Apostles of disease: Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis

Thoracic osteochondrosisis a degenerative-dystrophic disease in the middle part of the spine.It occurs more often than lumbar and also cervical osteochondrosis and accounts for about 10% of all cases of the disease.The symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are associated with several features of the spine in the thoracic region: rigid fixation of the vertebrae due to the ribs and skeletal muscles and lack of mobility, semicircular curvature of the ridge in this region and a distribution corresponding to the load.

Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis begin with a violation of tissue trophism and dehydration of the intervertebral disc.Lack of nutrients and fluids leads to the fact that the cartilage loses its elasticity, begins to crack and "sag".This condition is fraught with compression of nerve roots, deterioration of sensitivity and function of internal organs, as well as severe pain.Often the destruction of vertebrae in the thoracic region is accompanied by the appearanceOsteophytes- Bone growth that injures the paravertebral tissue and leads to chronic inflammation.

Contrary to popular belief, thoracic osteochondrosis is not a natural age-related process and requires special treatment.The onset of the disease may occur at agefrom the age of 25;About 70% of the total number of patients are women aged 35 to 55 years.Since the disease begins long before retirement age,it can lead to limitations and loss of ability to work.

Unlike other types of osteochondrosis, thoracic osteochondrosis may not manifest for a long time - or disguise itself as another pathology, which is why it is called a chameleon disease.It is also the most difficult to treat.Therefore, it is very importantMonitor your symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis in time- And today we will tell you which one.

Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis

A feeling of pain in the sternum with thoracic osteochondrosis is a symptom,mistaken the patient for heart disease.Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are characterized by intensification at night.They show themselves clearly when trying to straighten your back or, on the contrary, slouch, arch back to the dome.

The severity of symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis directly depends on the degree of osteochondrosis.At the same time, negative sensations with symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis may show themselves to be weak (osteophytes often grow on the surface of the vertebrae, where there are no nerve endings, and the muscle corset balances the load for some time).

In addition to pain in the sternum and between the shoulder blades, patients often complain about the following symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis:

• feeling cold, burning and tingling in the chest, at the base of the neck, in the stomach;
• muscle tension (difficulty relaxing your back);
• a feeling of pain in the sternum (a symptom of thoracic osteochondrosis, which is one of the first to appear);
• increased heart rate, feeling of throbbing in the chest;
• a feeling of "pins and needles" in the chest, which is often accompanied by unmistakable anxiety or increases with pressure;
• numbness of soft tissues (skin and muscles) near the spine, in the shoulders, especially noticeable when pressed or in contact with hot and cold surfaces;
• With thoracic osteochondrosis, it is difficult to breathe;
• cold feeling in the hands and feet, pale or bluish skin on the hands;
• weakness, inhibition of reflex reactions in the affected area;
• disorders in the function of digestive organs, colic, stool disorders;
• the appearance of skin areas with obvious nutritional disorders (flaking, pallor, thinning or, conversely, thickening of the skin);
• feeling of a lump in the chest, discomfort when swallowing a large meal;
• characteristic cough with thoracic osteochondrosis;
• digestive symptoms (dyspepsia, loss of appetite, nausea, heartburn, flatulence);
• increased fatigue, feeling very tired in the morning ("broken" state);
• changes in style (usually stooping, instability);
• Intercostal Neuralgia.

The symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis can feel like they are a stomach or intestinal ulcer, angina pectoris, gastritis or a heart attack.Sometimes it is mistaken for kidney or heart colic, cholecystitis or pancreatitis.Indeed: Advanced thoracic osteochondrosis can cause damage in the gallbladder (for example, sediment formation) and intestines, and dysfunction of the heart vessels.

The specificity of symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis depends on the location of the problem:

• 1st-2nd thoracic vertebrae- Pain radiates to the collarbone, armpit, and can reach the shoulder;
• Vertebrae 3-6- The patient is bothered by pain in the chest, which is similar to pain in the heart or mammary gland;
• Vertebrae 7-8- Pain in the solar plexus, which imitates diseases of internal organs (stomach, liver, gall bladder, pancreas).There is also inhibition of the epigastric reflex (contraction of the abdominal muscles when passing the instrument along the lower rib line);
• Vertebrae 9-10- Here osteochondrosis can cause sharp pain in the abdomen and under the ribs, inhibiting the mesogastric reflex (when the tool draws a horizontal line at the level of the navel);
• Vertebrae 11-12- Can start groin pain, diseases of internal genital organs and intestines.Reduce the hypogastric reaction (by drawing a line in the lower abdomen parallel to the inguinal fold).

