Thoracic osteochondrosis in women. Signs, symptoms such as pain, feeling. Treatment, medication, exercise

Low back pain, according to the dislocation, qualifies for the cervical and lumbar types. However, there is one, the rarest and most dangerous of its kind - thoracic osteochondrosis, signs of which often can be confused with angina or a heart attack.

Though the disease occurs in both sexes, they are the most vulnerable women. Timely detection of violations will help to avoid negative consequences.

What is osteochondrosis of the thoracic and how it develops

Osteochondrosis is a collection of chronic degenerative disorders of intervertebral discs or in cartilaginous tissues, which leads to their deformation and loss of elasticity.

Regardless of the type of disease, the spacing between vertebrae is reduced, which leads to complications such as protrusion or intervertebral hernias. The pathological manifestations are often characterized by pinching the nerve-endings of impulse directed from the spinal cord.

Since the effects of static and dynamic loads on the thorax is considerably lower than in the cervical and lumbar, this type appears less likely than others. An important role is played by the physiological fixation of the muscular system of the back by means of ribs.

Thoracic osteochondrosis in women, signs of which are not much different from the symptoms of diseases of the abdominal cavities, bad to diagnose, which is why a proper diagnosis often has already put on later stages.

Any type of degenerative disc disease of the thoracic develops together with the bundle of intervertebral disc cells, a decrease in their height, which results in further pinching of the nerve endings. In the most neglected forms, the pathological process of spreading to other parts of the spinal column.

The causes of the disease

At the moment, not establish the exact factors that contribute to the development of breast osteochondrosis. Specialists from various fields of relationship has been identified numerous signs that are capable of complex influence on the spread and manifestation of the pathological process.

Thus, the perpetrators can act mechanical, hormonal, vascular, and other types of diseases. it was revealed at the same time the impact of several factors, which is a common property of the excessive load on the spinal column on the basis of the research and diagnostic activities.

The most common reasons that cause such overloading are:

• Inactive lifestyle and obesity. The lack or absence of physical activity often leads to weakening of the muscular structures in the area of ​​the back and intervertebral discs. Improper Organization workspace, involving a sitting posture, often leads to cervical degenerative disc disease, which often proceeds chest type.
• Injury and strength exercises. Excessive load, especially the wrong technique of power exercises contribute to the emergence of degenerative changes in the thoracic spine area. Injury or injuries of the spine and can lead to the development of the pathological process.
• Lack of proper dietIncluding a very important vitamins and minerals. Lack of various mineral structures, particularly calcium leads to the destruction of bone tissue integrity.
• Various infectious diseases hormonallyIncluding toxic effects of harmful substances. In this case, the developing bone loss due to interaction of harmful organic elements.

Thoracic osteochondrosis in women, signs of which are difficult to diagnose at an early stage, most often develops during pregnancy.

childbearing is characterized by a combination of several causes contributing to the development of degenerative process - excessive stress on the spine and the constant need for minerals and vitamins. More than 80% of pregnant women report similar symptoms.

Risk factors

The primary risk factor for degenerative disc disease is a genetic predisposition to the disease. So if the relatives any degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs have been found, it is necessary to adhere to preventive measures in a comprehensive survey of 1-2 times per year.

The following factors increase the chances of developing breast osteochondrosis:

• congenital malformations of the structure of the spinal column, including the chronic shortage of water and substances promoting plasticity of the articular surface;
• asymmetric placement of anatomical gaps intervertebral joints;
• vibration effects on the spinal column, in particular from the long drive vehicles;
• smoking and alcoholism;
• psychosocial reasons, frequent stress;
• age over 45-50 years;
• chronic metabolic disorders;
• development of endocrine pathologies;
• female.

Cardiovascular diseases are equally affect the manifestation of osteoarthritis. Most often, such pathologies include dystonia, where complications can affect not only the breast, but the cervical vertebrae.

The most typical symptoms

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic though different floating symptoms, in practice there is still a number of basic and the most common symptoms.

Common symptoms that indicate the development of a pathological process in both men and women:

• Intercostal neuralgia and chest. Characterized by the occurrence of localized pain in the chest. On display type, the pain can be acute or pulsatile. Often there is the presence of compression that violates the breathing process, which leads to symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. Pain can also move to back or blades. In the presence of physical activity (tilts, weight lifting, exercise) or improper posture discomfort intensifies.

