Pain, restriction of movement are characteristic manifestations of osteochondrosis of the chest. But the insidiousness of this pathology lies in the fact that the internal organs are affected both at the level of the chest and below, so that no one but the doctor can understand what is happening. Osteochondrosis occurs as a result of degenerative-dystrophic processes in which discs, joints, ligaments and spinal roots are affected.
The symptoms of the disease can appear at a very early stage. But spinal disease can be affected, the main thing is to know the causes and laws according to which it develops. Doctors are more or less clear about the reasons, but the mechanism of development somehow remains in the "shadow".
Causes and development of the disease
Each part of the spine is under constant load, both static and dynamic. Constant pressure leads to the fact that the integrity of the intervertebral disc is compromised. It is damaged, the inner component begins to protrude.
The disc is nourished, like any other cartilage, in a special way: when pressed, it releases fluid from itself, and when pressed is released, like a sponge, absorbs all nutrients. This mechanism does not work during prolonged static positions or during training, when constant pressure is applied to the disc. Daily morning exercises have a positive effect on nutrition.
Stages of degeneration
To better understand the symptoms, you need to understand what stages the intervertebral disc goes through and what happens to it. However, as in the whole spine.
In the first stage there is no pain and the attack does not manifest itself in any way, but the process has already begun, the inner part is already moving freely.
In the second stage, the attack of pain is already fully felt, the radicular symptoms join, the person actively uses ointments, but the cause is not resolved. The disc gradually protrudes and begins to press on the spinal cord. In the third stage, the attack of pain, which manifests itself mainly in osteochondrosis of the chest, becomes brighter and more intense, ointments do not help. The disc gradually protrudes, its protrusion appears.
The last stage leads to the appearance of signs of damage outside the components of the disk. The clinical picture is characterized by compression of the roots, blood vessels and the spinal cord itself. As a result, a bout of pain develops with considerable intensity.
The body tries with all its might to reduce the pain, as a result of which characteristic growths, osteophytes, appear on the spine. The roots of the spinal cord are compressed as a result of narrowing of the intervertebral foramina. The pressure leads to the fact that other internal organs are affected. Their treatment does not bring any results, which sometimes confuses the doctor.
Symptoms of the disease
Very often the cause of the defeat of this part of the spine lies in a sedentary lifestyle, clarifying this circumstance, the diagnosis is greatly facilitated. Pressure is usually exerted if a person sits in front of a computer or chair for a long time. The pain is mostly dull in nature, then becomes painful and burning. Located in the middle, between the shoulder blades, there is some compression in the chest area.
If you try to feel the area of the vertebrae and transverse growths of the spine, the pain will increase significantly.
The diagnosis is simplified by the tension of the paravertebral muscles. The symptoms are aggravated if you ask the patient to take a deep breath, to turn with the body.
Some patients experience pain in the shoulder blade or lower chest. This is called posterior rib syndrome and occurs as a result of lower rib displacement. The pain may disappear suddenly, but may increase during turns.
The signs are manifested by pain in the girdle in the intercostal spaces, this is where the nerve passes. Sensitivity is impaired in the area where the damaged nerve branches. Concerned about paresthesia, deep and superficial sensitivity are reduced. The signs are accompanied by dysfunction of the abdominal press, the reflexes of the knee and heel are reduced.
Damage to internal organs
Along with the pain there is a violation of the function of internal organs. In the area of the thoracic spinal cord there are centers responsible for the work of the heart, lung system, liver, intestines and kidneys, pancreas. May interfere with breathing difficulties, pain and interruptions in the work of the heart, resembling angina pectoris. The mammary glands may be sore or all localized in the area of the right or left hypochondrium, resembling an attack of cholecystitis or pancreatitis.
Sore throat or esophagus. The symptoms are localized in the area of the left hypochondrium or abdomen, resembling the symptoms of gastritis or intestinal inflammation (colitis, enteritis). Disorders can be from the kidneys and the reproductive system.
