Why Breast Size Can Affect Back Pain

When it comes to women and back pain, most people think about the standard reasons for discomfort: injury or accidents, physical work, active sports lifestyles, and similar factors that often cause back pain in both men and women. But there is an issue that is specific to women: breast size. Large breasts can cause headaches, postural issues, neck pain, upper and lower back pain, and even physical abnormalities caused by overloaded bra straps.  

Will a breast reduction help with back pain? Possibly, say our experts.

The condition known as macromastia or breast hypertrophy is frequently observed in women, and while many women don’t have issues with having large breasts, others find it to be difficult and even painful. Problems caused by large breasts include chronic pain in the neck, back and shoulders; nerve pain; problems performing activities; poor posture; and even psychological issues.

So what can be done?  

How Back Pain from Large Breasts Happens

Most women don’t jump directly to breast reduction surgery, often because they don’t readily associate having large breasts with the cause of their spinal pain. According to Peter G. Whang, MD, FACS, FAAOS, a board-certified orthopaedic spine surgeon and an Associate Professor in the Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation at the Yale University School of Medicine, there is a correlation to be considered.

“It certainly makes sense from a biomechanical point of view that women with large breasts may be predisposed to having increased pain in the thoracolumbar spine because of their abnormal posture,” he explains. “As a result of the added weight, [large breasts] can cause an individual to flex forward (i.e., become kyphotic), which subjects the spinal column and other supporting structures to significant, non-physiologic forces.”

“Additionally,” says Dr. Whang, “the stabilizing muscles in your back have to work overtime to keep your spine aligned, which results in increased stresses and fatigue.” Sheri Dewan, MD, a board-certified neurosurgeon at Northwestern Medicine Regional Medical Group, agrees. “Typically, hypertrophic breast tissue can cause a number of issues involving posture, muscular pain related to strain in the [shoulder area], and increased gravitational force that may all contribute to spinal discomfort or disorders. ” 

That’s right—gravity itself is part of the problem. “Many women can actually have large breasts that weigh several pounds [each],” says Michael Howard, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon at Northwestern who specializes in microsurgical breast reconstruction. “In the course of a day with just the natural force of gravity, that pull and that gravity has to be displaced somewhere or supported somewhere.”

That somewhere is in the muscles of the back, as Dr. Howard continues to explain. “If you think of the breast as a weight that is hanging out from the front of the body, the body has to counteract that weight to keep from tipping the woman over. It’s just a like a teeter-totter—there’s a balance. So you’ve got to put force on the body in the opposite direction to counteract that several pounds of force pulling you forward. When you have that force puling you back, that’s your back muscles that are working overtime to really counterbalance the weight.”

Conservative Treatment   

Most doctors agree that non-operative treatments are the first line of defense. “The majority of individuals who present with pain associated with larger breasts will experience symptomatic relief with conservative treatments,” explains Dr. Whang.

Dr. Dewan also believes a conservative approach is the best place to begin. “I typically start with conservative treatments including physical therapy for stability strengthening and other modalities including ice/heat/moist heat. In addition, aquatherapies can be beneficial.”

But conservative treatment isn’t always the answer. “I have certainly had to refer several individuals to plastic surgeons for consideration of breast reduction,” says Dr. Whang.

While Dr. Whang has seen success with breast reduction surgery, he advises seeking more professional advice first. “The decision to proceed with breast reduction also requires the input of a plastic surgeon to ensure that this procedure is indeed the most appropriate treatment for a particular individual.” 

Breast Reduction for Back Pain

Breast reduction surgery, also called reduction mammoplasty, is becoming more common—“one of the most commonly requested and most predictably successful plastic surgery procedures,” says Dr. Bethanne Snodgrass, MD, on the website of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). In fact, according to the ASPS 2019 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report, more than 46,000 reduction mammoplasties were performed in 2019, an increase over 2018. And a great many of those surgeries were for back pain.

“Having seen several hundred breast reduction operations…overwhelmingly, every woman comes in with some degree of shoulder, neck, and back pain. It is universally common to women with large breasts,” says Dr. Howard.  

When it comes to the decision to have breast reduction surgery, it’s important to know what is and isn’t possible. “I think the most important part of breast reduction surgery starts from the very first moment that I am meeting the patient, and that is expectation setting from the outset,” Dr Howard continues. “If a patient has the right expectations for the surgery, then success is almost guaranteed in this.”

