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

Thoracic osteochondrosis is a serious pathology involving degenerative changes in the intervertebral disc.This disease is often caused by a sedentary lifestyle, improper load distribution on the spine, and metabolic disorders in the intervertebral disc.

This disease has several symptoms, but they are easily confused with the manifestation 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 occurrence is associated with the following factors:

• Organ dysfunction in the thoracic region due to joint inflammation.
• Degenerative and atrophic processes at the junction of the spine and ribs.
• Increased load on the spine.
• Inflammatory process in muscles.

One of the signs of osteochondrosis is a shaking sensation 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 pathological processes.

Reference!A sharp, 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 load and other factors that cause osteochondrosis, the bone tissue of the spine gradually becomes deformed.The intervertebral disc slowly degenerates and pathological growth appearscalled osteophytes.

When the patient moves, this growth leads to pinching the vessels of the spinal cord.The further development of the degenerative process leads to the deterioration of blood circulation, including in the chest.Communication with the nervous system is interrupted.

As osteochondrosis progresses, pressure increases.Therefore, the pain also becomes stronger.Its localization is determined by the area where the degenerative process occurs.

Pathological Signs of GOP

The main symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine (OS) are as follows:

• Pain in the chest area, which is worse at night;
• pain between the shoulder blades, which is shown in the process of bending the arms and trunk;
• pain when breathing;
• Pain in the area below the ribs during movement.

Let's consider other symptoms, whether the chest or abdomen may be painful, where the pain occurs, whether the arm is affected.

Additional symptoms are as follows:

1. Chest pain.With osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, pain in the sternum is the main symptom.They can resemble heart disease, which can make diagnosis difficult.Pain in the lower part, side, 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 happens, it is important not to panic, because the symptoms are neurological, and the condition may worsen.
3. Headache.Headache is more common with cervical osteochondrosis, but it can also be felt with thoracic osteochondrosis.Its appearance is associated with circulatory disorders.
4. Between the shoulder blades.Sometimes pain appears only in the interscapular area.Usually in this case it is associated with breathing.
5. On fire.There may also be a burning sensation 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 the patient.
6. My hands will go numb.Limb numbness is also possible with osteochondrosis.It is associated with circulatory problems.
7. Give it to the stomach area.If osteochondrosis affects the thoracic region, the pain can radiate to the abdominal 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 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 layer of cartilage located between the vertebrae, and the cartilage becomes deformed.As a result, bone tissue grows and a hernia occurs.By sticking, it contributes to the irritation of nerve endings, which can cause pain in various parts of the body.
9. Swallowing is painful.If the disease is localized in the area above 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 foods or irritating the esophagus wall.

Diagnostics

The following tests are used to diagnose osteochondrosis::

• examination by orthopedists and surgeons;
• chest X-ray;
• ECG;
• Abdominal and chest ultrasound;
• 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 the result of osteochondrosis and not another disease.

What pain in the sternum is often confused with sternal chondrosis?

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 does it differ from cardiac pathology?

Pain with cervical osteochondrosis is similar to pain with heart pathology.It is quite difficult for patients to distinguish between them, and an electrocardiogram is used for diagnosis.If we talk about heart disorders, then the pain is easily relieved with glycerol trinitrate, while in osteochondrosis it does not relieve the symptoms.

With VSD, there are additional feelings:

• Tachycardia and Bradycardia;
• There is a feeling of fear;
• Persistent weakness and fatigue.

The pain is usually dull and aching, while with osteochondrosis it is compressive in nature.

How long do they last?

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.

Is there a difference 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 certain hormones decreases, which can trigger several pathologies that require differential diagnosis.

In men, the disease has a typical course, which makes it possible to quickly identify 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 medications that may be indicated for thoracic lesions::

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that help relieve inflammation.
• Chondroprotectors that aim to restore the damaged cartilage structure.
• Muscle relaxants that provide relaxation and muscle tone.
• Preparations to normalize metabolic processes.
• Vitamin and mineral complex.

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

Intra-articular injection

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

Drugs help:

1. Restore the elasticity of the disc between the vertebrae;
2. patting the affected tissue with essential nutrients;
3. prevent their destruction.

Restrictions

Therapeutic restrictions aim to quickly relieve pain and inflammation, as well as returning the patient to normal mobility.It can be articular and periarticular.In the second case, the drug is not injected into the joint itself, but into the tissue located near it.This method is gentler and no less effective, but the results seem slower.

Gymnastics

Exercise helps strengthen muscles, normalize the function 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 stage of remission.

Attention!During training, pain should not be intensified.

What exercises should be done for a hernia?

Doctors can prescribe special exercises for hernias.It can be done exclusively when the pathological process subsides.An important condition is the absence of severe pain syndrome.

For this pathology, exercises with sticks are often recommended.Bends, turns and other simple movements aimed at working the thoracic area can be done.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis can be prescribed:

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

This method helps relieve pain, accelerate tissue repair and relieve inflammation.

Massage

The main goal of therapeutic massage is to improve blood circulation, which has a good effect on the treatment of this 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 spinal deformities, restore blood circulation and improve motor activity.

Manual therapy is not used:

• with high blood pressure;
• after a spinal cord injury;
• in the acute stage of chronic pathology;
• with vascular lesions;
• infectious disease.

It is also contraindicated when:

1. oncology;
2. lesions of the central nervous system;
3. increased intracranial pressure.

The therapeutic effect is to restore muscle function, improve blood circulation in the vertebral tissue and normalize metabolic processes.

Hood

This method involves stretching muscles and ligaments, which makes it possible to expand the distance between the vertebrae, eliminating pinching nerves.As a result, the pain syndrome is significantly reduced.

People's recovery

Folk remedies cannot replace traditional medicine, however, they can supplement treatment.The most popular recipes include the following:

• Compress from raw potatoes.You need to grind potatoes, mix with honey in equal proportions, mix thoroughly.This composition is applied to the affected area, set like a compress and left for two hours.Then you need to wash the paste with warm water.
• This recipe can be used externally and internally.You need to take 50 grams of high-quality vodka, 150 grams of liquid honey, a small radish and four tablespoons of salt.Grate potatoes and mix with other 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, drug restrictions may be necessary.

Medicines can 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 possibility of the appearance or severity of osteochondrosis,It is important to monitor your lifestyle.

1. During inactive work, you need to take regular breaks and focus on 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 speed up the recovery process and prevent disease.Diet based on:

• fish;
• meat;
• dairy products;
• beans

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 with:

1. smoked meat;
2. pickled dishes;
3. 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 should not get carried away with coffee - it tends to wash calcium out of the body, which is dangerous for osteochondrosis.It is also recommended to avoid alcoholic beverages.

Recommendations from experts

In addition, experts give the following recommendations:

• To avoid aggravation, 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 diagnose the disease in time.These include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and breathing problems.
• You can not prescribe drugs yourself - a doctor should choose them, taking into account the severity of the pathological process and the symptoms present.
• If acute pain occurs, it is recommended to call an ambulance or consult a neurologist.

  Analgesics and local pain relievers can be used to relieve pain.

• In case of problems, bed rest must be observed.Activity should be minimal.
• If the pain attack is 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 practice the correct position while sleeping.It is recommended to sleep on your back using a firm and firm 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 is.The patient must comply with all the recommendations received from him and lead an appropriate lifestyle.