  

• Discomfort in the limbs or parts of them. In this case, the patient feels a tingling, alternating with numbness of arms or legs, especially in the shoulders, wrists and fingers. feeling limbs permafrost also often appears without apparent reason, it is due to compression of neurovascular endings.
• Dizziness and frequent headaches. Notes the presence of blurred vision, headaches or fog before the eyes that occurs due to the clamping of the nerve endings. Often there is an incomprehensible fatigue without any reason. Headaches appear as compressing, amplifying an incorrect posture.

Severe form of the disease entails various pathological disturbances in the normal circulation of the blood of all parts of the spine, including the pelvic region. For this reason, patients often complain of problems arising with the pressure that is characterized by a sharp increase or decrease.

Neurological symptoms can manifest themselves immediately. Thus, to signs that precede the initial stage of the disease include pain when walking, as well as a feeling of stiffness in his movements. Symptoms of this may subside and do not bother the patient for weeks.

With the simultaneous development of breast and cervical degenerative disc disease is marked foreign body sensation in the area respiratory manifestation of which is amplified during exercise or conventional cornering trunk.

atypical symptoms

In addition to the typical symptoms indicating the presence of degenerative disc disease of breast department, in medical practice, there are also atypical signs of the disease:

• Painful manifestations in the heart area. In this case, more symptoms similar with cardiac disease such as angina or heart attack. The pain is felt as a dull or aching that can last for months. In this case, no cardiovascular drugs do not bring improvement, but EKG results do not reveal any violations.
• Discomfort in the breast. Most often seen in women that is characterized by pulling painful sensations. Often can be confused with diseases of the breast. In this case, the need for more detailed diagnosis.
• Point cramping and abdominal pain. Characterized by what is typical for a variety of pathological processes in the gastrointestinal tract organs, which are often mistaken for gastritis, ulcer or cholecystitis. Aggravated by physical movements.

two signs of breast osteochondrosis was allocated as specialists who are able to detect if there is to point out the development of the disease - the so-called dorsago and dorsalgia.

Dorsago - it is very sharp and intense pain in the area of ​​the chest that increases with rising or turning torso. Most often it occurs on the background of the prolonged lying or sitting position.

In this painful sensation can be so severe that the patient becomes difficult to restore normal breathing. Often accompanied by excessive muscle tension and stiffness in his movements. Dorsago always wears a short-term nature.

Dorsalgia - longer, less distinct twinge in the area of ​​abnormal intervertebral discs. It manifested in the evening and at night with sharp slopes and deep breaths. Discomfort may last from 1 week to several months.

Features thoracic degenerative disc disease in women

Though signs of any type of degenerative disc disease are the same for both men and women, in practice, There are some pathological features that are directly related to the physiological structure body.

Popular symptomatic differences inherent in women:

• manifestation of initial symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis later than in men, due to the influence of the female hormone estrogen painkiller;
• a direct correlation of the symptoms of menstruation and menopause;
• part of the transition of osteoarthritis in other pathological manifestations;
• maintenance of the typical signs of the disease with frustration and hormonal changes that occur in men infrequently;
• the presence of persistent headaches, regardless of the type of injury;

An interesting and little known fact is that at the time of the thoracic and lumbar degenerative disc disease in women may increase sexual desire, which is due to estrogen production. At the same time men are almost always characterized by a decrease in libido or complete loss of functionality that occurs due to loss of blood supply of prostate tissue.

The degree of thoracic osteochondrosis

thoracic osteochondrosis is accepted in several stages to qualify, based on the severity of the disease and degenerative disorders in intervertebral discs.

In practice, providing 4 stages of the disease:

1. The first stage. Characterized by the appearance of cracks in the annulus fibrosus tissue, which leads to the penetration of the nucleus pulposus in its internal wall. The result is that the elasticity of the intervertebral discs is lost, can manifest protrusion. Depending on the physiological features, pain present or absent. Often marked by reflexive muscle tension.
2. The second stage. Characterized by the further progression of the disease, which causes complications such as reducing the height of the intervertebral discs, the elasticity of which is lost in even greater quantities. Motility observed between individual vertebrae, which leads to the development of hernias. Pain intensified by expanding to other departments, including neurological complications.
3. The third stage. The annulus fibrosus is characterized by a complete break, which is characterized by overall yield nucleus pulposus beyond. The formation of intervertebral hernia, causing vascular and neuro-muscular diseases. In this step, it may already be diagnosed with scoliosis or kyphosis. Often manifest problems with limb sensitivity, up to their complete numbness.
4. The fourth stage. The intervertebral discs are completely lose their elasticity, seen the destruction of tissue structures that surround the spine. It begins degeneration of bone and vertebrae. Symptoms of neurological pronounced, the patient can not do without the support of drugs.