Dr. Howard adds that the “vast majority of patients” see improvement of their symptoms. “So when you set that expectation ahead of time, then they go into it with a realistic look,” he says.

The surgery itself is generally outpatient, done under general anesthesia. Your surgeon will meet with you before the surgery and mark on the skin where incisions will be made. The surgery takes around 2-3 hours in operating room, with a full recovery time of about 3-4 weeks on average. Your surgeon will use techniques to decrease breast volume—the reduction—but also to ensure pleasing aesthetic results and good breast function following surgery. That includes sensation and circulation in the nipples and even the ability to breastfeed after having the surgery.

There is also something of a lift effect after surgery, which in and of itself helps reduce back pain and back issues. For most women, according to Dr. Howard, “the breast ends up narrower, tighter, and lifted, and then obviously smaller in volume…you’re going to have less strain on the back.”

Satisfied Patients and Post-Surgical Outcomes

Breast reduction surgery results in one of the most satisfied patient populations, says the ASPS: “Patient satisfaction rates after breast reduction are very high, and it is the rare patient who will not experience significant relief of her symptoms after surgery. ”

Published medical studies have found similar results. A 2019 study in the journal Plastic and Reconstruction Surgery – Global Open stated “Reduction mammaplasty [sic] produces an unmistakable improvement in signs, symptoms, and quantifiable measures [in spinal angles, posture, center of gravity, and back pain reduction].” A 2020 study in European Spine Journal said, “The evidence gleaned suggests that [reduction mammoplasty] reduces the prevalence of back pain in patients with large breasts.”

If you are a woman with large breasts who has back, neck, and shoulder pain, problems with posture, or similar concerns, talk with your doctor about whether speaking with a plastic surgeon may be right for you. Your doctor and your surgeon can also help you speak with your health insurance company to get them to cover the surgery. After all, in these kinds of cases, it’s not aesthetics. It’s treatment.

“The primary goal is functional improvement” reminds Dr. Howard. “[Surgeons make sure] that the symptoms of the patients do point to a reconstructive/functional improvement. I encourage women to [look into it].”

Back Pain: Breast Size | Everyday Health

The upper part of the spine is very strong, acting as an anchor to the rib cage and supporting the upper body, but it can also be prone to upper back pain. As with lower back pain, upper back pain is most often caused by strain on the muscles and ligaments from poor posture and repetitive motions.

But for women with very large breasts, it doesn’t take hours spent slouched in front of a computer or a vigorous game of tennis to cause upper back pain. Simply the weight of their breasts alone can be enough to cause back pain, sometimes even leading to long-term chronic pain that lasts for months or years.

The Link Between Large Breasts and Back Pain

Having very large breasts can place excess weight on the chest. Without enough support from the surrounding muscles and the rest of the body, the weight of the breasts can cause severe pain, make it difficult to maintain good posture, and even lead to spinal deformity. And being self-conscious about large breasts also makes some women hunch forward in an attempt to hide their chest, which can worsen existing back pain.

Very large-breasted women sometimes have to grapple not only with chronic pain in their backs and necks, but also with bra straps that dig into their skin and limitations on the activities that they can comfortably engage in.

Back Pain and Breast Size: Research Findings

Studies have shown that there can be a chain reaction of painful symptoms resulting from large breasts, as the body compensates for an abnormal position in one part of the back by shifting the position of another. Breast cups size D and above can cause upper back pain by altering the curvature of the spine, according to research, and can have an important impact on posture.

Easing the Pain: What Can Help?

If you suffer from neck or upper back pain caused by large breasts, help is available. There is no need to suffer from back pain caused by large breast size.

Options for upper back pain relief range from lifestyle changes to medications, and in severe cases even surgery. You might consider trying:

• Customized bras and sports bras. Because they are specially designed, these types of bras can help distribute and support the weight of large breasts — especially for women with narrow backs, who have a more concentrated distribution of weight than women whose backs are wider.
• Physical therapy and exercise. Working with a therapist or personal trainer can improve posture and encourage weight loss in women who are overweight or obese.
• Medication. Taking an occasional over-the-counter pain reliever (such as ibuprofen or aspirin) when upper back pain strikes is just fine. And your doctor can prescribe stronger medication to “get you over the hump” of more severe pain caused by large breast size. But keep in mind that painkillers for back pain caused by large breasts are not intended as a long-term solution.
• Breast reduction surgery. Often recommended to women with upper back pain caused by large breasts, breast reduction surgery may be the only way to permanently resolve the issue. Research published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons found that, prior to breast reduction surgery, half of 179 women with breasts size DD or larger had almost constant upper back pain or pain in their necks, shoulders, or lower backs. After the surgery, only 10 percent of women had these symptoms.

