Messengers of the disease: symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis

Thoracic osteochondrosisis a degenerative-dystrophic disease of the middle parts of the spine.It occurs much less often than lumbar and even cervical osteochondrosis and accounts for about 10% of all cases of the disease.Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are associated with several characteristics of the spine in the thoracic region: rigid fixation of the vertebrae due to the ribs and skeletal muscles and reduced mobility, a semicircular curve of the ridge in this area and the corresponding load distribution.

The symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis begin with a violation of tissue trophism and dehydration of the intervertebral discs.The lack of nutrients and liquid leads to the fact that the cartilage loses its elasticity, begins to crack and "sags"..This state of affairs is fraught with compression of nerve roots, deterioration 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 appearanceosteophytes- bony growths that damage the paravertebral tissues and lead 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 can occur in agefor 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 working ability.

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

Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis

The feeling of pain in the sternum with thoracic osteochondrosis is a symptom,mistaken by patients for heart pain.Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are characterized by intensification at night.They manifest themselves especially clearly when you try to straighten your back or, on the contrary, hunch over, arch your back into a dome.

The severity of the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis directly depends on the stage of osteochondrosis.At the same time, negative sensations with symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis may be weak (osteophytes often grow on the surfaces of the vertebrae, where there are practically no nerve endings, and the muscle 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 root and reflex symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis:

• feeling of coldness, burning and tingling in the chest, at the base of the neck, in the abdomen;
• muscle tension (difficult to relax the back);
• a feeling of pain in the sternum (a symptom of thoracic osteochondrosis, which appears one of the first);
• increased heart rate, feeling of pulsation in the chest;
• a feeling of "tingling" in the chest, which is often accompanied by causeless anxiety or increases with stress;
• numbness of the soft tissues (skin and muscles) near the spine, in the shoulders, especially noticeable on pressure or on contact with hot and cold surfaces;
• with thoracic osteochondrosis it is difficult to breathe;
• feeling cold in the hands and feet, pale or bluish skin on the hands;
• weakness, inhibition of reflex reactions in the affected area;
• disorders in the functioning of the digestive organs, colic, stool disorder;
• the appearance of areas of the skin with obvious nutritional disorders (flaking, pallor, thinning or, conversely, 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 stooped, unsteady);
• intercostal neuralgia.

Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis can be felt as a stomach or intestinal ulcer, angina pectoris, gastritis or a heart attack.It is sometimes confused with renal or cardiac colic, cholecystitis or pancreatitis.Indeed: advanced thoracic osteochondrosis can cause malfunctions in the gallbladder (for example, the formation of sediments) and intestines and dysfunction of the heart vessels.

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

• 1st-2nd thoracic vertebrae- the pain radiates to the collarbone, armpit and can reach the shoulders;
• 3-6th vertebra- patients are worried about frightening pains above the chest, which are similar to pain in the heart or mammary glands;
• 7-8 vertebrae- pain in the solar plexus that mimics diseases of the 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 line of the lower rib);
• 9-10 vertebrae- here osteochondrosis can cause sharp pain in the abdomen and under the ribs, suppress the mesogastric reflex (when an instrument draws a horizontal line at the level of the navel);
• 11-12 vertebrae- can cause pain in the groin, diseases of the internal genital organs and intestines.Decreases the hypogastric response (by drawing a line in the lower abdomen parallel to the inguinal fold).

Difficulty breathing

During physical activity (for example, climbing several floors of stairs), patients find it difficult to breathe.Severe shortness of breath is observed with thoracic osteochondrosis.Patients often describe this feeling as "breathless".Similar symptoms can be observed during sleep: in an unsuccessful position, patients dream of a lack of air, their ears can be blocked (at the same time, a strong pulsation is heard), strong chest spasms occur.

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

Increased heart rate

Even after a slight effort, which previously went unnoticed, patients complain of an increased pulse, a feeling that the heart is trying to jump out of the chest.Initially, the increased heart rate can be caused by spastic contractions of the muscles and the chest or a violation of tissue trophism, but over time, this dangerous symptom can actually exceed angina pectoris, coronary heart disease and even lead to a heart attack.