In addition to the main stages of degenerative disc disease of the thoracic, experts allocate additional classification that allows to evaluate the variability of the nerve endings.

Among these three types of isolated:

• kopressoinny;
• reflex;
• mioadaptivny.

Diagnostics

Thoracic osteochondrosis in women whose symptoms are not obvious, more often diagnosed with difficulties. Based on that, the expert may be appointed several complex methods of diagnostics that allow the full As to evaluate the patient's condition:

• thoracic radiography. It makes it possible to assess the overall state of the intervertebral disc, to determine the presence and size of bone spurs and point to measure the length of the vertebrae. Also, this method allows us to identify a variety of degenerative diseases, including hernia and protrusion.
• Electromyography. Assigned in the presence of neurologic symptoms, dizziness as frequent, sudden pressure drops and pronounced migraine attacks.
• Laboratory research. Can accurately determine the level of different chemical structures in the body, including calcium, white blood cell count, and more. This type includes: common urine analysis, biochemical test for blood cells, as well as analysis of blood serum.
• Discography. It makes it possible to identify the exact outlines pulposus body. In most cases carried out using contrast medium.
• Investigation of violations conduction of nerve endings.

In addition to the main diagnostic methods to the patient, such studies may be appointed as an MRI or CT scan, which will allow a much more accurate assessment of the development of the pathological process. It is also often used electrocardiography, indications for which are the suspected cardiovascular disease.

Since the pathological process can simulate a variety of diseases, the patient is often given an additional group surveys - from myelography and ending with gastroscopy.

therapies

Treatment of osteoarthritis of any type takes place in an outpatient setting. Only in the presence of complications or unbearable pain, is assigned to bed rest for 3-4 days.

It is important to understand that in osteochondrosis occur irreversible damage, from which escape is impossible.

Because of that, the timely diagnosis of pathological process allows you to choose the most competent treatment that will eliminate future development of complications and pathology translate to the stage remission.

Any therapeutic intervention aimed at cure osteochondrosis should be comprehensive, combining different methods of exposure. It will allow to provide the strongest impact on the fight against the signs of the disease and prevent further denegerativno-destructive changes in bone and intervertebral discs.

Operative surgery at the same time is only required in certain cases, - the development of a hernia or other more dangerous complications.

Engage in self contraindicated. Any of the described methods of therapy should be agreed with your doctor or any other professional. Each proposed type of treatment has its own contraindications, which in the long run may harm the patient.

medication

Treatment with pharmacological agents is the basis of therapy and should be mandatory.

The basis of this treatment is the use of medicaments of the following types:

• Oral - tablets covered with an outer shell, capsules;
• injection - injections into the skin, vein or muscle;
• an external preparation - solutions, ointments, gels.

Drug therapy can stop the development of the pathological process, eliminate pain and relax tense muscle tissue. Some groups of drugs improve metabolism, possibly previously reduced damaged cartilage and bone tissue surface improves blood circulation.

The treatment plan is made on an individual basis, based on the symptoms and complications. However, some types of drugs are common and are appointed on a mandatory basis, regardless of the patient's features.

The following table describes the main groups of drugs, including the detailed description and effects:

