A less common form of osteochondrosis of absolutely everyone available — the chest. This form is considered the more terrible, as the symptoms of degenerative disc disease of the thoracic spine is often mistakenly attributed to other disease, e.g. myocardial infarction or angina. From the article anyone can see how terrible this disease is and how to treat it, and also see the images on the subject of pathology.
What is GOH?
The disease is a degenerative dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs of the thoracic spine.
Thoracic spine consists of 12 vertebrae. He is less mobile and is well protected by the muscular corset. Because of these properties osteochondrosis is considered the most rare pathology.
However, bearing in mind the universal focus and increase the incidence of osteochondrosis, become widespread all episodes of degenerative disc disease with localization in the thoracic spine.
For a deeper understanding of GOCH, we suggest to familiarize with the codes of the disease and its forms according to ICD-10.
What are the specifics of this part of the spine?
Low mobility is associated with its anatomical hallmarks of the connection of the vertebrae with ribs and the breastbone gives the opportunity to form a fairly flexible and powerful system that is less exposed to injuries and external actions.
It has been statistically proven that a slight load on this unit facilitates the fact that the phenomenon of the emergence of any complications you come across very rarely. But their appearance cannot be described as something extraordinary, Yes example, failure to posture and curvature effects can be some provocative conditions which lead of the phenomenon of emergence of diseases of the spine.
Reasons
The main reason for the occurrence of THIS phenomenon are degenerative changes in the tissues and complication of the metabolic actions due to poor nutrition and an unreasonable load on the intervertebral discs.
Often thoracic osteochondrosis formed as a result of prolonged sitting in an uncomfortable posture, in the presence of scales forming the uneven load on the spine.
The manifestation of Dorigo expressed sharp heavy pain, which may look unexpected attack. In addition to limiting the mobility of the back may phenomena are difficulty breathing.
If dorsalgia pain, localized in area affected drives, it has a lengthy, relatively weak manifested and accompanied by reduced activity in the lumbar-thoracic or cervical-thoracic spine.
Degree
Doctors there are 4 degrees of the disease:
- Occurs due to rupture of an intervertebral disk, triggered by a sharp move or a huge load. The patient in this period feels a strong pain in the spine and tension of all muscles.
- Diagnosed if you experience symptoms of intervertebral disc protrusion (bulge and 5 mm) and the presence of an unstable spinal column. You should conduct a thorough diagnostic examination to detect the stage of the disease.
- Characterized by frequent feelings of pain, difficulty in breathing, minor disorders of the heart and headaches. In addition, the high possibility of a herniated disc.
- Is considered the most dangerous to human health. It is the phenomenon of the appearance of osteophytes that compress the spinal cord and its nerve endings.
Symptoms
Dalia will tell you everything important about symptoms at different stages.
In the beginning
In the early period of the disease completely expresses itself. Often, even so strongly manifested pain syndrome come neurological disorders (weakness, flies in eyes, etc.) that the patient associates with questions back.
Chest pain
Seen in the heart area, chest, back, flank, upper abdomen. Ailments are aggravated when you inhale and exhale during movement. You may feel numbness leva hands and interscapular areas.
The sensation of pressure
Pain between the shoulder blades hour hell hour are accompanied by a feeling of lack of air when you inhale. Doctors advise not to panic and to sit down and determine the beating of the pulse.
If the runout does not exceed 100 beats per minute, the probability of the pathology activities of the lungs or heart is very small.
Reflex syndromes
Reflex tension of paravertebral muscles observed during dorsalgia, often asymmetrical, is manifested on the convex side of the deformity.
Syndrome of the anterior chest wall. Phenomenon pain is caused by the reflected stress and degenerative changes of the sternocleidomastoid muscle on the sternum.
The pain increases when the load on the muscles of the chest, with turns of head and whole.
Compression
Is a strong and sudden flash of pain, the so-called "shot", which is expressed in interscapular spot phenomenon and is able to come at any hour. During the attack patients are like "dagger blow", which is accompanied by a sudden spasm of spinal muscles.
In addition to severe pain, manifested by shortness of breath and a significant limitation of freedom of movement. This complication of degenerative disc disease with periodic seizures can last a few weeks.
What is dangerous radicular syndrome?
Osteochondrosis, which is formed with a radicular syndrome is always accompanied by pain. When painful spasm felt in the chest, often similar and angina. But unlike the hell of it, the pain factor cannot be removed by receiving vasodilator drug and the suspension of physical activity. Every movement of the body, and in addition, cough and heavy breath provoke a significant increase in pain.
