Thoracic osteochondrosis is a serious pathology that involves degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs.The disease is usually a consequence of a sedentary lifestyle, improper distribution of load on the spine and metabolic disorders in the intervertebral discs.
The disease has several symptoms, but they are easily confused with 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 common symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis.Its appearance is associated with the following factors:
- Dysfunction of organs in the thoracic region due to inflammation of the joints.
- Degenerative processes and atrophy at the junction of the spine and ribs.
- Greater load on the spine.
- Inflammatory processes in the muscles.
One of the signs of osteochondrosis is the feeling of tremors in the chest that cause pain..Although from a physical point of view this area of the spine is considered the strongest, it can be affected quite easily by a pathological process.
Reference!Sharp, sharp pain in the chest is called "dorsago."It often occurs when the patient suddenly changes body position after being in a stationary position for a long time.
Mechanism of appearance of the syndrome.
Under high loads and other factors that provoke osteochondrosis, the bone tissue of the spine gradually deforms.The intervertebral discs slowly deteriorate and pathological growths appear.called osteophytes.
As the patient moves, these growths cause pinching of the vessels in the spinal cord.Further development of degenerative processes leads to deterioration of blood circulation, including in the chest.Communication with the nervous system is altered.
As osteochondrosis progresses, the pressure increases..Consequently, the pain also becomes more intense.Its location is determined by the area in which the degenerative processes occur.
Signs of republican pathology
The main symptoms that manifest osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine (OS) are the following:
- pain in the chest area, which worsens at night;
- pain between the shoulder blades, which manifests itself when bending the arms and torso;
- pain when breathing;
- Pain in the area under the ribs during movement.
Let's consider what other symptoms there are, whether the chest or stomach may hurt, where the pain goes, whether the arms are affected in any way.
Additional symptoms are as follows.:
- chest pain.In osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, pain in the sternum is the main symptom.They can resemble heart pain, which can make diagnosis difficult.Pain in the lower back, sides and abdominal cavity is also possible.
- Sensation of a lump in the chest..Also common.The feeling of a lump in the chest is associated with pinched nerve endings.When this occurs, it is important not to panic, as the symptom is neurological in nature and the condition can worsen further.
- headaches.Headache is more common with cervical osteochondrosis, but it can also manifest itself with thoracic osteochondrosis.Its appearance is associated with circulatory disorders.
- between the shoulder blades.Sometimes the pain appears only in the interscapular area.Generally in this case it is associated with breathing.
- Fire.There may also be a burning sensation in the chest.It is usually accompanied by compressive pain and radiates to the heart.The symptoms can be similar to those of a heart attack, which frightens patients.
- My hands are getting numb.Numbness of the extremities is also possible with osteochondrosis.It is associated with circulatory problems.
- Give in the stomach area..If osteochondrosis affects the thoracic region, the pain may radiate to the stomach area.Alterations in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, development or worsening of pathologies of internal organs are also possible.The cause of the pain is usually compression of the nerves that connect the back to the gastrointestinal tract and pelvis.
Discomfort can easily be confused with pain due to diseases of the digestive system.
- hernia pain.With osteochondrosis, pressure occurs on the cartilage layers located between the vertebrae and the cartilage becomes deformed.As a result, bone tissue grows and a hernia occurs.By protruding, it contributes to irritation of the nerve endings, which can cause pain in various parts of the body.
- Pain when swallowing.If the disease is located in the upper region of the sternum, pain may appear in the pharynx or esophagus.There is a lump in the throat.There may also be problems with swallowing, especially when eating large foods or foods that irritate the wall of the esophagus.
Diagnosis
The following tests are used to diagnose osteochondrosis::
- examination by an orthopedist and surgeon;
- chest x-ray;
- ECG;
- 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 verify that the symptoms that appear are a consequence of osteochondrosis and not another disease.
What is pain in the sternum usually confused with chondrosis of the sternum?
Pain in the sternum with osteochondrosis is most often confused with heart pain..They can also be confused with pain syndrome due to disorders of the digestive system.To establish the exact cause, the doctor performs a differential diagnosis.
How is it different from cardiac pathology?
Pain with cervical osteochondrosis is similar to pain with cardiac pathologies.It is quite difficult for the patient to distinguish between them and an electrocardiogram is used for diagnosis.If we talk about cardiac disorders, the pain is easily relieved by glycerol trinitrate, while in osteochondrosis it does not relieve the symptoms.
With VSD there is an additional sensation:
- tachycardia and bradycardia;
- there is a feeling of fear;
- Constant weakness and fatigue.
The pain is usually dull and aching, while in osteochondrosis it is compressive in nature.
How long do they last?
The pain may occur in short bursts and last for several minutes.If we talk about long-term pain syndrome, it may not go away for 2-3 weeks.Major 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 between 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 series of pathologies that require a differential diagnosis.
In men, the disease has a typical course, which makes it possible to quickly identify it and begin therapy.
Treatment methods
A doctor must select treatment methods for both the disease itself and chest pain.As a rule, complex therapy is required.
Medications
Medications are currently the main method of treating osteochondrosis.Below are some remedies that may be indicated for chest injuries::
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that help eliminate inflammation.
- Chondroprotectors aimed at restoring the structure of damaged cartilage.
- Muscle relaxants that provide relaxation and muscle tone.
