Disease messengers: symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis.

Thoracic osteochondrosisIt is a degenerative-dystrophic disease in the middle part of the spine.It occurs much less frequently than lumbar and even 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 reduced mobility, a semicircular curvature of the ridge in this region and the corresponding distribution of the load.

Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis begin with a violation of tissue trophism and dehydration of the intervertebral discs.The lack of nutrients and fluids causes the cartilage to lose its elasticity, begin to crack and "sink.".This situation is fraught with compression of the nerve roots, impairment of sensitivity and functioning of internal organs, as well as severe pain.Often, the destruction of the vertebrae in the thoracic region is accompanied by the appearance.osteophytes- bone growths that damage paravertebral tissues and cause chronic inflammation.

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

Unlike other types of osteochondrosis, thoracic osteochondrosis may not manifest itself for a long time or disguise itself as other pathologies, which is why it is called a chameleon disease.It is also the most difficult to treat.That is why it is very importantMonitor your thoracic osteochondrosis symptoms in a timely manner- and today we tell you which ones.

Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis.

The feeling of pain in the sternum with thoracic osteochondrosis is a symptom,Patients confuse it with heart pain..The symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are characterized by nocturnal intensification.They manifest themselves especially clearly when trying to straighten the back or, on the contrary, slouch, arch the back, forming a dome.

The severity of the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis directly depends on the stage of the osteochondrosis disease.At the same time, negative sensations with symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis may manifest themselves weakly (osteophytes often grow on the surfaces of the vertebrae, where there are practically no nerve endings, and the muscular corset compensates for the load for some time).

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

• sensation of cold, burning and tingling in the chest, at the base of the neck, in the abdomen;
• muscle tension (difficulty relaxing your back);
• feeling of pain in the sternum (a symptom of thoracic osteochondrosis, which is one of the first to appear);
• increased heart rate, throbbing sensation in the chest;
• a “tingling” sensation inside the chest, which is often accompanied by causeless anxiety or increases with stress;
• 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;
• feeling of cold in the hands and feet, pale or bluish skin on the hands;
• weakness, inhibition of reflex reactions in the affected area;
• disturbances in the functioning of the digestive organs, colic, stool disorders;
• the appearance of areas of skin with obvious nutritional disorders (desquamation, paleness, thinning or, on the contrary, thickening of the skin);
• feeling of a lump in the chest, discomfort when swallowing large pieces of food;
• characteristic cough with thoracic osteochondrosis;
• digestive symptoms (dyspepsia, loss of appetite, nausea, heartburn, bloating);
• increased fatigue, feeling very tired in the morning ("broken" state);
• change in gait (usually slouching, instability);
• intercostal neuralgia.

Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis may look like a stomach or intestinal ulcer, angina, gastritis, or a heart attack.It is sometimes confused with renal or cardiac colic, cholecystitis or pancreatitis.In fact: advanced thoracic osteochondrosis can lead to dysfunctions in the gallbladder (for example, sludge formation) and intestines, as well as dysfunction of the vessels of the heart.

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

• 1st-2nd thoracic vertebra- the pain radiates to the clavicle, armpit and can reach the shoulders;
• 3-6 vertebrae- patients are bothered by pain in the waist above the chest, which is similar to pain in the heart or mammary glands;
• 7-8 vertebrae- pain in the solar plexus, which imitates diseases of the internal organs (stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas).There is also inhibition of the epigastric reflex (contraction of the abdominal muscles when passing the instrument along the lower rib line);
• 9-10 vertebrae- here osteochondrosis can cause acute pain in the abdomen and under the ribs, inhibit the mesogastric reflex (when an instrument draws a horizontal line at the level of the navel);
• 11-12 vertebrae- can start pain in the groin, diseases of the internal genital organs and intestines.Reduces the hypogastric response (drawing a line in the lower abdomen parallel to the inguinal fold).

difficulty breathing

During physical activity (for example, climbing a couple of flights of stairs), patients have difficulty breathing.With thoracic osteochondrosis, severe shortness of breath is observed.Patients often describe this sensation as "breathless."Similar symptoms can be observed during sleep: in an incorrect position, patients dream of shortness of breath, their ears may become clogged (at the same time a strong pulsation can be heard), and severe spasms occur in the chest.

Often the feeling of shortness of breath with thoracic osteochondrosis is accompanied by girdle pain in the back and ribs, as well as subcostal pain.

