![Osteochondrosis of the chest usually presents with a painful sensation in the heart area](/images/articles/1887/Osteochondrosis%20of%20the%20chest%20usually%20presents%20with%20a%20painful%20sensation%20in%20the%20heart%20area.jpg)
Symptom development mechanism
- thinning of intervertebral structures. The distance between bony elements and cartilage is reduced, causing nerve roots to become restricted. As a result, a painful sensation develops, which often radiates to the heart when destructive processes occur in the thoracic or cervical spine.
- changes in myocardium. Due to this disease, there are sensations throughout the heart muscle, so-called "echoes" of pain.
- The upper limbs are involved in the process. The effects of osteochondrosis on the heart may be caused by excessive tension in the arm muscles. As a result, pain was transmitted to the myocardium, but no abnormalities were found on the electrocardiogram.
- Changes in waist structure. The position of the abdominal organs changes, causing increased pressure and changes in heart rate.
- Muscle spasms and changes in blood circulation. Heart pain caused by osteochondrosis occurs due to changes in blood flow in the large arteries in the back. When blood needs to be pumped through narrower channels, the heart rate increases.
- Severe damage to the intervertebral disc. The nerve becomes pinched, causing pain in the heart area. Hypoxia occurs gradually. It also covers the functioning of the brain, resulting in changes in the normal functioning of the internal organs.
- due to pressure on the arteriesand nerve fibers, high pressure may occur. Therefore, painful feelings arise in the heart.
You can differentiate between heart pain and manifestations of osteochondrosis by certain symptoms.
Signs of osteochondrosis accompanied by pain
- Feeling depressed and aching;
- The discomfort gradually increases, is gentle, and is less noticeable;
- The pain lasts for a long time, covers the chest, and causes palpitations;
- There is no severe pain caused by the destruction of intervertebral cartilage;
- Almost always, symptoms such as a feeling of warmth behind the sternal bone help distinguish cardiac pain from osteochondrosis;
- Heart medications (nitrates) do not help relieve pain;
- If a person begins to move the upper limb, the pain will worsen.
![In some cases, pain from osteochondrosis of the chest can spread to the neck](/images/articles/1887/In%20some%20cases,%20pain%20from%20osteochondrosis%20of%20the%20chest%20can%20spread%20to%20the%20neck.jpg)
Some patients notice a difference in the nature of the pain: discomfort covers the left side of the sternum, affects the muscles, sometimes spreads to the shoulders, neck and face, and attacks can last for days.
pain difference
- The pain is moderate, severe, and long-lasting. When you have a heart attack, symptoms can be more severe.
- The pain of osteochondrosis is worsened if the chin is pressed toward the chest;
- If the pain worsens with movement and exercise, this is osteochondrosis;
- Along with heart pain, panic, fear, and anxiety always arise.
Severe heart disease and osteochondrosis
If the risk of myocardial infarction is high, then you need to remember that in this case a person may lose consciousness, experience nausea and acute chest pain. The pain of osteochondrosis has never been so severe.
Palpitations
- Heart rate increases during rest and rhythm increases during exercise;
- The rhythm is smooth and uninterrupted;
- A heat wave of attack;
- Tachycardia may be associated with presyncope.
![Tachycardia is one of the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis](/images/articles/1887/Tachycardia%20is%20one%20of%20the%20symptoms%20of%20thoracic%20osteochondrosis.jpg)
extra-period contraction
Extrasystoles are a kind of "rest" for the myocardium to work. Surprisingly, this brief rest is crucial for the organ.
Osteochondrosis stress
![Patients with thoracic osteochondrosis worry about hypertension](/images/articles/1887/Patients%20with%20thoracic%20osteochondrosis%20worry%20about%20hypertension.jpg)
The patient began taking medication to address the problem, only to have the blood stop flowing to the brain again. Hypoxia and nutritional deficiencies occur. A person suffers from the following symptoms: weakness, drowsiness, pain and dizziness, pale skin, nausea.
Dealing with painful feelings
- The patient should not move too much; bed rest is recommended.
- To relieve acute pain, doctors may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids.
- Topical medications are also available that can help relieve pain caused by osteochondrosis.
- Physical therapy helps in the early stages of the disease but is rarely used to relieve pain. Only during the recovery period after an exacerbation of the condition.
- Manual therapy is a very effective way to restore the vertebrae and relieve spasm, tension and swelling in the surrounding tissues.
- Exercise therapy and exercises useful in thoracic osteochondrosis are also prescribed.
- In addition, you can use folk recipes - baths and compresses - they are very relaxing and have a positive impact on the patient's emotional state.
- Diet is equally important in treating osteochondrosis. Adequate plant foods, healthy fats, and protein are essential for repairing damaged tissue. Eating a balanced diet can also help you lose excess weight.
![Physical therapy exercises may relieve symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis](/images/articles/1887/Physical%20therapy%20exercises%20may%20relieve%20symptoms%20of%20thoracic%20osteochondrosis.jpg)
The best way to determine if you have osteochondrosis or a heart problem is to have a physical exam. With the help of X-rays and a simple electrocardiogram, you can learn about the sensations associated with specific illnesses.