Osteochondrosis lesions of the thoracic vertebrae most often occur in connection with the maintenance of a hypodynamic lifestyle. This form of destructive changes is less common than lesions of other vertebrae, since the thoracic region has less motor activity.
This type of disorder is characterized by migraine pain and dizziness, pain in the back, chest and extremities, problems with motor functions, interruptions in pressure, neurological symptoms, etc.
The disease is treated with the help of complex measures, but, unfortunately, it is impossible to get rid of it completely. In addition to medicines, therapeutic exercises are very successful in coping with symptoms and facilitating the condition.
Features of treatment by gymnastics for thoracic osteochondrosis
To avoid significant deterioration of the condition and prevent complications that can only be corrected by surgery, you can use a course of gymnastic elements. Carefully thought-out gymnastics promotes the balance of metabolic processes, relieves spasms and pains, and returns the joy of life to patients.
Before starting training, it is necessary to determine the required degree and type of load. Only a highly qualified physiotherapist can determine this. Self-designation is unacceptable here, since such actions can have a very negative effect on the body, in particular on the musculoskeletal system.
Positive result
Experts believe that the main goal of gymnastic training in osteochondrosis lesions of the cervical vertebrae is toning the body, increasing the motor abilities of the affected joints, and relieving muscle tension.
Since problems with the spine arise mainly due to inactivity, the daily performance of therapeutic and gymnastic elements, in addition to the therapeutic effect, compensates for insufficiently active vital activity.
Each element of anti-osteochondrosis gymnastics is developed taking into account all the features of this disease and is used not only for therapeutic, but also for prophylactic purposes.
Therapeutic and gymnastic elements have a powerful therapeutic effect:
- Relaxes muscle tissue and eliminates muscle spasms;
- Relieve pain;
- Accelerate the course of metabolic processes;
- Corset muscles are formed and their additional support is provided;
- The spinal column becomes more mobile and flexible;
- Blood circulation is accelerated and microcirculatory blood flow is improved;
- The patient becomes more cheerful due to the relief of symptomatic manifestations.
Implementation rules
The twelve vertebrae that make up the thoracic region are among the most sedentary, so it is very difficult to find exercises that have the maximum benefit and effectiveness.
But if you follow medical recommendations and follow the rules of execution, then the effect will be extremely high:
- Sensation control is essential. If there is discomfort and painful feelings, then this indicates excessive overexertion. If the pain syndrome does not release, then such elements should no longer be performed;
- You can not do gymnastics when there is a strong pain syndrome or the disease is in an acute stage. Such actions can provoke additional pain and cause complications;
- Movements should be graceful and light, each element is performed smoothly, jerks are not allowed;
- Keep your posture – a straight back will help to avoid osteochondrosis complications;
- Take a few minutes of your gymnastics routine every day.
Contraindications
Gymnastic elements, when performed regularly and correctly, literally work wonders, but not every patient can perform them. Training is contraindicated:
- During the postoperative recovery phase after spinal intervention;
- With vestibular disorders and diseases;
- Hypertonic disease;
- Increased IOP (intraocular pressure);
- High degree of myopia;
- With osteochondrosis exacerbations;
- Pathologies of neurological origin, characterized by coordination disorders;
- Any complications of chronic pathologies or conditions accompanied by impaired well-being;
- Arrhythmias of the heart.
Exercises for the spine in the acute stage
Those who believe that bed rest is the only possible prescription for an exacerbation of osteochondrosis are mistaken.
After medication anesthesia, you can begin to perform exercises of an isometric nature.
Gymnastics is extremely necessary at this stage of the disease, each element is performed 3-7 times:
- Sit on your back and relax, breathing calmly. Work out flexor -razgibatelnye ankle movement
- Place your relaxed arms along your body, comfortably on your back. Stretch your arms up, imitating stretching;
- Bend your legs, comfortably relaxing on your back. Each limb must be alternately unbent and raised up;
- Shoulder movements up and down, first alternately, then both at once;
- Sit comfortably on a low chair with your lower back pressed against the back. Try to bend the thoracic vertebrae as much as possible;
- Lying down, perform circular elements with your hands;
- Stand with your arms back and clasped at chest level from the back in a lock. It is necessary to squeeze this lock for a few seconds;
- Stand up straight, pressing your hands parallel to the body, you need to try to reach with your hand to a similar knee.
Complex during remission
When the acute stage of osteochondrosis development recedes into the background, new movements can be added to the elements of gymnastics already performed daily:
- Sitting on your stomach, you need to rest your chin on the floor, then you need to slowly arch your back, lifting your chest from the floor, until you feel strong tension. Then lie down again;
- Sit up against the wall, moving 15-20 cm away from it. You need to rest against the wall with the sacrum, scapular and occipital region. Perform squats, sliding along the wall, trying not to break away from it, while keeping your back straight;
- Lower your left shoulder while bending your head towards it and raising your right shoulder. Exercise “Scales”;
- The simplest to perform is considered to be the usual lateral torso bends, which should be done in a slow and smooth rhythm, without jerking;
- Sit comfortably on a chair, place your folded hands on the neck area. Bend back, freeze for 10 seconds, then bend forward, also freeze for a few seconds, then take the usual pose.
Twists can be performed under medical supervision, which are highly effective. But they are permissible only in the remission period, since their implementation requires some effort.
As a rule, gymnastic training begins with 4-6 simple elements, which are performed every day for a week. During this time, the body and articular-vertebral tissues adapt to gymnastics.
After that, you can diversify the gymnastic complex for the chest with more complex elements. Persistent results can only be expected after several months of regular exercise.