Difficulty breathing

During physical activity (for example, climbing several flights of stairs), the patient finds it difficult to breathe.With thoracic osteochondrosis, severe shortness of breath is observed.Patients often describe this sensation as "panting."The same symptoms can be seen during sleep: In an unsuccessful position, the patient dreams of a lack of air, their ears may be blocked (at the same time a strong pulse can be heard), and severe chest cramps occur.

Often the feeling that it is difficult to breathe with thoracic osteochondrosis is accompanied by girdle pain in the back and ribs, as well as subcostal pain.

Increased heart rate

Even after light reinforcement, which was previously unnoticed, the patient complains of increased heart rate, feeling as if the heart is trying to jump out of the chest.Initially, the increased heart rate may be caused by spastic contractions of the muscles and chest or a violation of tissue trophism, but over time, this dangerous symptom can actually overcome angina pectoris, coronary heart disease and even cause a heart attack.

In addition to increased heart rate, patients often note feelings of panic, fear of death, or increased background anxiety.In some cases, against the background of thoracic osteochondrosis, real panic attacks can be observed.

Chest pain

Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis arepain in the sternum.These include sharp shooting pains and a feeling of pressure in the chest, as well as intercostal pain when walking.Chest pain tends to increase after staying for a long time in one position, hypothermia, turning the body and bending over (especially with turns), raising the arms.Carrying heavy objects, playing sports, taking deep breaths, and sleeping can still increase the pain.It should be noted that due to the low mobility of the thoracic spine, osteochondrosis in the back is characterized by dull, aching, pressing and throbbing pain.Acute prolonged pain in thoracic osteochondrosis is very rare, which is why patients tend to ignore the pathology for a long time.

Vertebral painIn osteochondrosis of the spine, it is customary to divide dorsago and dorsalgia.Dorsago- This is a spontaneous shooting pain, which, as a rule, does not last long and goes away when changing position.Dorsago Usually causes accidental root pinching.Dorsalgialong-lasting (about 2-3 weeks) and associated with permanent disruption of blood circulation or nerve conduction.They make themselves felt by burning, stinging pain.

The pain worsens when coughing and can be mistaken for a spinal hernia.However, with osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, hernias are very rare.Do not eliminate the main symptoms(Pain in the sternum with thoracic osteochondrosis)for vertebral displacement - The probability is very low compared to degenerative-dystrophic changes!

Cough with thoracic osteochondrosis

Cough with thoracic osteochondrosis is often observed in people who lead a sedentary lifestyle, and their work tasks involve prolonged sitting (office workers, operators, drivers).Maintaining this posture, which is difficult for the human spine, causes chronic muscle tension, spasms and tension.Spasticityis both a cause and a consequence of the fact that the cervical and thoraco-girdle regions experience insufficient movement.At night, in a position that compresses the spine, the spasm and irritation of the spinal roots only increases, causing a severe cough.If the upper thoracic vertebrae are affected, coughing due to thoracic osteochondrosis can be accompanied by pain in the esophagus, a feeling as if something is stuck in the chest.

During coughing attacks with thoracic osteochondrosis, it becomes painful for the patient to breathe;It becomes difficult to take a deep breath.

Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis and its prevention

Conservative treatment of osteochondrosis in the thoracic spine is aimed at stopping or at least slowing down degenerative changes, restoring normal back mobility and eliminating symptoms that cause discomfort to the patient.

Therapeutic treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis involves the simultaneous use of:

• medicines(Chondroprotectors, neuroprotectors, muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics);
• Complex methods of physiotherapy;
• Therapeutic exercises;
• orthopedic regimen.

Patients are also advised to change their diet and lifestyle.

