Osteochondrosis is a chronic disease of cartilage tissue in which degenerative dystrophic processes predominate.This disease can affect any joint in the body, but most cases occur in the spinal discs.Depending on the location, it can be divided into cervical, thoracic and lumbar osteochondrosis.The peak incidence is between the ages of 30 and 40, but in recent years the disease has been trending younger, even in teenagers.Symptoms similar to those of osteochondrosis occur in 50-90% of the population.In this article you will find the main symptoms of osteochondrosis of the chest and how to treat the disease.
Characteristics of thoracic osteochondrosis
Thoracic osteochondrosis is less common than other types of osteochondrosis.The anatomy of the thoracic spine includes more discs than the lower back and neck combined.However, these disks are inferior in size and thickness.This part of the spine is less mobile due to the redistribution of load on the ribs and sternum.
For intervertebral osteochondrosis in the lumbar region, the more typical symptom is pain after excessive and inappropriate physical activity, while pain in the chest region is actually not typical.Most often, symptoms of complications of various diseases of the cardiovascular or respiratory systems are observed.
Development reasons
The most common cause of osteochondrosis is a sedentary lifestyle.Today, people increasingly have to work in front of their computers in positions that are most uncomfortable for their backs.Additionally, a lack of physical activity can also affect the condition of the muscles on which disc condition depends.Not only physical inactivity but also excessive physical activity can lead to thoracic osteochondrosis; the following risk factors have also been identified:
- genetics;
- Various forms of spinal curvature, such as scoliosis and postural disorders;
- Sedentary lifestyle, sedentary job;
- Excessive physical activity or sudden cessation of active exercise;
- spinal injuries;
- Bad habits, chronic stress, insomnia;
- Overweight, obesity;
- Flat feet, wearing uncomfortable shoes for long periods of time;
- Nutritional changes associated with the normal aging process of the body.
In recent years, the disease has been trending among younger people.Symptoms of osteochondrosis are diagnosed starting in adolescence.There is a hypothesis that this is caused by spending a lot of time on the computer.
symptom
The clinical manifestations of thoracic osteochondrosis are very clear, but may be hidden under other diseases or their complications: attacks often resemble myocardial infarction, cholecystitis, pancreatitis or renal colic.The most common of these are:
- Acute pain that occurs after staying in one position for a long time and is most commonly uncomfortable.These pains can also occur with sudden movements or heavy lifting;
- It may not be pain, but a feeling of tightness in your chest or back.Difficulty breathing and pain when taking deep breaths or exhalations;
- Because osteochondrosis causes damage to the nerve roots that extend from the spinal canal, numbness or tingling may occur in certain areas of the body;
- There is also dull pain in or between the shoulder blades and in the shoulder girdle and sternoclavicular joint;
- Coldness in the lower limbs due to blood supply complications.
Some general, non-specific symptoms may occur:
- Frequent attacks of intercostal neuralgia;
- From the gastrointestinal tract: nausea, heartburn, bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhea.Abdominal pain may occur due to damage to the lower thoracic spine;
- Flaky skin, thin, brittle nails and hair;
- Reproductive system diseases.
Symptoms often manifest themselves in the form of spinal syndromes: back pain and back pain.These are the main markers of the disease and tend to indicate osteochondrosis in this department with 100% probability.
Dosago
It is characterized by sudden, severe pain in the thoracic spine.Patients associate it with "dagger-like" pain because in most cases it is severe and unbearable.Most often, the cause of this pain is prolonged sitting or prolonged uncomfortable postures.When trying to stand up or assume a more comfortable position, a person may experience severe pain or "lower back pain," which can also lead to limited mobility for a period of time.
back pain
This type of pain comes on gradually, has a cumulative effect, and can last 2-3 weeks.With back pain, persistent pain or discomfort is observed in the localization of specific damaged areas of the spine.The pain increases sharply when changing body position or taking deep breaths.The pain tends to be worse at night or after physical activity.In the morning, patients usually notice that the pain subsides or even disappears completely.Walking a short distance can also help.
diagnosis
The diagnosis of any pathology begins with a thorough examination of the patient and analysis of his complaints about the condition.For example, in advanced stages, the spine often curves, which is noticeable from the outside.Conversely, if posture is compromised, careful examination should be conducted for the presence of osteochondrosis.It is recommended to carefully analyze the genetic prerequisites for the development of this pathology in patients.It is necessary to refer the patient for general blood and urine tests.
One of the most necessary stages is the X-ray examination of the thoracic spine in various projections, on the basis of which it is necessary to analyze the presence and size of osteophytes, osteophytes; assess the height of the disc and whether there are changes; the size and location of hernias.
Another X-ray method is discography, which uses a contrast agent.This allows you to assess the condition of the nucleus pulposus.Computed tomography can also be used, but is only used in special circumstances due to the high radiation exposure the patient is exposed to.
Electrocardiogram is a mandatory examination method.The symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are very similar to those of myocardial infarction and angina pectoris.
treat
To successfully treat spinal osteochondrosis, the cause must be affected rather than relying solely on painkillers or immediate surgery.For example, a patient with limited mobility will receive completely different treatments than a patient with a history of spinal injury and its complications.Combining treatments to enhance and consolidate results is also extremely effective.
drug treatment
In the acute phase of the disease, in addition to drug treatment, strict bed rest is recommended.The main drug classes used to treat osteochondrosis of the breast:
- Analgesics used to relieve acute pain;
- For some patients, antispasmodics are recommended;
- B complex vitamins;
- Chondroprotective agents need to be selected individually for each patient, taking into account the characteristics of the disease progression and the specific circumstances of the body's development.
