Thoracic osteochondrosis is a serious pathology involving degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs.The disease is often a consequence of an inactive lifestyle, improper distribution of the load on the spine and metabolic disorders in the intervertebral discs.
The disease has a number of symptoms, but it is easy to confuse them with the manifestations of other pathological phenomena.Therefore, it is important to know how to recognize osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.
Can your chest hurt?
Chest pain is one of the frequent symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis.Their occurrence is associated with the following factors:
- Dysfunction of organs in the thoracic region due to joint inflammation.
- Degenerative processes and atrophy at the junction of the spine and ribs.
- Increased load on the spine.
- Inflammatory processes in muscles.
One of the signs of osteochondrosis is a feeling of trembling in the chest that causes pain..Although from a physical point of view this area of the spine is considered the strongest, it can easily be affected by a pathological process.
Reference!A sharp, sharp pain in the chest is called "dorsago".It often occurs when the patient suddenly changes the position of the body after being in a stationary position for a long time.
The mechanism of the syndrome
Under increased loads and other factors that cause osteochondrosis, the bone tissues of the spine are gradually deformed.Intervertebral discs slowly deteriorate and pathological growths appearwhich are called osteophytes.
As the patient moves, these growths cause the vessels of the spinal cord to be pinched.Further development of degenerative processes leads to deterioration of blood circulation, including in the chest.Communication with the nervous system is disrupted.
As osteochondrosis progresses, the pressure increases.Accordingly, the pain also becomes stronger.Its localization is determined by the area where degenerative processes occur.
Signs of GOP pathology
The main symptoms that manifest osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine (OS) are the following:
- pain in the chest area, which is worse at night;
- pain between the shoulder blades, which manifests itself in the process of bending the arms and trunk;
- pain when breathing;
- pain in the area under the ribs during movement.
Let's consider what other symptoms there are, whether they can hurt the chest or stomach, where the pain goes, whether the hands are somehow affected.
Additional symptoms are as follows:
- Chest pain.In osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, the main symptom is pain in the sternum.They can resemble heart pain, which can make diagnosis difficult.Pain in the lower back, hips and abdominal cavity is also possible.
- Lumpy feeling in the chest.Also common.The sensation of a lump in the chest is associated with pinched nerve endings.When it appears, it is important not to panic, because it is a symptom of a neurological nature, and the condition can further worsen.
- Headaches.Headache is more common in cervical osteochondrosis, but can also be felt in thoracic osteochondrosis.Its occurrence is associated with circulatory disorders.
- Between the shoulder blades.Sometimes the pain occurs only in the interscapular area.Usually in this case it is related to breathing.
- Burning.A burning sensation in the chest may also occur.It is usually accompanied by compressive pain and radiates to the heart.Symptoms can be similar to a heart attack, which is frightening for patients.
- My hands are numb.Limb numbness is also possible with osteochondrosis.It is associated with circulation problems.
- Give in the stomach area.If osteochondrosis affects the thoracic part, the pain can spread to the stomach area.Disturbances in the work of the gastrointestinal tract, development or worsening of pathologies of internal organs are also possible.The cause of the pain is most often compressed nerves that connect the back with the gastrointestinal tract and pelvis.
Discomfort can easily be confused with pain due to diseases of the digestive system.
- Hernia pain.In osteochondrosis, there is pressure on the layers of cartilage between the vertebrae, and the cartilage is deformed.As a result, the bone tissue grows and a hernia develops.With its protrusion, it contributes to the irritation of nerve endings, which can cause pain in different parts of the body.
- Painful swallowing.If the disease is localized in the upper part of the sternum, pain in the pharynx or esophagus may appear.He has a lump in his throat.There may also be problems with swallowing, especially when eating foods that are large or irritate the esophagus wall.
Diagnostics
The following examinations are used to diagnose osteochondrosis::
- examination by orthopedists and surgeons;
- chest x-ray;
- EKG;
- Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity and chest;
- general urine and blood tests;
- gastroduodenoscopy (examination of the stomach and intestines with a probe).
These techniques make it possible to confirm that the symptoms that appear are the result of osteochondrosis and not some other disease.
What is pain in the sternum often confused with chondrosis of the sternum?
Pain in the sternum in osteochondrosis is most often confused with pain in the heart.They can also be confused with pain syndrome due to disorders of the digestive system.In order to determine the exact cause, the doctor carries out a differential diagnosis.
How is it different from cardiac pathology?
Pain in cervical osteochondrosis is similar to pain in heart pathologies.It is quite difficult for the patient to distinguish between them, and an electrocardiogram is used for diagnosis.If it is a heart problem, then the pain is easily alleviated with glycerol trinitrate, while in osteochondrosis it does not alleviate the symptoms.
With VSD there is an extra sensation:
- tachycardia and bradycardia;
- there is a feeling of fear;
- constant weakness and fatigue.
The pain is usually dull and painful, while in osteochondrosis it is compressive in nature.
How long do they last?
The pain can occur in short bursts and last for several minutes.If we are talking about a long-term pain syndrome, it may not disappear for 2-3 weeks.Significant symptoms usually last up to 5 days.
Are there differences in symptoms between men and women?
The main symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis do not differ in men and women.
however,It is more difficult to diagnose pathology in women due to hormonal characteristics.In young patients, it is subject to constant fluctuations.During menopause, the synthesis of certain hormones decreases, which can cause a number of pathologies that require differential diagnosis.
In men, the disease has a typical course, which allows for quick recognition and initiation of therapy.
Treatment methods
Treatment methods for both the disease itself and chest pain should be chosen by the doctor.As a rule, complex therapy is required.
Medicines
Medicines are currently the main method of treating osteochondrosis.Here are some medications that may be indicated for thoracic lesions::
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that help eliminate inflammation.
