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, therefore it is often diagnosed in a complicated way, when the pain becomes noticeable.
The occurrence of thoracic osteochondrosis
In modern medicine, the causes of thoracic osteochondrosis have not yet been established.Although there are factors whose influence is considered indirect causes of occurrence.They are the following:
- Heredity.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.Therefore, when taking anamnesis, doctors ask about genetic diseases suffered by family members.
- Changes that the body undergoes as a result of growth and aging.Intervertebral discs inevitably undergo metamorphosis, depending on the contraction of hydrophilic tissues and the decrease in the synthesis of chondroitin sulfate.
- Back injuries suffered 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 cause 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 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 more intensely at night, with hypothermia, vibration, bending and turning of the body.These symptoms are often attributed to heart disease, the difference is that in spinal diseases the pain occurs over a long period of time and nitroglycerin does not eliminate them.Heart disease can cause blood pressure to “jump”, which does not happen with osteochondrosis.
Back and back pain
Dorsago is a sharp pain in the chest that appears unexpectedly.It most often manifests itself in people who sit and bend over for a long time.
It can be observed when standing up suddenly after sitting for a long time.The pain is very intense - so much so that it becomes difficult to breathe.There is an increase in muscle tension, leading to reduced movement in different parts of the spine.
Darsalgia does not show particularly pronounced manifestations for 3 weeks.Accompanied by sensations that are more unpleasant than painful.Intense pain can only occur with deep sighs, bends and bends.There may be increased muscle tension and stiffness in the upper and lower back.
As with back pain, the sensation of pain worsens at night.
To eliminate the pain, you need to walk a little.
It is also possible for symptoms to occur that make correct diagnosis difficult.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 appear in the region 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 intestinal pathology occur.
During the study, experts established links between pain and physical activity.Most often, the pain appears after lunch, intensifies in the evening, but subsides after a healthy 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 is cardiovascular pathology, as well as dystrophic changes in the heart muscle.Thoracic osteochondrosis can cause disruptions in the functioning of the duodenum and intestinal motility disorders.
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;
- reduction in the height of intervertebral discs, formation of irregular contours;
- bone growths;
- the spine significantly changes its shape.
In some particularly complex cases, the use of computed tomography is permitted.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 trace 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 is not intense enough, its elimination is limited to the use of non-steroidal medications.
- Diuretics to relieve swelling.
- B vitamins are used to stimulate blood circulation.
- Chondroprotectors are prescribed for the regeneration of damaged cartilage.
Ointments for treating this form of osteochondrosis are not as effective as they should be and are more suitable for other types of disease.For those who do not trust or are simply not a fan of pharmacological treatments, there are several other methods that exclude the use of medications.These include acupuncture, electrophoresis, laser, cigar, vacuum, manual therapy, traditional and cupping massage.For such treatment to be effective, it is essential to contact specially trained specialists with experience in the 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 very important factor in recovery is adequate 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 he can select the appropriate treatment.Delay can lead to worsening of the disease.