Diseases such as thoracic osteochondrosis are quite common, but much more common than other forms of this disease.At first, it occurs without significant symptoms, so it is often diagnosed in a complicated form, when the pain becomes significant.
Occurrence of thoracic osteochondrosis
In modern medicine, the cause of osteochondrosis of the chest has not been established.Although there are factors whose influence is considered to be the cause of indirect events.They are as follows:
- Ancestry.If your close relative has been exposed to such a disease, there is a high probability that sooner or later it will make itself felt.For this reason, when collecting anamnesis, the doctor asks about genetic diseases experienced by relatives.
- Changes that the body undergoes as a result of growing up and aging.The intervertebral disc inevitably undergoes metamorphosis, depending on the contraction of hydrophilic tissue and the decrease in the synthesis of chondroitin sulfate.
- Back injuries are accepted once or become chronic.The last option is typical for professional athletes or people whose activities involve heavy physical activity.
- Microcirculation disorders in the spine.May be complicated by atherosclerosis.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region has many different symptoms.Since all internal organs "rest" on the spine, advanced disease can cause damage to the liver, kidneys, pancreas, heart disease and intestines.Often, osteochondrosis of the chest makes itself felt when there is pain between the ribs, painful sensations during exhalation and inhalation, discomfort when moving the arms, and bending the trunk.
The form of osteochondrosis is most often determined by pain between the ribs, which makes breathing difficult.The pain is stronger at night, with hypothermia, vibration, bending and turning the body.Often such symptoms are caused by heart disease, the difference is that with spinal disease, the pain occurs over a longer period of time, and nitroglycerin does not eliminate it.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 seems unexpected.It most often manifests itself in people who are in a sitting position, bent over for a long time.
It can be noticed when standing up suddenly after sitting for a long time.The pain is so intense - that breathing becomes difficult.Increased muscle tension occurs, which leads to reduced movement in various parts of the spine.
Darsalgia does not have very clear manifestations for 3 weeks.Accompanied by sensations that are more unpleasant than painful.Severe pain can only occur with breath, turns and bends.There may be muscle tension and stiffness in the upper and lower extremities.
Like Dorsago, the pain is worse at night.
To get rid of the pain, you need to walk a little.
It is also possible that symptoms may occur that make it difficult to make a correct diagnosis.With diseases in the upper part of the chest, pain may appear 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 thoracic region, symptoms similar to intestinal pathology occur.
During the study, experts established a relationship between pain and physical activity.Often, the pain appears after lunch, worsens at night, but subsides after a good night's sleep.You can not delay the treatment of this disease, because it can lead to more serious pathologies of other organs and systems.The most dangerous of them is cardiovascular pathology, as well as dystrophic modification of the heart muscle.Thoracic osteochondrosis can cause disorders in the function of the duodenum and intestinal motility disorders.
Diagnostics
The main diagnostic method used to identify the pathology of osteochondrosis is radiographic examination.The following symptoms are characteristic of this pathology:
- degenerative movement;
- spinal canal reduction;
- reduction in the height of the intervertebral disc, the formation of uneven contours;
- bone growth;
- the spine changes its shape significantly.
In some very complex cases, the use of computed tomography is justified.But there is a high risk of radiation exposure during this procedure, and therefore, if there is no urgent need for it, then it is better to refrain from such diagnostics.
Neurologists also conduct several studies to determine possible disorders of the nervous system.Procedures include electroneuromyography and observation of tendon reflexes.Cardiographic observation is carried out to detect the degree of influence of the disease on heart function.Such studies can determine the appearance of ischemic pathology, and it is possible to control blood pressure.
Treatment
After the diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe the following drugs:
- NSAIDs.They are prescribed to relieve pain.
- It is possible to take corticosteroids, but only in cases of severe pain.If the pain does not have sufficient intensity, then its elimination is limited to taking non-steroid drugs.
- Diuretics to relieve swelling.
- Vitamin B is used to stimulate blood circulation.
- Chondroprotectors are prescribed for the regeneration of damaged cartilage.
Ointment for the treatment of this form of osteochondrosis is not as effective as it should be and is more suitable for other types of diseases.For those who do not believe or are not simply supporters of pharmacological treatment, there are several other methods that do not include the use of drugs.These include acupuncture, electrophoresis, laser, cigar, vacuum, manual therapy, traditional massage and cupping.For such treatment to be effective, it is important to contact a specially trained specialist 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 and the thoracic region in particular is a very unpleasant pathology.When the first symptoms appear, it is important to contact a specialist in time so that he can choose the appropriate treatment.Delay can cause the disease to worsen.