Pain in the thoracic spine is often confused with cardiac or cold symptoms. Many do not pay any attention to these sensations and do not rush to the doctor, however discomfort can signal quite serious pathologies. Next, we will understand what is the nature of pain in the thoracic spine. Causes and methods of therapy will also be described in the article.
General information
Before talking about what provokes pain in the thoracic spine, you should get acquainted with the anatomy of this area. It consists of 12 elements. The chest section looks similar to the first part of the capital “X”. Specialists call this physiological kyphosis. The department under consideration performs the task of retaining the posterior wall of the chest. The joints of the trunk are involved in the attachment of the ribs. Together with them, the frame of the spine protects the internal organs and chest from damage. Disks in this part of the column are quite small in height. This prevents the spine from being very mobile in this area. Static position is also ensured by special processes. They are called spinous. These processes are located along the pillar in the form of tiles. A reliable position of this part of the spine is also ensured by the chest. A narrow channel runs along the pillar. Even minor violations in it can provoke a hernia or tumor, as well as the formation of processes - osteophytes. All these phenomena cause pain in the thoracic spine.
Provocative factors
Why do pains appear in the thoracic spine? The causes of the pathological condition may be different. Unpleasant sensations can occur with poor performance or muscle injury. These phenomena, in turn, can result from damage to the thoracic region itself. A person begins to feel discomfort between the ribs and in the press area. Especially spinal pain in the thoracic region is expressed during active movements, when sneezing or coughing. Unpleasant sensations can be triggered by disorders of the digestive tract or heart. Pain in the thoracic spine and sore throat can be associated with impaired respiratory system activity. The pathological condition in the area of ligaments and joints in this area can be the result of a sprain or an inflammatory process. Increased spinal pain in the thoracic region can be observed in the areas of attachment of the ribs to the column. The same thing can also be observed in places of their fusion. Often there are pains in the thoracic spine with exacerbation of osteochondrosis. Of particular importance in a number of provoking factors are injuries. Pain in the spine in the thoracic region can be the result of problems with the skeleton - deformations of the scoliotic type. In most cases, they relate directly to the pillar. However, deformations often extend to the rib group. Among other things, it is necessary to take into account changes after damage to the musculoskeletal system. Often thoracic spine pain occurs in old age due to the development of osteoporosis.
Clinical picture
The nature of the pain may be different. She can be persistent and strong. This may indicate the presence of a tumor. Compressive pain may indicate compression of the nerve roots. Pathology can be caused by an infectious lesion. For example, the background disease is often tuberculous spondylitis, an abscess of the epidural sites. In these cases, the pain can be prolonged and have a pulling character. Herpes or shingles can be provocative diseases. Against the background of these pathologies, the pains are stitching, sharp, burning. The same sensations accompany vasculitis or diabetes.
Dystrophic process
If it extends to the intervertebral joints, spondyloarthrosis develops. Later, osteoarthrosis may join it. This pathology is characterized by damage to the ribs, vertebrae and vertebral-costal joints and their transverse joints. As a result of this, narrowing of the holes occurs, which, in turn, provokes compression of the nerve roots near the column. The fibers are under pressure, and a strong inflammatory process develops in this area, accompanied by pain. It is quite intense and makes breathing difficult.
Symptomatic Nerve Disorders
These structures are involved in regulating the activities of internal organs. Disorders of their functions are often associated with violations in their work. Pain occurs in the sternum and can be given to the area between the shoulder blades or spread vertically along the entire spine. They begin to intensify with deep breathing or in the process of active movement. With compression of the nerve root, the pain takes on a zoster. Most often, it appears on one side - in the area where the intercostal nerve is located. In violation of its sensitivity, limbs begin to go numb, there is a feeling of "running goose bumps." However, it can happen and vice versa. Sensitivity of the nerve may increase, as a result of which the pain becomes burning.
