Osteochondrosis affecting the chest is often disguised as pathologies of internal organs.It manifests as pain in the heart, shortness of breath, a feeling of lack of air when inhaling and panic attacks.Therefore, the diagnosis of thoracic osteochondrosis is somewhat difficult.After its discovery, conservative treatment is carried out with the help of drugs, physiotherapy and therapeutic exercises.And in case of severe damage to the thoracic discs and vertebrae, surgical intervention is required.
Brief description of the disease
Thoracic osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of the spine.In the initial stage of development, the intervertebral discs are slowly destroyed.They thin, become brittle and radial cracks appear on their surface.To stabilize the thoracic segment affected by osteochondrosis, the bone tissue of the vertebrae grows with the formation of sharp growths - osteophytes.This leads to a sharp limitation of mobility, compression of blood vessels and spinal roots.
Degrees of pathology
The degree of osteochondrosis is a set of symptoms characteristic of a certain radiological stage.The more deformed the discs and vertebrae, the more pronounced the clinical manifestations.The severity of the pathology always determines the tactics of treatment and must be taken into account when choosing drugs and methods of their use.
I degree
X-rays usually show no changes.But the intervertebral disc has already begun to deteriorate due to its inability to retain the moisture needed for tissue repair.Sometimes there is a slight discomfort in the back, which quickly disappears after a short rest.Osteochondrosis of the 1st degree is usually found incidentally during the diagnosis of other diseases.
II degree
The annulus fibrosus becomes loose and fibrous.One of the fissures on the surface of the disc widens and the nucleus pulposus moves there.On radiography, a decrease in the distance between adjacent vertebral bodies due to a decrease in disc height is noted.As a result of the constant compensatory tension of the muscles, the mobility of the chest area is limited and moderate pain appears.
III degree
The integrity of the fibrous ring is broken, so the nucleus pulposus is squeezed out of it.A hernial protrusion is formed - the main cause of severe symptoms and severe complications of thoracic osteochondrosis.Vertebral bodies are deformed, single osteophytes are formed.The pain in the chest area becomes constant, and the range of motion in the spine is greatly reduced.
IV degree
The radiographic images clearly show the proliferation of connective tissue and the formation of numerous osteophytes.Adjacent vertebral bodies are blocked and immobilized.Radicular syndrome develops and discogenic myelopathy often occurs - compression of the spinal cord, which is dangerous due to its irreversible consequences.A person finds it difficult to take care of himself in everyday life and loses the ability to perform professional duties.
Causes of osteochondrosis of the chest
Thoracic osteochondrosis in people over 40-45 years old develops due to the natural aging of the body: slowing down of restorative reactions, reduction of collagen production, which determines the elasticity and strength of ligaments.At a younger age, it appears as a result of increased loads on the spine or against the background of pathologies already present in the body:
- rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, ankylosing spondylitis;
- endocrine and metabolic diseases, for example, diabetes, gout, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism;
- congenital and acquired anomalies, including kyphosis, scoliosis.
Premature destruction of discs can be caused by previous spinal injuries, sedentary lifestyle, lack of vitamins and trace elements in the body.
Characteristic signs and symptoms of the disease
Thoracic osteochondrosis develops gradually without showing itself at first.It is in this move that his danger lies.A person takes mild back pain and discomfort for trivial muscle fatigue after a hard day's work, housework or gardening and does not seek medical attention.Therefore, patients are usually diagnosed with a pathology of 2-3 degrees of severity, which is difficult to treat conservatively.
At the very beginning
During the period of exacerbation, the pathology can manifest itself as pain between the shoulder blades, which occurs when bending or turning the body.Range of motion is reduced and very specific signs of relapse are present.
Chest pain
With osteochondrosis, chest pain first appears.They are not clearly localized and may radiate to the arms, collarbones or ribs.Heart pain is severe or moderate, reminiscent of an attack of angina pectoris, and is not eliminated by nitroglycerin.Sometimes they are similar to the sensations that occur during an exacerbation of cholecystitis or pancreatitis.But unlike lesions of the pancreas or gall bladder, the pain is not accompanied by increased formation of gas, heartburn or bloating.
