Chest osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disorder that affects the chest spine. The disease in this section is not as widespread as in the neck and lumbar region, this is due to the fact that the chest section is not as mobile and protected as the rest of the spine. People over the age of 30 are more prone to this pathology.
Osteochondrosis is a degenerative change that occurs in different parts of the spine. Statistics show that this disease is getting younger, if in the past older people have suffered from this pathology, nowadays the disease is being diagnosed more and more often in the younger generation. This disease is the third most common after cardiovascular and oncological pathologies.
Causes
- Injury;
- Excessive physical activity;
- Age-related changes in the spine;
- Hereditary predisposition to degenerative changes; metabolic disorders;
- Excessive completeness;
- A lifestyle in which one moves little;
- Scoliosis - curvature of the spine;
- Serious comorbidities.
As a result of changes in the thoracic spine, the nerve roots become pinched and the functioning of the internal organs is disrupted.
Osteochondrosis can disguise itself as so many cardiovascular diseases, so a person may experience shortness of breath and tachycardia and not recognize this disease immediately.
The disease can be confused with pathologies of the respiratory system and abdominal cavity. None of the signals are specific and depend on the severity and localization of the process.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of chest osteochondrosis are:
- Pain in the sternum aggravated by hypothermia, turning at night, bending;
- Interscapular pain;
- Numbness of the arm and interscapular region;
- Pain on strong exhalation and inhalation;
- tightness in the chest;
- Tightness of the muscles of the upper back and chest region;
- Pelvic dysfunction in severe cases.
When chest osteochondrosis occurs in combination with the cervix, dizziness and nausea may be among the symptoms.
There are three types of pain:
- Dorsagois a very severe, sudden pain that restricts movement. Such pain can occur when the back is straightened after being in a position for a long time and can take up to several weeks.
- dorsalgiais a moderate pain that does not go away for a long time, often accompanied by stiffness of movements. Such pain is not immediately recognizable as it develops over time and may rarely present as a mild painful sensation.
- Pectalgiais moderate pain in the front of the chest.
Diagnostics
The most common method of diagnosing chest osteochondrosis is radiography. This method is less expensive financially, but it is not always able to reveal the full picture of the disease, and the X-ray also has ionizing radiation in the human body.
It is advisable to take an X-ray on an empty stomach and to diet for a while before the test (do not use gas-generating products).
The contraindications to X-rays are: pregnancy (radiation negatively affects fetal development), conditions in which the patient cannot be immobile in one position, obesity, the diagnosis is also difficult because the images are blurred. X-rays are taken lying on your back or side.
However, medicine is not stopping, and professionals are increasingly using newer technologies to diagnose osteochondrosis, such as:
- CT (Computed Tomography)
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
Computed tomography
This is a type of diagnostics that uses X-rays where scans are performed at different depths and the results are processed by a computer. If a CT scan is performed without contrast, no preparation is required, but if a CT scan is performed with the introduction of a contrast agent, you must refuse a meal 4 hours before the scan. All jewelry and hairpins should be removed before testing.
CT scan contraindications:
- Pregnancy;
- Mental disorders;
- Allergy to a substance injected as a contrast (when CT is performed using it);
Magnetic resonance imaging
A very informative diagnostic method that uses magnetic fields and radio frequency radiation. It is a relatively new diagnostic method, but it has taken its rightful place in medicine because it is harmless and very informative.
Such a test does not require preparation, however, the person skilled in the art should be warned about the characteristics of the body, allergies, if the test is performed using contrast agents. All metal objects are removed before diagnosis.
The procedure is performed lying down and does not cause painful sensations except for a slight discomfort with the sound of the device.
MRI Contraindications:
- Chronic renal failure;
- Allergy to a contrast agent;
- Pregnancy;
- Presence of metal elements in the human body (pacemaker, etc. );
- Claustrophobia.
Management
The methods used to treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are complex and prescribed by a physician, depending on the medical history and associated diseases.
These are:
- Medicines;
- Physiotherapy exercises;
- Massage and manual therapy;
- Physiotherapy;
- Traditional treatment methods.
Medication
The goal of treatment is to eliminate inflammation and reduce pain. Specialists prescribe special ointments, painkillers, and anti-inflammatory drugs to the patient.
After taking medications to relieve pain, doctors prescribe medication to the patient that helps normalize microcirculation and blood circulation, as well as vitamin complexes.
gym therapy
Physiotherapy exercises can help reduce muscle cramps and pain. Exercise helps increase muscle tone and improve blood circulation. All exercises should be performed smoothly so as not to cause severe pain. With chest osteochondrosis, the complex also includes exercises that help support the back muscles.
Massage
Used in combination with other treatments. The massage has a quick effect during the treatment, relieves pain, improves blood circulation, tones the muscles, eliminates cramps. Massage courses can only be started when the stage of exacerbation subsides.
It is best to entrust the massage to a qualified massage therapist and combine it with manual therapy and physiotherapy exercises.
Manual therapy
Treatment is the effect of the therapist's hand on the spine.
Contraindications to hand therapy:
- pregnancy;
- hernia;
- arthrosis; spinal injuries;
- increased blood pressure;
- tumors;
- severe stage of scoliosis;
- inflammatory processes.
Manual therapy should only be performed in the initial stages of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine by a physician prescribed and strictly trained, otherwise this procedure can lead to serious complications.
Physiotherapy
The advantage of physical therapy is to achieve the least side effect and fast effect. The treatment uses magnetotherapy, amplification, ultrasound, electrophoresis, iontophoresis, diadynamic currents.
The doctor will select the procedure for each case. Contraindications: oncology, pregnancy, skin diseases, severe cardiovascular diseases.
Traditional Medicine
It consists of tinctures, rubbing, ointments, baths.
Before starting treatment with folk remedies, you should consult your doctor and remember the possibility of allergic reactions to various herbal ingredients.
Prevention
A key element in preventing spinal osteochondrosis is an active lifestyle that helps maintain good spinal condition and proper posture. It is also important that the sleeping area is not too soft or hard. It is advisable to eat foods high in calcium and magnesium, to use vitamin complexes.