Diagnosis
Making a correct diagnosis based on symptoms alone can be difficult. Therefore, the diagnosis involves the production of an X-ray. It is on it that the characteristic changes are seen, which manifest osteochondrosis of the thoracic region in the form of reduced disc height, sclerosis of the end plates and the formation of osteophytes.
In addition, computed tomography is performed if the X-ray does not work. The examination is supplemented by MRI, showing soft tissues, so that the diagnosis of herniated disc is established.
Differential diagnosis requires special attention, it is made not only on the basis of complaints and clinical manifestations. So the pain in the heart area is not affected by the drugs used for angina pectoris. Epigastric pain is not affected by food intake and there are no seasonal symptoms. Everything appears in the evening and completely disappears after a night's sleep.
Treatment
Treatment involves taking all kinds of drugs, these are pills and injections. They start with drugs that alleviate the inflammatory process, traditionally using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). By removing pain and inflammation, they help relax muscles. Only a doctor should prescribe them, otherwise there is a high risk of complications and there are contraindications for use. The tablets are taken, as recommended, often after a meal, but your doctor may also prescribe injections. Topically, this group of drugs is applied in the form of an ointment, which is applied about three times throughout the day.
Analgesics can supplement the group of drugs described above with severe pain, injections are prescribed by the doctor if all is not so bad, the tablets are also suitable. In case of pain of significant intensity, the blockade with the drug can be performed directly in the focus of pain, which allows you to quickly eliminate the attack. Special anesthetic ointments can also supplement treatment.
Chondroprotectors allow you to restore the structure of cartilage, but you need to take drugs from this group for a long time. The doctor prescribes injections or pills at his discretion, which are taken in courses. Recently, preparations from this group are available in the form of an ointment that is applied externally.
Complement the complete treatment with drugs from the group of antispasmodics. The action is aimed at relaxing the muscles that have compressed the arteries and nerves. The pressure decreases, the patient's condition becomes easier.
Ointments are used actively, acting locally, helping to relieve pain. The ointments are applied to the painful area where they warm the skin. Ointments have also been shown to be used along the nerves so that they can more effectively relieve an attack of pain. Supplement, in addition to the ointment, the treatment is capable of mustard plasters
Hormonal-based drugs, mainly injections, are also used. They are prescribed as a last resort when it is necessary to relieve an attack of severe pain. Paraverbal blockade of the affected area of the nerve or root is often used, drugs are used on the basis of hormones.
Supplement all preparations based on vitamins, injections are made into the muscle. Medicines can be represented by bioactive supplements, whose tablets improve the nutrition of cartilage and relieve pressure.
Physiotherapy
All sorts of techniques are actively used to calm down even a strong attack. With the procedures you can use drugs that act as a kind of blockade. The list of procedures can be presented as follows:
- Shock wave therapy. Thanks to the shock wave restores nutrition and blood supply to the spine, eliminates the onset of pain and allows you to get rid of inflammation.
- Ultraviolet radiation. Promotes better calcium absorption.
- vibration therapy. Exposure to high frequency sound improves blood flow, relieves pressure and pain.
- Magnetic therapy. Exposure to a magnetic field improves the vital processes of cells, accelerates regeneration. Darsonval acts in a similar way.
- Electrophoresis. The effect of the current, which contributes to the fact that drugs penetrate deeper into the tissues.
- Diodynamics. The effect of alternating current effectively reduces pain.
- swimming. Allows muscles to relax. It is recommended to swim only in a pool with warm water.
- Spa treatment. Used to treat mineral waters and mud. Minerals contribute to the healing process, reducing the pressure on the roots.
- Acupuncture. It provides the effect of thin needles on the active points of the body.
- Manual therapy or massage. You can use additional ointments that help relax muscles and release blood vessels and nerves.
The methods are chosen strictly individually by a doctor. The main thing is not to start the disease.