Dysfunction of the internal organs
If the heart is disturbed, angina type pains appear. The patient feels a burning sensation, general weakness, squeezing. The condition may be accompanied by pain in the liver. Moreover, the activity of organs such as the stomach or intestines is often impaired. Some patients have difficulty urinating, also accompanied by pain. In this case, an ultrasound scan is recommended. Radiography is also recommended. During the procedure, the thoracic region is examined in two projections. According to the pictures, the specialist estimates the difference in height between the vertebrae, determines the presence of growths of bone processes.
Learn more about deviations.
According to statistics, no more than 1% of cases of pain are associated with the appearance of a hernia of the intervertebral discs of the thoracic region. As a rule, these pathological protrusions are formed in four elements of the lower part of the column. However, there are frequent cases of the appearance of a hernia in the thoracic region. In this case, compression of the spinal cord occurs. It provokes severe pain. Osteoporosis is often accompanied by bone damage, as their structure becomes brittle. This is especially true for elderly patients. Osteochondrosis is very diverse in its manifestations. His clinical picture is often poorly expressed. The most obvious symptom of osteochondrosis is pain in the chest region of varying intensity. It can increase after exercise or when lying down. Often there are pains in the thoracic spine at night. In this regard, a person is forced to constantly change his posture during sleep. In this case, the pain can be squeezing or dull, sharp or aching, as well as a burning character. It can spread throughout the entire area between the shoulder blades.
Often there are pains in the thoracic
spine during pregnancy. In this case, the future mother needs to contact a specialist and adjust the mode. The doctor may prescribe gentle therapy to relieve pain in the thoracic spine. Exercise is considered the most effective and appropriate help in the antenatal period. At a young age, signs of Scheuermann-Mau syndrome may appear. This pathology is accompanied by a chest pain of a burning character. It provokes an exacerbation of kyphosis. In this state, the spine begins to bend, which, in turn, is accompanied by a deformation of its elements and the lower chest area.
Differentiated diagnosis
During the examination, first of all, it is necessary to exclude the pathology of blood vessels and the heart. For this, a specialist prescribes an ECG. Among other pathologies accompanied by chest pain, the following are most common:
- Pneumonia.
- Myeloma
- Aneurysm and aortic rupture.
- Pleurisy.
- Pulmonary embolism.
- Peptic ulcer.
- Abscess of the diaphragm.
- Cancer in the pancreas.
- Cholecystitis.
The examination is recommended to go through the following specialists:
- Oncologist.
- Neurologist.
- Traumatologist.
- Osteopath.
- Gastroenterologist.
- Specialist in exercise therapy.
- Masseur.
- Chiropractor.
- Vertebrologist.
Pain in the thoracic spine: treatment
Therapy of the condition includes a variety of activities. This or that complex is selected in accordance with the causes, nature and duration of the course, as well as taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient. As the main methods of treatment using manual therapy and massage. When these procedures are combined, a significant increase in the effect is noted, which leads to a more rapid elimination of the pathological condition. Along with this, manual therapy and massage are considered the most gentle methods of exposure. The procedure should nevertheless be carried out by a specialist. With proper massage and manual exposure, a fairly rapid elimination of soreness is noted.
additional information
Timely contacting a doctor and prescribing treatment will help to avoid surgical intervention. If the process is protracted, then an operation is often prescribed. Intervention is performed as indicated. Equally important in the issue of eliminating pain is the adjustment of the patient's lifestyle. A specialist can recommend temporarily reducing physical activity, changing nutrition. It is advisable to engage in physical therapy at home, to be more in the fresh air.
Home Physical Education
Specialists have developed special sets of exercises that contribute to a significant relief of the condition and more rapid relief from pain. Some manipulations can be performed while sitting on a chair with a strong back. For example, hands are folded on the back of the head so that the spine is pressed against the upper back of the chair. Next, bend back and then lean forward, repeating this 3-4 times. The starting position may be lying. At the same time, a roller is placed under the back in the chest area. It can be made from a towel by wrapping it on a rolling pin. Hands are folded behind the head. Next, you need to bend, and then raise the upper region of the body. To influence all areas, the roller should be moved along the spine, repeating the exercise 3-4 times.