A feeling of tightness in the chest
Pain between the shoulder blades is sometimes accompanied by a feeling of lack of air when inhaling.A person is expectedly afraid without understanding the reasons for this condition.Doctors recommend not to panic, but to sit down and measure your pulse.If the value obtained does not exceed 100 beats per minute, then the probability of lung or heart failure is extremely low.
Other symptoms
Gradually, the symptoms of osteochondrosis are aggravated by sensitivity disorders.Numbness, tingling and crawling sensations appear.From time to time, conditions similar to panic attacks occur.They are characterized by fear, rapid pulse, excessive sweating and cold sweat.If these symptoms are accompanied by chest pain, then you should take nitroglycerin and call a doctor.A similar set of symptoms may indicate a myocardial infarction.
The spinal roots, located in the chest area, innervate the internal organs.When they are irritated or compressed, the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and liver is disturbed.Peristalsis is disturbed, pain in the epigastrium, heartburn and belching appear.
Signs in the subacute stage
After an exacerbation, a subacute stage of thoracic osteochondrosis occurs.The soreness and breathing problems remain, but they are much less intense.A person is no longer looking for a long comfortable position of the body in which pain is not felt.The duration of the subacute stage is up to two weeks.In compliance with all medical recommendations, remission occurs, which is characterized by the absence of pronounced symptoms.Violation of the regime leads to a new exacerbation of osteochondrosis.
Remission
During the remission stage, slight discomfort may occur with a change in weather or hypothermia.Sharp pain occurs only with osteochondrosis 2-4 degrees of severity due to too sharp a turn or tilting of the body.Exacerbation of chronic pathologies, stress, increased physical activity and prolonged stay in one position of the body can provoke a new relapse.
Principles of disease diagnosis
The neurologist makes a primary diagnosis based on the patient's complaints and history.On external examination, he found points in the chest area which, when pressed, cause pain.Conducting functional tests allows you to assess the integrity of reflexes and identify sensitivity disorders.Of the instrumental methods, radiography is the most informative.But for a detailed study of the spinal segment, CT and MRI can be done.To exclude diseases of the cardiovascular system, patients are prescribed an ECG.
First aid in case of exacerbation
The pain during a relapse of thoracic osteochondrosis can be sharp and piercing, so the person should be given first aid.He should be sedated, placed on a hard surface and covered with a warm blanket.If the relapse is accompanied by a rapid heart rate, shortness of breath or increased anxiety, then you should call a doctor.To relieve the pain between the shoulder blades, you can take any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
How to treat thoracic osteochondrosis
Only an integrated approach to treatment will allow you to get rid of all symptoms of osteochondrosis, slow down or completely stop its spread to healthy discs and vertebrae.For pathology of 1-2 degrees of severity, conservative methods of treatment are used.Osteochondrosis of 3-4 degrees is characterized by the formation of large hernias.To remove compression of blood vessels and spinal roots, surgical treatment may be required.
medicines
Medicines from different clinical and pharmacological groups are used in the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis.In the initial stage, parenteral agents are usually used, which quickly have a therapeutic effect.After a few days, the injection solutions are replaced by safer tablets, ointments and patches.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs have a pronounced analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous effect.Intramuscular administration of solutions allows to relieve acute pain.To eliminate slight discomfort between the shoulder blades, topical products are used.And moderate pain is well treated with oral NSAIDs.
Muscle relaxants
Muscle relaxants are used to relieve muscle spasms that occur in response to severe pain.Most often, the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis begins with intramuscular administration of drugs, which, in addition to the muscle relaxant tolperisone, include an anesthetic.
Chondroprotectors
In the case of pathology of the 1st degree of severity, the course of taking chondroprotectors helps to restore the damaged discs.In other cases, they are prescribed to improve the metabolism in the affected segment of the spine and prevent the progression of the disease.
Vitamin B preparations
Their use helps to increase blood flow, improve the functioning of the peripheral nervous system, restore trophism and innervation.Vitamins of group B have a beneficial effect in degenerative diseases of the nerves and musculoskeletal system.
Physical therapy
With thoracic osteochondrosis of the 1st degree, daily exercise therapy allows you to do without the use of drugs.Recovery occurs by strengthening the muscles and improving the blood supply to the tissues with nutrients.In other cases, exercise and regular training help prevent the involvement of healthy spinal segments in the destructive process and prolong the remission stage.
