Messengers of the disease: symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis

Thoracic osteochondrosisis a degenerative dystrophic disease in the middle parts 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.Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are associated with several features of the spine in the thoracic region: rigid fixation of the vertebrae due to ribs and skeletal muscles and reduced mobility, semicircular curvature of the ridge in this region and 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 “give in”.This state of affairs is fraught with compression of the nerve roots, deterioration of the sensitivity and functioning of internal organs, as well as severe pain.Often the destruction of vertebrae in the thoracic region is accompanied by the appearanceosteophytes- bony protuberances that damage 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 may occur atfrom 25 years old;approximately 70% of the total number of patients are women aged between 35 and 55 years.Given that the disease begins long before retirement age,can lead to limitations and even loss of work capacity.

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.Therefore it is very importantMonitor your thoracic osteochondrosis symptoms in a timely manner- and today we're going to tell you which ones.

Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis

The feeling of pain in the sternum in thoracic osteochondrosis is a symptom,confused by patients with heart pain.Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are characterized by intensification at night.They manifest themselves especially clearly when trying to straighten the back or, on the contrary, slouching, arching the back in a dome shape.

The severity of symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis directly depends on the stage of osteochondrosis disease.At the same time, negative sensations with symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis can manifest themselves in a weak form (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 symptoms and reflexes of thoracic osteochondrosis:

• feeling 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 (symptom of thoracic osteochondrosis, which is one of the first to appear);
• increased heart rate, sensation of pulsing in the chest;
• a feeling of “pins and needles” inside the chest, which is often accompanied by causeless anxiety or increases with stress;
• numbness of soft tissues (skin and muscles) close to 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 in 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 the skin with obvious nutritional disorders (peeling, 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 (often hunched over, unstable);
• intercostal neuralgia.

Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis may look like a stomach or intestinal ulcer, angina pectoris, gastritis, or a heart attack.It is sometimes confused with renal or cardiac colic, cholecystitis or pancreatitis.In fact: advanced thoracic osteochondrosis can cause dysfunction in the gallbladder (e.g. sediment formation) 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 vertebrae- patients are bothered by pain in the waist above the chest, which are similar to pain in the heart or mammary glands;
• 7-8th vertebrae- pain in the solar plexus, which imitates diseases of 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);
• 9th to 10th vertebrae- here osteochondrosis can cause sharp pains in the abdomen and under the ribs, inhibit the mesogastric reflex (when a tool draws a horizontal line at the level of the navel);
• 11-12th vertebrae- pain in the groin, diseases of the internal genital organs and intestines can begin.Reduces the hypogastric response (by drawing a line across the lower abdomen parallel to the inguinal fold).

Difficulty breathing

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

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

Increased heart rate

Even after small efforts, which previously went unnoticed, patients complain of an increase in heart rate, feeling as if the heart is trying to jump out of the chest.At first, an increased heart rate can be caused by spastic contractions of muscles and chest or a violation of tissue trophism, but over time, this dangerous symptom can actually overcome angina pectoris, coronary heart disease and even lead to a heart attack.

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

Chest pain

The most revealing symptom of thoracic osteochondrosis isfeeling of pain in the sternum.These include sharp 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 the same position, hypothermia, turning the body and bending (especially with turning), lifting 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 throbbing pain.Prolonged acute pain in thoracic osteochondrosis is very rare, which is why patients tend to ignore the pathology for a long time.

Spinal painIn osteochondrosis of the spine, it is usually divided into back and back pain.Dorsago- these are spontaneous sharp pains, which, as a rule, do not last long and disappear with a change in position.Dorsago they often cause accidental root pinching.back painThey are long-lasting (about 2 to 3 weeks) and are associated with permanent interruption of blood circulation or nerve conduction.They make themselves felt by burning and stinging pain.

The pain intensifies when coughing and may be mistaken by patients for a spinal hernia.However, with osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, hernias are extremely rare.Don't dismiss the main symptom(sensation of pain in the sternum with thoracic osteochondrosis)for vertebral dislocation - their 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 functions involve prolonged sitting (office workers, operators, drivers).Maintaining this posture, which is difficult for the human spine, causes chronic muscle tension, spasms and stiffness.SpasticityIt is both a cause and a consequence of the fact that the cervical region and chest area suffer from insufficient movement.At night, in positions that compress the spine, spasms and irritation of the spinal roots only intensify, causing intense coughing.If the upper thoracic vertebrae are affected, the cough caused by 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, 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 in the thoracic spine is aimed at stopping or at least slowing down degenerative changes, restoring normal back mobility and eliminating symptoms that cause discomfort to the patient.

