Osteochondrosis, which affects the thoracic spine, is often disguised as a pathology of the internal organs. It manifests itself in heart pain, shortness of breath, a feeling of lack of air when breathing in, and panic attacks. Therefore, diagnosing thoracic osteochondrosis is somewhat difficult. After detection, conservative treatment with medication, physiotherapy and exercise therapy is carried out. Surgical intervention is required if there is severe damage to the thoracic discs and vertebrae.
Brief description of the disease
Thoracic osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of the spine. In the early stages of its development, the intervertebral discs are slowly destroyed. They become thin, brittle, and radial cracks appear on their surface. To stabilize the breast segment affected by osteochondrosis, the bone tissue of the vertebrae grows with the formation of acute growths - osteophytes. This becomes the reason for severe limitation in mobility, compression of blood vessels and spinal roots.
Pathology levels
The degree of osteochondrosis is a set of symptoms that are characteristic of a certain X-ray stage. The more the intervertebral discs and vertebrae are deformed, the more pronounced the clinical manifestations. The severity of the pathology always determines the tactics of treatment, it must be taken into account when choosing drugs and methods of their use.
I degree
X-rays usually show no changes. However, the intervertebral disc has already started to collapse because the moisture required to restore its tissues cannot be stored. Sometimes there is a slight discomfort in the back that quickly disappears after a short break. Grade 1 osteochondrosis is usually discovered by accident when diagnosing other diseases.
II degree
The fiber ring becomes loose, fibrous. One of the cracks on the surface of the disc increases, the nucleus pulposus extends there. X-rays show a decrease in the distance between adjacent vertebral bodies due to a decrease in the height of the intervertebral disc. As a result of constant compensatory muscle tension, the mobility of the chest region is restricted and moderate pain sensations occur.
III degree
The integrity of the annulus fibrosus is violated, so that the nucleus pulposus is pushed out. A protrusion of the hernia forms - the main cause of severe symptoms and severe complications of breast osteochondrosis. The vertebral bodies are deformed and individual osteophytes are formed. The pain in the chest area becomes constant, the range of motion in the spine is significantly reduced.
IV grade
X-rays clearly show the growth of connective tissue, the formation of several osteophytes. The adjacent vertebral bodies are blocked, immobilized. Radicular syndrome develops, discogenic myelopathy often occurs - compression of the spinal cord, dangerous for its irreversible consequences. A person hardly serves himself in everyday life, loses the ability to fulfill professional duties.
Causes of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
Thoracic osteochondrosis in people over 40-45 years of age develops due to the natural aging of the body: slowing down of recovery reactions, decrease in collagen production, which causes elasticity and strength of the ligaments. At a younger age, it occurs as a result of increased load 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 mellitus, gout, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism;
- congenital and acquired abnormalities, including kyphosis, scoliosis.
Previous injuries to the spine, a sedentary lifestyle and a lack of vitamins and microelements in the body can lead to premature destruction of the intervertebral disc.
Characteristic signs and symptoms of the disease
The osteochondrosis of the chest cavity develops gradually, initially without showing itself. In this course lies its danger. A person has mild back pain and discomfort from mundane muscle fatigue after a hard day's work, housework, or gardening and does not seek medical help. 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 that occurs when bending and twisting the body. The range of motion is reduced and there are many specific signs of relapse.
chest pain
With osteochondrosis, chest pain occurs first. They are not clearly localized, they can be given to the hands, collarbone and ribs. The pain in the heart is severe or moderate, is similar to an attack of angina pectoris, and taking nitroglycerin does not go away. Sometimes they resemble the sensations that occur during the exacerbation of cholecystitis, pancreatitis. In contrast to lesions of the pancreas or gallbladder, pain is not associated with increased gas formation, heartburn and flatulence.
constriction in the chest
Pain between the shoulder blades is sometimes accompanied by a feeling of lack of air when inhaling. As expected, a person is afraid and does not understand the reasons for this condition. Doctors recommend not to panic, but to sit down and take your pulse. If the value obtained does not exceed 100 beats per minute, the likelihood of disturbance of the lungs or heart is extremely small.