Bottom line: If you are suffering from upper back pain due to large breasts, talk with your doctor. Together, you can put together a plan that will be effective for you.

Large Breasts and Back Pain

An interesting study, published in The Open Orthopaedics Journal in 2012, compared the prevalence of shoulder, neck, and upper back pain among men and women. One of the study’s more intriguing findings was that women experience neck and upper back pain at just over twice the rate of men. Another noteworthy conclusion the study shared was that the reasons men and women experience neck and shoulder pain are often very different.

Among men, the most common reason for neck and shoulder pain is bad posture—a factor that can usually be corrected without surgery. For women, breast size was a common cause of chronic upper back pain, even more so than posture. Breasts that are too large for a person’s frame often can’t be completely addressed without a reduction mammaplasty, or breast reduction surgery as it’s more commonly called.

In this post, we’ll talk about some of the links between large breasts and back pain and also tell you what to expect if you’re thinking about a consultation for breast reduction surgery.

Why Large Breasts Cause Upper Back Pain for Women

There are three primary reasons why large breasts are among the leading causes of chronic back pain among women.

• First, the breasts often place excessive weight on the chest and upper abdomen over time. If muscles in your upper abdomen and back aren’t strong enough to support this weight, this constant force gradually causes your upper back to compensate for the extra weight on the front of the body.
• Second, breasts, especially larger sized breasts, affect posture. As bone and muscle density change over the course of a woman’s life, posture-related issues caused by large breasts can include injuries to the spine such a herniated discs, osteoarthritis, and myofascial pain.
• Third, poorly fitting bras for women are a significant cause of upper back pain. A study published in the medical journal Chiropractic & Osteopathy found that approximately 80% of women experiencing chronic upper back pain were wearing a bra that was actually too big or too small for them.

How to Relieve Upper Back Pain Caused by Large Breasts

There are numerous non-surgical ways to temporarily relieve and reduce upper back pain caused by large breasts, including getting properly fitted bras, physical therapy, and exercises to strengthen target muscle groups. However, the only way to permanently resolve upper back pain from large breasts is to consider breast reduction surgery. Research from the American Society of Plastic Surgery shows strong evidence that breast reduction surgery can significantly reduce upper back pain for women with breasts sized DD or higher.

Is Breast Reduction Surgery Right for You?

Talk to your doctor about breast reduction surgery if you experience:

• Chronic pain in your neck and shoulders
• Constant irritation and pain caused by your bra putting pressure on your skin
• Negative impacts on your self-confidence due to invasive attention
• Hindrances to your athletic performance due to body mechanics
• Unhappiness with the shape or size of your breasts

If you think a breast reduction might be right for you, the next step is to sit down with a board-certified plastic surgeon to help build the treatment roadmap to a happier, healthier (mentally and physically) you.

Call Zochowski Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery in Columbus, OH at (614) 490-7500 or contact us through our website to start setting up your breast reduction consultation.

6 signs your big breasts are a big problem

Like all parts of our anatomy, breasts come in many different shapes and sizes. But there can be health problems that come with having very large breasts.

If any of the following sound familiar, it may be time to ask if losing weight, physiotherapy, or breast reduction or uplift surgery could help.

They get in the way of your lifestyle

Big breasts can literally get in the way of the things you love doing. Many women who consider breast reduction surgery do so because they’re passionate about sport or lead an active lifestyle.

Women will know how unruly breasts can be when coping with the demands of physical activity. If a sports bra can’t contain them, or you find yourself being less active because of your breasts, then it may be time to think about ways to reduce their size.

You may be a candidate for breast reduction or breast uplift surgery, or you may benefit from losing weight.

Your bra straps cut into your shoulders

First things first: make sure you’re not wearing a bra that’s too small for you. Most underwear retailers will be able to provide guidance on this. If you’re wearing the right bra and you find the weight of your breasts is causing your bra straps to dig into your shoulders every day, then you may be a candidate for a reduction.

Breast uplift surgery is an alternative that can alter the shape and volume of your breasts, helping to fight gravity and stop your bra leaving deep grooves in the skin of your back.

You have back, shoulder or neck pain

Pain should never be ignored. If you have large breasts and experience pain around your upper back, shoulders or neck, then your breasts could be a contributing factor.

While surgery could be an option, physiotherapy can also help with managing pain and posture.

You get rashes or infections under the breast

Large breasts can cause skin to fold and rub on itself. It can be difficult to access the area when bathing and as a result rashes and infections may develop. If this happens to you then breast reduction of uplift surgery may help.

Nothing fits

It can be very distressing to constantly fight against your body when getting dressed. You may have to wear dresses or tops that are too large for the rest of your body or are too small for your breasts. Losing weight may alter the size and shape of your breasts to make you feel more comfortable.

If you’re a healthy weight, breast reduction or breast uplift surgery could help.

You always have to remind people that “I’m up here”

Women with large breasts know all too well how they can affect their professional and personal lives. It’s not your problem if people can’t stop staring at your breasts, it’s their problem.

However, if you feel that reducing the size of your breasts could have a positive impact on your relationships then it may be worth considering weight loss or surgery.

Last updated Wednesday 3 February 2021

How To Stop Breast-Related Back Pain In Three Steps

We’re all about being happy with the body you’ve got, but, no doubt, if you’re blessed with bigger breasts, you’ll likely know that they can cause you back pain.

Research has revealed that the larger a cup size a woman has, the more likely she is to report symptoms of severe shoulder and neck issues. Then, there’s exercise. It can often be more of a challenge to find a fully supportive sports bras for large breasts (which is why WH has you covered with out edit) – potentially exacerbating the issue.

Why do big breasts cause back pain?

‘Big breasts can have a massive impact on your body and the way you live,’ explains Anisha Joshi, osteopath at The Woodside Clinic.

‘To put it into perspective, D-cup breasts weigh between 16-24 pounds – that’s an additional two stone you’ll be carrying around on your rib cage and upper back. ‘

So, it’s essentially a 24/7 workout.

‘It isn’t easy to hold up large breasts all day,’ continues Joshi. ‘So, you’ll be more likely to slump – at your desk, behind the steering wheel, in front of the TV or even when queuing at the supermarket. When you slump forward this encourages your head into extension, which is why so many women with large breasts also report suffering from neck pain.’

Where is back pain due to large breasts?

Breasts also change your centre of gravity so, according to the same study, large or heavy breasts may lead to continuous tension on the middle and lower fibres of the trapezius muscle, and on associated muscle groups. This means, although your breasts are on your front of your body, you can experience pain in your back.

‘The bigger your breasts, the more likely they are to move about and the harder your posterior back muscles have to work in order to balance you while walking or doing exercise,’ says Joshi. ‘This commonly leads to a thoracic scoliosis, which is where your mid-back is pulled out of line. ‘

What size breasts cause back pain?

Research shows women with breast cups size D and above tend to have greater curvatures of the spine and poorer postures than small-breasted women.

Another study found, prior to breast reduction surgery, half of 179 women with size DD breasts or above had almost constant pain their their back, neck or shoulders.

Other side effects of big breasts

‘Additionally, large breasts can affect the rise and fall of your rib cage, which can affect how much oxygen your lungs are taking in when exercising,’ says Joshi. ‘This can make you hyperventilate and struggle for breath making you feel like you’re ‘unfit’ – but the reality is the weight on your chest is limiting your lung function.’

What can I do to stop my big breasts from causing me back pain?

The good news is breast reduction surgery isn’t the only option, although, that might be something you want to explore. Here are three steps you can take yourself, at home, to reduce the likelihood of your big breasts causing you back pain:

1/ Wear the correct bra size

Sounds obvious, but 70-75% of you aren’t. Here are five signs you’re one of those wearing the wrong size sports bra, plus tips on exactly how to choose a gym bra.

2/ Try different types of exercise

Yoga, for example, can be really beneficial when it comes to managing breast-related back pain. (Try these eight yoga poses for back pain or watch this short yoga for shoulder pain video.) If weight-training is more your thing, here’s a workout for preventing back pain.

3/ Make sure you’re a healthy weight

While some people will have bigger boobs whatever their weight, others may find that being at a healthy BMI (the NHS categorises this as being between 18.5 and 24.9) is helpful at reducing the size of your breasts, and therefore any potential pain. Here’s how to lose weight well — and sustainably.

If you’re struggling with back pain and you think it might be caused by your breasts, speak to your doctor to come up with a plan of action, which might include breast reduction surgery or just ways to manage it.

