Thoracic osteochondrosis, a serious pathology involving degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs.The disease is often the result of a sedentary lifestyle, improper distribution of the load on the spine and intervertebral discs, and metabolic disorders.
The disease has a number of symptoms, but they are easily confused with the manifestations of other pathological phenomena.Therefore, it is important to know how to recognize osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.
Can it hurt your chest?

Chest pain is one of the common symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis.Their occurrence is associated with the following factors:
- Dysfunction of the organs in the thoracic region due to inflammation of the joints.
- Degenerative processes and atrophy at the junction of the spine and ribs.
- Increased load on the spine.
- Inflammatory processes in muscles.
One of the signs of osteochondrosis is the feeling of vibrations in the chest, which causes pain..From a physical point of view, this area of the spine is considered the strongest, it can be very easily affected by the pathological process.
Speed!A sharp, sharp pain in the chest is called "Dorsago".It often occurs when the patient suddenly changes the position of the body after staying in a stable position for a long time.
The mechanism of the syndrome
Under increased loads and other factors that provoke osteochondrosis, the bone tissues of the spine are gradually deformed.Intervertebral discs slowly deteriorate and pathological growths appearThey are called osteophytes.
As the patient moves, these growths cause pinching of the vessels of the spinal cord.Further development of degenerative processes leads to deterioration of blood circulation, including inside the chest.Communication with the nervous system is disrupted.
As osteochondrosis progresses, the pressure increases.That's why the pain gets stronger.Its localization is determined in the area where degenerative processes occur.
Symptoms of GOP pathology
The main symptoms that reveal osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine (OS) are as follows:
- Chest pain that worsens at night;
- pain between the shoulder blades, which manifests itself during bending of the arms and torso;
- pain when breathing;
- pain under the ribs when moving.
Let's think about what other symptoms are, whether the chest or stomach can hurt, there is pain, whether the arms are somehow effective.
Additional symptoms are as follows:

- Chest pain.With osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, pain in the sternum is the main symptom.They can resemble heart attacks, which can make diagnosis difficult.Pain in the lower back, sides and abdomen is also possible.
- A lump in the chest.Also common.The feeling of a lump in the chest is associated with pinched nerve endings.When it happens, there should be no panic, because the symptom is neurological in nature and the condition may worsen.
- Headache.Headache is more common with cervical osteochondrosis, but it can also be felt with thoracic osteochondrosis.Its appearance is associated with circulatory disorders.
- Between the shoulder blades.Sometimes the pain appears only in the cross-sectional area.It is usually associated with breathing in this case.
- Burning.There may also be a burning sensation in the chest.It is usually accompanied by compressive pain and radiates to the heart.Symptoms can resemble a heart attack, which is scary for patients.
- My hands are numb.Numbness of the bones is also possible with osteochondrosis.This is associated with circulation problems.
- To give to the stomach area.If osteochondrosis affects the thoracic region, the pain can radiate to the stomach region.Disorders in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, development or deterioration of pathologies of internal organs are also possible.The cause of pain is most often compressed nerves that connect back to the gastrointestinal tract and pelvis.
Discomfort due to diseases of the digestive system can easily be confused with pain.
- Pain of predation.With osteochondrosis, pressure occurs in the layers of cartilage located between the vertebrae, and the cartilage becomes deformed.As a result, the bone tissue grows and a hernia occurs.By extracting it, it helps to irritate the nerve endings that can cause pain in different parts of the body.
- Painful swallowing.If the disease is localized in the upper part of the sternum, the pain may appear in the pharynx or esophagus.There is a lump in the throat.There may also be problems with swallowing when eating food that is particularly large or irritates the wall of the esophagus.

Diagnostics
The following tests are used to diagnose osteochondrosis::
- examination by an orthopedist and surgeon;
- chest x-ray;
- ECG;
- Abdominal and chest ultrasound;
- General urine and blood tests;
- gastroduodenoscopy (examination of the stomach and intestines using a probe).
These methods make it possible to confirm that the visible symptoms are the result of osteochondrosis and another consequence of another disease.
When is the pain in the sternum mixed with chondrosis of the sternum?
Pain in the sternum with osteochondrosis is most often confused with heart pain.They can also be confused with pain syndrome due to disorders of the digestive system.To establish the exact cause, the doctor conducts a differential diagnosis.
How is this different from cardiac pathology?
Pain with cervical osteochondrosis is similar to pain with heart pathologies.It is very difficult for the patient to distinguish between them, and an electrocardiogram is used for diagnosis.If we talk about heart diseases, then the pain is easily relieved with glycerol trinitrate, but it does not relieve the symptoms in osteochondrosis.
With VSD, there is an additional sensation:
- tachycardia and bradycardia;
- There is a feeling of fear;
- constant weakness and fatigue.
The pain is usually dull and aching, with osteochondrosis it is a pressing nature.
How long do they last?
The pain may come in short bursts and last for several minutes.If we are talking about long-term pain syndrome, it cannot go away for 2-3 weeks.Significant symptoms usually last up to 5 days.
Are there differences in symptoms between men and women?

The main symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis do not differ between men and women.
HoweverIt is more difficult to diagnose pathology in women due to hormonal characteristics.In young patients, it is subject to constant fluctuations.During menopause, the synthesis of certain hormones decreases, which can cause a number of pathologies that require differential diagnosis.
In men, the disease has a typical course, which makes it possible to quickly identify it and start therapy.
Treatment methods
Treatment methods for both diseases and chest pain should be selected by a doctor.As a rule, complex therapy is required.
Medicines
Medicines are currently the main method of treating osteochondrosis.There are some remedies that may be indicated for thoracic lesions::
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that help relieve inflammation.
- Chondroprotectors aimed at restoring the structure of damaged cartilage.
- Muscle flow that provides relaxation and muscle tone.
- Preparations for the normalization of metabolic processes.
- Vitamin and mineral complexes.
Medicines can be prescribed in the form of tablets or injections.In case of severe pain, a therapeutic blockade can alleviate the patient's condition.

