General and specific symptoms of osteochondrosis of the chest

Osteochondrosis is a chronic disease of cartilage tissue in which degenerative-dystrophic processes predominate.The disease can affect any joint in the body, but most cases occur in the intervertebral discs.Depending on the localization, osteochondrosis of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine is distinguished.The peak incidence is observed at the age of 30-40 years, but recently this disease is becoming younger and occurs even in adolescents.Symptoms similar to osteochondrosis occur in 50-90% of the population.In the article you will find the main symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis and methods of treatment of this disease.

Features of osteochondrosis of the chest

Osteochondrosis of the chest is less common than other types.The anatomy of the chest includes more discs than the lower back and neck combined.However, these disks are lower in size and thickness.Due to the redistribution of the load on the ribs and sternum, this part of the spine is less mobile.

While for intervertebral osteochondrosis of the lumbar region, a more characteristic symptom is pain after excessive and improper physical activity, for the thoracic region, pain is practically not characteristic.Symptoms of complications of various diseases of the cardiovascular system or the respiratory system are most often observed.

Reasons for development

The most common cause of osteochondrosis is a sedentary lifestyle.Nowadays, people increasingly have to work at a computer in the most uncomfortable positions for their backs.Also, the lack of physical activity affects the condition of the muscles on which the condition of the intervertebral discs depends.Not only lack of physical activity, but also excessive physical activity can cause osteochondrosis of the chest;the following risk factors are also identified:

• heredity;
• various forms of spinal curvature, such as scoliosis, posture disorders;
• sedentary lifestyle, sedentary work;
• excessive physical activity or sudden cessation of active sports;
• spine injuries;
• bad habits, chronic stress, insomnia;
• overweight, obesity;
• flat feet, prolonged wearing of uncomfortable shoes;
• dystrophic changes associated with the normal aging process of the body.

Recently, there has been a trend towards a rejuvenation of the disease.Symptoms of osteochondrosis are diagnosed in adolescence.There is a hypothesis that this is due to the large amount of time spent in front of the computer.

Symptoms

The clinical picture of osteochondrosis of the chest is quite clear, but it can be hidden under other diseases or their complications: attacks can often resemble myocardial infarction, cholecystitis, pancreatitis or renal colic.Among the most common are:

• the appearance of sharp pain after a long stay in one position, most often uncomfortable.These pains also appear in response to sudden movements or due to lifting heavy weights;
• There may not be pain, but a feeling of tightness in the chest or back.Difficulty breathing, pain when taking a deep breath or exhaling;
• due to osteochondrosis damage to the nerve roots coming out of the spinal canal, numbness or a tingling sensation can be observed in certain parts of the body;
• there is also a dull pain in or between the shoulder blades, as well as in the shoulder girdle and sternoclavicular joint;
• coldness of the lower extremities due to complications of the blood supply.

Some general, non-specific symptoms may occur:

• frequent attacks of intercostal neuralgia;
• from the gastrointestinal tract: nausea, heartburn, bloating, flatulence, constipation or diarrhea.Abdominal pain can occur due to damage to the lower segment of the chest;
• peeling skin, thin and brittle nails and hair;
• disorders of the reproductive system.

Often the symptoms manifest themselves in the form of vertebral syndromes: dorsago and dorsalgia.These are the main markers of the disease, which often indicate osteochondrosis of this department with 100% probability.

Dorsago

It is characterized by sudden sharp pain in the chest.Patients associate it with "dagger" pain, as in most cases it is sharp and unbearable.Most often, the cause of this type of pain is a long sitting position or a prolonged uncomfortable position.When trying to stand up or take a more comfortable position, a person experiences sharp pain or "lumbago", which can also cause movement restrictions for a while.

Dorsalgia

This type of pain has a gradual onset with a cumulative effect and can develop over 2-3 weeks.Dorsalgia is a nagging pain or discomfort in the localization of a specific damaged area of the spine.When changing the position of the body or deep breathing, the pain increases sharply.There is a tendency for the pain to intensify in the evening or after physical exertion.In the morning, patients usually note a weakening or even complete disappearance of pain.A short walk also helps.

Diagnosis

Making a diagnosis for any pathology begins with a comprehensive examination of the person and an analysis of his complaints about his condition.For example, in the advanced stages, there is often a curvature of the spine, noticeable from the outside.On the contrary, if the posture is disturbed, it should be carefully examined for the presence of osteochondrosis.It is recommended to carefully analyze the hereditary prerequisites of the patient for the development of this pathology.It is necessary for the patient to undergo general blood and urine tests.

One of the most necessary stages is the radiography of the chest in different projections, with the help of which it is necessary to analyze the osteophytes, their presence and size;assess the height of the discs and the presence of changes in it;size and location of the hernia.

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 due to the high radiation burden on patients, it is used in exceptional cases.

Electrocardiography is a mandatory research method.The symptoms of osteochondrosis of the chest are very similar to the symptoms of myocardial infarction and angina pectoris.

