Osteochondrosis of the chest is a common disease that manifests itself with various symptoms and affects professional activity.Clinical signs of the disease are associated with dystrophic changes in the thoracic vertebrae, intervertebral discs and ligaments.The disease is often combined with cervical chondrosis and without treatment reduces the quality of life.
Causes of thoracic osteochondrosis
The causes are related to metabolic disorders, vascular, endocrine diseases and congenital pathologies.Disorders negatively affect the nutrition of the intervertebral discs, disrupt their structure and normal functioning.The resulting disorder in the discs leads to the growth of cartilage tissue of the vertebrae, changes in the ligaments and joints.The spine ceases to function normally during flexion, extension, and other movements, resulting in compression of the spinal cord, blood vessels, and nerve endings.
The following conditions can provoke the appearance of osteochondrosis:
- Incorrect posture, lateral curvature of the spine;
- Back injuries;
- Lack of physical activity;
- Heredity;
- Bad habits;
- Nervous, physical tension, stress;
- Overloading of the back and spine when wearing high-heeled shoes, during pregnancy, flat feet;
- Physically hard work.
Osteochondrosis of the cervico-thoracic spine occurs due to hypothermia, prolonged exposure to a forced uncomfortable position and infectious diseases.The disease is often registered in areas with poor ecology and unfavorable climatic conditions.
The intervertebral discs of the thoracic vertebrae are equally adversely affected by a sedentary lifestyle and physical activity, which increases the likelihood of injury.The shock-absorbing ability of the discs is lost;they do not prevent the vertebrae from contacting each other.The result is the growth of cartilaginous tissue, complete degeneration of the discs.
Aggravation of the disease is observed in case of non-compliance with the regime of work and rest, colds and nervous overstrain.Preventive treatment twice a year reduces the likelihood of exacerbations.
General osteochondrosis of the chest is often masked under other diseases.To make an accurate diagnosis, it is worth conducting additional research.
Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic vertebrae is disguised under other diseases - angina pectoris, gastritis, neuralgia, pancreatitis.As a result of disorders in the functioning of the thoracic vertebrae, the nerve endings going to these organs are compressed, which affects the appearance of pain in them.If pain appears in these organs, it is worth conducting a full examination;the correct diagnosis will help to cure the disease.
Osteochondrosis manifests itself in the following symptoms:
- Severe pain in the back - between the shoulder blades, in the thoracic region of the spine;
- Exhalation and inhalation are accompanied by pain;
- Heart pain: pressure, pain, squeezing;
- Numbness of body parts;
- Pain when bending over or doing physical work.
The difference between pain in osteochondrosis and angina is that the pain in heart disease is diffuse, while in osteochondrosis it is point.Images of the chest, ultrasound of internal organs and EKG will help to distinguish diseases during diagnosis.Signs of osteochondrosis of the chest resemble diseases of the pancreas, liver and lungs.If pain appears in them, you should consult a neurologist who will determine the presence or absence of osteochondrosis.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the chest requires complex drug therapy, lifestyle changes and special exercises.In the acute phase of the disease, bed rest is prescribed for several days with limited movement.Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used as drugs.Medicines have a moderate analgesic effect.To reduce pain, injectable and tablet analgesics are used, sometimes novocaine blockades are indicated.
It is possible to relieve muscle tension, numbness and soreness with the help of medicated anti-inflammatory ointments.During the recovery period, a properly conducted course of massage is important, which relaxes the muscles, improves blood supply to the spinal cord, spine and internal organs.
Gymnastics is indicated in the inter-attack period - it restores the mobility of the vertebrae, helps to improve the functioning of the ligaments.The neurologist will recommend a course of individual sessions, focusing on the symptoms of the disease, the stage of destruction of the vertebrae, age and the presence of other diseases.It is important, when performing gymnastics, not to cause additional damage to the spine.
Exercises are performed daily under welfare control.After eliminating the signs of the disease, it is important to remember that it can return.Therefore, a balanced diet, the absence of bad habits and moderate physical activity should become the norm of life.