A disease such as thoracic osteochondrosis is quite common, but it is much less common than other forms of this disease.Initially, it occurs without pronounced symptoms, so it is often diagnosed in a complicated form, when the pain becomes noticeable.
The occurrence of thoracic osteochondrosis
In modern medicine, the causes of osteochondrosis of the chest have not yet been established.Although there are factors whose influence is considered indirect causes of the appearance.They are as follows:
- Heredity.If your closest relatives were exposed to such a disease, there is a high probability that sooner or later it will be felt.For this reason, when collecting anamnesis, doctors ask about genetic diseases suffered by relatives.
- Changes that the body undergoes as a result of growing up and aging.The intervertebral discs inevitably undergo metamorphosis, depending on the shrinkage of the hydrophilic tissues and the decrease in the synthesis of chondroitin sulfate.
- Back injuries sustained once or become chronic.The latter option is typical for professional athletes or people whose activity involves heavy physical exertion.
- Microcirculation disorders in the spine.It can be complicated by atherosclerosis.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region has many different symptoms.Due to the fact that all internal organs "rest" on the spine, advanced disease can lead to damage to the liver, kidneys, pancreas, heart and intestinal diseases.Most often, osteochondrosis of the chest is felt when there is pain between the ribs, painful sensations during exhalation and inhalation, discomfort when moving the arms up and bending the torso.
The form of osteochondrosis is most often determined by pain between the ribs, which makes breathing difficult.The pain is felt much stronger at night, with hypothermia, vibration, bending and turning the body.Often, such symptoms are attributed to heart diseases, the differences are that in diseases of the spine, the pain appears for a longer period of time, and nitroglycerin does not eliminate them.Heart disease can lead to a "jump" in blood pressure, which does not occur with osteochondrosis.
Dorsago and dorsalgia
Dorsago is a sharp chest pain that comes on unexpectedly.It is most often manifested in those people who are in a sitting, bent position for a long time.
It can be observed when standing up suddenly after sitting for a long time.The pain is very strong - so strong that breathing becomes difficult.Increased muscle tension appears, which leads to a decrease in movements in various parts of the spine.
Darsalgia had no particularly pronounced manifestations for 3 weeks.Accompanied by sensations that are more unpleasant than painful.Severe pain can occur only with deep sighs, twists and bends.There may be increased muscle tension and stiffness in the upper and lower back.
As with dorsago, the feeling of pain worsens at night.
To remove the pain, you need to walk a little.
It is also possible to have symptoms that make it difficult to make a correct diagnosis.With disease in the upper segment of the chest, pain may appear in the pharynx and esophagus.When the middle part of the spine is affected, sensations appear in the area of the right lower rib, which is also a symptom of pancreatitis, cholecystitis and other diseases.With osteochondrosis of the lower part of the chest, symptoms similar to intestinal pathology appear.
During the study, specialists established a connection between pain and physical activity.Most often, the pain appears after lunch, intensifies at night, but subsides after a good night's sleep.You should not delay the treatment of this disease, as it can lead to more serious pathologies of other organs and systems.The most dangerous of them are cardiovascular pathology, as well as dystrophic modifications of the heart muscle.Thoracic osteochondrosis can cause disturbances in the functioning of the duodenum and disorders of intestinal motility.
Diagnosis
The main diagnostic method used to identify the pathology of osteochondrosis is X-ray examination.The following symptoms are characteristic of this pathology:
- degenerative movements;
- reduction of the spinal canal;
- decrease in the height of the intervertebral discs, formation of uneven contours;
- bone growths;
- the spine significantly changes its shape.
In some particularly complex cases, the use of computed tomography is permissible.But there is a high risk of exposure to radiation during this procedure, and therefore, if there is no urgent need for this, then it is better to refrain from such diagnostics.
The neurologist also conducts some tests to determine possible disorders of the nervous system.Procedures include electromyography and monitoring of tendon reflexes.Cardiographic observations are carried out to track the degree of influence of the disease on the work of the heart.Such studies can predict the occurrence of ischemic pathology and it will be possible to control blood pressure.
Treatment
After the diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe the following drugs:
- NSAIDs.They are prescribed to eliminate pain.
- It is possible to take corticosteroids, but only in severe pain.If the pain is not of sufficient intensity, then its elimination is limited to taking non-steroidal drugs.
- Diuretics to relieve swelling.
- B vitamins are used to stimulate blood circulation.
- Chondroprotectors are prescribed to restore damaged cartilage.
Ointments for the treatment of this form of osteochondrosis are not as effective as they should be and are more suitable for other types of diseases.For those who do not believe or are simply not supporters of pharmacological treatment, there are several other methods that exclude the use of drugs.These include acupuncture, electrophoresis, laser, cigar, vacuum, manual therapy, traditional and cupping massage.For such treatment to be effective, it is mandatory to contact specially trained specialists with experience in this field.Correctly selected methods of treatment will help to stimulate blood circulation, relieve muscle spasms and relieve pain.Proper physical activity is necessary, including therapeutic gymnastics and swimming.A fairly important factor in recovery is proper nutrition.
Osteochondrosis of any form and especially of the chest is a very unpleasant pathology.When the first symptoms appear, it is important to contact a specialist in a timely manner so that he can choose the appropriate treatment.Delay can lead to worsening of the disease.