Treatment

For successful treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine, it is necessary to affect the cause of the disease, and not limit yourself to painkillers or immediately send to surgery.For example, patients with low mobility will receive completely different treatment methods compared to a patient with a history of spinal cord injury and its complications.It is also extremely effective to combine therapeutic methods to strengthen and consolidate the effect.

medicines

In the acute period of the disease, in addition to medication, strict bed rest is recommended.The main groups of drugs for osteochondrosis of the breast:

• analgesics to relieve acute pain;
• in some patients, the use of antispasmodics is recommended;
• B complex vitamins;
• chondroprotectors, which require individual selection for each patient, taking into account the characteristics of the development of the disease, as well as taking into account the specifics of the development of the body.

Drug therapy is effective only in the early stages of the disease.In addition, in a chronic form of osteochondrosis, drugs can be prescribed for life or until complete recovery.

Exercise therapy

Exercise therapy is healing physical culture.Today there are many useful exercises for the prevention and treatment of osteochondrosis of the chest.They also include breathing exercises.

The basis of exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is the board.You should start with a minimum time, increasing it daily to the minimum level.The goal is 1.5 minutes.Also, in this position, it is recommended to alternately press your knees to your chest, holding this position for 5-10 seconds.It will also be useful to try hanging on the horizontal bar with the same gradual increase in time.

The exercise therapy method is used outside the acute period of the disease and is one of the most universal methods that can be combined with others.

Manual therapy

A manual method of influencing the musculoskeletal system to relieve both chronic and acute pain in the joints and spine.It also helps increase the range of motion in the joints and corrects postural disorders.It is also used to relieve muscle tension.

Manual therapy also helps to improve blood circulation in the intervertebral discs and enhance the transport of oxygen from the blood to the tissues and vice versa.In this way, it is possible to eliminate the complications of osteochondrosis associated with damage or compression of blood vessels, as well as the lack of oxygen in tissues and organs.

Traditional methods

The advantage of traditional medicine is that its effect has been tested for many years.There are many different ways to treat any disease at home without the risk of side effects.Recipes for infusions used for illness:

• Calendula.Take 100g of product per 200ml of regular men's cologne.Add some camphor oil.Leave in a cool, dark place to infuse for two weeks in a tightly closed bottle;
• Dandelion.Take 2 tablespoons each of dandelion roots, mint leaves, birch buds, and coriander berries.l. and pour 0.5 cups of boiling water.Cook over low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.Then add 60-70 g of butter and cook for another 20 minutes, then cool.

It is extremely important that these potions are rubbed strictly on the affected area of the chest.Rubbing should be done with light massage movements for 5 minutes.Then insulate the area of friction, for example with a sweater.All potions are stored in a refrigerator.

Some herbs are not allowed for use in the presence of certain diseases, so it is better to consult a specialist.

First aid in case of exacerbation

First of all, it is necessary to warm the painful area.But you should do this only with medicated ointments;you should not use potions: there is a chance of getting a skin burn.

It is better to do this with a light warming fabric, for example, a woolen product.After that, it is recommended to lie down on a hard surface to correct the uneven position of the body.As a last resort, even the floor will do.In case of exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the chest, put a tight bandage on the chest.

During an attack, it is recommended to take a pain reliever, preferably intramuscularly.NSAIDs are used in acute attacks.

If there is no improvement in your well-being within 30-60 minutes, then you should call an ambulance and be sure to inform them on arrival about the pain medication.

Prevention

Prevention is the easiest and cheapest way to maintain health.Each person is exposed every day to many negative environmental factors.If this impact is minimized, then the probability of developing osteochondrosis is reduced to zero.Basic principles for the prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis:

1. Lead an active lifestyle.It's easy to overdo it and put more strain on your spine.It is better to listen to the needs of the body, start with minimal loads and gradually get used to it.Morning jogging and swimming pools are the most optimal for this.
2. Observe prolonged sitting in one position.It is better to regularly stretch the joints of the upper shoulder girdle, try to maintain a correct posture and relax your shoulders.
3. You should not skimp on a chair for sitting work.Let it be a special chair that supports the spine well.
4. Use orthopedic mattresses and pillows.It is during sleep that the spine is most often deformed, remains in a curved position for a long time and then disappoints with pain and discomfort throughout the day.These are the initial prerequisites for osteochondrosis.Better to warn them though.
5. Avoid carrying heavy objects.Unfortunately, sometimes this is vital.In this case, it is better to ensure an even distribution of weight relative to the body.And try to do everything smoothly, without sudden movements.Otherwise, it can threaten not only osteochondrosis.
6. Wear comfortable shoes.In everyday life, heels will only bring health problems.Better to leave them aside for an evening look.
7. Muscle strengthening.Abdominal muscles, lower back, spinal and spinal muscles.This is the basic framework for a strong back and proper posture.

We must not forget about proper nutrition.The daily menu should meet the needs of the individual organism and include the maximum amount of vitamins, micro- and macroelements.

Conclusions

1. Osteochondrosis of the chest is a dystrophic-degenerative disease in which deformation and loss of functionality of the spinal discs is observed.
2. Thoracic osteochondrosis is less common than other types of this pathology.Recently, the disease is diagnosed not only in the elderly, but also in adolescents.
3. There are many factors in the development of the disease.As a rule, osteochondrosis begins for several reasons.
4. Monotherapy is rarely effective.In order to eliminate the cause and symptoms of the disease, a treatment tactic is developed, which includes taking drugs, exercises and other auxiliary procedures.
5. Simple prevention can minimize the development of breast osteochondrosis.