Internal regulation
In some cases, it is necessary to introduce chondroprotectors directly into the affected joint.
Medicines help:
- Restore the flexibility of the discs between the vertebrae;
- saturate the affected tissues with necessary nutrients;
- prevents further destruction.
Blockade
Therapeutic blockade aims to quickly reduce pain and inflammation, while returning the patient to normal mobility.It can be articular and periarticular.In the latter case, the drug is not introduced into the joint itself, but into the tissues located nearby.This method is softer and less effective, but the result is slower.
Gymnastics
Exercises help strengthen muscles, normalize the activity of ligaments, muscles and joints, and reduce static tension in the spine.It should be selected by a doctor.As a rule, gymnastics is prescribed only in the phase of remission.
Attention!Pain should not increase during exercises.
What does it do for a hernia?
The doctor can prescribe special exercises for the hernia.It can be performed only when the pathological process decreases.An important condition is the absence of severe pain syndrome.
Exercises with a stick are often recommended for this pathology.Bends, twists and other simple movements can be done to work the thoracic region.

Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy can be prescribed for the treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- Vibration massage;
- Uvt;
- Acupuncture;
- mud and light therapy.
These techniques help relieve pain, accelerate tissue repair, and relieve inflammation.
Massage
The main purpose of therapeutic massage is to improve blood circulationhas a beneficial effect on the treatment of the disease.
Textbook therapy
Hand therapy is performed only after a thorough examination of the patient.Contraindicated for acute pain.Its main task is to eliminate spinal deformity, restore blood circulation and improve motor activity.
Hand therapy is not used:
- with high pressure;
- after spinal injuries;
- in the acute phase of chronic pathologies;
- with vascular lesions;
- infectious diseases.
When is it contraindicated?:
- Oncology;
- lesions of the central nervous system;
- increased intracranial pressure.
The therapeutic effect is to restore muscle function, improve blood circulation in vertebral tissues and normalize metabolic processes.
Title
This method involves stretching muscles and ligaments, increasing the distance between the vertebrae, eliminating the pelvic nerves.As a result, the pain syndrome is significantly reduced.
Folk treatment
Folk remedies cannot replace traditional medicine, but they can supplement treatment.The most popular recipes include:

- Compresses made from raw potatoes.You need to close the potatoes, mix them with honey in equal proportions, mix thoroughly.The composition is applied to the affected area, made as a compress and separated for two hours.Then you need to wash the paste with warm water.
- This recipe can be used both externally and internally.You need to buy 50 grams of high-quality vodka, 150 grams of liquid honey, a small radish and four teaspoons of salt.Close the potatoes and mix with the rest of the ingredients.
Gruel can be applied to the affected area as a rub.You can use the product as a tincture.It is consumed twice a day, morning and evening, for a week.
- You can relieve pain from thoracic osteochondrosis by applying 250 grams of sunflower oil and chopped fresh oregano.
How to relieve an attack?
Medicines are usually used to stop an attack.In some cases, a drug blockade may be required.
Medicines may be prescribed:
- anti-inflammatory drugs;
- Chondroprotectors;
- muscle currents;
- nootropics;
- diuretics;
- B vitamins.
A light massage can be done to normalize local blood circulation.

Prevention
It is easier than preventing any disease.Reduce the likelihood of the appearance or exacerbation of osteochondrosis,It is important to monitor your lifestyle.
- During sedentary work, you should take periodic breaks and devote them to physical activity.
- It is also important to give up bad habits, control your posture, get enough sleep and avoid stress.
How to eat properly when sick?
Proper nutrition helps to speed up the recovery process and prevent disease.The diet is based on:
- fish;
- meat;
- dairy products;
- from lacquer
It is also important that your diet includes fresh fruits and vegetables.Food should not be fried - it is better to boil, bake or steam.
It is important to limit consumption:
- salt;
- spices;
- spices.
Attention is also needed:
- smoked meat;
- pickling containers;
- sweets.
If you are overweight, it is important to follow a diet aimed at losing weight.You need to drink a lot of water.But you should not face coffee - it tends to wash calcium from the body, which is harmful for osteochondrosis.Avoiding alcoholic beverages is also recommended.
Recommendations of experts
In addition, experts give the following recommendations:

- Try to be careful when exercising to avoid excavation.It is important to avoid severe stress, fatigue and hypothermia.
- You should pay attention to any additional symptoms.This will help to diagnose the disease in time.These include headache, dizziness, nausea and breathing problems.
- You should not prescribe the drug yourself - the pathologist should choose them taking into account the severity of the process and the severity of the existing symptoms.
- If acute pain occurs, it is recommended to consult an emergency room or a neurologist.
Analgesics and local pain relievers can be used to relieve pain.
- When separated, it should be observed on bed rest.Activity should be minimal.
- If the pain attacks are provoked by a hernia, then you need to wear a special corset.In some cases, surgery is not possible.It is carried out after a detailed diagnosis and exclusion of other pathologies.
- It is important to adopt the correct position while sleeping.It is recommended to sleep on your back using a firm, dense mattress.When the vertebrae return to their normal physiological state, the discomfort disappears.
Thoracic osteochondrosis is not only an unpleasant disease, but also dangerous.It requires timely and comprehensive treatment.The doctor decides what the therapy will be.The patient must follow all the recommendations received from him and lead a suitable lifestyle.
























