A disease such as thoracic osteochondrosis is quite common, but much less common than other forms of this disease.Initially, it occurs without pronounced symptoms, so it is often diagnosed in a complicated way, when the pain becomes noticeable.
The appearance 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 appearance.They are the following:
- Inheritance.If your closest relatives have been exposed to such a disease, there is a high probability that sooner or later it will make itself felt.For this reason, when collecting the anamnesis, doctors ask about genetic diseases that family members suffer from.
- Changes that the body undergoes as a consequence of growth and aging.Intervertebral discs inevitably undergo metamorphosis, depending on the contraction of hydrophilic tissues and a decrease in the synthesis of chondroitin sulfate.
- Back injuries received once or become chronic.The last option is typical for professional athletes or people whose activities involve intense physical activity.
- 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 makes itself felt when there is pain between the ribs, painful sensations when exhaling and inhaling, discomfort when raising the arms and bending the torso.
The form of osteochondrosis is usually determined by pain between the ribs, which makes breathing difficult.The pain is felt much stronger at night, with hypothermia, vibrations, bending and twisting of the body.Often these symptoms are attributed to heart disease, the difference is that with spinal diseases, the pain occurs over a longer period of time and nitroglycerin does not eliminate them.Heart disease can cause blood pressure to "jump", which does not happen with osteochondrosis.
Dorsago and dorsalgia
Dorsago is a sharp pain in the chest that appears unexpectedly.It manifests itself most often in those people who sit and bend over for a long time.
It can be seen when standing up suddenly after sitting for a long time.The pain is very intense, so much so that breathing is difficult.There is an increase in muscle tension, which causes a reduction in movements in various parts of the spine.
Darsalgia does not present particularly pronounced manifestations for 3 weeks.Accompanied by sensations that are more unpleasant than painful.Severe pain can only occur with deep sighs, twisting and bending.There may be increased muscle tension and stiffness in the upper and lower back.
As with the back, the pain sensation worsens at night.
To eliminate the pain it is necessary to walk a little.
It is also possible that symptoms may occur that make it difficult to make a correct diagnosis.With disease in the upper segment of the chest, pain in the pharynx and esophagus may appear.When the middle part of the spine is affected, sensations arise in the area of the right hypochondrium, which is also a symptom of pancreatitis, cholecystitis and other diseases.With osteochondrosis of the lower thoracic region, symptoms similar to those of intestinal pathology occur.
During the study, specialists established connections between pain and physical activity.Most often, the pain appears after lunch, intensifies at night, but disappears after a healthy night's sleep.Treatment of this disease should not be delayed, as it can cause more serious pathologies of other organs and systems.The most dangerous of them is 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 radiographic examination.The following symptoms are characteristic of this pathology:
- degenerative movements;
- reduction of the spinal canal;
- reduction in the height of the intervertebral discs, formation of uneven contours;
- bone growths;
- the column changes shape significantly.
In some especially complex cases, the use of computed tomography is allowed.But there is a high risk of radiation exposure during this procedure, and therefore, if there is no urgent need, it is better to refrain from such diagnostics.
The neurologist also performs some studies to determine possible disorders of the nervous system.Procedures include electroneuromyography and observation of tendon reflexes.Cardiographic observations are carried out to track the degree of influence of the disease on the functioning of the heart.Such studies can predetermine the appearance of ischemic pathology and it will be possible to control blood pressure.
Treatment
After diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe the following medications:
- NSAIDs.They are prescribed to eliminate pain.
- It is possible to take corticosteroids, but only in case of severe pain.If the pain does not have sufficient intensity, then its elimination is limited to taking non-steroidal drugs.
- Diuretics to relieve bloating.
- B vitamins are used to stimulate blood circulation.
- Chondroprotectors are prescribed for the regeneration of 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 trust or are simply not supporters of drug treatments, there are several other methods that exclude the use of medications.These include acupuncture, electrophoresis, laser, smoking, vacuum, manual therapy, traditional and cupping massage.For such treatment to be effective, it is imperative to contact specialists who are specially trained and experienced in this field.Properly selected treatment methods will help stimulate blood circulation, relieve muscle spasms and relieve pain.Correct physical activity is required, including therapeutic exercises and swimming.A fairly important factor in recovery is proper nutrition.
Osteochondrosis of any form and of the thoracic region in particular is a very unpleasant pathology.When the first symptoms appear, it is important to contact a specialist in a timely manner so that the appropriate treatment can be selected.Delay can cause the disease to worsen.