- Chondroprotectors aim to restore the structure of damaged cartilage.
- Muscle relaxants that provide relaxation and muscle tone.
- Preparations for the normalization of metabolic processes.
- Vitamin-mineral complexes.
Medicines can be prescribed in the form of tablets or injections.In case of severe pain, therapeutic blockade can ease the patient's condition.
Intra-articular injections
In some cases, it is necessary to introduce chondroprotectors directly into the affected joint.
Drugs help:
- restoring the elasticity of the discs between the vertebrae;
- saturate the affected tissues with essential nutrients;
- prevent their further destruction.
Blockade
Therapeutic blockade aims at rapid relief of pain and inflammation, as well as returning the patient to normal mobility.It can be articular and periarticular.In the latter case, the drug is not injected into the joint itself, but into the tissues located near it.This method is gentler and no less effective, but the result appears more slowly.
gymnastics
Exercises help strengthen muscles, normalize the work of ligaments, muscles and joints and reduce static tension on the spine.They should be chosen by a doctor.As a rule, gymnastics is prescribed only in the phase of remission.
Attention!During the exercises, the pain should not increase.
What exercises to do for a hernia?
The doctor can prescribe special exercises for hernia.It can be performed only when the pathological process subsides.An important condition is the absence of severe pain syndrome.
Exercises with a stick are often recommended for this pathology.Bends, twists and other simple movements aimed at developing the thoracic region can be performed.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy can be prescribed for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- vibration massage;
- UVT;
- acupuncture;
- mud and light therapy.
These methods help relieve pain, speed up tissue repair, and reduce inflammation.
Massage
The main goal of therapeutic massage is to improve blood circulation, which has a favorable effect on the treatment of the disease.
Manual therapy
Manual therapy is performed only after a comprehensive examination of the patient.It is contraindicated in acute pain.Its main task is to remove spinal deformity, restore blood circulation and improve motor activity.
Manual therapy is not used:
- with high blood pressure;
- after spinal injuries;
- in the acute phase of chronic pathologies;
- with vascular lesions;
- infectious diseases.
It is also contraindicated in the bath:
- oncology;
- lesions of the central nervous system;
- increased intracranial pressure.
The therapeutic effect is restoration of muscle function, improvement of blood circulation in vertebral tissues and normalization of metabolic processes.
Hood
This method involves stretching the muscles and ligaments, which makes it possible to widen the distance between the vertebrae, eliminating pinched nerves.As a result, the pain syndrome is significantly reduced.
Folk remedies
Folk remedies cannot replace traditional medicine, but they can supplement treatment.The most popular recipes include the following:
- Raw potato compresses.Potatoes should be grated, mixed with honey in equal proportions, mixed well.The composition is applied to the affected area, fixed as a poultice and left for two hours.Then you have to wash off the paste with warm water.
- This recipe can be used both externally and internally.It is necessary to take 50 grams of quality vodka, 150 grams of liquid honey, a small radish and four teaspoons of salt.Grate the potatoes and mix with the other ingredients.
The paste can be applied to the affected area as a rub.You can also use the product as a tincture.It is consumed twice a day, morning and evening, for a week.
- You can relieve the pain of thoracic osteochondrosis by rubbing 250 grams of sunflower oil and chopped fresh oregano.
How to mitigate the attack?
Medicines are usually used to stop the attacks.In some cases, a drug block may be necessary.
Medicines can be prescribed:
- anti-inflammatory drugs;
- chondroprotectors;
- muscle relaxants;
- nootropics;
- diuretics;
- B vitamins.
In order to normalize the local blood circulation, a light massage can be performed.
Prevention
It is easier to prevent any disease than to treat it.In order to reduce the likelihood of the occurrence or worsening of osteochondrosis,it is important to monitor your lifestyle.
- During sedentary work, you must periodically take breaks and devote them to physical activity.
- It is also important to give up bad habits, control your posture, get enough sleep and avoid stress.
How to eat properly when you are sick?
Proper nutrition helps speed up the recovery process and prevent disease.The diet is based on:
- fish;
- meat;
- dairy products;
- legumes
It is also important that your diet includes fresh fruits and vegetables.Food should not be fried - it is better to boil, bake or steam.
It is important to limit consumption:
- salt;
- spices;
- spices.
Caution is also required with:
- smoked meat;
- Pickled dishes;
- sweets.
If you are overweight, it is important to follow a diet aimed at losing weight.You must drink a lot of water.But you should not get carried away with coffee - it tends to wash calcium out of the body, which is harmful for osteochondrosis.It is also recommended to avoid alcoholic beverages.
Recommendations of experts
In addition, experts make the following recommendations:
- To prevent worsening, try to exercise caution.It is important to avoid severe stress, fatigue and hypothermia.
- You must pay attention to any additional symptoms.This will help to diagnose the disease in time.These include headache, dizziness, nausea and breathing problems.
- You should not prescribe drugs yourself - the doctor should choose them, taking into account the severity of the pathological process and the existing symptoms.
- If acute pain occurs, it is recommended to call an ambulance or consult a neurologist.
Analgesics and topical pain relievers can be used to relieve pain.
- In case of exacerbation, it is necessary to adhere to bed rest.Activity should be minimal.
- If the pain attacks are caused by a hernia, then it is necessary to wear a special corset.In some cases, surgery is not possible.It is carried out after detailed diagnosis and exclusion of other pathologies.
- It is important that you take the correct position during sleep.It is recommended to sleep on your back using a firm, dense mattress.When the vertebrae return to their normal physiological position, the discomfort disappears.
Thoracic osteochondrosis is not only an unpleasant, but also a dangerous disease.It requires timely and comprehensive treatment.The doctor decides what the therapy should be.The patient must adhere to all recommendations received and lead an appropriate lifestyle.