosis is degenerative changes that occur in different parts of the spine. Statistics show that this disease is getting younger and younger. If older people suffer from this pathology, more and more diseases today are diagnosed as younger generations. This disease has become the third most common disease after cardiovascular and tumor pathology.
Reason
- damage;
- Excessive physical activity;
- Age-related spinal changes;
- Degenerative changes in genetic susceptibility;
- Metabolism disorder;
- Too complete;
- A lifestyle where people rarely move;
- Scoliosis-curvature of the spine;
- Serious accompanying diseases.
Due to changes in the thoracic spine, nerve roots are clamped and the function of internal organs is disturbed.
Osteochondrosis can mask many cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, a person may experience shortness of breath and tachycardia, which may not be immediately recognized.
The disease can be confused with various pathologies of the respiratory system and pathologies of the abdominal cavity. There is no indication that it is specific and depends on the severity and localization of the process.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of sternal osteochondrosis are:
- Pain between the shoulder and cap;
- Numbness in the area between the arms and shoulders;
- Strong exhalation and inhalation pain;
- The feeling of chest tightness;
- Muscle tightness in the upper part of the back and chest area;
- In severe cases, pelvic dysfunction.
If combined with thoracic chondrosis and cervical spondylosis, dizziness and nausea will increase.
Three types of pain:
- Dorsagois a very severe sudden pain that restricts movement. This pain may occur when the back is straightened after being in a position for a long time. This pain may last for several weeks.
- Back painis a kind of moderate pain that does not go away for a long time and is usually accompanied by stiffness. Since this pain develops over time, and there is rarely a slight pain, it cannot be recognized immediately.
- Rectal painis moderate pain in the front of the chest.
Diagnosis
It is recommended to have an X-ray examination on an empty stomach and go on a diet before the examination (do not eat food that can form gas).
However, medicine has not stagnated. Experts are increasingly using newer technologies to diagnose osteochondrosis, such as:
- CT (Computed Tomography)
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
Computer tomography
This is a diagnostic method that uses X-rays to scan at different depths and use a computer to process the results. If a CT scan is performed without a contrast agent, no preparation is required, but if a CT scan is performed with a contrast agent introduced, you should refuse to eat 4 hours before the test. Before inspection, all jewelry and hairpins must be removed.
Contraindications for CT scan:
- pregnancy;
- Mental disorders;
- Allergy to the substance injected as a contrast agent (if using it for CT);
Magnetic resonance imaging
A highly informative diagnostic method using magnetic fields and radio frequency radiation. This is a relatively new diagnostic method, but because it is harmless and very useful, it has taken its place in medicine.
This kind of examination does not require any preparation, but if the examination is performed with a contrast agent, the expert must be warned of physical characteristics and allergies. Before diagnosis, all metal objects have been removed.
The procedure is carried out on your back. Except for the slight discomfort of the equipment sound, it will not cause any pain.
MRI contraindications:
- Chronic renal failure;
- Allergic to substances used as contrast agents;
- pregnancy;
- There are metal elements in the human body (pacemaker, etc. );
- Fear.
Treatment
Including:
- drugs;
- Physiotherapy practice;
- Massage and manual therapy;
- Physical therapy;
- Traditional treatment methods.
Drugs
Treatment aims to eliminate inflammation and relieve pain. Experts prescribe special ointments, painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs for patients.
After using medications designed to eliminate pain, the doctor prescribes a medication for the patient that helps normalize microcirculation and blood circulation and vitamin complexes.
Exercise therapy
Physical therapy exercises can help reduce muscle cramps and pain. Exercise helps increase muscle tone and improve blood circulation. All exercises must be carried out smoothly to avoid severe pain. For sternal osteochondrosis, the complex also includes exercises that help support the back muscles.
Massage
Used in combination with other treatments. Massage can quickly produce results in the treatment process, relieve pain, improve blood circulation, strengthen muscles, and eliminate spasms. Only after the exacerbation phase subsides can the massage session begin.
It is best to entrust massage to a qualified massage therapist and combine it with manual therapy and physical therapy.
Manual therapy
The treatment is the effect of the therapist's hand on the spine.
Contraindications of manual therapy:
- pregnancy;
- Hernia;
- Arthropathy;
- Spinal injury;
- Increased blood pressure;
- Tumor;
- Severe scoliosis stage;
- Inflammatory process.
Manual treatment should only be performed at the initial stage of thoracic osteochondrosis specified by a doctor and strictly performed by a qualified expert, otherwise this operation will cause serious complications.
Physical Therapy
The advantage of physical therapy is to minimize side effects and achieve rapid results. During the treatment, magnetic therapy, double pulse, ultrasound, electrophoresis, iontophoresis, and variable current are used.
In each case, the doctor will choose the procedure individually. Contraindications: tumors, pregnancy, skin diseases, severe cardiovascular diseases.
Traditional Medicine
Including tin agents, friction agents, ointments and bath agents.
Before starting treatment with folk remedies, you should consult your doctor and keep in mind the possibility of allergic reactions to various herbal ingredients.
Prevention
The main component of preventing osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is an active lifestyle, which helps to maintain a good shape and correct posture of the spine. It is also important that the sleeping area is not too soft or too hard. It is recommended to eat foods high in calcium and magnesium to use vitamin complexes.