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 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 breasts hurt?
Chest pain is one of the common symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis.Their appearance is related to 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.
- Increased load on the spine.
- Inflammatory processes in the muscles.
One of the signs of osteochondrosis is a feeling of trembling in the chest, which causes pain..Although from a physical point of view this region of the spine is considered the strongest, it can easily be affected 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 standing still for a long time.
Mechanism of the syndrome
Under increased loads and other factors that cause osteochondrosis, the bone tissues of the spine gradually deform.Intervertebral discs slowly deteriorate and pathological growths appearcalled osteophytes.
As the patient moves, these increases lead to pinching of the vessels of the spinal cord.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 in which degenerative processes occur.
Signs of GERD 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, manifested in the process of bending the arms and trunk.
- pain when breathing;
- pain in the area under the ribs when moving.
Let's consider what other symptoms there are, if the chest or stomach can hurt, where the pain goes, if the hands are somehow affected.
Additional symptoms are as follows:
- Chest pain.With 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, flanks and abdominal cavity is also possible.
- Feeling of a lump 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, as the symptom is neurological in nature and the condition can worsen even more.
- Headaches.Headache is more common with cervical osteochondrosis, but can also be felt with thoracic osteochondrosis.Its appearance is related to circulatory disorders.
- Between the shoulder blades.Sometimes the pain occurs only in the interscapular region.Usually in this case it is related to breathing.
- Combustion.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 a heart attack, which is scary for patients.
- My hands are numb.Numbness of the extremities is also possible with osteochondrosis.It is related to circulation problems.
- Give in the stomach area.If osteochondrosis affects the chest area, the pain may radiate to the stomach area.It is also possible disorders in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, development or worsening of pathologies of the internal organs.The cause of 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.With osteochondrosis, pressure occurs on the layers of cartilage between the vertebrae and the cartilage becomes deformed.As a result, the bone tissue grows and a hernia appears.By coming out, it contributes to the irritation of nerve endings, which can cause pain in various parts of the body.
- Painful swallowing.If the disease is located in the upper area of the sternum, pain may occur in the pharynx or esophagus.There is a lump in the neck.There may also be problems with swallowing, especially when eating food that is large or irritates the lining of the esophagus.
Diagnostics
The following tests are used to diagnose osteochondrosis::
- examination by an orthopedist and surgeon.
- chest x-ray;
- EKG?
- Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity and chest.
- general urine and blood tests.
- gastroduodenoscopy (examination of the stomach and intestines using a probe).
These techniques make it possible to confirm that the symptoms that appear are a consequence of osteochondrosis and not some other disease.
What is sternal pain often confused with sternal cartilage?
Chest pain 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 determine 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 heart pathologies.It is quite difficult for the patient to distinguish between them, and an electrocardiogram is used for diagnosis.If we are talking about heart disorders, then the pain is easily relieved with glycerol trinitrate, while in osteochondrosis it does not relieve the symptoms.
With VSD, there is an extra feel:
- tachycardia and bradycardia;
- there is a feeling of fear.
- constant weakness and fatigue.
The pain is usually dull and aching, while with osteochondrosis it is compressive in nature.
How long do they last?
The pain may come in short bursts and last several minutes.If we are talking about long-term pain syndrome, it may not go away 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 between men and women.
However,It is more difficult to diagnose the pathology in women due to hormonal characteristics.In young patients it is subject to continuous fluctuations.During menopause, the synthesis of certain hormones decreases, which can cause a number of pathologies that require a differential diagnosis.
In men, the disease has a typical course, which makes it possible to quickly detect it and start treatment.
Treatment methods
Treatment methods for both the disease itself and chest pain should be chosen by a doctor.As a rule, complex treatment is required.
Medicines
Medicines are currently the main method of treating osteochondrosis.Here are some treatments that may be indicated for chest injuries::
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that help eliminate inflammation.
- Cartilage protectors aimed at restoring the structure of damaged cartilage.
- Muscle relaxants that provide relaxation and muscle tone.