Other symptoms
Gradually, symptoms of osteochondrosis are made worse by a sensitivity disorder. There are feelings of numbness, tingling, crawling. From time to time, conditions similar to panic attacks arise. They are characterized by anxiety, increased heart rate, excessive sweating, and cold sweats. If these symptoms are accompanied by chest pain, it is necessary to take nitroglycerin and consult a doctor. A similar set of symptoms can indicate myocardial infarction.
The roots of the spine in the chest area innervate the internal organs. When irritated or compressed, the work of the gastrointestinal tract and liver is disrupted. The peristalsis is disturbed, stomach pain, heartburn and belching occur.
signs in the subacute stage
After an exacerbation, the subacute stage of the course of thoracic osteochondrosis begins. Pain and breathing problems persist, but they are much less intense. For a long time, a person ceases to look for a comfortable position of the body in which there is no feeling of pain. The duration of the subacute stage is up to two weeks. If all medical recommendations are followed, remission occurs, which is characterized by the absence of pronounced symptoms. Violation of the regime leads to a new exacerbation of osteochondrosis.
Remission
In the remission stage, slight discomfort can occur when the weather changes or hypothermia occurs. Acute pain occurs only with osteochondrosis of 2 to 4 degrees of severity due to excessive rotation or tilting of the body. Exacerbation of chronic pathologies, stress, increased physical activity and prolonged stay in one body position can provoke another relapse.
Principles of disease diagnosis
The neurologist makes a primary diagnosis on the basis of the patient's complaints and the anamnesis data. During an external examination, he discovers points in the chest area, under pressure, on which pain occurs. By performing functional tests, you can assess the safety of reflexes and identify sensitivity disorders. Of the instrumental methods, radiography is the most informative. For a detailed examination of the spinal segment, CT and MRI can be performed. In order to rule out diseases of the cardiovascular system, an EKG is assigned to the patient.
First aid in case of exacerbation
The pain during a relapse of chest osteochondrosis is acute and pervasive. Therefore, a person must be given first aid. It should be calmed down, placed on a hard surface and covered with a warm blanket. If the relapse is accompanied by an increased heart rate, shortness of breath, and anxiety, you need to call a doctor. Any nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug can be used to relieve pain between the shoulder blades.
Treatment of breast osteochondrosis
Only a comprehensive approach to treatment eliminates all symptoms of osteochondrosis, slows the spread to healthy discs and vertebrae, or stops it completely. With a pathology of 1 to 2 degrees of severity, conservative methods of therapy are used. With osteochondrosis 3-4 degrees, the formation of large hernias is characteristic. Surgical treatment may be needed to relieve pressure on blood vessels and spinal roots.
Preparations
In the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis, drugs from various clinical and pharmacological groups are used. In the initial stage, means for parenteral administration are usually used, which quickly produce a therapeutic effect. A few days later, solutions for injection are replaced with safer tablets, ointments, and plasters.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs have pronounced analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-edema effects. Intramuscular administration of solutions makes it possible to stop acute pain. Local application means are used to avoid slight discomfort between the shoulder blades. And if the pain is moderate, NSAIDs are well suited for oral administration.
muscle relaxants
Muscle relaxants are used to relieve muscle spasms in response to severe pain. Most often, treatment of chest osteochondrosis begins with the intramuscular administration of drugs containing an anesthetic in addition to the muscle relaxant tolperisone.
Chondroprotectors
In the case of pathologies of the 1st degree of severity, the course of the absorption of chondroprotectors helps to restore damaged intervertebral discs. In other cases, they are prescribed to improve metabolism in the affected segment of the spine and prevent the disease from progressing.
Preparations of B vitamins
Their use helps increase blood circulation, improve the functioning of the peripheral nervous system, restore trophism and innervation. The complex of B vitamins has a beneficial effect on degenerative diseases of the nerves and the musculoskeletal system.
Physiotherapy exercises
If you have a thoracic osteochondrosis of 1 degree, you can do without medication with daily exercise therapy. Recovery occurs by strengthening the muscles and improving the blood supply to the tissues with nutrients. In other cases, exercise and regular exercise help prevent healthy spinal segments from participating in the destructive process and prolong the stage of remission.