Common signs of radicular osteochondrosis of the thoracic, in addition to the pain of lumbago, are considered paresis, incomplete or complete lack of susceptibility and the change of tendon reflexes tissues, detected in the process of a neurological examination. Also, this syndrome may be accompanied by hair loss, accam of the limbs, blueness of the skin.
The signs of subacute stage
Starts after acute subacute stage of the process of thoracic osteochondrosis. Pain and breathing difficulties, however they are significantly less active. People are not looking for a comfortable arrangement, which is not felt unwell.
The duration of subacute period and 2 weeks. Subject to all medical appointments is a weakening of characterized by the absence of the manifested symptoms. Noncompliance with the regime brings new aggravation of degenerative disc disease.
Remission
In remission phenomenon can be a small uncomfortable feeling if the weather changes or I after exposure. A sharp pain occurs only in osteochondrosis 2-4 severity due to a sharp turn or tilt the whole.
Psychosomatics
Consider psychosomatics cough.
What causes a cough?
In the pathology in the spine cough accompanied by a sore throat, to a greater extent on the one hand. In the early ninth medical expression smacks of a sore throat. In the later stages of degenerative disc disease of the unpleasant feelings become persistent, aggravated at night.
Neurological signs such as headache, dizziness, dizzy, blurred vision, fatigue, shortness of breath, phenomena appear when the displacement of the intervertebral disks, when the compressed nerve endings and arteries.
These feelings can be felt in the area of the stomach, resulting in the person being directed to the study of the liver, pancreas, etc, not thinking that the root cause of pain in osteochondrosis of the thoracic. With the combination of some forms of chondrosis neck and chest, people can complain about feeling a stranger in the throat, which becomes pronounced after exercise or after being in an uncomfortable position.
The vegetative components of
It can be:
- dryness and peeling of the skin in the area of innervation of a particular nerve;
- local failure of sweating and thermoregulation (also in the area of innervation);
- chilliness tion of the extremities, brittleness of toenails;
- pain, which simulate disease of the gastrointestinal tract (Yes, example, gastritis, gastric ulcer, cholecystitis, and so forth);
- pain in the kidneys, which in fact was not associated with renal pathology (not google + changes in the urine and ultrasound);
- pain in the heart, like angina, and including myocardial infarction.
Or google + spasms and dizziness?
When breast osteochondrosis observed spasm and dizziness.
What does the pathology of the vertebrae, is it possible for her to increase the pressure?
If thoracic degenerative disc disease can be diagnosed is also increasing pressure. As in the thoracic artery is located, the clamp has an influence on the pressure.
Is it possible to warm in a bath with high blood pressure?
Bath at slightly elevated pressure as not to harm. In 3 or 4 stages of hypertension steam room is prohibited as it results in lethal outcome. When in stage 1 and 2 hypertension target organs are not damaged, so the bathhouse is acceptable.
Digestive tract and disease
Through the form of osteochondrosis, pain in the intestines phenomena appear when pinched root in the region of 8-9 vertebrae (disturbed innervation of the digestive tract).
Painful pulses that come hell nerve endings of the spinal cord and intestinal tract, enhance peristalsis. Person concerned about the bloating, cramping pain in the region of the duodenum.
Angina and disease
Chest may a lot of nerve fibers and plexus, after which irritation phenomena is pain. Otherwise, the intervertebral discs, tapering, lead to the compression of the nerve roots in the thoracic spine, resulting in pain mimics a heart attack.
Other common symptoms
Disturbance of sensation in the hand, they become more cold, feel cold, according to him, "running ants".
In certain embodiments, the signs of osteochondrosis of the thoracic similar to a panic attack (fear, palpitations, sweating). In combination with pain in the chest this phenomenon may be a symptom of myocardial infarction, for this reason it is better to take a vasodilator drug, and call for an Ambulance, which will make the cardiogram.
The digestive system: frequent exacerbation of gastritis, constipation, bloating, recurrent discomfort in the abdomen, intermittent diarrhea, without errors in diet.
Dorigo
Dorigo is sudden and sharp pain. Occurs when a person is in a certain position for a long time, the sudden change to her. Maybe the phenomenon will appear shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, weak muscles are controlled.
Dorsalgia
Dorsalgia is a stretching chronic pain, small is expressed, brings the patient some discomfort.
Arrhythmia
Hell corrupted in any degree of spinal roots is painful impulses and various internal organs, including the heart. Thus valid phenomena the symptoms of different variants of arrhythmias, however, more frequent of them is arrythmia (cardiac irregularity extra reducing) or sinus tachycardia (uniform frequent palpitations).
