Chest osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine in which the position of the vertebrae becomes unnatural, the intervertebral disc degenerates, resulting in a decrease in height. Osteochondrosis in the chest region is not as common as in the neck or lower back. This has to do with anatomy. In the central part, the spine is stable and durable, less sensitive to stress, less agile, less prone to trauma to the discs.
Elderly and sedentary people are at risk for the disease. However, the pathology is increasingly being diagnosed in adolescents, and the number of cases increases sharply between the ages of 30 and 35 years.
Classification of osteochondrosis of the chest
The disease is classified according to the principle of the syndrome. Affected areas of the spine negatively affect nerve formation.
According to the localization, the following forms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are distinguished:
- compression syndrome (development involves strain, deformity, or compression of the nerve root; the spinal cord or blood vessels may be affected; this results in spinal, vascular, or radical syndromes);
- reflex syndrome (the effect is reflex-like, strains the innervated muscles; dystrophic and vascular disorders occur);
- myoadaptive syndrome (muscle damage due to permanent overload in the chest segment).
Etiology of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
Causes of thoracic osteochondrosis are consequences of low physical activity, back injuries, heavy physical exertion, metabolic disorders, overweight, weak immunity, frequent colds, infections, smoking, stress. In women, walking in high heels and carrying children, among other things, can cause the disease.
In addition, the causes of breast osteochondrosis are:
- poorly distributed load on intervertebral discs;
- degenerative changes in intervertebral disc tissues;
- lack of minimal physical activity;
- scoliosis;
- permanent abnormal position of the spine in a sitting position.
Pathogenesis of the disease
Mild discomfort, muscle tension, and "tolerable" pain when inhaling and bending are the initial signs of chest osteochondrosis. A person usually sees a doctor when the pain becomes acute and does not allow him to live a normal life. If left untreated, dystrophic lesions lead to limited mobility and even disability in the patient.
Clinical manifestations of osteochondrosis
The symptoms of breast osteochondrosis have different manifestations depending on the localization of the process. Moreover, the disease skillfully "adapts" to other problems.
The most common symptoms of chest osteochondrosis are:
- pain in the interscapular region;
- chest discomfort;
- headache and heartache;
- pain when bending;
- restriction of movement;
- tingling sensation in the neck, abdomen, chest and arms;
- dizziness, tinnitus, flickering of eyes;
- increased pain on inhalation.
As the pathology progresses, symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are associated with decreased sensitivity, impaired motor function, and muscle atrophy.
Characteristics of the course of breast osteochondrosis during pregnancy
The development of pain during pregnancy is associated with weight gain. However, a shift in center of gravity changes posture. Low physical activity combined with a sedentary lifestyle causes disruption of the flexibility of the discs. Increased pressure in the chest region leads to pain. During pregnancy, osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is mainly treated without the use of special medications, as they can damage the health of the fetus. That is why Kuznetsov applicators, massages and special exercises are used.
Characteristics of the disease in children
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can occur between 8 and 17 years of age. The unprepared spine undergoes pathological changes under heavy load. After the correct diagnosis, treatment is started. As a general rule, a treatment process started in time during this period will lead to excellent results. It is necessary to strengthen the muscles, improve the condition of the cartilage and perform physiotherapy.
Complications of pathology
Most patients with chest osteochondrosis try to delay treatment, which in turn leads to significant complications.
Consequences of chest osteochondrosis:
- Development of intervertebral hernia
- Spinal cord injury
- Appearance of hypertension
- Risk of stroke and heart attack
Diagnostics
Diagnosis of chest osteochondrosis, including differentiated, includes:
- digital radiography;
- ECG;
- Ultrasound of the heart, kidneys and abdominal organs;
- CT.
The doctor will determine the exact image on the x-ray where you will see the growth of the vertebral body and the displacement of the cartilage discs. Chest osteochondrosis, characterized by symptoms similar to other diseases, requires a differential diagnosis of spinal cord injuries, tumors and tumors of the spine, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, coxarthrosis, and many other diseases.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis involves the use of complex therapies aimed at arresting and preventing further destruction or restoration of the structure of the cartilage discs, improving the biomechanics of the spine, and eliminating disorders of the central nervous system.
The first step in treatment is to relieve pain and inflammation with medication.
The patient is recommended to take the following groups of medicines:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- glucocorticosteroids;
- diuretics;
- chondroprotectors.
When the pain is relieved, they move on to the next stage of treatment for chest osteochondrosis. Therapeutic massage, acupuncture, physiotherapy are prescribed. In addition, physiotherapy is very effective. If appropriate, manual therapy is recommended.
Healing control
Recovery is supervised by the GP or specialist who observed the patient during the course of the disease. The absence of relapses indicates a normalization of the musculoskeletal system during the year.
Prophylaxis
Prevention of chest osteochondrosis requires the following rules:
- posture control;
- occupational hygiene (checking the position of the hands, the presence of a flat chair with a high back);
- 2 hour breaks for specific exercises;
- sleeping on a hard surface;
- lack of irregular physical activity (including transporting heavy loads);
- wearing a backpack instead of a shoulder bag;
- regular exercise therapy classes.
tips and tricks
Chest osteochondrosis requires long-term rehabilitation. Moderate physical activity is recommended to strengthen the back muscles and reduce spinal stress. In addition, physiotherapy gradually eliminates the pain.
In addition, the following tasks are performed with gym therapy and sports:
- decompression of the nerve endings of the spine;
- developing a stereotype of correct posture;
- gives flexibility to the spine;
- improved blood circulation;
- normalization of intervertebral disc metabolism.
This article is for information only. Remember: self-medication can be harmful to your health.