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

Chest pain

The most indicative symptom of thoracic osteochondrosis isa feeling of pain 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 intensify after a long stay in one position, hypothermia, turning the body and bending (especially when turning), raising the arms.Carrying heavy objects, exercising, deep breathing and restless sleep can also increase the pain.It should be remembered that due to the low mobility of the chest, osteochondrosis in this part of the back is characterized by dull, painful, pressing and throbbing pain.Acute long-lasting pain in thoracic osteochondrosis is very rare, so patients tend to ignore the pathology for a long time.

Vertebral painIn osteochondrosis of the spine, it is accepted to divide it into dorsago and dorsalgia.Dorsago- these are spontaneous shooting pains that, as a rule, do not last long and disappear when changing the position.Dorsago usually cause accidental root pinching.Dorsalgiaare long-lasting (about 2-3 weeks) and are associated with a permanent disturbance of blood circulation or nerve conduction.They are felt by burning, piercing pain.

The pain intensifies when coughing and can be confused by patients with a spinal hernia.However, in osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, hernia is extremely rare.Don't write off the main symptom(feeling of pain in the sternum with thoracic osteochondrosis)for displacement of vertebrae - 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 duties include prolonged sitting (office workers, operators, drivers).Maintaining this difficult posture for the human spine causes chronic muscle tension, spasms and tightness.spasticityis both a cause and effect of the fact that the cervical and thoracolumbar regions suffer from insufficient movement.At night, in positions that compress the spine, spasms and irritation of the spinal roots only increase, causing a strong cough.If the upper thoracic vertebrae are affected, a cough due to thoracic osteochondrosis may be accompanied by pain in the esophagus, a feeling as if something is stuck in the chest.

During bouts of coughing with thoracic osteochondrosis, it becomes painful for patients to breathe;It becomes difficult to take a deep breath.

Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis and its prevention

Conservative treatment of osteochondrosis of the chest aims to stop or at least slow down degenerative changes, restore normal mobility of the back and eliminate symptoms that cause discomfort to the patient.

Therapeutic treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis includes the simultaneous use of:

• medicines(chondroprotectors, neuroprotectors, muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics);
• methods of physiotherapeutic complex;
• therapeutic exercises;
• orthopedic regimen.

Patients are also advised to change their diet and lifestyle.

In case of severe irreversible changes in the intervertebral jointsin which pain and nerve conduction disturbances are not relieved by drugs,patients are recommended surgery.It helps stop the death of nerve tissue and prevent life-threatening or debilitating consequences of thoracic osteochondrosis.Depending on the situation, complete 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 chest are to reduce pain and inflammation, relieve spasms, strengthen the muscle corset, restore the function of nerve roots and normal blood circulation.

To alleviate 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.It promotes the biological activation of regenerative processes.It helps to eliminate the consequences of trophic disorders and relieve inflammation.
• Drug electrophoresis.It allows you to restore tissue nutrition and relieve inflammation - the effect of the procedure depends on the drugs used.
• Medicinal phonophoresis.It ensures deep penetration of the active ingredients of the drugs into the soft tissues.
• Therapeutic massage.It helps to relax the muscles, remove tension and improve the supply of nutrients to the tissues of the spine.In the early stages, it eliminates the main symptom of thoracic osteochondrosis - the feeling of pain in the sternum - in a few sessions.
• Acupuncture.Stimulating muscles and nerve endings helps relieve pain, restore sensitivity and eliminate swelling.
• Ultra high frequency therapy.It increases the permeability of the capillary walls, improves blood flow and ensures the influx of protective cells at the site of inflammation.
• Shock wave therapy.It starts the processes of restoration of bone and cartilage tissue, prevents the deposition of calcium salts on the spinal surfaces.
• Balneotherapy.As a rule, mud and ozokerite applications are used, less often paraffin applications.Radon and hot tubs are also recommended to patients.They help to improve the metabolism and restore the sensitivity of the affected tissues.
• Amplipulse therapy.It has a neurostimulating, analgesic and trophic effect, activates metabolic processes, facilitates breathing.
• Kinesitherapy(Exercise, massage, traction therapy, kinesio tape).It allows you to strengthen the ligaments and skeletal muscles, restore the mobility of the back and eliminate even permanent spasticity.It prevents the formation of osteophytes and narrowing of the channels 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 therapy and massage

