A disease like thoracic osteochondrosis is quite common, but much less common than other forms of the disease.Initially, it appears without any 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 thoracic osteochondrosis have not yet been established.Although there are factors whose influence is considered indirect causes of occurrence.These are:
- Inheritance.If your closest relatives were also exposed to such a disease, there is a high probability that you will feel it sooner or later.For this reason, during the collection of medical history, doctors ask about genetic diseases suffered by relatives.
- Changes that the body undergoes as a result of growing up and aging.Intervertebral discs inevitably undergo metamorphoses, depending on the contraction of hydrophilic tissues and the decrease in the synthesis of chondroitin sulfate.
- Single or chronic back injuries.The latter option is typical for professional athletes or people whose activities involve heavy physical activity.
- Microcirculation disorders in the spine.It can be complicated by atherosclerosis.
Osteochondrosis of the chest region has many different symptoms.Given that all internal organs "rest" on the spine, advanced disease can lead to damage to the liver, kidneys, pancreas, heart and intestines.Thoracic osteochondrosis most often occurs when pain occurs between the ribs, painful sensations occur when exhaling and inhaling, discomfort when moving the arms up and bending the trunk.
The form of osteochondrosis is most often determined by pain between the ribs, which makes breathing difficult.The pain is much stronger at night, hypothermia, vibration, bending and turning the body.Such symptoms are often attributed to heart diseases, the differences are that in the case of spinal diseases, the pain occurs for a longer time, and nitroglycerin does not eliminate them.Heart disease can cause 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 people who are in a sitting, bent position for a long time.
It can be observed when standing up suddenly after long sitting.The pain is very intense - so much so that breathing becomes difficult.Increased muscle tension occurs, which leads to a decrease in movements in different parts of the spine.
Darsalgia has no particularly pronounced manifestations for 3 weeks.It is accompanied by sensations that are more unpleasant than painful.Strong pain can only occur with deep sighs, turns and bends.Increased muscle tension and stiffness may occur in the upper and lower back.
Similar to dorsago, the feeling of pain increases at night.
In order to eliminate the pain, you need to walk a little.
It is also possible that there may be symptoms that make it difficult to make a correct diagnosis.In the case of disease of the upper chest segment, pain may occur in the pharynx and esophagus.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 chest region, symptoms similar to intestinal pathology appear.
During the study, the experts established correlations between pain and physical activity.Most often, the pain appears after lunch, gets stronger at night, but subsides after a healthy night's sleep.You should not delay the treatment of the disease, as this can lead to more serious pathologies of other organs and systems.The most dangerous of them are cardiovascular pathology and dystrophic changes of the heart muscle.Thoracic osteochondrosis can cause disturbances in the functioning of the duodenum and disturbances in 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;
- a decrease in the height of the intervertebral discs, the formation of uneven contours;
- bone growths;
- the spine changes its shape significantly.
In some particularly complex cases, the use of computed tomography is allowed.But there is a high risk of radiation exposure during the procedure, so if there is no urgent need, it is better to refrain from such diagnostics.
The neurologist also performs some tests to determine possible disorders of the nervous system.Procedures include electroneuromyography and observation of tendon reflexes.Cardiographic observations are made to monitor the extent of the disease's effect on the heart's function.Such tests can determine in advance the appearance of ischemic pathology, and it becomes 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 case of severe pain.If the pain is not strong enough, 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 regenerate 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 drugs.These include acupuncture, electrophoresis, laser, cigar, vacuum, manual therapy, traditional and cupping massage.In order for such treatment to be effective, it is absolutely necessary to contact specially trained professionals experienced in this field.Properly selected treatment methods stimulate blood circulation, relieve muscle spasms and relieve pain.Adequate physical activity is required, including therapeutic exercises and swimming.Proper nutrition is a fairly important factor in recovery.
Any form of osteochondrosis, and especially the chest region, is a very unpleasant pathology.When the first symptoms appear, it is important to consult a specialist in time so that you can choose the right treatment.Delay can lead to worsening of the disease.