Complex of standing
In the standing position, the following therapeutic exercises are most therapeutically effective:
- put your palms on your shoulders, lean forward, while raising your bent legs, as if you are trying to reach the opposite knee with your elbow;
- Raise your left hand and lean to the right.Perform the exercise in the opposite direction;
- Place your feet shoulder-width apart and raise your arms.Lean forward, touching your palm to the opposite leg.
The number of repetitions is 10-12 times in 2-3 approaches.
From a lying position
To perform these exercises you will need a gymnastics mat or a thick blanket folded in half:
- lie on your stomach, raise your arms and legs at the same time;
- lying on your back, raise your upper body, stretch your palms to your feet;
- lie on your back, bend one leg, bring it behind the other, trying to touch the surface of the floor with your knee.
Each exercise should be performed 7-10 times.
From a sitting position
When performing such exercises, you should avoid sudden high-amplitude movements, including twisting:
- sitting on the floor, reach forward, trying to touch the opposite leg with your palm;
- sitting on a chair or stool, stretch your arms forward and slowly turn from one side to the other;
- sitting on the floor, grab the knee with your hands and pull it as close to your chest as possible.
During the first lessons, the exercises should be repeated 5-7 times, after about a month - 15-20 times.
Physiotherapy treatment
Magnetic therapy, laser therapy, UHF therapy, sinusoidal currents, shock wave therapy, paraffin and ozokerite applications are used in the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis.During exacerbations, electrophoresis and ultraphonophoresis are performed with glucocorticosteroids, anesthetics, vitamins of group B and chondroprotectors.
massage
Massage performed by a specialist helps to eliminate pain between the shoulder blades and relaxes spasmodic skeletal muscles.
In osteochondrosis, all types of massage are therapeutically effective - classical, vacuum, acupuncture, connective tissue.At home, self-massage can be done comfortably with a wooden or electric massager with a long handle.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a method of treating pathology by installing needles in bioactive points of the human body.They are thin and short, so when the skin is pierced, sometimes only mild discomfort occurs.But even such an effect is sufficient for the body to produce substances with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
food
Nutritionists recommend patients with thoracic osteochondrosis to avoid fatty meats, rich soups, smoked meats, homemade and factory marinades.You need to limit the amount of salt in your diet, which provokes the formation of edema.Every day you should drink about 2.5 liters of liquids - water, vegetable juices, berry drinks, fruit compotes.
People's funds
Neurologists allow after the main therapy to use decoctions and infusions of medicinal plants, ointments, alcohol and oil rubs, compresses.Folk remedies are used to eliminate mild pain between the shoulder blades, sometimes occurring after physical activity.
Celery root
Peel the large celery root, cut into a fine grater, squeeze the juice.Add 100 g of chopped fresh celery.Take 3 tablespoons up to 4 times a day during meals to cleanse the spinal structures of harmful salt deposits.
sunflower root
Pour a teaspoon of dry crushed sunflower roots into a cup of hot water.Bring to a boil, simmer over low heat for 20 minutes, cool covered, strain.Drink during the day in 3-4 doses.
Homemade ointment
Rub a tablespoon of turpentine and thick honey in a mortar, add 2 drops of juniper, rosemary and eucalyptus essential oils.Introduce 100 g of medical petroleum jelly in small portions.Stir, transfer to a jar, store in the refrigerator, rub on the back for pain.
During pregnancy
Many systemic analgesics are contraindicated during pregnancy, so neurologists prefer products for external use - ointments, gels and patches.If you cannot do without pills, then their doses are significantly reduced.During the period of childbirth, the main methods of treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis are massage and therapeutic exercises.
Possible consequences
In the absence of medical intervention, thoracic osteochondrosis can cause pneumosclerosis, arrhythmia, vegetative-vascular dystonia, deterioration of the gastrointestinal tract, and impaired sexual and reproductive function in women and men.
Prevention and prognosis
The prognosis is favorable if the disease is detected in time and competent, comprehensive treatment is carried out.If complications of thoracic osteochondrosis develop, then only compliance with all medical recommendations will allow a stable remission to be achieved.
In order to prevent the pathology, neurologists recommend excluding the factors that provoke it from the usual lifestyle.These are overweight, low physical activity, lack of vitamins and microelements, excessive load on the spine.