Thoracic osteochondrosis is a serious pathology involving degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs.The disease is often a consequence of an inactive lifestyle, incorrect 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.That is why it is important to know how to recognize osteochondrosis of the chest.
Can your breasts hurt?
Chest pain is one of the frequent symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis.Their appearance is associated with the following factors:
- Dysfunction of 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 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 area of the spine is considered the strongest, it can be quite easily affected by a pathological process.
Reference!The sharp, sharp pain in the chest is called "dorsago".It often happens when the patient suddenly changes the position of his body after being in a stationary position for a long time.
Mechanism of occurrence of the syndrome
With increased loads and other factors provoking osteochondrosis, the bone tissues of the spine are gradually deformed.Intervertebral discs slowly deteriorate and pathological growths appearcalled osteophytes.
As the patient moves, these growths result in 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 broken.
As osteochondrosis progresses, the pressure increases.Accordingly, the pain also becomes stronger.Its localization is determined by the area in which degenerative processes take place.
Signs of GOP pathology
The main symptoms that manifest osteochondrosis of the chest (OS) are as follows:
- pain in the chest area that worsens at night;
- pain between the shoulder blades, manifested in the process of bending the arms and torso;
- pain when breathing;
- pain in the area under the ribs during movement.
Let's think about what other symptoms there are, whether the chest or stomach can hurt, where the pain goes, whether the hands are affected in any way.
Additional symptoms are as follows:
- Chest pain.With osteochondrosis of the chest, the main symptom is pain in the sternum.They can resemble pain in the heart, 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 feeling 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 may worsen further.
- Headache.Headache is more common with cervical osteochondrosis, but can also be felt with thoracic osteochondrosis.Its appearance is associated with a violation of blood circulation.
- Between the shoulder blades.Sometimes the pain occurs only in the interscapular region.Usually in this case it is associated with breathing.
- Combustion.There may also be a burning sensation in the chest.It is usually accompanied by a pressing pain and radiates to the heart.Symptoms can be similar to a heart attack, which is frightening for patients.
- My hands are tingling.Numbness of the limbs is also possible with osteochondrosis.It is associated with circulatory problems.
- Give in the stomach area.If osteochondrosis affects the chest area, the pain may radiate to the stomach area.Disorders in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, development or worsening of internal organ pathologies are also possible.The cause of the pain is most often pinched 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.In osteochondrosis, pressure occurs on the cartilage layers located between the vertebrae, and the cartilage is deformed.As a result, the bone tissue grows and a hernia appears.By sticking out, it contributes to irritation of the nerve endings, which can cause pain in different parts of the body.
- Painful swallowing.If the disease is localized in the upper part of the sternum, pain may appear in the pharynx or esophagus.He has a lump in his throat.There may also be problems swallowing, especially when eating food that is large or irritates the lining of the esophagus.
Diagnosis
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 tests of urine and blood;
- 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 of another disease.
What is pain in the sternum often 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 determine the exact cause, the doctor conducts a differential diagnosis.
How does it differ from cardiac pathology?
Pain in cervical osteochondrosis is similar to pain in heart pathologies.It is quite difficult for the patient to distinguish them, and an electrocardiogram is used for diagnosis.If we talk about heart diseases, then the pain is easily relieved with glycerin trinitrate, while in osteochondrosis it does not relieve the symptoms.
With VSD, there is an extra sensation:
- tachycardia and bradycardia;
- there is a feeling of fear;
- constant weakness and fatigue.
The pain is usually dull and painful, 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 a long-term pain syndrome, it may not go away for 2-3 weeks.Significant symptoms usually last up to 5 days.
Are there any differences in symptoms between men and women?
The main symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis do not differ between men and women.
howeverIt 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 provoke a number of pathologies that require a differential diagnosis.
In men, the disease has a typical course, which allows for its rapid identification and initiation of therapy.
Methods of treatment
Treatment methods for both the disease itself and chest pain should be chosen by a doctor.As a rule, complex therapy is necessary.
medicines
Medicines are currently the main method of treating osteochondrosis.Here are some medications that may be indicated for breast 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.
Medicines can be prescribed in the form of tablets or injections.In case of severe pain, therapeutic blockade can relieve the patient's condition.
Intra-articular injections
In some cases, it is necessary to introduce chondroprotectors directly into the affected joint.
Medicines help:
- restoring the elasticity of the discs between the vertebrae;
- saturation of the affected tissues with essential nutrients;
- prevent their further destruction.
Blockade
Therapeutic blockade is aimed at rapid relief of pain and inflammation, as well as returning the patient's normal mobility.It can be articular and periarticular.In the latter case, the drug 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 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 increase.
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.
Bar exercises are often recommended for this pathology.Twists, turns and other simple movements aimed at working out the chest area can be performed.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy may be prescribed for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- vibration massage;
- UVT;
- acupuncture;
- mud therapy and light therapy.
These methods help relieve pain, accelerate tissue recovery and relieve inflammation.
massage
The main purpose 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.It is contraindicated in 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 lesions;
- infectious diseases.
It is also contraindicated in:
- oncology;
- lesions of the central nervous system;
- increased intracranial pressure.
The therapeutic effect is restoration of muscle function, improvement of blood circulation in spinal tissues and normalization of metabolic processes.
Hood
This method involves stretching muscles and ligaments, which makes it possible to widen the distance between the vertebrae, eliminating pinched nerves.As a result, the pain syndrome is significantly reduced.
People's funds
Folk remedies cannot replace traditional medicine, but they can supplement 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 as 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 turnip and four tablespoons of salt.The potatoes are grated and mixed with the rest of the products.
The slurry 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 one 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?
Medicines are usually used to stop an attack.In some cases, drug blockade may be necessary.
Medicines may be prescribed:
- anti-inflammatory drugs;
- chondroprotectors;
- muscle relaxants;
- nootropics;
- diuretics;
- B vitamins.
A light massage can be done to normalize local blood circulation.
Prevention
It is easier to prevent any disease than to cure it.To reduce the likelihood of the occurrence or exacerbation of osteochondrosis,it is important to watch your lifestyle.
- During sedentary work, you should 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 to speed up the recovery process and prevent diseases.The diet is based on:
- fish;
- meat;
- dairy products;
- pulses
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 is important to limit consumption:
- salt;
- spices;
- spices.
Caution is also required:
- smoked meats;
- pickled dishes;
- sweets.
If you are overweight, it is important to follow a diet aimed at losing weight.You should drink a lot of water.But you should not get carried away with coffee - it tends to wash calcium from the body, which is harmful for osteochondrosis.It is also recommended to avoid alcoholic beverages.
Recommendations from experts
In addition, experts give the following recommendations:
- To prevent a flare-up, try to be careful when exercising.It is important to avoid severe stress, overwork and hypothermia.
- You should pay attention to any additional symptoms.This will help in the timely diagnosis of the disease.These include headache, dizziness, nausea and breathing problems.
- You should not prescribe drugs yourself - the 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 should be observed.Activity should be minimal.
- If the pain attacks are provoked by a hernia, then it is necessary to wear a special corset.In some cases, surgery is impossible.It is performed after a detailed diagnosis and exclusion of other pathologies.
- It is important to take the right position during sleep.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 unpleasant, but also a dangerous disease.It requires timely and complex treatment.The doctor decides what the therapy should be.The patient must adhere to all recommendations received from him and lead an appropriate lifestyle.