Medications are only effective in the early stages of the disease.Additionally, for chronic osteochondrosis, medications can be taken for life or until complete recovery.
exercise therapy
Exercise therapy is therapeutic physical culture.Today, there are many useful exercises available for preventing and treating osteochondrosis of the chest.These also include breathing exercises.
The basis of exercise therapy for thoracic osteochondrosis is the plank.You should start with the minimum amount of time and increase it to the lowest level each day.The goal is 1.5 minutes.Also in this position, it is recommended to alternately press the knees to the chest and maintain this position for 5-10 seconds.It's also useful to try hanging from the bar for the same gradually increasing amount of time.
Exercise therapy is used outside the acute phase of the disease and is one of the most versatile methods and can be used in conjunction with other methods.
manual therapy
A manual method affecting the musculoskeletal system to relieve chronic and acute pain in the joints and spine.It also helps increase joint range of motion and correct postural disorders.Also used to relieve muscle tension.
Manual therapy also helps improve blood circulation in the disc, enhancing the delivery of oxygen from the blood to the tissues and vice versa.In this way, complications of osteochondrosis associated with damage or compression of blood vessels and hypoxia of tissues and organs can be eliminated.
traditional method
The advantage of traditional medicine is that its effects have been proven over many years.There are many different ways to treat any ailment at home without the risk of side effects.Infusion formulas used to treat disease:
- Marigold.Take 100 grams of product per 200 ml of regular men's cologne.Add some camphor oil.Store in an airtight bottle in a cool, dark place and soak for two weeks;
- Dandelions.Take 2 tablespoons each of dandelion root, mint leaves, birch buds and coriander berries.Lake and pour 0.5 cup of boiling water.Cook over low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.After that, add 60-70 g of butter and cook for another 20 minutes and let cool.
It is very important to apply these decoctions strictly to the affected areas of the chest.Rubbing should be done using gentle massaging movements for 5 minutes.Then use measures such as a sweater to isolate the friction area.All decoctions are stored in the refrigerator.
Some herbs are not approved for use when suffering from certain medical conditions, so it is best to consult a specialist.
First aid in case of serious illness
First, the painful area needs to be warmed.But you can only do this with ointments; you shouldn't use decoctions: there's a risk of burning the skin.
It’s best to use lightweight, warm fabrics such as wool products.It is then recommended to lie on a hard surface to correct the uneven position.In a pinch, even the floor will do.If osteochondrosis worsens in the chest area, apply a bandage to the chest.
During an attack, it is recommended to take analgesics, preferably intramuscularly.NSAIDs are used for acute attacks.
If your medical condition does not improve within 30-60 minutes then you must call an ambulance and be sure to inform them of the availability of pain medication upon arrival.
prevention
Prevention is the easiest and cheapest way to stay healthy.Everyone exposes themselves to many negative environmental factors every day.If this effect is minimized, the chance of developing osteochondrosis is reduced to zero.Basic principles for preventing thoracic osteochondrosis:
- Live an active lifestyle.It's easy to overdo it and put more stress on your spine.It's best to listen to your body's needs, start with the smallest load and gradually get used to it.Morning jogs and swimming pools are ideal.
- Monitor prolonged sitting in one position.It is best to regularly stretch the upper shoulder girdle joints and try to maintain correct posture and relax your shoulders.
- You shouldn’t skimp on buying a chair when you sit down to work.Make it a special chair that supports your spine well.
- Use orthopedic mattresses and pillows.The spine is most susceptible to deformation during sleep, remaining in a curved position for extended periods of time, and then experiencing pain and discomfort throughout the day.These are the initial prerequisites for osteochondrosis.Anyway, it's best to warn them.
- Avoid carrying heavy objects.Unfortunately, sometimes this is crucial.In this case, it is best to ensure an even distribution of weight relative to the body.And try to make everything go smoothly without any sudden movements.Otherwise, this may threaten more than just osteochondrosis.
- Wear comfortable shoes.In daily life, high heels only bring health problems.It's best to set them aside for evening use.
- Build muscle.Abs, lower back, back and spinal muscles.This is the primary framework for a healthy back and correct posture.
We must never forget about proper nutrition.The daily menu must meet the needs of the individual body and contain the maximum amount of vitamins, microelements and macroelements.
in conclusion
- Thoracic osteochondrosis is a dystrophic degenerative disease in which the intervertebral discs undergo deformation and loss of function.
- Chest osteochondrosis is less common than other types of this pathology.Recently, this disease has been diagnosed not only in older people, but also in teenagers.
- There are many factors in the development of this disease.In general, osteochondrosis occurs for a variety of reasons.
- Monotherapy is rarely effective.In order to eliminate the causes and symptoms of the disease, treatment strategies are developed, including the administration of medications, exercise therapy, and other auxiliary procedures.
- Simple prevention can minimize the development of breast osteochondrosis.