Compared with osteochondrosis of the cervical or lumbar spine, osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is less likely to make itself felt. Symptoms of the disease are also somewhat different and in some cases can be misleading in their similarity with pains in the heart, chest, even in the kidneys and pancreas.
Sources of the disease
There are understandable reasons that people do not often complain of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. Symptoms of it are not so pronounced, and sometimes they do not make themselves felt for a long time. The twelve vertebrae located in the thoracic region, unlike the cervical and lumbar, are protected by ribs and muscles, and this frame significantly reduces the load on this department. Moreover, the mentioned part of the spinal column is more static, while all movements and loads are fully felt in the neck and lower back.
As with any type of vertebral osteochondrosis, pain occurs as a result of wear or deformation of the intervertebral cartilage due to age-related changes, excessive stress, or improper lifestyle. Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine also manifests itself. Symptoms of it, however, can be caused not by stress, but, on the contrary, by a sedentary lifestyle, for example, long sitting at a computer in one position, the habit of unevenly keeping your back, and so on. A dystrophic process occurs in the spinal column, which causes a narrowing of the channels between the vertebrae and compression of the nerve roots.
How is the disease manifested?
Osteochondrosis of the spine (chest), makes itself felt is not always clear pain between the shoulder blades, in the ribs, in the neck, in the upper back. Often he is mistaken for intercostal neuralgia, which, in principle, is not far from the truth. With severe pain, it becomes difficult to breathe, which gives reason to suspect a heart attack. The pain intensifies when trying to bring the shoulder blades together, move the neck or shoulders. It is felt sharper at night, in a static position.
How is osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine treated?
Symptoms and intensity of the pain syndrome dictate the treatment methods. The conservative method basically comes down to taking painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. However, not every medicine relieves pain in the spine. Neuropathologists most often prescribe the drug "Ibuklin" in tablets, which has a directed analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect precisely for pain in the joints and spine, as well as for various neuralgia. It is desirable to combine medication with the use of therapeutic ointments with a warming and distracting effect, such as Voltaren, Diclofenac and others.
But this is only a symptomatic treatment. More radically help to cure osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine exercises developed by well-known orthopedists and neuropathologists, for example, a set of exercises Valentin Dikul. And it is highly advisable to visit an experienced chiropractor. These procedures can return the vertebrae to their correct position and relieve pain. Such modern methods as dry traction, acupuncture, vacuum therapy and others are also effective.
And, of course, do not forget about an active lifestyle. The indicated problem rarely overtakes those who regularly do exercises, walk a lot and generally try to alternate between being at their desk or lying on a dented sofa with walks in the fresh air.