The thoracic spine has a feature - the ribs join it. Because of this, it is less mobile than the neck and lower back. Therefore, osteochondrosis in the chest region develops less frequently, according to the principle: "less mobility - less wear". But it develops less often - this does not mean that it flows more easily. And it is indeed the case. It's chest pain. Since the painful area of the thoracic spine coincides with the area of the heart, the symptoms are often confused with angina pectoris or myocardial infarction. No wonder people call thoracic osteochondrosis a "chameleon". After all, he can claim not only to have heart disease, but also disease of the lungs, liver, stomach, gallbladder or pancreas. And here you can not go wrong and ignore a heart attack or another serious disease, for example, a pathology of the mammary glands in women. Mistakes like this are costly, even if it works out in the end. After all, it can "lead" a person to severe stress. That is why it is very important to find an experienced and competent doctor who will understand everything and distinguish the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis from other pathologies. Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the chest region are usually divided into two categories - radicular and reflex.
Root symptoms
They arise due to the effect on the nerves exiting the spine.
spinal nerves
Many nerves come out of the spine. They are called spinal nerves. Each of these nerves gradually branches out and follows a certain area of the body with clearly defined boundaries. This area is called the zone of segmental innervation. Each vertebra, disc, nerve and area are numbered in strict correspondence with each other. If the nerve is affected, the symptoms will appear in the zone of segmental innervation corresponding to this nerve, and not just anywhere - in an arbitrary place.
Radical symptoms include:
- Decrease or loss of reflexes;
- Sensitivity Violation;
- muscular weakness;
- Central pain.
Zones of innervation of the thoracic segments
Osteochondrosis D1–D2- causes pain in the shoulder, collarbone and armpits.
Osteochondrosis D3–D6- Causes pain, girdle character in the upper part of the chest. Simulates heart pain, angina attack. In women, it causes pain in the mammary glands.
Osteochondrosis D7–D8- causes girdle pain in the solar plexus. Simulates pain in the stomach, liver, gall bladder or pancreas. Reduces upper abdominal reflexes.
Osteochondrosis D9–D10- causes pain in the hypochondrium and upper abdomen. Sometimes it mimics the so-called "acute" abdomen - sharp pain in the abdomen. Decreases mid-abdominal reflexes.
Osteochondrosis D11–D12- causes pain in the groin area. Simulates pain in female diseases, appendicitis, intestinal diseases. Reduces lower abdominal reflexes.
Reflex symptoms
Unlike root symptoms, reflex symptoms have no clear boundaries. These can be: difficulty in breathing, lack of air, pain during inspiration-exhalation, chills and "goosebumps" on the skin, intercostal neuralgia, girdle pain in the chest. Dyspepsia is often noted - the appetite worsens, nausea, heartburn, bloating and stool disturbances occur. Due to pain, sleep is disturbed, insomnia and the feeling that you have not slept enough occur. It is difficult to move, especially in the morning. Coordination of movements is disturbed - this is reflected in the gait. General weakness, weakness. Violations in the sexual sphere. Irritability. Rapid fatigue. There are different types of pain. Pressing pains in the chest. Pain between the shoulder blades. Pain in the hypochondrium. Pain when raising the arms. Pain when bending over or trying to straighten up. Pain between the shoulder blades. In general, pain in osteochondrosis of the chest region can be divided into two types.
back pain- moderately pronounced prolonged pain in the back and chest with periods of intensification and easing.
Dorsago- sharp pain "lumbago" in this area.
- Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the chest region depend on the stage of osteochondrosis.
- They are made worse by slouching or trying to straighten up.
- Symptoms often appear after 35-45 years.
- It occurs about 3 times more often in women than in men.
You have of course noticed that the root symptoms are clearly defined, and the reflex symptoms are very vague and non-specific. And as you know, anything without clear definitions serves as a convenient cover for professional impotence. This applies, among other things, to reflex symptoms and to a concept so popular with doctors as "age-related changes". Surely many of you are familiar with the situation when the doctor explained the problem by "reflex" or "age-related" processes. Most people at such times rightly believe that the doctor simply cannot understand what is happening and tries to veil his incompetence in the fog of such "magic words".
At one time there was a popular phrase: "Every accident has a name, surname and function. " Every disease has its own unique symptoms. And the doctor's duty is to know them clearly. And then it will not be necessary to let in the fog and blame everything on osteochondrosis of the chest region. Now you understand how important it is to find an experienced and knowledgeable doctor. The correct diagnosis and successful treatment results will depend on this.
Diagnosis is the key to proper treatment
To date, there are a number of modern methods of hardware diagnostics of osteochondrosis. The most accurate of them are MRI and CT scans. But the main method is still clinical diagnosis - it's when an experienced doctor compares data from at least three sources - from patient complaints, MRI results and the symptoms he revealed duringthe exam. This allows you to make the most accurate diagnosis and create an effective individual treatment program.
Treatment
As you understood, osteochondrosis is a real "tangle" of symptoms, untangling which, the doctor will save you from pain and anguish. But it is not possible to eliminate changes in the vertebrae and discs. Therefore, the words "treatment of osteochondrosis" should be understood correctly. If you want to eliminate pain and other suffering, then yes - it is quite possible. And if you lead an academic discussion on the subject of returning vertebrae and discs to their original appearance, "like a newborn", then no, the past cannot be returned. You need to be realistic and you won't fall for the scammers.
Don't fall for the scammers!
It is impossible to restore vertebrae and discs to their original appearance!
What is the main method of treatment?
Gentle manual therapy is the main type of treatment for osteochondrosis of the chest region. It's like an antibiotic for pneumonia - you can't live without it. Other types - massage, medication, physiotherapy and exercise therapy - are auxiliary.
How does gentle manual therapy work?
The nutrition of the discs is directly related to the muscles surrounding the spine. In addition, the back muscles themselves are one of the constituent causes of pain in osteochondrosis of the chest region. Gentle manual therapy is a special method that can return muscles to their natural physiology, eliminate spasms, muscle clamps and improve disc nutrition.
The intervertebral discs are the only part of the body devoid of blood vessels and supplied by the proper functioning of the muscles.
In addition, when treating with the hands, the chiropractor:
- remove the load from the affected vertebrae and discs and distribute it properly;
- relax the muscles and help them return to normal;
Thereby:
- save the patient from the clamps;
- improve drive power;
- restore the motor functions of the body;
- normalizes blood circulation.
The manual impact mobilizes the body's internal forces and initiates self-healing mechanisms.
The treatment is absolutely safe.
Prevention
To avoid relapses, create comfortable conditions for sleeping and working. Watch your weight and good nutrition. Maintain your physical activity. But the main thing is not to neglect your health and not to save on it. Don't let things go by themselves. After recovery, try to do at least one gentle manual therapy maintenance session once every three to six months - this will reduce risk factors. Do not forget that neglected osteochondrosis leads to complications - protrusion and herniated disc. Don't forget: your health, above all, you need it!
Running osteochondrosis leads to complications - protrusion and herniated disc.