Thoracic osteochondrosis is a serious pathology with degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs.The disease is often a consequence of an inactive lifestyle, incorrect load distribution on the spine and metabolic disorders in the intervertebral discs.
The disease has a number of symptoms, but they can easily be 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 most common symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis.Their occurrence is associated with the following factors:
- Dysfunction of the organs in the chest area 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 tremors in the chest, which causes pain..Although this area of the spine is considered the strongest from a physical point of view, it can easily be affected by a pathological process.
Reference!Stinging, stabbing pain in the chest is called “dorsago.”It often occurs when the patient suddenly changes his posture after staying in a stationary position for a long time.
Mechanism of development of the syndrome
With increased loads and other factors provoking osteochondrosis, the bone tissue of the spine gradually deforms.The intervertebral discs slowly deteriorate and pathological growths appearso-called osteophytes.
When the patient moves, these growths lead to pinching of the spinal cord vessels.Further development of degenerative processes leads to a deterioration in blood circulation, including in the chest.Communication with the nervous system is disrupted.
As osteochondrosis progresses, the pressure increases.Accordingly, the pain becomes worse.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:
- Chest pain that gets worse at night;
- Pain between the shoulder blades, which manifests itself when bending the arms and trunk;
- pain when breathing;
- Pain in the area below the ribs when moving.
Let's think about what other symptoms there are, whether the chest or stomach could hurt, where the pain goes, whether the arms are affected in any way.
Other 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 often.The feeling of a lump in the breast is associated with pinched nerve endings.When it occurs, it is important not to panic as the symptom is neurological in nature and the condition can worsen even further.
- Headache.Headaches are more common in cervical osteochondrosis, but can also be noticeable in thoracic osteochondrosis.Its occurrence is associated with circulatory disorders.
- Between the shoulder blades.Sometimes pain only occurs in the interscapular area.Usually in this case it is associated with breathing.
- Burn.You may also experience a burning sensation in your chest.It is usually accompanied by pressure pain and radiates to the heart.Symptoms can resemble a heart attack, which is frightening for patients.
- My hands go numb.With osteochondrosis, numbness of the limbs is also possible.It is associated with circulatory problems.
- Place in the stomach area.If osteochondrosis affects the chest area, the pain may radiate to the stomach area.Disturbances in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, the development or worsening of pathologies of internal organs are also possible.The cause of pain is usually compressed 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 cartilage layers between the vertebrae and the cartilage deforms.This causes bone tissue to grow and a hernia develops.By protruding, it contributes to irritation of nerve endings, which can lead to pain in various parts of the body.
- Painful swallowing.If the disease is localized to the upper part of the sternum, pain may occur in the throat or esophagus.There's a lump in my throat.Difficulty swallowing may also occur, especially when eating large foods or those that irritate the esophageal wall.
diagnosis
To diagnose osteochondrosis, the following examinations are carried out::
- 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 due to osteochondrosis and not another 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 heart pain.They can also be confused with pain syndrome due to disorders of the digestive system.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 disease.It is quite difficult for the patient to distinguish them and an electrocardiogram is used for diagnosis.When it comes to heart disease, pain is easily relieved with glycerin trinitrate, while in osteochondrosis it does not relieve 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 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 it is a 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.
HoweverDue to hormonal characteristics, it is more difficult to diagnose pathology in women.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 enables rapid detection and initiation of 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.
Medication
Medication is currently the main method of treating osteochondrosis.Here are some remedies that may be indicated for breast lesions::
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that help eliminate inflammation.
- Chondroprotectors to restore the structure of damaged cartilage.
- Muscle relaxants that provide relaxation and muscle tone.
- Preparations for normalizing metabolic processes.
- Vitamin and mineral complexes.
The medications can be prescribed in the form of tablets or injections.If the pain is severe, a therapeutic block can alleviate the patient's condition.
Intraarticular injections
In some cases it is necessary to insert chondroprotectors directly into the affected joint.
The medication helps:
- restore the elasticity of the intervertebral discs between the vertebrae;
- saturate the affected tissues with essential nutrients;
- prevent their further destruction.
blockade
The therapeutic block aims to quickly relieve pain and inflammationas well as restoring the patient's normal mobility.It can be articular and periarticular.In the latter case, the drug is injected not into the joint itself, but into the surrounding tissue.This method is gentler and no less effective, but the results appear more slowly.
gymnastics
Exercises help strengthen muscles, normalize the functioning of ligaments, muscles and joints, and reduce static tension in the spine.They should be selected by a doctor.Gymnastics is usually only prescribed in the remission stage.
Attention!The pain should not increase during the exercises.
What exercises are there for a hernia?
If you have a hernia, your doctor may prescribe special exercises.It can only be carried out when the pathological process has subsided.An important condition is the absence of severe pain syndrome.
With this pathology, exercises with a stick are often recommended.Bends, twists and other simple movements aimed at training the chest region can be performed.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy can be prescribed to treat thoracic osteochondrosis:
- vibration massage;
- UVT;
- Acupuncture;
- Mud and light therapy.
These methods help relieve pain, accelerate tissue repair, and reduce inflammation.
massage
The main goal of therapeutic massage is to improve blood circulation, which has a positive 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 in 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 stage of chronic pathologies;
- with vascular lesions;
- Infectious diseases.
It is also contraindicated if:
- Oncology;
- central nervous system lesions;
- increased intracranial pressure.
The therapeutic effect is to restore muscle function, improve blood circulation in vertebral tissue and normalize metabolic processes.
Hood
This method stretches muscles and ligaments, which makes it possible to increase the distance between the vertebrae and avoid pinched nerves.This significantly reduces the pain syndrome.
Folk remedies
Folk remedies cannot replace traditional medicine, but they can complement 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 and mix thoroughly.The composition is applied to the affected area, fixed like a compress and left to act for two hours.You then need to wash off the paste with warm water.
- This recipe can be used both externally and internally.You will 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 remaining ingredients.
The paste can be applied as a rub to the affected area.You can also use the product as a tincture.It is taken twice a day, morning and evening, for a week.
- You can also relieve pain in thoracic osteochondrosis by rubbing 250 grams of sunflower oil and chopped fresh oregano.
How to relieve an attack?
Medication is usually used to stop an attack.In some cases, a drug blockade may be necessary.
Medication 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 a disease than to treat it.To reduce the likelihood of occurrence or exacerbation of osteochondrosis,It is important to monitor your lifestyle.
- If you are sedentary, you need to take regular 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 do you eat properly when you're sick?
Proper nutrition speeds up the recovery process and prevents 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.
Here too, caution is advised:
- smoked meats;
- pickled dishes;
- Sweets.
If you are overweight, it is important to follow a diet aimed at losing weight.You need to drink lots of water.But you shouldn't get carried away with coffee - it tends to flush calcium from the body, which is harmful for osteochondrosis.It is also recommended to avoid alcoholic drinks.
Expert recommendations
In addition, experts give the following recommendations:
- To avoid aggravation, you should 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 diagnose the disease in a timely manner.These include headaches, 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 the existing symptoms.
- In case of acute pain, it is recommended to call an ambulance or see a neurologist.
Analgesics and local painkillers can be used to relieve pain.
- In the event of an exacerbation, bed rest must be observed.Activity should be minimal.
- If pain attacks are caused by an inguinal hernia, wearing a special corset is necessary.In some cases, surgery is not possible.It is carried out after a detailed diagnosis and the exclusion of other pathologies.
- It is important to assume the correct position when sleeping.It is recommended to sleep on your back on a firm, dense mattress.When the vertebrae return to their normal physiological position, the symptoms disappear.
Thoracic osteochondrosis is not only an unpleasant but also dangerous disease.It requires timely and comprehensive treatment.The doctor decides on the therapy.The patient must follow all the recommendations received and lead an appropriate lifestyle.