Therapeutic exercises and massage help to strengthen the back muscles and relieve tension on the spine.With daily sessions, they help to achieve a stable remission without drugs, increase the range of motion and eliminate the neurological manifestations of the disease.These treatment methods also prevent the complications of osteochondrosis..For example, congestion in the lungs (with thoracic osteochondrosis it is difficult to breathe deeply), due to which 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 the intervertebral discs.The optimal frequency and duration of gymnastics classes is determined by the PE instructor.as a rule,3-4 exercises of 10-15 minutes a day are enough.

Exercises recommended for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis include the following:

1. Stand straight, legs together, arms at your sides.As you exhale, raise your arms up and bend back, then inhale deeply.Lower your hands and lean forward, slightly arching your back in the shape of a dome (to do this, lower your head and shoulders while exhaling).
2. Sit in a chair and while inhaling, 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, bend your back with a crampon.
4. Lie on the floor on your stomach, put your palms on the floor and, lifting yourself up on your hands, try to move your head as far back as possible, lifting your chest off the floor.
5. Lie on your stomach and stretch your arms out to your sides.Perform the yoke exercise, trying to raise your head and legs at the same time.
6. Sit on the floor and stretch your legs out in front of you.Extend the fingers of your right hand to the toes 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, fix your fingers on the door frame and try to stretch your back as much as possible).

Side bends while raising your arm will also help.All exercises must be done8 to 10 times.

For the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis, various massage techniques are used, includingacupressure and vacuum massage.For self-massage at home, patients are recommended the following movements:

• stroking the cervical collar, scapula and axillary areas;
• pinching with thumb and forefinger(engagement of skin and soft tissues);
• trituration;
• kneading(must be done with extreme care; it is advisable to entrust this technique to a specialist).

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

Drug treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis

The following groups of drugs are used to treat the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)- help relieve pain, soothe inflammation and dissipate 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- to eliminate acute and chronic neurological pain.It is used in cases where NSAIDs show 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 trophicity.
• Correctors of blood circulation- strengthening the walls of blood vessels and improving blood circulation in the small capillaries that nourish the periosteum and other structural elements of the spinal joints.Reducing discomfort and reducing the risk of complications.
• Neuroprotectors- to preserve and restore sensitivity in case of compression of nerve roots and relief of 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 the tissues affected by the degenerative process, in the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis, the following are used:

• chondroprotectors- basic bioactive substances that trigger the regeneration processes of cartilage and bone tissue.It serves to prevent the growth of osteophytes and narrowing of the spinal canal.They help the weakened body to develop stable and resistant cartilage cells.Taking chondroprotectors significantly improves the shock-absorbing properties of the 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 relieve swelling and relieve pinched nerves and blood vessels.

Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis

To prevent 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, abdomen and shoulder complex.
2. When working in a sedentary position, arrange your workstation properly and perform a physical warm-up when 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 with a seemingly insignificant bruise.You should not cause other diseases of the musculoskeletal system - especially in the joints of the lower limbs.
4. If possible, unload the spine during the day (to do this, just lie on the floor for 40 minutes).
5. Beware of hypothermia and stress.
6. Take chondroprotectors for joint protection 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 needs 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 the form of tablets.
8. Sports activities that involve jumping from high places or lifting heavy weights should be limited.
9. It is recommended to sleep on a semi-hard bed, and for prolonged sitting choose hard furniture.This helps to maintain muscle tone and relieve stress on the spine.If possible, you should purchase an orthopedic mattress and shoe insoles.
10. Do not lift loads weighing more than 10 kg.The load should be distributed evenly, with muscle tension and without transfer to one side.If necessary, use a special sports corset.It is not desirable to hold loads in outstretched hands for a long time.
11. Women should avoid wearing high heels.The optimal height of the current is 2-4 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 significantly slow down pathological changes.

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

May chest pain never bother you!