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is quite difficult. This is due to the fact that this form of the disease has no obvious specific features characteristic of degenerative diseases of the spine and runs from the medical manifestations of pathologies of the internal organs.
The independent diagnosis of degenerative disc disease of the thoracic you need to focus on the symptoms of diseases of internal organs. When it occurs, and the failure of a particular treatment, it is necessary to go through a differential diagnosis, which will help to determine the pathological process.
Detection of the disease, which contributed in the area of breast pain begins with the collection of history.
In this case the expert with the maximum accuracy learn the nature of the unpleasant sensations and the cause that preceded them. It can help, how it is supposed to establish that diagnosis, the patient may be thoracic osteochondrosis. The next step is the individual inspection and palpation of the affected area. This gives you the ability to determine the presence of intervertebral hernia.
While obtaining indirect evidence of the formation of thoracic degenerative disc disease, the doctor prescribes blood tests. This kind of study is necessary, as it shows the presence in the body of the inflammatory process that accompanies degenerative currents in the spinal column.
But in order for maximum accuracy to establish the root cause of ailments in the chest, to determine degenerative disc disease, which develops in the middle part of the spine is necessary to pass:
- Laboratory tests and instrumental diagnostics (ECG, ultrasound, x-ray).
- Neurologic examination.
- MRI, which allows to accurately determine not only the presence of intervertebral hernia, but the extent to which the affected degenerationism effect the nerve endings.
- X-ray in 2 projections.
Treatment
Only a holistic approach and treatment will help to kill all signs of osteoarthritis, pause, or completely stop its spread to healthy discs and vertebrae. In the pathology of 1-2 degrees applied conservative methods of treatment. For degenerative disc disease 3-4 levels characteristic of the formation of large hernias. In order to resolve the compression of their blood vessels and spinal nerves, may require surgical treatment.
Medication
In the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis are used drugs – substances of different clinical and pharmacological companies. At the initial stage, funds are used for intravenous injection that rapidly provide a therapeutic effect. After a few days of injection solutions in lieu of tablets, ointments, patches.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
NSAIDs have shown analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-edematous effect. Localized sharp pain will allow intramuscular solutions.
To eliminate the minor discomfort between the shoulder blades, use tools for local application. And with mild pain NSAIDs good cope for ingestion.
Muscle relaxants
To eliminate the muscular spasms that are formed in response to great pain, are relaxants.
Chondroprotectors
At pathology level 1, course the adoption of chondroprotectors helps to restore damaged discs. In other embodiments, the drug is prescribed to improve the metabolism in the affected sector of the spine, prevention of disease progression.
The vitamins of group B
Vitamins are entered in the drug regimens of patients with pathology of any level of severity. Their use helps to increase blood circulation, improve the activity of the peripheral nervous system, recovery of trophism and innervation.
The combination of vitamins the B has a beneficial effect on degenerative diseases of the nerves and musculoskeletal system.
Physiotherapy treatment
In the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis are applied magnetotherapy, laser therapy, UHF-therapy, sinusoidal currents, shock wave therapy, applications with paraffin and ozokerite. When exacerbations are electrophoresis, phonophoresis with corticosteroids, anesthetics, and vitamins a, category B, chondroprotectors.
Massage and manual techniques
Massage helps to eliminate pain between the shoulder blades, spazmirovannah relaxation of skeletal muscles.
Osteochondrosis therapeutically effective all types of massage — a traditional, vacuum, acupuncture, connective tissue.
At home massage comfortable to implement with the help of electric massager with a long handle.
Gymnastics and physical therapy
If thoracic degenerative disc disease 1 level of everyday physical therapy sessions provide an opportunity to dispense medication. The treatment is conducted by maintaining the muscles, improve blood supply of tissues with nutrients. In other embodiments, gymnastics and regular classes can help prevent the inclusion in the destructive process of healthy vertebral parts, to continue the remission.
A set of exercises at home
Exercises in the standing position:
- bending forward, raising in turn the bent leg;
- tilts to the side with a raised stage hands;
- bending forward, trying to reach the hand opposite of the foot.
The number of repetitions — 10-12 times in 2-3 sets.
Exercise in the lying position need sports carpet album of dense, folded twice blanket:
- lying on stomach, lift legs and arms simultaneously.
- lying on your back to lift your upper torso, stretch arms and tracks;
- lying on your back, bend 1 leg, to get her for another, trying to touch knee to floor.