Increased heart rate

Even after light exertion, which previously went unnoticed, patients complain of an increased heart rate and feel as if the heart is trying to burst out of the chest.At first, the increased heart rate can be caused by spastic contractions of the muscles and chest or a violation of tissue trophism, but over time, this dangerous symptom can overtake angina, coronary heart disease and even provoke a heart attack.

In addition to the increased heart rate, patients often notice a feeling 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

The most telling symptom of thoracic osteochondrosis isfeeling of pain in the sternum.These include sharp stabbing pains and a feeling of pressure in the chest, as well as intercostal pain when walking.Chest pain tends to intensify after a long stay in one position, hypothermia, turning the body and bending (especially when twisting), raising the arms.Carrying heavy objects, playing sports, breathing deeply, and sleeping still can also increase pain.It should be remembered that due to the low mobility of the thoracic spine, osteochondrosis in this part of the back is characterized by dull, aching, pressing and stabbing pains.Prolonged acute pain in thoracic osteochondrosis is very rare, so patients tend to ignore the pathology for a long time..

spinal painIn osteochondrosis of the spine, it is customary to divide into back pain and back pain.Dorsago- These are spontaneous shooting pains that, as a rule, do not last long and disappear when changing position.Dorsago They generally cause accidental pinching of the roots.Back painThey are long-lasting (about 2 to 3 weeks) and are associated with permanent interruption of blood circulation or nerve conduction.They are felt through burning and stinging pain.

The pain intensifies when coughing and patients may mistake it for a spinal hernia.However, with osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, hernias are extremely rare.Don't rule out the main symptom(painful sensation in the sternum with thoracic osteochondrosis)for vertebral displacement - its probability is extremely 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 tightness.spasticityIt is both a cause and a consequence of the fact that the cervical and thoracic area suffers from insufficient movement.At night, in positions that compress the spine, the spasms and irritation of the roots of the spine only intensify, causing a severe cough.If the upper thoracic vertebrae are affected, cough due to thoracic osteochondrosis may be accompanied by pain in the esophagus, a feeling as if something is stuck in the chest.

During coughing attacks with thoracic osteochondrosis, patients find it painful to breathe;It becomes difficult to breathe deeply.

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 mobility of the back and eliminating symptoms that cause discomfort to the patient.

Therapeutic treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis involves the simultaneous use of:

• medications(chondroprotectors, neuroprotectors, muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatories, analgesics);
• physiotherapeutic complex methods;
• therapeutic exercises;
• orthopedic regimen.

Patients are also advised to change their diet and lifestyle.

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

Physiotherapy

The goals of physiotherapy for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region are to reduce pain and inflammation, relieve spasms, strengthen the muscle corset, restore the function of nerve roots 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.Improves metabolic processes in tissues and relieves swelling.
• laser therapy.Promotes the biological activation of regenerative processes.It helps eliminate the consequences 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 medications used.
• Medicinal phonophoresis.It ensures deep penetration of the active ingredients of medicines into the soft tissues.
• therapeutic massage.It helps relax muscles, eliminate tension and improve the supply of nutrients to the spinal tissues.In the early stages, it eliminates the main symptom of thoracic osteochondrosis - the 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.
• Ultra high frequency therapy.It increases the permeability of capillary walls, improves blood flow and ensures the flow of protective cells to the site of inflammation.
• Shock wave therapy.It initiates the processes of restoration of bone and cartilage tissue, prevents the deposition of calcium salts on the vertebral surfaces.
• Balneotherapy.As a rule, mud and ozokerite applications are used, less often paraffin.Radon baths and hydromassage are also recommended to patients.They help improve metabolism and restore sensitivity in affected tissues.
• Amplipulsotherapy.It has a neurostimulant, analgesic and trophic effect, activates metabolic processes and facilitates breathing.
• Kinesitherapy(physiotherapy, massages, traction therapy, kinesio taping).It allows you to strengthen ligaments and skeletal muscles, restore mobility in the back and eliminate even persistent spasticity.Prevents the formation of osteophytes and the narrowing of the canals in which the spinal roots are located.

In addition to physiotherapy 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 exercises and massages help strengthen back muscles and relieve tension in the spine.With daily sessions, they help achieve stable drug-free remission, increase range of motion and eliminate neurological manifestations of the disease.These treatment methods also prevent complications of osteochondrosis..For example, congestion in the lungs (with thoracic osteochondrosis it is difficult to breathe deeply), so patients are susceptible to pneumonia, as well as coronary heart disease.