In the event of irreversible changes in the intervertebral jointswhere pain and nerve conduction disorders are not relieved by medication,Surgery is recommended for patients.It helps stop the death of nerve tissue and prevent life-threatening or disabling consequences of thoracic osteochondrosis.Depending on the situation, complete or partial resection of the intervertebral disc or its artificial replacement, narrowing of the spinal canal or other surgery may be indicated.

Physiotherapy

The objective of physiotherapy for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is to reduce pain and inflammation, relieve spasms, strengthen the muscle corset, restore nerve root function and normal blood circulation.

To relieve the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis, the following are successfully used:

• Magnetotherapy- One of the most effective anti-inflammatory techniques.Increases metabolic processes in tissues and relieves swelling.
• Laser therapy.Promotes biological activation of regenerative processes.Helps eliminate the effects of trophic disorders and relieve inflammation.
• Drug electrophoresis.Allows you to restore tissue nutrition and relieve inflammation - the effect of the procedure depends on the drugs used.
• Medical phonophoresis.Ensures deep penetration of the active ingredients of the medicine into the soft tissue.
• Therapeutic massage.Helps relax muscles, relieve tension and increase the supply of nutrients to the spinal tissue.At the initial stage, it eliminates the main symptom of thoracic osteochondrosis - a feeling of pain in the sternum - in a few sessions.
• Acupuncture.Stimulation of muscles and nerve endings helps relieve pain, restore sensitivity and eliminate swelling.
• Ultrahigh frequency therapy.Increases the permeability of capillary walls, increases blood flow and ensures the flow of protective cells to the site of inflammation.
• Shock Wave Therapy.It initiates the process of restoration of bone tissue and cartilage, preventing the deposition of calcium salts on the surface of the vertebrae.
• Balneotherapy.As a rule, applications of mud and ozokerite are used, less often paraffin.Radon and hydromassage baths are also recommended for patients.They help improve metabolism and restore sensitivity in affected tissues.
• Amplipulsetherapy.It has a neurostimulating, analgesic and trophic effect, activates metabolic processes, and facilitates breathing.
• Kinesitherapy(Physical therapy, massage, traction therapy, kinesio taping).Allows you to strengthen ligaments and skeletal muscles, restore mobility in the back and eliminate persistent spasticity.Prevents the formation of osteophytes and narrows the canal where the spinal root is located.

In addition to physical therapy sessions, for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis, patients may be recommended an orthopedic corset, which allows them to relieve the load on the spine.

Exercise and Massage Therapy

Therapeutic exercise and massage help strengthen the back muscles and relieve pressure on the spine.With daily sessions, they help to achieve a stable drug-free remission, improve the range of motion, and eliminate the neurological manifestations of the disease.This method of treatment also prevents the complications of osteochondrosis..For example, congestion in the lungs (with thoracic osteochondrosis, it is difficult to breathe deeply), because the patient is prone to pneumonia, as well as coronary heart disease.

Dose physical activity helps relieve nerve root compression, improve blood circulation and nutrition of the intervertebral disc.The optimal frequency and duration of gymnastics classes is determined by the exercise therapy instructor.As a rule,3-4 exercises for 10-15 minutes a day is enough.

Recommended exercises for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis include the following:

1. Stand straight, feet together, hands at your sides.As you exhale, raise your arms and bend back, then inhale deeply.Lower your arms and lean forward, slightly arching your back in a dome-shaped manner (to do this, lower your head and shoulders as you exhale).
2. Sit on a chair and, while inhaling, put your hands behind your head.Bend back and rest your shoulder blades on the back of the chair, exhale.
3. Get on all fours and arch your back.After holding the position for 3 seconds, bend your back with the crampons.
4. Lie on the floor on your stomach, put your palms on the floor and, lifting yourself in your hands, try to move your head as far as possible, lifting your chest from the floor.
5. Lie on your stomach with your arms at your sides.Do the "yoke" exercise, try to raise your head and legs simultaneously.
6. Sit on the floor and stretch your legs out in front of you.Reach the fingers of your right hand to the foot of your left foot and vice versa.
7. Do plank exercises (about 30 seconds).
8. Hang on a horizontal bar (or, if there is no horizontal bar, secure your fingers in the door frame and try to stretch your back as much as possible).

