A disease such as thoracic osteochondrosis is quite common, but it is much rarer than other forms of this disease.In the beginning, it appears without pronounced symptoms, so it is often diagnosed in a complicated form, when the pain becomes noticeable.
Occurrence of thoracic osteochondrosis
In modern medicine, the causes of osteochondrosis of the chest have not yet been determined.Although there are factors whose influence is considered indirect causes of occurrence.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 from which relatives have fallen ill.
- Changes that the body undergoes as a result of growing up and aging.Intervertebral discs inevitably undergo metamorphosis, depending on the contraction of hydrophilic tissues and the reduction of chondroitin sulfate synthesis.
- Back injuries sustained once or become chronic.The last option is typical for professional athletes or people whose activities include heavy physical activities.
- 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, an 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 trunk.
The form of osteochondrosis is most often determined by pain between the ribs that makes breathing difficult.The pain is much stronger at night, with hypothermia, vibrations, bending and turning of the body.Often such symptoms are attributed to heart diseases, the difference is that in 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 is most often manifested in those people who are in a sitting, bent position for a long time.
It can be noticed when you stand up suddenly after sitting for a long time.The pain is very intense - so much so that breathing becomes difficult.Increased muscle tension occurs, which leads to a decrease in movement in different parts of the spine.
Darsalgia has no particularly pronounced manifestations for 3 weeks.Accompanied by sensations that are more unpleasant than painful.Severe pain can occur only with deep sighs, turns and bending.There may be increased muscle tension and stiffness in the upper and lower back.
As with dorsag, the feeling of pain worsens at night.
To remove the pain, it is necessary to walk a little.
It is also possible to have symptoms that make it difficult to make a correct diagnosis.With diseases in the upper chest segment, pain in the pharynx and esophagus may appear.When the middle part of the spine is affected, there are sensations in the area of the right hypochondrium, which is also a symptom of pancreatitis, cholecystitis and other diseases.In osteochondrosis of the lower thoracic part, symptoms similar to intestinal pathology appear.
During the study, experts established a connection between pain and physical activity.Most often, the pain occurs after lunch, intensifies at night, but subsides after a sound sleep.Treatment of this disease should not be delayed, 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 modifications of the heart muscle.Osteochondrosis of the chest can cause disorders in the work of the duodenum and disorders of intestinal motility.
Diagnostics
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;
- reducing the height of the intervertebral discs, creating uneven contours;
- bone growths;
- the spine significantly changes its shape.
In some particularly complex cases, the use of computed tomography is allowed.But there is a high risk of exposure to radiation during this procedure, and therefore, if there is no urgent need for it, it is better to refrain from such diagnostics.
A neurologist also conducts some studies to determine possible disorders of the nervous system.Procedures include electroneuromyography and observation of tendon reflexes.Cardiographic observations are carried out in order to monitor the degree of influence of the disease on the functioning of the heart.Such studies can determine in advance the occurrence of ischemic pathology and it will be possible to control blood pressure.
Treatment
After the diagnosis, the doctor can prescribe the following drugs:
- NSAIDs.They are prescribed to relieve pain.
- It is possible to take corticosteroids, but only in case of 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 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 believe or are simply not supporters of pharmacological treatments, there are several other methods that exclude the use of drugs.These include acupuncture, electrophoresis, laser, cigars, vacuum, manual therapy, traditional and cupping massage.In order for such treatment to be effective, it is necessary to contact specially trained specialists with experience in this field.Correctly selected treatment methods will help stimulate blood circulation, relieve muscle spasms and relieve pain.Proper physical activity is required, including therapeutic exercises and swimming.A fairly important factor in recovery is proper nutrition.
Osteochondrosis of any form, especially of the thoracic region, is a very unpleasant pathology.When the first symptoms appear, it is important to consult a specialist in time so that he can choose the appropriate treatment.Delay can lead to worsening of the disease.