- Preparations for the normalization of metabolic processes.
- Complexes of vitamins and minerals.
Medicines can be prescribed in the form of tablets or injections.In case of severe pain, a therapeutic blockade can relieve the patient's condition.
Intra-articular injections
In some cases, it is necessary to insert chondroprotectors directly into the affected joint.
Medicines help:
- restore the elasticity of the discs between the vertebrae.
- saturation of affected tissues with essential nutrients.
- prevent their further destruction.
Exclusion
Therapeutic blockade aims at rapid relief of pain and inflammation, as well as restoring the patient to normal mobility.It can be articular and peri-articular.In the latter case, the drug is not injected into the joint itself, but into the tissues near it.This method is gentler and no less effective, but the effect appears more slowly.
Gymnastics
Exercises help strengthen muscles, normalize the function 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 at the stage of remission.
Attention!During the 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 performed only when the pathological process subsides.An important condition is the absence of severe pain syndrome.
For this pathology, stick exercises are often recommended.Bends, twists and other simple movements aimed at exercising the chest area can be done.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy may be prescribed to treat thoracic osteochondrosis:
- vibration massage;
- UVT?
- acupuncture;
- mud and phototherapy.
These methods help relieve pain, accelerate tissue repair, and relieve inflammation.
Massage
The main goal of therapeutic massage is to improve blood circulation, which has a beneficial effect on the treatment of the disease.
Manual therapy
Manual therapy is performed only after a comprehensive examination of the patient.Contraindicated for acute pain.Its main task is to eliminate the deformation of the spine, 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 damage;
- infectious diseases.
It is also contraindicated when:
- oncology;
- damage to the central nervous system;
- increased intracranial pressure.
The therapeutic effect is the restoration of muscle function, the improvement of blood circulation in the spinal tissues and the normalization of metabolic processes.
Hood
This method involves stretching the muscles and ligaments, which makes it possible to expand 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, however, they can supplement treatment.The most popular recipes include the following:
- Compresses from raw potatoes.You need to grate the potatoes, mix them with honey in equal proportions, mix well.The composition is applied to the affected area, fixed like a compress and left for two hours.Then you need to wash off the paste with warm water.
- This recipe can be used both externally and internally.You need to take 50 grams of high-quality vodka, 150 grams of liquid honey, a small radish and four teaspoons of salt.Grate the potatoes and mix with the rest of the 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 also relieve pain from thoracic osteochondrosis by rubbing 250 grams of sunflower oil and chopped fresh oregano.
How to relieve an attack?
Medicines are usually used to stop an attack.In some cases, drug exclusion may be required.
Medicines may be prescribed:
- anti-inflammatory drugs;
- chondroprotectors;
- Muscle relaxants;
- nootropics;
- diuretics;
- B vitamins.
To normalize the local blood circulation, a light massage can be done.
Prevention
It is easier to prevent any disease than to cure it.To reduce the chance of developing or exacerbating osteochondrosis,it is important to monitor your lifestyle.
- During sedentary work, you need to take periodic 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.
It is important to limit consumption:
- salt?
- spices;
- spices.
Care is also needed with:
- smoked meats;
- pickled dishes;
- sweetness.
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 flush calcium from the body, which is harmful for osteochondrosis.Avoiding alcoholic beverages is also recommended.
Recommendations from experts
In addition, experts give the following recommendations:
- To avoid a flare-up, try to be careful when exercising.It is important to avoid severe stress, fatigue and hypothermia.
- You should pay attention to any additional symptoms.This will help in the early diagnosis of the disease.These include headache, dizziness, nausea and breathing problems.
- You should not prescribe drugs yourself - a 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, bed rest must be observed.Activity should be minimal.
- If the pain attacks are caused by a hernia, then the use of a special corset is required.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 posture while 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 dangerous.It requires timely and comprehensive treatment.The doctor decides what the treatment should be.The patient must adhere to all the recommendations received from him and follow an appropriate lifestyle.