Bends to the side while raising your arms will also help.All exercises should be done8 to 10 times.

To treat thoracic osteochondrosis, various massage techniques are used, including.Acupressure and vacuum massage.For self-heading at home, patients are recommended the following movements:

• Remove the cervical collar, scapular and axillary areas;
• squeeze with thumb and forefinger(grabs skin and soft tissue);
• trituration;
• knead(It should be done very carefully; it is advisable to entrust this technique to an expert).

Massage should not be done during the expansion of the disease or during severe inflammation.

Drug treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis

To treat the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis, the following groups of drugs are used:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)- Help relieve pain, calm inflammation and disperse swelling.They can be used systemically (in the form of tablets, capsules and injections) and locally (in the form of ointments, gels, creams, compresses and solutions for medical electrophoresis).
• Hormonal drugs- To eliminate acute and chronic neurological pain.Used in cases where NSAIDs show insufficient efficacy.
• Muscle relaxants- prescribed to reduce muscle tone and eliminate skeletal muscle spasms.This helps reduce pain and has a positive effect on tissue trophism.
• Circulation correction- Strengthens the walls of blood vessels and improves blood circulation in the small capillaries that nourish the periosteum and other structural elements of the vertebral joints.Reduces discomfort and reduces the risk of complications.
• Neuroprotectors- To preserve and restore sensitivity during nerve root compression and relieve neurological symptoms.This group also includes cholinesterase inhibitors, which improve the transmission of nerve impulses and help restore normal muscle tone.

For the restoration of the tissue structure affected by the degenerative process, the following are used in the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis:

• Chondroprotectors- Important bioactive substances that trigger the process of cartilage and bone tissue generation.Works to prevent the growth of osteophytes and narrow the spinal canal.They help the weakened body grow stable and resilient cartilage cells.Taking chondroprotectors significantly improves the shock-absorbing properties of the intervertebral disc, making it more elastic and resistant to damage;
• vitamin complex- contributes to the normalization of metabolic processes and prevents excessive oxidation in tissues.

To relieve excruciating pain that interferes with the patient's daily activities, the doctor may suggest medical blockade with anesthetic.Diuretics are used to eliminate swelling and relieve compressed nerves and blood vessels.

Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis

To avoid symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis, you should:

1. Be careful to maintain a healthy posture.This is facilitated by walking, swimming and therapeutic exercises to strengthen the muscles of the back, chest, abs, and shoulder complex.
2. When working in a sedentary position, adjust your workplace and do a physical warm-up every time your back and neck start to stiffen (ideally, bend to the side, stretch, and rotate your shoulders every 2 hours).
3. Avoid back injuries and immediately seek help from an orthopedic traumatologist, even in the case of minor bruises.You can not provoke other diseases of the musculoskeletal system - especially in the joints of the lower legs.
4. If possible, unload the spine during the day (to do this, just lie on the floor for 40 minutes).
5. Protect yourself from hypothermia and stress.
6. Take chondroprotectors to protect the joints for at least 3 months a year.Regardless of the strength of the muscle corset, the human spine is anatomically not adapted to vertical loads, and therefore requires additional support.
7. Adjust weight if overweight.In addition to maintaining a low-carb diet, you should eat a diet high in vitamins and minerals.In spring and autumn, they can be taken in tablet form.
8. Sports activities that involve jumping from a height or lifting heavy weights should be limited.
9. It is advisable to sleep on a semi-rigid bed, and for prolonged sitting, choose hard furniture.This helps maintain muscle tone and relieves pressure on the spine.If possible, you should buy an orthopedic mattress and shoe insoles.
10. Do not lift loads weighing more than 10 kg.The load should be evenly distributed, with muscle tension and without moving to one side.If necessary, use a special sports corset.It is undesirable to hold the load in outstretched arms for a long time.
11. Women should avoid wearing high-heeled shoes.The optimal heel height is 2-4 cm.

These recommendations are also useful for those who are already sick - they will have a good effect on the condition of the spine and will help to slow down pathological changes.

And remember: the main thing in the prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis is consistent adherence to healthy habits.

Let chest pain not bother you!