Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis.What does chest pain mean?

Thoracic osteochondrosis is a serious pathology involving degenerative changes of the intervertebral discs.The disease is often the result of an inactive lifestyle, incorrect distribution of the load on the spine, and metabolic disorders of the intervertebral discs.

The disease has many symptoms, but they can easily be confused with the manifestations of other pathological phenomena.Therefore, it is important to know how to recognize osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.

Does your chest hurt?

Chest pain is one of the common symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis.Their occurrence is related to the following factors:

• Dysfunction of the organs of the chest 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 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!A sharp, sharp pain in the chest is called "dorsago".It often occurs when the patient suddenly changes body position after being immobile for a long time.

Mechanism of occurrence of the syndrome

As a result of the increased load and other factors that cause the development of osteochondrosis, the bone tissues of the spine are gradually deformed.Intervertebral discs slowly deteriorate and abnormal growths appearcalled osteophytes.

As the patient moves, these growths lead to pinching of the vessels in the spinal cord.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, 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 of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine (OS) are:

• pain in the chest area that worsens at night;
• pain between the shoulder blades, manifested when bending the arms and trunk;
• pain when breathing;
• pain in the area under the ribs when moving.

Let's see what other symptoms there are, whether your chest or stomach hurts, where the pain goes, whether your arms are affected in any way.

Additional symptoms are as follows:

1. Chest pain.In osteochondrosis of the chest region, pain in the sternum is the main symptom.They can resemble a heart attack, which can make diagnosis difficult.Pain in the lower back, sides and abdomen is also possible.
2. Feeling a lump in the chest.Also common.The sensation of a lump is associated with pinched nerve endings in the chest.When it occurs, it is important not to panic, as the symptom is neurological and the condition may worsen.
3. Headache.Headaches are more common in cervical osteochondrosis, but can also be felt in thoracic osteochondrosis.Its appearance is associated with circulatory disorders.
4. Between the shoulder blades.Sometimes the pain appears only in the interscapular area.Usually in this case it is related to breathing.
5. Burning.A burning sensation may also occur in the chest.It is usually accompanied by compression pain and radiates to the heart.Symptoms can be similar to a heart attack, which is scary for patients.
6. My hands are numb.Limb numbness is also possible in osteochondrosis.It is associated with circulation problems.
7. Apply to the stomach area.If osteochondrosis affects the chest region, the pain may radiate to the stomach area.Disturbances in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, the development or worsening of internal organ pathologies are also possible.The cause of the pain is most often the compressed nerves that connect the back to the gastrointestinal tract and pelvis.

   The discomfort can easily be confused with pain due to diseases of the digestive system.

8. Hernia pain.In the case of osteochondrosis, pressure is created on the layers of cartilage located between the vertebrae, and the cartilage is deformed.As a result, the bone tissue grows and a hernia occurs.By sticking out, it contributes to the irritation of nerve endings, which can cause pain in different parts of the body.
9. 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.Swallowing problems may also occur, especially when eating large foods or foods that irritate the esophagus wall.

Diagnostics

The following tests are used to diagnose osteochondrosis::

• orthopedic and surgeon examination;
• chest x-ray;
• EKG;
• Ultrasound of the abdomen and chest;
• general urine and blood test;
• gastroduodenoscopy (examination of the stomach and intestines with a probe).

These techniques make it possible to confirm that the appearing symptoms are the result of osteochondrosis and not another disease.

What is it that pain in the sternum is often mistaken for chondrosis of the sternum?

Pain in the sternum associated 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 does it differ from cardiac pathology?

The pain of cervical osteochondrosis is similar to the pain of heart pathologies.It is quite difficult for the patient to distinguish them, and an electrocardiogram is used for diagnosis.If we are talking about heart diseases, the pain can be easily alleviated with glycerol trinitrate, while it does not alleviate the symptoms in osteochondrosis.

With VSD, there are additional sensations:

• 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.

How long can they last?

The pain may come in short bursts and last a few 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.

Is there a difference in symptoms between men and women?

The main symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis do not differ between men and women.

howeverDue to the hormonal characteristics, it is more difficult to diagnose the pathology in women.In young patients, it is subject to constant fluctuations.During menopause, the synthesis of certain hormones decreases, which can provoke many pathologies requiring differential diagnosis.

In men, the disease has a typical course, which allows for quick identification and initiation of therapy.

Treatment methods

Both the disease and chest pain treatment methods must be chosen by a doctor.Complex therapy is usually required.

Medicines

Medicines are currently the main methods of treating osteochondrosis.Here are some remedies recommended for chest lesions::

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that help reduce inflammation.
• Chondroprotectors aimed at restoring the structure of damaged cartilage.
• Muscle relaxants that provide relaxation and muscle tone.
• Preparations for the normalization of 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 alleviate the patient's condition.

