A sedentary lifestyle, injuries or excessive physical activity cause diseases of the musculoskeletal system. To avoid complications, it is important to start treatment at an early stage. To do this, you need to know about the causes and symptoms of the pathology.
Description of the disease, what is its danger
Osteochondrosis of the chest is a chronic disease in which dystrophic changes begin in the cartilage located in the intervertebral space. The pathology is expressed in a decrease in the height of the discs and compression of the intercostal nerve endings.
Thoracic osteochondrosis goes through several stages of progression.
The first is characterized by drying of the intervertebral disc, a decrease in stiffness and elasticity, and the appearance of cracks. The pain is mild and disappears after a person rests for a while.
In the second stage, the disc decreases in height, the niche in the vertebra is filled with the nucleus pulposus, but does not go beyond its borders. Muscles experience constant tension. A person complains of severe pain that subsides after rest.
The third stage is characterized by the exit of the nucleus pulposus beyond the edges, the crack reaches the spinal edge. As a result, an intervertebral hernia is formed. The pain becomes constant.
In the fourth stage, an overgrowth of connective tissue is detected, which exerts pressure on the nearby vertebrae. To compensate for the reduced layer, the growth of bone tissue begins. More growths (osteophytes) appear.
Types of thoracic osteochondrosis and complications
According to the nature of the pain, there are two types of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- dorsago, which is characterized by sharp sharp pain in the form of lumbago, localized in the thoracic spine. The condition is accompanied by muscle tension, movement problems in the neck and chest area;
- dorsalgia, in which the pain increases slowly. Inhalations and rotations of the torso, as well as prolonged stay in one position, increase the discomfort. At night, the discomfort worsens and disappears during hiking.
In the absence of adequate therapy, the nerve endings are increasingly compressed. As a result, osteochondrosis of the chest can lead to complications:
- kidney pathology;
- diseases of the digestive system;
- immobility;
- persistent pain;
- disturbances in heart activity;
- intervertebral hernia;
- reduced ability to conceive;
- lung dysfunction caused by the growth of connective tissue.
Why does chest pathology occur?
This section of the spine experiences moderate stress and limited mobility. However, the pathology is common. The disease can be provoked by one of the reasons or a combination of them:
- injuries and damages;
- excessive workload of the department, including in childhood;
- age-related changes associated with a decrease in nutrition of the tissues of the discs between the vertebrae;
- diseases of the endocrinological profile, especially during menopause;
- age-related calcium absorption disorder;
- overweight;
- problems with blood vessels, atherosclerotic deposits in the vessels of the chest region;
- weak muscle corset.
How the pathology manifests itself
Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are represented by pain and increased muscle tone. The pain can be both short-term with lumbago and long-lasting pain. Recoil can be felt in the front of the chest, under the ribs and in the shoulder. The pain intensifies when staying in one position for a long time.
A characteristic sign of the pathology is sensitivity to palpation of the spinous processes of the thoracic vertebrae.
The symptoms of osteochondrosis of the chest are similar to those of other diseases and include:
- discomfort in the area of the heart, reminiscent of pain in angina pectoris;
- soreness during breathing, shortness of breath, also occurs in pneumonia, tuberculosis, obstructive lung disease;
- pain in the epigastric region, under the ribs, similar to signs of gastrointestinal diseases.
Methods of treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis
If you complain, you should contact a neurologist. Therapy includes medication, physical therapy, exercise, and massage.
Of the drugs, doctors prescribe:
- means to eliminate the focus of inflammation in the spine;
- drugs to reduce muscle tone and the risk of pressing on the sensitive roots of the spinal cord;
- neuroprotectants designed to help repair nerve fibers.
The choice and dosage is chosen by the doctor, who will take into account the tolerability of the drug, concomitant diseases and the patient's weight.
It is important to follow the recommended duration of treatment to avoid relapses. You can buy prescription drugs cheaply in the online store. Information about the price, available drugs, current promotions and discounts is available 24/7 on the site.
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Physiotherapy includes:
- diadynamic therapy, that is, treatment with electric current to relax muscles and reduce pain;
- electrophoresis with painkillers;
- magnetic therapy to relieve discomfort and swelling.
Massage should be done carefully using friction techniques. The area under the shoulder blades and between the ribs should be treated carefully. At least 10-15 sessions are needed for an effect to appear.
During physical therapy exercises, emphasis is placed on exercises that strengthen the muscle corset, neck and lower back.
Topical anti-inflammatory ointments and gels, warming patches, needle applicators.