- Preparations to normalize metabolic processes.
- Vitamin and mineral complexes.
Medications can be prescribed in the form of tablets or injections.In case of severe pain, a therapeutic block can alleviate the patient's condition.
Intra-articular injections
In some cases, it is necessary to introduce chondroprotectors directly into the affected joint.
drugs help:
- restore the elasticity of the discs between the vertebrae;
- saturate affected tissues with essential nutrients;
- prevent further destruction.
Blockade
Therapeutic blockade aims to quickly relieve 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 injected not into the joint itself, but into the tissues near it.This method is gentler and no less effective, but the result appears more slowly.
Gym
Exercises help strengthen muscles, normalize the functioning of ligaments, muscles and joints, and reduce static tension in the spine.They must be selected by a doctor.As a rule, gymnastics is prescribed only in the stage of remission.
Attention!During exercises, the pain should not intensify.
What exercises to do for a hernia?
The doctor may prescribe special exercises for a hernia.It can be carried out exclusively when the pathological process subsides.An important condition is the absence of severe pain syndrome..
For this pathology, exercises with a cane are usually recommended.You can perform push-ups, twists and other simple movements aimed at exercising the thoracic region.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy may be prescribed for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis.:
- vibration massage;
- UVT;
- acupuncture;
- Mud and light therapy.
These methods help relieve pain, speed tissue repair, and relieve inflammation.
massage
The main objective of therapeutic massage is to improve blood circulation., which has a beneficial effect in the treatment of the disease.
manual therapy
Manual therapy is carried out only after a complete examination of the patient.It is contraindicated in case of acute pain.Its main task is to eliminate spinal deformation, restore blood circulation and improve motor activity.
Manual therapy is not used.:
- with high blood pressure;
- after spinal injuries;
- in the acute stage of chronic pathologies;
- with vascular lesions;
- infectious diseases.
It is also contraindicated when:
- oncology;
- lesions of the central nervous system;
- increased intracranial pressure.
The therapeutic effect is to restore muscle function, improve blood circulation in spinal tissues and normalize metabolic processes.
Hood
This method involves stretching muscles and ligaments., which allows the distance between the vertebrae to be expanded, eliminating pinched nerves.As a result, pain syndrome is significantly reduced.
Folk remedies
Home remedies cannot replace traditional medicine, but they can complement the treatment.The most popular recipes include the following:
- Compresses made with raw potatoes.It is necessary to grate the potatoes, mix them with honey in equal proportions and mix well.The composition is applied to the affected area, fixed like a compress and left for two hours.Then you should wash the paste with warm water.
- This recipe can be used both externally and internally.You should take 50 grams of high-quality vodka, 150 grams of liquid honey, one small radish and four teaspoons of salt.Grate the potatoes and mix with the rest of the ingredients.
The porridge can be applied to the affected area as a massage.You can also use the product as a tincture.It is consumed twice a day, morning and night, for a week.
- You can also relieve the pain of thoracic osteochondrosis by rubbing 250 grams of sunflower oil and chopped fresh oregano.
How to relieve an attack?
Medications are usually used to stop an attack.In some cases, a pharmacological blockade may be necessary.
Medications can be prescribed:
- anti-inflammatory medications;
- chondroprotectors;
- muscle relaxants;
- nootropics;
- diuretics;
- B vitamins.
To normalize local blood circulation, a light massage can be performed.
Prevention
It is easier to prevent any disease than to treat it.To reduce the likelihood of the appearance or exacerbation of osteochondrosis,It is important to control your lifestyle.
- During sedentary work, it is necessary to periodically take breaks and dedicate them to physical activity.
- It is also important to abandon bad habits, control your posture, get enough sleep and avoid stress.
How to eat well when you are sick?
Proper nutrition helps speed up the recovery process and prevent illness.The diet is based on:
- fish;
- meat;
- milk products;
- legumes
It is also important that your diet includes fresh fruits and vegetables.Food should not be fried;It is best to boil, bake or steam them.
It is important to limit consumption.:
- salt;
- spices;
- spices.
It is also necessary to be careful with:
- smoked meats;
- pickled dishes;
- sweets.
If you are overweight, it is important to follow a diet aimed at losing weight.You need to drink a lot of water.But you shouldn't get carried away with coffee: it tends to remove calcium from the body, which is harmful for osteochondrosis.It is also recommended to avoid alcoholic beverages.
Expert recommendations
Additionally, experts give the following recommendations.:
- To avoid an exacerbation, try to be careful when exercising.It is important to avoid intense stress, fatigue and hypothermia.
- You should pay attention to any additional symptoms.This will help diagnose the disease in a timely manner.These include headache, dizziness, nausea and breathing problems.
- You should not prescribe medications yourself;Your doctor should select 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 local analgesics can be used to relieve pain.
- In case of exacerbation, bed rest should be observed.Activity should be minimal.
- If pain attacks are provoked by a hernia, then it is necessary to wear a special corset.In some cases, surgery is not possible.It is carried out after a detailed diagnosis and exclusion of other pathologies.
- It is important to adopt the correct position when sleeping.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 disease, but also a dangerous one.It requires timely and comprehensive treatment.The doctor decides what the therapy should be.The patient must follow all the recommendations received from him and lead an appropriate lifestyle.