Complex from a standing position
The following therapeutic exercises are most therapeutic when standing:
- Place your palms on your shoulders, bend forward as you lift your curved legs as if trying to reach the opposite knee with your elbow.
- Raise your left hand and lean to the right. Do the exercise in the opposite direction.
- Spread your legs shoulder width apart and raise your arms. Lean forward and touch the opposite foot with your palm.
The number of repetitions is 10-12 times in 2-3 sets.
From prone position
To do these exercises, you need an exercise mat or a thick, double-folded blanket:
- lie on your stomach, raise your arms and legs at the same time;
- lie on your back, lift your upper body, extend your palms to your feet;
- lies on his back, bends one leg, wraps it behind the other and tries to touch the floor with his knee.
Each exercise should be done 7-10 times.
Sitting
In such exercises, sharp movements with high amplitude, including twisting, should be avoided:
- sit on the floor, stretch forward, trying to touch the opposite foot with your palm;
- Sit on a chair or stool, stretch your arms forward and slowly turn from side to side.
- sit on the floor, put your arms around your knees and pull as close to your chest as possible.
In the first few lessons, the exercises should be repeated 5-7 times, after about a month - 15-20 times.
Physiotherapy
Magnetic field therapy, laser therapy, UHF therapy, sinus currents, shock wave therapy, applications with paraffin and ozokerite are used to treat thoracic osteochondrosis. During exacerbations, electrophoresis, ultraphonophoresis with glucocorticosteroids, anesthetics, B vitamins and chondroprotectors are performed.
Massage
A massage performed by a specialist helps relieve pain between the shoulder blades and relax the spasmodic skeletal muscles.
With osteochondrosis, all types of massages are therapeutically effective - classic, vacuum, acupuncture, connective tissue. At home, self-massage is conveniently performed using a wooden or electric long-handled massager.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a method of treating pathology that involves installing needles in bioactive sites on the human body. They are thin and short, so occasionally there is only mild discomfort when the skin is pierced. But this effect is also sufficient to produce substances in the body with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
Nutrition
Nutritionists recommend patients with breast osteochondrosis to avoid fatty meat, rich soups, smoked meat, homemade and factory marinades. It is necessary to limit the amount of salt in food, which leads to the formation of edema. Every day you need to drink about 2. 5 liters of liquid - water, vegetable juices, berry fruit drinks, fruit compotes.
Folk Remedies
Decoctions and infusions of medicinal plants, ointments, alcohol and oil rubs, and compresses may be used by neurologists after the main therapy. Folk remedies are used to get rid of slight pain between the shoulder blades, which sometimes occurs after physical exertion.
celery root
Peel the large celery root, chop it finely and squeeze out the juice. Add 100 g of chopped fresh celery. Take 3 tablespoons up to 4 times a day with meals to cleanse the vertebral structures of harmful salt deposits.
Sunflower root
Pour a teaspoon of dry ground sunflower roots with a glass of hot water. Bring to a boil, simmer over low heat for 20 minutes, let cool under the lid, drain. Drink 3-4 times a day.
home ointment
In a mortar, grind a tablespoon of turpentine and thick honey and add 2 drops of juniper, rosemary and eucalyptus essential oils. Inject 100 g of medical petroleum jelly in small portions. Stir, pour into a glass, store in the refrigerator, rub on your back if you have pain.
During pregnancy
Many systemic analgesics are contraindicated during pregnancy, so neurologists prefer drugs for external use - ointments, gels, plasters. If you can not do without taking pills, then their dosages will be significantly reduced. During pregnancy, the most important therapy methods for breast osteochondrosis are massage and exercise therapy.
Possible consequences
Without medical intervention, osteochondrosis of the chest cavity in women and men can lead to pneumosclerosis, arrhythmias, vegetative-vascular dystonia, deterioration of the gastrointestinal tract, and impairment of sexual and reproductive function.
Prevention and prognosis
The prognosis is favorable with early detection of the disease, competent, comprehensive treatment. If complications of thoracic osteochondrosis have developed, only compliance with all medical recommendations can achieve stable remission.
As a prophylaxis of pathology, neurologists recommend excluding factors that provoke them from the usual way of life. This is obesity, low physical activity, lack of vitamins and minerals, excessive stress on the spine.