Intra-articular injections

In some cases, it is necessary to introduce chondroprotectors directly into the affected joint.

Medicines help:

1. restores the flexibility of the discs between the vertebrae;
2. saturate the affected tissues with essential nutrients;
3. prevent their further destruction.

Blockade

The goal of therapeutic blockade is to quickly relieve pain and inflammation, as well as restoring the patient to normal mobility.It can be articular and periarticular.In the latter case, the drug is not injected into the joint itself, but into the nearby tissues.This method is gentler and no less effective, but the result appears more slowly.

Gymnastics

Exercises help strengthen muscles, normalize the function of ligaments, muscles and joints, and reduce static tension in the spine.These should be selected by a doctor.Gymnastics is usually prescribed only in the remission phase.

Attention!The pain should not increase during the exercises.

What exercises should be done in case of a hernia?

The doctor may prescribe special exercises for a hernia.It can only be performed when the pathological process subsides.An important condition is the absence of severe pain syndrome.

Exercises with a stick are often recommended for this pathology.Bends, twists and other simple movements can be performed to work out the chest region.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy can be prescribed for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis:

• vibration massage;
• UVT;
• acupuncture;
• mud and light therapy.

These methods help relieve pain, speed up tissue recovery, and reduce 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 in case of 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:

• in case of high blood pressure;
• after spinal injuries;
• in the acute phase of chronic pathologies;
• with vascular changes;
• infectious diseases.

It is also contraindicated if:

1. oncology;
2. changes in the central nervous system;
3. increased intracranial pressure.

The therapeutic effect is the restoration of muscle function, improvement of blood circulation in the vertebral tissues and normalization of metabolic processes.

Bonnet

This method involves stretching the muscles and ligaments, which allows the distance between the vertebrae to be expanded, eliminating pinched nerves.As a result, the pain syndrome is significantly reduced.

Folk remedies

Folk remedies cannot replace traditional medicine, but they can supplement the treatment.The most popular recipes are:

• A poultice made from raw potatoes.The potatoes must be grated, mixed with honey in equal proportions, mixed thoroughly.The preparation is applied to the affected area, fixed like a poultice and left for two hours.Then 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 little radish and four teaspoons of salt.Grate the potatoes and mix with the other ingredients.

  Porridge 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 caused by thoracic osteochondrosis by rubbing 250 grams of sunflower oil and chopped fresh oregano.

How to mitigate the attack?

Medicines are usually used to stop the attacks.In some cases, drug blockade may be necessary.

Medicines can be prescribed:

• anti-inflammatory drugs;
• chondroprotectors;
• muscle relaxants;
• nootropics;
• diuretics;
• B vitamins.

In order to normalize local blood circulation, a light massage can be performed.

Prevention

Any disease is easier to prevent than to treat.In order to reduce the likelihood of the appearance or exacerbation of osteochondrosis,it is important to monitor your lifestyle.

1. During sedentary work, you should take regular breaks and use it for physical activity.
2. It is also important to give up bad habits, control your posture, get adequate sleep and avoid stress.

How to eat properly when you are sick?

Proper nutrition speeds up the healing process and prevents diseases.The basis of the diet:

• fish;
• meat;
• dairy products;
• legumes

It is also important that your diet includes fresh fruits and vegetables.The food should not be fried - it is better to boil, fry or steam it.

Limiting consumption is important:

• salt;
• spices;
• spices.

You need to be careful with that too:

1. smoked meats;
2. pickled foods;
3. sweetness.

If you are overweight, it is important to follow a weight loss diet.You need to drink a lot of water.But you should not get carried away with coffee - it tends to wash calcium out of the body, which is harmful to osteochondrosis.Avoiding alcoholic beverages is also recommended.

Expert recommendations

In addition, experts give the following recommendations:

• To prevent exacerbation, try to be careful when exercising.It is important to avoid severe stress, fatigue and hypothermia.
• Any additional symptoms should be monitored.This helps in timely diagnosis of the disease.These include headache, dizziness, nausea and breathing problems.
• Do not prescribe medicines for yourself - the doctor must 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.

  Pain relievers and topical pain relievers can be used to relieve pain.

• In case of worsening, bed rest is mandatory.Activity should be minimal.
• If the pain attacks are caused by a hernia, a special corset must be worn.In some cases, surgery is not possible.It takes place after a detailed diagnosis and exclusion of other pathologies.
• It is important to adopt the correct body position while sleeping.We recommend sleeping 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 unpleasant, but also dangerous.It requires timely and comprehensive treatment.The doctor decides what the therapy should be.The patient must follow all the recommendations given to him and lead a suitable lifestyle.