Therapeutic	name	Description and methods of influence
Non-narcotic analgesics	Analgin, Ketonal, Baralgin, Tavegil, Tribuzon, Novocaine, Nise	They are a group of analgesic drugs capable eliminate various discomfort. They are comparatively light drugs, unable to help with severe pain. It is produced in the form of injections (act quickly with a short duration) and tablet (slow effect with more prolonged effect).
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)	Diclofenac, Ketonal, Indomethacin, Ketoprofen, Ibuprofen, Nimesulide, Voltaren	Allow in the short term to eliminate the development of inflammation and reduce pain. In some cases, may increase the mobility of joint and muscle surface. Available in pills, injections and ointments. They are the most effective drugs, but they have a sufficient number of side effects, especially for pregnant women. Therapy lasts on average 1-2 months.
Muscle relaxants	Baklosan, tizanidine, Mydocalm, cyclobenzaprine, Sirdalud	Intended to relieve muscle spasms, tissue, provide an analgesic effect. NSAIDs are commonly used instead, due to the lack of serious side effects and contraindications. Treatment in this case lasts for about 3 months, the first effects are observed after 1 week of admission.
chondroprotectors	Don Alflutol, arthritis, Kondronova, Struktum	Contribute to the regeneration of cartilage tissue and joints, helping to restore the old elasticity of the intervertebral discs. It is produced in the form of ointments, injections or tablets. Treatment is effective, though, but is held for a long time - an average of several years, and more
Vitamin-mineral complexes	Duoavit, Pentovit, Dekamevit, Neurodiclovit	Preparations based on vitamin structures contribute to tissue repair and normalization of metabolism. In some cases, able to eliminate the symptoms of neurological pathologies. Used in combination with other drugs.
Formulations that promote vasodilatation	Ksantinola nicotinate, Valium, Trental	Have a favorable effect on metabolic processes within the body, reduce muscle tone and restore the natural vascular circulation. Treatment is carried out up to 1 month, depending on the individual characteristics of the patient.

If the main groups of drugs have no effect, patients were prescribed injectable blockade, the use of which in a strict order should exercise specialist. With proper use of the technique, the improvement comes immediately after injection.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy in breast osteochondrosis is one of the most effective therapeutic effect. The main feature of any method of physical therapy is a localized treatment modality that does not affect other important tissues and organs. This allows the use of physical therapy for pregnant women, people aged, and children.

Basic physiotherapy techniques:

• Shock-wave method. Characterized by the influence of directional acoustic wave in the bone and muscle of the thoracic tissue. Reduces soreness, accelerate the recovery process and improve blood circulation.
• Detenzor therapy. It is a gentle method of relaxation with a natural extension of the spine by means of the specialized oblique mattresses. It has an effective "unloading" effect on the intervertebral discs.
• Magnetic therapy. Application of low-frequency electromagnetic waves level. Eliminates inflammatory processes in degenerative tissues, it helps to relieve pain and muscle spasms.
• Ultrasonic method. Exposure to ultrasonic vibration field, which makes it possible to reduce painful symptoms, providing a more efficient uptake of drugs.

Also good show acupuncture, laser therapy and quartz. Any physiotherapy methods are not able to cause human allergic reactions or exacerbate existing disease.

Manual therapy and massage

Properly selected specialist in manual therapy is able to exert a beneficial effect on the physiological state of the patient with osteochondrosis. Thus, by using special techniques can significantly reduce pain, painful tissue provide circulation and remove tissue-muscle spasms.

Today, the most popular technique is postisometric muscle relaxation. This method is characterized by muscle tension muscle with its subsequent relaxation.

Thoracic osteochondrosis in women, symptoms to be treated by means of various methods, it lends itself well to massage therapy - in particular plastic and vibrating modes. It can carry out at home, but it is better to use the services of professionals to get the most effective results. Massage is necessary to take courses for several weeks.

LFK

Contrary to popular opinion, the experts do not have a common understanding of whether to do a set of exercises in exacerbations of thoracic osteochondrosis. However, at the time of remission, as well as preventive measures, physical therapy has an effective impact on the overall tone of the patient, strengthening the weak muscles of the spine. Such complexes there are many.

Typical exercises are:

• Supine position, hands behind his head. Raise your chest as high as possible and stay in this position for 8-10 seconds. Then return to starting position. Repeat at least 10 times in 2 sets.
• Standing position, feet shoulder width apart. Implement several tilts forward, backward and to the sides by 10-15 times. With proper technique execution, exercise helps to stretch muscle tissue, improve blood circulation.
• Position "on all fours". Try to maximize the low arch the back, knocking his head back. This position must stand for at least 5-8 sec., Then return to the starting position. Repeat 15 times for 2 sets.

Virtually all physical therapy complexes do not have a high level of complexity. But some contraindications may worsen the patient's condition. These include protrusion, hernia or inflammation. If there is discomfort and pain exercise therapy must be suspended.

Forecast

Osteochondrosis any kind differs variable course of the disease, in which the remission periods alternated with phases of acute painful symptoms. If therapy is initiated in a timely manner, any kind of degenerative disorders, including breast, characterized by a favorable prognosis for both women and men.

Registration of the article: Mila Friedan

Video of osteochondrosis of the thoracic

An osteochondrosis: