The thoracic spine has a peculiarity - the ribs join it. It is therefore less mobile than the neck and lower back. Therefore, osteochondrosis in the thoracic region develops less frequently, according to the principle: "less mobility - less wear and tear". But it develops less often - that doesn't mean it's easier. And it really is. It's about chest pain. Because the area of chest pain coincides with the area of the heart, symptoms are often confused with angina pectoris or myocardial infarction. No wonder osteochondrosis is said to be a "chameleon". After all, it can pretend not only to be a heart disease, but also a disease of the lungs, liver, stomach, gallbladder or pancreas. you can't make the mistake of ignoring a heart attack or other serious illness, such as breast cancer in women. . That 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 thoracic region are usually divided into two categories - radicular and reflex.
Radicular symptoms
They occur due to the impact on the nerves coming out of the spine.
spinal nerves
There are many nerves coming out of the spine. These are called spinal nerves. Each such nerve gradually branches off and follows a specific area of the body with clearly defined boundaries. This area is called the segmental innervation zone. 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 that nerve, and not everywhere - in any place.
Radical symptoms include:
- Reduction or loss of reflexes;
- Sensitivity disorder;
- muscle weakness;
- Core pain.
Zones of innervation of the thoracic segments
Osteochondrosis D1-D2- causes pain in the shoulder, clavicle and armpits.
Osteochondrosis D3-D6- Causes pain, lumbar in the upper chest. Simulates pain in the heart, an attack of angina pectoris. In women, it causes pain in the mammary glands.
Osteochondrosis D7-D8- causes pain in the girdle at the level of the solar plexus. Simulates pain in the stomach, liver, gallbladder or pancreas. Reduces reflexes in the upper abdomen.
Osteochondrosis D9-D10- causes pain in the hypochondrium and upper abdomen. Sometimes it mimics the so-called "acute" abdomen - acute abdominal pain. Reduces average abdominal reflexes.
Osteochondrosis D11-D12- causes pain in the groin. Simulates pain in gynecological diseases, appendicitis, intestinal diseases. Reduces reflexes in the lower abdomen.
Reflex symptoms
Unlike radicular, reflex symptoms have no clear boundaries. These can be: difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, pain on inhalation-exhalation, chills and "goosebumps" on the skin, intercostal neuralgia, chest pain in the chest. Dyspepsia is often noted - appetite worsens, nausea, heartburn, bloating and stool disorders occur. Due to pain, sleep is disturbed, insomnia and a feeling that you are not asleep. It is difficult to move, especially in the morning. Coordination of movements is impaired - this is reflected in gait. General weakness, weakness. Sexual disorders. Irritability. Rapid fatigue. There are different types of pain. Compressive chest pain. Pain between the shoulder blades. Pain in the hypochondrium. Pain when raising arms. Pain when bending over or trying to stand up. Pain between the shoulder blades. In general, pain in osteochondrosis of the chest can be divided into two types.
Dorsalgia- moderate to severe back and chest pain with periods of intensification and attenuation.
Dorsago- acute lumbago pain in this area.
- The symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis depend on the stage of osteochondrosis.
- They are aggravated by stooping or trying to stand 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 radicular symptoms are clearly defined and the reflex symptoms are very vague and non-specific. And as you know, anything that doesn't have clear definitions serves as a convenient cover for professional helplessness. This applies, among other things, to reflex symptoms and such a favorite concept among doctors as "age-related changes". Certainly many of you are familiar with the situation when the doctor explains the problem with "reflex" or "age-related"Most people in such moments rightly believe that the doctor simply can not understand what is happening and tries to hide his incompetence in the fog of these "magic words".
At one time there was a popular phrase: "Every accident has a name, surname and position. " Every disease has its own unique symptoms. And it is the doctor's duty to know them clearly. And then there will be no need to let go and blame osteochondrosisNow you understand how important it is to find an experienced and knowledgeable doctor, which will determine both the correct diagnosis and the good results of the treatment.
Diagnosis is the key to proper treatment
To date, there are a number of modern methods for hardware diagnosis of osteochondrosis. The most accurate of these are MRI and CT. But the main method is still clinical diagnosis - that is, when an experienced doctor compares data from at least three sources - from patient complaints, MRI results and symptoms revealed by him during the examination. This allows you to make the most accurate diagnosis and create an effective individual treatment program.
Treatment
As you know, osteochondrosis is a real "braid" of symptoms, unraveling which, the doctor will save you from pain and pain. But it is not possible to eliminate changes in the vertebrae 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. be returned. You have to be realistic and then you will not fall for the bait of fraudsters.
Do not fall for the bait of fraudsters!
It is impossible to return the vertebrae and discs to their original form!
What is the main method of treatment?
Mild manual therapy is the main type of treatment for osteochondrosis of the chest. It's like an antibiotic for pneumonia - you can't do without it. Other types - massage, medication, physiotherapy and exercise therapy - are ancillary.
How does gentle manual therapy work?
The nutrition of the discs is directly related to the muscles around the spine. In addition, the muscles of the back themselves are one of the main causes of pain in osteochondrosis of the chest. Soft 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 does not have blood vessels and is nourished by proper muscle function.
In addition, when treating with 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;
Thus:
- save the patient from braces;
- improving disk power;
- restoration of motor functions of the body;
- normalizes blood circulation.
Manual action mobilizes the body's internal forces and starts self-healing mechanisms.
The treatment is absolutely safe.
Prevention
To avoid recurrences, create comfortable conditions for sleep and work. Monitor your weight and proper nutrition. Maintain your physical activity. But the most important thing is not to neglect your health and not to save from it. Don't let things go by themselves. After recovery, try to do at least one maintenance session of gentle manual therapy once every three to six months - this will reduce the risk factors. Remember that neglected osteochondrosis leads to complications - bulge and disc herniation. Remember: your health, first of all, you need!
Ongoing osteochondrosis leads to complications - protrusion and disc herniation.