Thoracic osteochondrosis is manifested by damage to the intervertebral discs of the chest. The symptoms of the disease are similar to the manifestations of pathologies of the cervical and lumbar. Chest osteochondrosis is difficult and not often diagnosed.
Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis in women
This disease is rare in women because there is less stress on the chest than on other parts of the spine. Thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine is quite difficult to diagnose, as the disease usually manifests itself at the stage of disease progression.
The main symptom of thoracic osteochondrosis in women is pain. The pain can usually be localized in the back, sternum, and also radiate to the upper extremities. In addition, a woman may be tormented by stomach pain. The location of the pain depends primarily on the stage of the disease.
Usually, in osteochondrosis of the chest, the woman experiences constant, non-intense pain of a painful nature. The signs of thoracic osteochondrosis also depend on the sensitivity and individual characteristics of the female body.
In the beautiful half of humanity, the symptoms of the disease are more pronounced: a woman's body is more sensitive, and all parts of the spine are thinner than those of men. Degenerative and dystrophic processes in women are more likely to cause adverse reactions.
With the defeat of the thoracic ridge, the fair sex has the following symptoms:
- soreness when raising the arm up or bending;
- pain in the mammary glands;
- discomfort in the sternum, aggravated by various loads or prolonged stay in a sitting position;
- pain on deep breathing;
- severe pain between the shoulder blades in the ridge area;
- feeling of pressure in the chest;
- vascular dystonia.
The above symptoms are provoked by the processes taking place in the spine itself. In the case of the formation of intervertebral hernias, the symptoms occur as a result of the development of vascular and neurological pathologies.
No less common in women with thoracic osteochondrosis:
- frequent "tingling" and tingling in the shoulders and arms;
- burning sensation, cold or itching in the lower extremities;
- pain in the heart;
- increased fragility of nails, peeling skin;
- pathologies of the functionality of the digestive organs: nausea, constipation or diarrhea, bloating.
Because osteochondrosis of the chest occurs with symptoms such as pneumonia, angina pectoris or cardiac pathology, it is necessary to make a differential diagnosis. All of the above manifestations indicate the development of thoracic osteochondrosis. However, you should not self-medicate. Only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the chest in men
Osteochondrosis of the chest in men is often diagnosed when there is a high intensity load on the spine (for example, the disease is often found in builders, loaders, etc. ). The clinical manifestations of osteochondrosis in this case appear gradually, while between the ribs and vertebrae there is a slow damage to the joints. The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the more effective the treatment will be.
In the early stages, thoracic osteochondrosis occurs without much manifestation and the person lives without knowing that his disease is progressing. Any discomfort is usually due to fatigue caused by prolonged work or uncomfortable posture.
Signs of thoracic osteochondrosis in men in the early stages:
- as a result of thickening of the soft tissues, the elasticity decreases in the area of the joints and there is a crunch between the shoulder blades, in the area of the sternum, the clavicle;
- due to the impaired flexibility of the shoulder girdle it is difficult to raise your arms and place them behind your back;
- discomfort occurs in the affected part of the chest;
- after prolonged physical activity or staying in a static position there is a feeling of fatigue in the back;
- soreness occurs with deep breathing.
With further progression of the disease, the following symptoms are observed:
- the pain becomes more intense and continuous. Due to the constant pressure on the nerve endings, the pain is observed even at rest;
- there is tingling, tingling sensation in areas with impaired sensitivity;
- there are periodic reflex cramps in the abdominal muscles, occurring with discomfort;
- a person may be tormented by false attacks of angina pectoris, renal or hepatic colic;
- possible violation of the pelvic organs, as well as reduction of potency;
- as a result of the formation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine develops irritable bowel syndrome - a pathology of the functionality of the digestive organs.
Symptom of coma in thoracic osteochondrosis
The feeling of coma in the sternum occurs in many patients, but not everyone pays attention to this, as this phenomenon is characterized by a short duration and disappears very quickly.
What causes this phenomenon? Usually the sensation of coma in the sternum occurs as a result of pathologies of the nervous system. However, sometimes the cause of these sensations is thoracic osteochondrosis, as there are large numbers of nerve plexuses in the chest area.
Intercostal neuralgia often develops as a result of this pathology. In this situation, the patient has pressure behind the chest, and there is pain, which intensifies when moving the body or lifting weights. In this case, the pain is similar to a needle prick and intensifies during breathing.
Chest osteochondrosis most often develops due to improper lifestyle, sedentary work and impaired metabolism. Conservative drug treatment, manual and laser therapy will help. Patients are encouraged to engage in sports or fitness.