Thoracic osteochondrosis is a serious pathology that involves 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 presents 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 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 the feeling of tremors in the chest, causing 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!Sharp, stabbing 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 occurrence of the syndrome
Under increased loads and other factors provoking osteochondrosis, the bone tissues of the spine gradually become deformed.Intervertebral discs slowly deteriorate and pathological growths appearcalled osteophytes.
As the patient moves, these growths lead to compression of the spinal cord vessels.Further development of degenerative processes leads to deterioration of blood circulation, including in the chest.Communication with the nervous system is interrupted.
As osteochondrosis progresses, pressure increases.Consequently, the pain also becomes stronger.Its location is determined by the area where degenerative processes occur.
Signs of GOP pathology
The main symptoms manifested by osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine (OS) are the following:
- pain in the chest area, which worsens at night;
- pain between the shoulder blades, manifested in the process of flexing the arms and trunk;
- pain when breathing;
- pain in the area below 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.
- Feeling of a lump in the chest.Also common.The sensation of a lump in the chest is associated with compressed nerve endings.When this occurs, it is important not to panic, as the symptom is neurological in nature and the condition can worsen even further.
- Headaches.Headache is more common in cervical osteochondrosis, but can also occur in 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.
- Burning.There may also be a burning sensation in the chest.It is usually accompanied by compressive pain and radiates to the heart.Symptoms can be similar to those of a heart attack, which scares patients.
- My hands are going numb.Numbness of the limbs is also possible in osteochondrosis.It is associated with circulatory problems.
- Give it to the stomach area.If osteochondrosis affects the thoracic region, the pain may radiate to the stomach area.Disturbances in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, development or worsening of pathologies of internal organs are also possible.The cause of the pain is often pinched 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.In osteochondrosis, pressure occurs on the layers of cartilage located between the vertebrae and the cartilage becomes deformed.As a result, bone tissue grows and a hernia occurs.When it stands out, it contributes to the irritation of nerve endings, which can cause pain in different parts of the body.
- Painful swallowing.If the disease is located in the upper region of the sternum, pain may appear in the pharynx or esophagus.There's a lump in your throat.There may also be problems swallowing, especially when eating large foods or foods that irritate the esophageal wall.
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 confirm that the symptoms that appear are a consequence of osteochondrosis and not another disease.
What is pain in the sternum and chondrosis of the sternum often confused with?
Pain in the sternum with osteochondrosis is most often confused with pain in the heart.They can also be confused with pain syndrome due to digestive system disorders.To establish the exact cause, the doctor performs a differential diagnosis.
How is it different from cardiac pathology?
Pain in cervical osteochondrosis is similar to pain in heart pathologies.It is very difficult for the patient to distinguish them and an electrocardiogram is used for diagnosis.If we talk about heart disease, the pain is easily relieved with glycerol trinitrate, while in osteochondrosis it does not alleviate 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 come in short bursts and last for several minutes.If we are talking about long-lasting pain syndrome, it may take 2 to 3 weeks to disappear.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 pathology in women due to hormonal characteristics.In young patients it is subject to constant fluctuations.During menopause, the synthesis of some hormones decreases, which can cause a series of pathologies that require differential diagnosis.
In men, the disease has a typical course, which makes it possible to quickly identify it and begin therapy.
Treatment methods
Methods of treating the disease itself and chest pain should be selected by a doctor.As a rule, complex therapy is required.
Medicines
Medicines are currently the main method of treating osteochondrosis.Here are some remedies that may be indicated for chest injuries::
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that help eliminate inflammation.
- Chondroprotectors designed to restore the structure of damaged cartilage.
- Muscle relaxants that provide relaxation and muscle tone.
- Preparations to normalize metabolic processes.
- Vitamin and mineral complexes.
Medications may 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 its subsequent destruction.
Block
The therapeutic block 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 medicine is not injected into the joint itself, but into the tissues close to it.This method is more gentle and no less effective, but the result appears more slowly.
Gymnastics
Exercises help to 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 remission phase.
Attention!During exercise, the pain should not increase.
What exercises to do for a hernia?
The doctor may prescribe special exercises for hernia.It can be performed exclusively when the pathological process regresses.An important condition is the absence of severe pain syndrome.
For this pathology, exercises with a stick are often recommended.Curves, turns and other simple movements can be performed to work the thoracic region.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis can be prescribed:
- vibrating massage;
- UVT;
- acupuncture;
- mud and light therapy.
These methods help relieve pain, speed tissue repair, and alleviate inflammation.
Massage
The main objective of massage therapy 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 comprehensive examination of the patient.It is contraindicated for acute pain.Its main task is to eliminate 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 phase of chronic pathologies;
- with vascular lesions;
- infectious diseases.
It is also contraindicated when:
- oncology;
- central nervous system injuries;
- increased intracranial pressure.
The therapeutic effect is to restore muscle function, improve blood circulation in vertebral tissues and normalize metabolic processes.
Hood
This method involves stretching muscles and ligaments, which allows you to increase the distance between the vertebrae, eliminating compressed nerves.As a result, the pain syndrome is significantly reduced.
Folk remedies
Folk remedies cannot replace traditional medicine, but they can complement treatment.The most popular recipes include the following:
- Raw potato compresses.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 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 porridge can be applied to the affected area as a massage.You can also use the product as a dye.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?
Medications are usually used to stop an attack.In some cases, a medication block may be necessary.
Medications may 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 onset or exacerbation of osteochondrosis,It is important to monitor your lifestyle.
- During sedentary work, it is necessary to take periodic breaks and dedicate 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 well when you are sick?
Proper nutrition helps speed up the recovery process and prevent illness.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 must also be taken with:
- smoked meats;
- pickled dishes;
- candy.
If you are overweight, it is important to follow a weight loss diet.You need to drink lots of water.But you shouldn't get carried away with coffee - it tends to eliminate 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 exacerbation, try to be careful when exercising.It is important to avoid severe stress, fatigue and hypothermia.
- You need to pay attention to any additional symptoms.This will help to diagnose the disease in a timely manner.These include headache, dizziness, nausea and breathing problems.
- You should not prescribe medications on your own - the doctor must select them taking into account the severity of the pathological process and 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 the pain attacks are provoked by a hernia, 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 to adopt the correct position while sleeping.It is recommended to sleep on your back on 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.Requires timely and comprehensive treatment.The doctor decides what the therapy should be.The patient must follow all recommendations received and lead an appropriate lifestyle.