Therapeutic treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis involves the simultaneous use of:

• medication(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 serious and irreversible changes in the intervertebral jointsin which pain and nerve conduction disturbances are not relieved by medication,surgery is recommended for patients.Helps prevent the death of nerve tissue and prevent potentially fatal 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 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.Promotes the biological activation of regenerative processes.Helps 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 medications used.
• Medicinal phonophoresis.Ensures deep penetration of the active ingredients of medicines into soft tissues.
• Therapeutic massage.It helps to relax muscles, eliminate tension and improve the supply of nutrients to spinal tissues.In the initial 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.Increases the permeability of capillary walls, improves blood flow and ensures the flow of protective cells at the site of inflammation.
• Shock wave therapy.Starts 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 for patients.They help improve metabolism and restore sensitivity in affected tissues.
• Amplipulse Therapy.It has a neurostimulating, analgesic and trophic effect, activates metabolic processes and facilitates breathing.
• Kinesiotherapy(physiotherapy, massage, traction therapy, kinesio taping).It allows you to strengthen ligaments and skeletal muscles, restore back mobility and even eliminate persistent spasticity.Prevents the formation of osteophytes and the narrowing of the canals where the spinal roots are located.

In addition to physiotherapy sessions, for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis, patients can be recommended an orthopedic corset, which allows you to relieve the load on the spine.

Exercise therapy and massage

Therapeutic exercises and massages help strengthen the back muscles and relieve stress on 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, pulmonary congestion (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 to relieve compression of nerve roots, improve blood circulation and nutrition of intervertebral discs.The ideal frequency and duration of exercise classes are determined by the physical therapy instructor.As a rule,3-4 exercises of 10-15 minutes a day are enough.

Exercises recommended for treating thoracic osteochondrosis include the following:

1. Stand with your feet together and your hands at your sides.As you exhale, raise your arms and bend them 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, bend your back with a crampon.
4. Lying face down on the floor, place your palms on the floor and, supporting yourself with your arms, try to move your head as far back as possible, lifting your chest off the floor.
5. Lie on your stomach and extend your arms at your sides.Perform the “yoke” exercise, trying to simultaneously raise your head and legs.
6. Sit on the floor and stretch your legs in front of you.Reach 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. Hang from the horizontal bar (or, in the absence of a horizontal bar, hook your fingers against the door frame and try to stretch your back as much as possible).

Bending to the side while raising your arm will also be helpful.All exercises must be done8 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 to perform the following movements:

• stroking the cervical collar, scapular and axillary areas;
• pressing with the thumb and index finger(grasping skin and soft tissues);
• crushing;
• knead(it must be carried out 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.

Drug treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis

To treat the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis, the following groups of medications 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- to eliminate acute and chronic neurological pain.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 Brokers- 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.Reduce discomfort and reduce the risk of complications.
• Neuroprotectors- to preserve and restore sensitivity during compression of nerve roots and alleviate neurological symptoms.This group also includes cholinesterase inhibitors, which improve the transmission of nerve impulses and help restore normal muscle tone.

For 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 narrowing of the spinal canal.They help a weakened body to develop stable and resistant cartilage cells.The use of chondroprotectors significantly improves the shock-absorbing 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 unbearable 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 pinched nerves and blood vessels.

Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis

To prevent the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis, you must:

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 sedentary, properly organize your workplace and do a physical warm-up whenever your back and neck start to feel stiff (the ideal is to bend to the sides, stretch and rotate your shoulders every 2 hours).
3. Avoid back injuries and immediately seek help from an orthopedic traumatologist, even in the case of a seemingly insignificant bruise.It should not trigger other diseases of the musculoskeletal system - especially in the joints of the lower extremities.
4. If possible, unload your spine during the day (to do this, just lie on the floor for 40 minutes).
5. Protect yourself from hypothermia and stress.
6. Take chondroprotectors to protect your joints for at least 3 months a year.Regardless of the strength of the muscular 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-carb diet, you should eat a diet rich in vitamins and minerals.In spring and autumn, they can be taken as tablets.
8. Sports activities that involve jumping from heights or lifting heavy weights should be limited.
9. It is advisable to sleep on a semi-rigid bed and, to sit for a long time, choose hard furniture.This helps maintain muscle tone and relieve stress on the spine.If possible, you should purchase an orthopedic mattress and insoles.
10. Do not lift loads weighing more than 10 kg.The load must be distributed evenly, with muscular tension and without transfer 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-heeled shoes.The ideal 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 preventing thoracic osteochondrosis is consistent adherence to healthy habits.

Let chest pain never bother you!