Each lesson need to be completed in 7-10 times.
Folk remedy to chondrosis
Decoctions and infusions of medicinal plants, ointments, alcohol and oil rubbing, compresses neurologists allow you to use after the main therapy.
Folk remedies are applied to correct for minor ailments between the shoulder blades, hours which phenomena appear after exercise. Used celery root and sunflower, you can also make a homemade ointment.
Feature of therapy at exacerbation
Treatment involves:
- the localization of the symptoms of local pain and analgesics for internal use;
- bed rest;
- socks corset for fixation of vertebrae.
If the aggravation is severe, call an ambulance. On admission to the hospital the doctor will observe the patient and mills will pick up the necessary medicines.
How to remove attack?
Pain in the period of recurrence of thoracic osteochondrosis google + sharp, piercing, so you should give first aid. The patient must be calm, put on a hard surface, cover with a warm blanket. If the repetition is accompanied by palpitations, shortness of breath, high anxiety, the need to call the doctor. For the relief of pain is allowed to take any nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
Complications and consequences
In the absence of medical intervention breast osteochondrosis may be a factor of pulmonary fibrosis, arrhythmias, dystonia, offset the worse of the gastrointestinal tract, pathologies of sexual and reproductive function in girls and men.
Without proper surgical treatment he is able to provoke the following diseases:
- protrusion and hernia of the thoracic spine;
- compression of the spinal cord;
- problems with the heart, intestines, liver, kidneys and pancreas.
- irregularities in the duodenum, peristalsis in the intestinal tract, dyskinesia of the gallbladder;
- intercostal neuralgia — compression or squashing or irritation of the intercostal nerves.
Prevention
The Outlook is positive with early detection of the disease, comprehensive treatment. In the case that phenomena appeared complications of thoracic osteochondrosis, only compliance with all medical appointments will provide an opportunity to achieve stable remission.
In the prevention of pathology neurologists suggest to exclude from the normal way of life provokes its causes. This excess weight, low physical activity, lack of vitamins and minerals, the extra load on the spine.
The correct position at rest and during sleep
Proper planting. On soft furniture is not recommended. Excess pressure on the spine can help to avoid such a condition when the body is supported by the ischial tuberosity. It can only be only on hard chairs. The height of the chair should be flush with the legs. The foot stays on the floor. Every 15-20 minutes it should change the position of the feet, to perform their workout. The lower back should join and the back of the chair. The whole must be kept straight.
How to stand in osteochondrosis. When you have time, on the spine lies a lot of work, especially on the lower back.
- To help the spine to reduce the load necessary every 10-15 minutes to change position.
- You need to rely on 1, then on the other leg.
- Allowed to walk in place, t.. Zn. not to be a pole, and to move around.
- Watch you need to bend back, stretching his arms up and taking a full breath.
These procedures are needed in order to remove the fatigue of the muscles of the back, neck, shoulder girdle.
How to sleep?
Lying on your back with bent legs, and the vertebrae remain physiological for the mill, in contrast to ad posture, when the legs are straightened – the muscles of the lower back remain in a state of stress.
Lying in the fetal position – on his side with toned chest and bent legs. For the greatest comfort possible to put a small pillow under his feet. In this position the spine is very relaxed and the patient feels better.
The advice of doctors
In the skin range of health physical education takes an important role swimming. It is very effective and for the prevention of low back pain. The navigation is possible and how the medical app with the previously formed osteochondrosis, but not at the time of the acute illness, only if there are no complaints of ailments in spine and limbs.
Good medical result gives the newest system couples massage. Pain syndrome removed a similar massage to the first procedure.
Diet and nutrition during pregnancy
Many analgesics during pregnancy is contraindicated, for this reason, neurologists have the advantage of medicines for external use — ointments, gels, patches. In the case when without pills can not do, their dose is considerably reduced. During child-bearing the main methods of treatment of thoracic degenerative disc disease massage and exercise therapy.
Nutritionists advise patients to refrain hell of fatty meat, fatty soups, smoked meats, homemade pickles and factory. You need to reduce in food the amount of salt that triggers the development of edema. Every day should drink about 2, 5 liters of liquid — water, vegetable juice, berry fruit drinks, fruit compotes.
To avoid problems with the thoracic spine, it is often necessary at the first symptoms and contact a specialist. Not to self-medicate. If you suspect breast osteochondrosis should be a thorough diagnosis, to be able to differentiate thoracic osteochondrosis hell is other diseases.