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

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 the 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.Their appearance is associated with the following factors:

• Dysfunction of organs in the chest 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 vibrations 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 and sharp pain in the chest is called "dorsago".It often happens when the patient suddenly changes the position of the body after being in a stationary position for a long time.

The mechanism of the syndrome

Under increased loads and other factors that provoke osteochondrosis, the bone tissue of the spine gradually deforms.Intervertebral discs slowly deteriorate and pathological growths appearcalled osteophytes.

As the patient moves, these growths lead to constriction 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 interrupted.

As osteochondrosis progresses, the pressure increases.Therefore, 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 worsens at night;
• pain between the shoulder blades, manifested in the process of bending the arms and torso;
• pain during breathing;
• pain in the area below the ribs during movement.

Let's consider what other symptoms there are, if the chest or stomach can hurt, where does the pain go, if the arms are somehow affected.

Additional symptoms are as follows:

1. Chest pain.With osteochondrosis of the chest 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.
2. 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 appears, it is important not to panic, as the symptom is neurological in nature and the condition may worsen further.
3. Headache.Headache is more common with cervical osteochondrosis, but can also be felt with thoracic osteochondrosis.Its appearance is associated with blood circulation disorders.
4. Between the shoulder blades.Sometimes the pain appears only in the interscapular area.Usually in this case it is accompanied by breathing.
5. COMBUSTION.There may also be a burning sensation in the chest.It is usually accompanied by oppressive pain and radiates to the heart.Symptoms can be similar to a heart attack, which is scary for patients.
6. My hands are going numb.Numbness of the limbs is also possible with osteochondrosis.It is associated with blood circulation problems.
7. Give it to the stomach area.If osteochondrosis affects the chest region, the pain may radiate to the stomach area.Disorders in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, the development or worsening of internal organ pathologies are also possible.The cause of pain is most often 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.

8. Hernia pain.With osteochondrosis, pressure occurs on the layers of cartilage located between the vertebrae, and the cartilage is deformed.As a result, bone tissue grows and a hernia appears.Going 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.There may also be problems with swallowing, especially when eating large or irritating food.

Diagnosing

The following examinations are used to diagnose osteochondrosis::

• examination by an orthopedist and surgeon;
• X-ray of the chest;
• 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 prove that the symptoms that appear are the result of osteochondrosis and not 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 performs a differential diagnosis.

How does it differ 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 talk 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 oppressive in 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 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 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 start therapy.

Treatment methods

Treatment methods for both the disease itself and chest pain should be chosen 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 lesions::

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that help eliminate inflammation.
• Chondroprotectors aim to restore the structure of damaged cartilage.
• Muscle relaxants that provide relaxation and muscle tone.
• Preparations for the normalization of metabolic processes.
• Complexes of vitamins and minerals.

Medicines can be prescribed in the form of tablets or injections.In case of severe pain, a therapeutic blockade can relieve the patient's condition.

Intra-articular injections

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

Medicines help:

1. restore the elasticity of the discs between the vertebrae;
2. saturates affected tissues with essential nutrients;
3. prevent their further destruction.

Blockade

Therapeutic blockade is aimed at rapid relief of pain and inflammation, as well as returning 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 tissues located near it.This method is gentler 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 in the spine.They should be chosen by a doctor.As a rule, gymnastics is prescribed only in the remission phase.

Watch out!During exercises, the pain should not intensify.

What exercises should you do for a hernia?

The doctor can 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, stick exercises are often recommended.Twists, turns and other simple movements aimed at working out the chest region can be performed.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy can be prescribed for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis:

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

These methods help relieve pain, accelerate tissue repair, and relieve inflammation.

Massage

The main purpose of therapeutic massage is to improve blood circulation, which has a beneficial effect in the treatment of the disease.

Manual therapy

Manual therapy is performed only after a comprehensive examination of the patient.It is contraindicated for 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 cord injuries;
• in the acute phase of chronic pathologies;
• with vascular lesions;
• infectious diseases.

It is also contraindicated when:

1. oncology;
2. lesions of 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.

Hood

This method involves stretching the muscles and ligaments, which makes it possible to expand 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, 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 as a compress and left for two hours.Then you need to wash 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 decoction can be applied to the affected area as a rub.You can also use the product as a solution.It is consumed twice a day, in the morning and in the evening, for a week.

• You can also relieve pain from thoracic osteochondrosis by rubbing 250 grams of sunflower oil and fresh chopped 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.

Preventing

It is easier to prevent any disease than to treat it.To reduce the likelihood of the occurrence or worsening of osteochondrosis,it is important to monitor your lifestyle.

1. During sedentary work, you should periodically take breaks and devote them to physical activity.
2. 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;
• 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 is important to limit consumption:

• salt;
• spices;
• spices.

Care should also be taken:

1. smoked meat;
2. pickle plate;
3. 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 give up on coffee - it tends to remove 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 worsening, try to be careful when exercising.It is important to avoid severe stress, fatigue and hypothermia.
• You should pay attention to any additional symptoms.This will help to diagnose the disease at the right time.These include headaches, dizziness, nausea and breathing problems.
• You should not prescribe drugs yourself - a 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.

  Local analgesics and sedatives can be used to relieve pain.

• In case of worsening, bed rest should be observed.Activity should be minimal.
• If the pain attacks are provoked by a hernia, then the wearing of a special corset is required.In some cases, surgery is not possible.It is performed after a detailed diagnosis and the exclusion of other pathologies.
• It is important to maintain the correct position while sleeping.It is recommended to sleep on your back using a firm and dense mattress.When the vertebrae return to their normal physiological position, the discomfort disappears.

Thoracic osteochondrosis is not only an unpleasant disease, but also dangerous.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.