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 chest hurt?
Pain in the chest is one of the common symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis.Their occurrence 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.
- Increased load on the spine.
- Inflammatory processes in muscles.
One of the signs of osteochondrosis is the sensation 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 quite 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 being in a stationary position for a long time.
Mechanism of occurrence of the syndrome
Under increased loads and other factors that provoke 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 pinching 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 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 GOP pathology
The main symptoms that manifest osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine (OS) are as follows:
- pain in the chest area, which gets worse at night;
- pain between the shoulder blades, manifested in the process of bending the arms and torso;
- 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 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, 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 pinched nerve endings.When it occurs, it is important not to panic, since the symptom is neurological in nature, and the condition may worsen even further.
- Headaches.Headache is more common with cervical osteochondrosis, but it can also make itself felt with thoracic osteochondrosis.Its appearance is associated with circulatory disorders.
- Between the shoulder blades.Sometimes pain appears only in the interscapular area.Usually 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 a heart attack, which is frightening for patients.
- My hands are going numb.Numbness of the limbs is also possible with osteochondrosis.It is associated with circulatory problems.
- Give 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 pain is most often the 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 cartilage layers located between the vertebrae, and the cartilage becomes deformed.As a result, bone tissue grows and a hernia occurs.By sticking out, it contributes to irritation of nerve endings, which can cause pain in various parts of the body.
- Painful swallowing.If the disease is localized 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 food that is large or irritates the wall of the esophagus.
Diagnostics
The following examinations 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 using 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 with chondrosis of the sternum often confused with?
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 conducts 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 cardiac disorders, then the pain is easily relieved with glycerol trinitrate, while in osteochondrosis it does not relieve the symptoms.
With VSD, there is an additional feeling:
- 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 of a compressive nature.
How long do they last?
The pain may occur 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 in men and women.
Nevertheless,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 provoke a number 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
Treatment methods for both 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 thoracic lesions::
- 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 for normalizing metabolic processes.
- Vitamin and mineral complexes.
The drugs can be prescribed in the form of tablets or injections.In case of severe pain, a therapeutic blockade can alleviate the patient’s condition.
Intra-articular injections
In some cases, it is necessary to introduce chondroprotectors directly into the affected joint.
The drugs help:
- restore the elasticity of the discs between the vertebrae;
- saturate the affected tissues with essential nutrients;
- prevent their further destruction.
Blockade
Therapeutic blockade is aimed at quickly relieving pain and inflammation, as well as returning the patient to normal mobility.It can be articular and periarticular.In the latter case, the medication is not injected into the joint itself, but into the tissues located near it.This method is more gentle and no less effective, but the result appears more slowly.
Gymnastics
Exercises help strengthen muscles, normalize the functioning of ligaments, muscles and joints, and reduce static tension on the spine.They should be selected by a doctor.As a rule, gymnastics is prescribed only at the remission stage.
Attention!During the exercises, pain should not intensify.
What exercises to do for a hernia?
The doctor may prescribe special exercises for a hernia.It can be performed exclusively when the pathological process subsides.An important condition is the absence of severe pain syndrome.
For this pathology, exercises with a stick are often recommended.Bends, turns and other simple movements aimed at working out the thoracic region can be performed.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis can be prescribed:
- vibration massage;
- UVT;
- acupuncture;
- mud and light therapy.
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 carried out only after a comprehensive examination of the patient.It is contraindicated for 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;
- at 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 the vertebral tissues and normalize metabolic processes.
Hood
This method involves stretching 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 made from raw potatoes.You need to grate the potatoes, mix them with honey in equal proportions, mix thoroughly.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 gruel 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, a drug blockade may be required.
Medications may be prescribed:
- anti-inflammatory drugs;
- 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 monitor your lifestyle.
- During sedentary work, you need to 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.
It is important to limit consumption:
- salt;
- spices;
- spices.
Caution is also needed 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 wash calcium out of the body, which is harmful for osteochondrosis.It is also recommended to avoid alcoholic beverages.
Recommendations from experts
Additionally, experts give the following recommendations:
- To prevent 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 yourself - a doctor should 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 painkillers can be used to relieve pain.
- In case of exacerbation, bed rest must be observed.Activity should be minimal.
- If attacks of pain are provoked by a hernia, then wearing 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 position 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 a dangerous one.It requires timely and comprehensive treatment.The doctor decides what the therapy should be.The patient must adhere to all the recommendations received from him and lead an appropriate lifestyle.