The thoracic spine has a peculiarity - the sides join it. Because of this, it is less mobile than the neck and lower back. As a result, osteochondrosis in the chest area develops less frequently, according to the principle: "less mobility - less wear". But it grows less often - that does not mean it flows easier. And indeed it is. This is chest pain. Because the pain zone of the thoracic spine coincides with the heart zone, the symptoms are often confused with angina or myocardial infarction. No wonder they say that thoracic osteochondrosis is a "chameleon". Besides, it can be pretended not only that he has heart disease, but also a disease of the lungs, liver, stomach, gallbladder or pancreas. And here you can not go wrong and ignore a heart attack or other serious illness, for example, pathology of the mammary glands in women. Such mistakes are costly, even if they eventually come out. After all, it can "lead" a person to intense stress. That is why it is very important to find an experienced and qualified doctor who will understand everything and will distinguish the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis from other pathologies. The symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region are usually divided into two categories - radical and reflex.
Radical symptoms
They occur due to the effect on the nerves coming out of the spine.
spinal nerves
Many nerves come out of the spine. They 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 nerve zone. Each vertebra, disc, nerve and band are numbered strictly according to each other. If the nerve is affected, the symptoms will appear in the partial nerve zone that corresponds to that nerve, and not anywhere - in an arbitrary place.
Radical symptoms include:
- Reduction or loss of reflexes.
- Violation of sensitivity?
- muscular weakness;
- Core pain.
Nerve zones of the thoracic sections
Osteochondrosis D1 – D2- causes pain in the shoulder, wrist and armpits.
Osteochondrosis D3 – D6- Causes pain, character of a belt in the upper part of the chest. It simulates heart pain, an angina attack. In women it causes pain in the mammary glands.
Osteochondrosis D7 – D8- causes pain in the zone at the level of the solar plexus. Simulates pain in the stomach, liver, gallbladder or pancreas. Reduces the reflexes of the upper abdomen.
Osteochondrosis D9 – D10- causes pain in the hypochondrium and upper abdomen. It sometimes mimics the so-called "acute" abdomen - an acute abdominal pain. Reduces interventricular reflexes.
Osteochondrosis D11 – D12- causes pain in the groin. Simulates pain in gynecological diseases, appendicitis, intestinal diseases. Reduces the reflexes of the lower abdomen.
Reflex symptoms
Unlike radicals, reflex symptoms have no clear boundaries. These can be: difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, pain on inhalation-exhalation, chills and "goose" on the skin, intercostal neuralgia, pain in the chest area. Indigestion is often observed - appetite worsens, nausea, heartburn, bloating and stool disorders occur. Because of the pain, sleep is disturbed, insomnia occurs and the feeling that you have not slept enough. It is difficult to move, especially in the morning. The coordination of the movements is disturbed - this is reflected in the gait. General weakness, weakness. Violations in the sexual sphere. Irritable. Rapid fatigue. There are several types of pain. Pressing chest pains. Pain between the shoulders. Hypochondriac pain. Pain when raising your arms. Pain when bending over or trying to straighten. Pain between the shoulders. In general, osteochondrosis pain in the chest area can be divided into two types.
Dorsalgia- moderately intense prolonged pain in the back and chest with periods of intensification and weakening.
Dorsago- acute "lumbago" pain in this area.
- The symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region depend on the stage of osteochondrosis.
- They deteriorate when they lie down or try to straighten.
- Symptoms often appear after 35-45 years.
- It occurs about 3 times more often in women than in men.
Of course, you have noticed that the root symptoms are clearly defined and the reflex symptoms are very vague and non-specific. And as you know, anything that does not have clear definitions serves as a convenient cover for occupational weakness. This applies, among other things, to reflex symptoms and a popular concept among physicians such as "age-related changes". Surely many of you are aware of the situation when the doctor explained the problem with "reflex" or "age-related" procedures. Most people in such moments rightly believe that the doctor simply can not understand what is happening and tries to cover his inability in the fog of these "magic words".
Once upon a time there was a popular phrase: "Every accident has a name, a surname and a place". Each 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 fog and blame everything on the osteochondrosis of the chest area. Now you understand how important it is to find an experienced and qualified doctor. Both the correct diagnosis and the good treatment results will depend on this.
Diagnosis is the key to proper treatment
To date, there are many modern methods of diagnosing osteochondrosis through material. The most accurate of these are MRI and CT scan. But the main method is still the clinical diagnosis - this happens when an experienced doctor compares data from at least three sources - from patients' 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 plan.
Treatment
As you understand, osteochondrosis is a real "tangle" of symptoms, which unfold, the doctor will save you from pain and anxiety. But it is not possible to eliminate the 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 sufferings, then yes - it is very likely. And if you are having an academic discussion about the issue of returning vertebrae 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 for the vertebrae and discs to return to their original appearance!
What is the main method of treatment?
Mild manual therapy is the main type of treatment for osteochondrosis of the chest area. It's like an antibiotic for pneumonia - you can not do without it. Other items - massage, medication, physiotherapy and exercise - are helpful.
How does mild manual therapy work?
The nutrition of the discs 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 the osteochondrosis of the thoracic region. Gentle manual therapy is a special method that allows you to restore the muscles to their natural physiology, eliminate spasms, muscle spasms and improve the nutrition of the disc.
The intervertebral discs are the only part of the body that does not have blood vessels and is nourished by the proper functioning of the muscles.
In addition, during the treatment with the help of 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.
Therefore:
- save the patient from clamps.
- improve disk power.
- restoration of motor functions of the body.
- normalizes blood circulation.
The manual impact mobilizes the internal forces of the body and launches self-healing mechanisms.
The treatment is completely safe.
Prevention
To avoid relapses, create comfortable sleeping and working conditions. Pay attention to your weight and proper nutrition. Maintain your physical activity. But the main thing is not to neglect your health and not to save it. Do not let things go by themselves. After recovery, try to do at least one gentle manual maintenance session once every three to six months - this will reduce the risk factors. Remember, neglected osteochondrosis leads to complications - bulge and disc herniation. Remember: your health, first of all, you need!
Osteochondrosis of the run leads to complications - protrusion and disc herniation.