The thorax has a peculiarity - the ribs join it. Because of this, it is less mobile than the neck and lower back. Consequently, osteochondrosis in the chest region develops less frequently, according to the principle: "less mobility - less consumption". But it develops less often - that does not mean it flows easier. And it really is. It is about chest pain. Since the area of chest pain coincides with the area of the heart, the symptoms are often confused with angina pectoris or myocardial infarction. No wonder they say about thoracic osteochondrosis that it is a "chameleon". After all, he can claim not only that he has a heart disease, but also a disease of the lungs, liver, stomach, gallbladder or pancreas. And here you can not make a mistake and ignore a heart attack or other serious disease, for example, mammary gland pathology in women. Mistakes like this are costly, even if they work in the end. After all, it can "drive" a person into severe stress. This is why it is very important to find an experienced and knowledgeable doctor who will understand everything and distinguish the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis from other pathologies. The symptoms of osteochondrosis of the chest region are usually divided into two categories - radicular and reflex.
Radical symptoms
They arise due to the effect on the nerves emerging from the spine.
spinal nerves
There are many nerves coming out of the spine. They are called spinal nerves. Each such nerve gradually branches off and follows a certain area of the body with clearly defined boundaries. This area is called the segmental innervation area. Each vertebra, disc, nerve and area are numbered strictly corresponding to each other. If the nerve is affected, the symptoms will appear in the area of segmental innervation corresponding to this nerve, and not everywhere - in an arbitrary place.
Radical symptoms include:
- Decreased or lost reflexes;
- Violation of sensitivity;
- muscle weakness;
- Nuclear pain.
Thoracic segment innervation areas
Osteochondrosis D1-D2- causes pain in the shoulder, clavicle and armpit.
Osteochondrosis D3-D6- Causes pain, girdle character in the upper chest. Simulates heart pain, an attack of angina pectoris. In women it causes pain in the mammary glands.
Osteochondrosis D7-D8- causes belt pain at the level of the solar plexus. Simulates pain in the stomach, liver, gallbladder or pancreas. Reduces upper abdominal reflexes.
Osteochondrosis D9-D10- causes pain in the hypochondrium and in the upper abdomen. Sometimes it mimics the so-called "acute" abdomen - a sharp pain in the abdomen. Reduces mid-abdominal reflexes.
Osteochondrosis D11-D12- causes pain in the groin area. Simulates pain in gynecological diseases, appendicitis, intestinal diseases. Reduces lower abdominal reflexes.
Reflex symptoms
Unlike radicles, reflex symptoms have no clear boundaries. These can be: difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, pain during choking-exhalation, chills and "bumps" on the skin, intercostal neuralgia, chest pain. Indigestion is often observed - appetite worsens, nausea, heartburn, bloating and bowel disorders appear. Because of the pain, sleep is disturbed, insomnia appears and the feeling that you have not slept enough. It is difficult to move, especially in the morning. Movement coordination is disturbed - this is reflected in gait. General weakness, weakness. Violations in the sexual sphere. Nervousness. Rapid fatigue. There are different types of pain. Oppressive pain in the chest. Pain between the edges of the shoulders. Pain in the hypochondrium. Pain when raising the arms. Pain when bending or trying to straighten. Pain between the edges of the shoulders. In general, pain in osteochondrosis of the chest region can be divided into two types.
Dorsalgia- prolonged moderate pain in the back and chest with periods of intensification and relief.
Dorsago- acute "lumbago" pain in this area.
- The symptoms of osteochondrosis of the chest region depend on the stage of osteochondrosis.
- They are aggravated by bending over or trying to steer.
- 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 radicular symptoms are clearly defined, and reflex symptoms are very vague and not specific. And as you know, anything that has no clear definitions serves as a fitting cover for professional helplessness. This applies, among other things, to reflex symptoms and a concept so preferred by doctors as "age-related changes". Surely many of you are familiar with the situation when the doctor explained the problem with "reflex" or "age-related" processes. Most people in such moments rightly believe that the doctor simply can not understand what is happening and is trying to hide his inability in the fog of these "magic words".
There used to be a popular phrase: "Every accident has a name, a surname and a position. "Each disease has its own unique symptoms. And the doctor's job is to recognize them clearly. And then there will be no need to leave the fog and blame the osteochondrosis of the chest region for everything. Now you understand how important it is to find an experienced and knowledgeable doctor. Accurate diagnosis and good treatment results will depend on this.
Diagnosis is the key to proper treatment
To date, there are a number of modern methods of hardware diagnosis of osteochondrosis. The most accurate of these are MRI and CT. But the main method is still clinical diagnosis - this is when an experienced doctor compares data from at least three sources - from the patient's complaints, MRI results and symptoms that were discovered by him during the examination. This allows you to make the most accurate diagnosis and create an effective individual treatment program.
Treatment
As you understand, osteochondrosis is a real "tangle" of symptoms, which is decomposed, the doctor will save you from pain and anxiety. But it is not possible to eliminate changes in beads and discs. Therefore, the words "treatment of osteochondrosis" must be understood correctly. If you are interested in eliminating pain and other suffering, then yes - it is quite possible. And if you conduct an academic discussion on the topic of returning beads and discs to their original appearance, "like a newborn baby", then no, the past can not be returned. You have to be realistic and then you will not fall into the bait of fraudsters.
Do not fall into the bait of fraudsters!
It is impossible to return the 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 not do without it. Other types - massage, medication, physical therapy and exercise - are helpful.
How does gentle manual therapy work?
Disc nutrition is directly related to the muscles that surround 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 allows you to return the muscles to their natural physiology, eliminate spasms, muscle cramps and improve disc nutrition.
Intervertebral discs are the only part of the body that has no blood vessels and is nourished by proper muscle function.
In addition, when treated with the help of hands, the chiropractor:
- remove the load from the affected beads and discs and distribute it properly;
- relax the muscles and help them return to normal;
In this way:
- save the patient from the clips;
- improving disk power;
- restoration of motor functions of the body;
- normalizes blood circulation.
Manual impact mobilizes the body's internal forces and initiates self-healing mechanisms.
The treatment is absolutely safe.
prevention
To avoid setbacks, create comfortable conditions for yourself to sleep and work. Check your weight and proper nutrition. Keep up your physical activity. But the main thing is not to neglect your health and do not 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. Remember, neglected osteochondrosis leads to complications - lengthening and disc herniation. Remember: your health, first of all, you need!
Running osteochondrosis leads to complications - elongation and disc herniation.