Dosed physical activity helps relieve compression of nerve roots, improves blood circulation and nutrition of intervertebral discs.The optimal frequency and duration of gymnastics classes is determined by the physical therapy instructor.As a rule,3-4 exercises for 10-15 minutes a day are enough.

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

1. Stand straight, feet together and hands at your sides.As you exhale, raise your arms and lean back, then inhale deeply.Lower your arms and lean forward, slightly arching your back into a dome shape (to do this, lower your head and shoulders as you exhale).
2. Sit in a chair and, as you inhale, place your hands behind your head.Lean back and rest your shoulder blades on the back of the chair, exhaling.
3. Get on all fours and arch your back.After holding the position for 3 seconds, flex your back with a crampon.
4. Lying on the floor face down, place your palms on the floor and, rising on your arms, try to move your head as far back as possible, lifting your chest off the floor.
5. Lie face down and extend your arms to your sides.Perform the “yoke” exercise, trying to simultaneously lift your head and legs.
6. Sit on the floor and stretch your legs in front of you.Bring the fingers of your right hand to the tip of your left foot and vice versa.
7. Do a plank exercise (about 30 seconds).
8. Perform hangs on the horizontal bar (or, in the absence of a horizontal bar, secure your fingers in the door frame and try to stretch your back as much as possible).

It will also help to lean to one side while raising your arm.All exercises must be performed.8 to 10 times.

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

• caress the cervical-collar, scapular and axillary areas;
• squeezing with thumb and index finger(grabbing skin and soft tissues);
• trituration;
• kneading(This must be done very carefully; it is advisable to entrust this technique to a specialist).

Massage should not be performed during exacerbations of the disease or during severe inflammation.

Pharmacological treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis.

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

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)- helps relieve pain, calm inflammation and disperse swelling.They can be used both systemically (in the form of tablets, capsules and injections) and locally (in the form of ointments, gels, creams, compresses and solutions for medicinal electrophoresis).
• Hormonal drugs- eliminate acute and chronic neurological pain.It is used in cases where NSAIDs demonstrate insufficient effectiveness.
• muscle relaxants- prescribed to reduce muscle tone and eliminate spasms of skeletal muscles.This helps relieve pain and has a positive effect on tissue trophism.
• Circulation correctors- strengthen the walls of blood vessels and improve 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- preserve and restore sensitivity during compression of nerve roots 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 structural restoration of tissues affected by the degenerative process, the following are used in the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis:

• chondroprotectors- essential bioactive substances that trigger the regeneration processes of cartilage and bone tissue.It serves to prevent the growth of osteophytes and the narrowing of the spinal canal.They help a weakened body develop stable and resistant cartilage cells.Reception of chondroprotectors significantly improves the shock absorption properties of intervertebral discs, making them more elastic and resistant to damage;
• vitamin complexes- contribute to the normalization of metabolic processes and prevent excess oxidation in tissues.

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

Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis.

To prevent the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis, you should:

1. Take care to maintain a healthy posture.This is facilitated by walking, swimming and therapeutic exercises to strengthen the muscles of the back, chest, abdominals and shoulders.
2. When working sedentarily, properly organize your workplace and perform a physical warm-up every time your back and neck begin to stiffen (ideally, lean to the sides, stretch and rotate your shoulders every 2 hours).
3. Avoid back injuries and quickly seek help from an orthopedic traumatologist, even in the case of a seemingly insignificant hematoma.Other diseases of the musculoskeletal system, especially in the joints of the lower extremities, should not be triggered.
4. If possible, unload your spine during the day (to do this, simply 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 not anatomically adapted to vertical loads and therefore requires additional support.
7. Adjust the weight if you are overweight.In addition to maintaining a low carbohydrate diet, you should eat a diet rich in vitamins and minerals.In spring and autumn they can be taken in tablet form.
8. Sports activities that involve jumping from heights or lifting heavy weights should be limited.
9. It is advisable to sleep in a semi-rigid bed and, if sitting for a long time, choose hard furniture.This helps maintain muscle tone and relieve tension in the spine.If possible, it is advisable to purchase an orthopedic mattress and shoe inserts.
10. Do not lift loads weighing more than 10 kg.The load must be distributed evenly, with muscle tension and without transferring to one side.If necessary, use a special sports corset.It is undesirable to hold loads with outstretched arms for a long time.
11. Women should avoid wearing high heels.The optimal heel height is 2 to 4 cm.

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

And remember: the main thing in the prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis is constant compliance with healthy habits.

May chest pain never bother you!