Cut through the noise and get practical, expert advice, home workouts, easy nutrition and more direct to your inbox. Sign up to the WOMEN’S HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Rebecca Gillam
Bex is a wellbeing writer, brand consultant and qualified yoga and meditation teacher who likes baths, crystals, running with her pup Gustav and making unboring vegan-ish food. 

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Do bigger breasts cause more back pain?

Breasts—especially those that scale towards the large end of the spectrum—are often named as a scapegoat for back pain in women. However, it’s likely that much of the blame is misplaced. This misdirected implication could be leading women to false self-diagnoses and even unnecessary medical procedures.

Many women experience back pain and, without a more apparent culprit to blame, turn to those (literally) right under their noses. It’s not surprising that people want to point the finger at breasts as back pain contributors. After all, it seems intuitive to think that bulky weights attached to the upper torso would throw the entire body off balance and put extra stress on the spine and muscles that support it. When considering that these weights are present through every moment of every day of your life, and suddenly this seems like a very logical diagnosis.

In reality, though, breasts are rarely the primary contributor to most varieties of back pain. The human back, when healthy and normal, is more than strong enough to support even a fairly large chest through the years. Instead, there are many more common factors that cause back pain in women such as

• Obesity that causes undue and constant stress to the entire body
• Pregnancy and the related physiological changes
• Non-optimal bra size
• Chronic poor posture
• Injury or overexertion of the muscles or bones in the back
• Irritation of spinal nerves through disc herniation or bulging
• A weakening of the spine through osteoporosis and similar conditions

Compared to these pain originators, breasts are much less likely to cause a painful condition themselves. However, they can exacerbate an existing condition. Breasts can make bad posture worse, will add additional stress to pulled muscles, and make it harder for injured discs to heal.

There are some steps women can take to avoid or remedy back pain that could be contributed to by the weight of breasts. The most important is to keep as healthy of a body overall as possible through diet and exercise. This will help ensure a strong back which will be able to easily support breast weight and more. It will keep weight at a manageable level to reduce excess stress on muscles and joints, and speed healing from any injuries. Care must be taken to avoid overexertion like strains and sprains, which cause pain more directly.

In some cases, it’s possible that a woman’s breasts are a primary cause for her back pain. This happens most frequently when a relatively small person has disproportionately large breasts. A reduction surgery may be recommended by doctors if the breasts are causing chronic pain and compromising the woman’s happiness. Back pain can also occur after a time a rapid breast size increase, like after a breast augmentation surgery. Over time this pain usually fades as the body adjusts to the new size, but a reduction or reversal of the surgery may also be recommended if the pain is persistent.

Women have, understandably, blamed breasts for unexplained back pain. Before jumping to conclusions or turning to extreme treatments, however, they should always be careful to consider more likely culprits than those on their chests first.

Guest Author Jamie Arnold is a staff writer & content editor for www.BackPainRelief.net. Jamie is also a yoga enthusiast, animal lover and avid traveler who loves to blog about health, fitness, and back pain relief.

 

 

 

6 Common Health Issues Caused by Overly Large Breasts & How to Remedy Them

While some women long for bigger breasts, those with overly large breasts may inform them it’s not always a blessing. Abnormally large breasts, also known as macromastia, have been linked to several physical health issues ranging from pain to migraines. 

Popular blogger Monica Froese documented her lifelong struggle with larger breasts in a Healthline article titled “5 Reasons Having Big Boobs Isn’t Everything It’s Cracked Up to Be.” She explained she often had a tough time finding a bra that fit right and her breasts got in the way of playing sports.   

  

Buglino Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery delves into the medical issues that can arise from overly large breasts, and how to treat them. 

 

Neck, Shoulder & Back Pain

Larger breasts have a tendency to pull the shoulders down and hunch the back, leading to poor posture, and ultimately, persistent pain in the neck, shoulder, and back. A study published in The Open Orthopaedics Journal examined more than 300 women and concluded: “Breast-related shoulder-neck pain is thought to result from changes in the centre of gravity, and large or heavy breasts may lead to continuous tension on the middle and lower fibers of the trapezius muscle and on associated muscle groups.”

This is amplified by the fact that women with bigger breasts are often wearing the wrong size bra. A 2013 study of postmenopausal women states, “Increasing breast size and how a bra is worn may have biomechanical implications for the loaded thoracic spine and surrounding musculature.” Larger breasts and increased BMI were concluded to be associated with thoracic pain.

 

Shoulder Grooves

If your breasts are extremely large, your bra may not fully support them—even if you’ve been fitted with the correct size. This can cause your straps to leave deep indentations in your shoulders. They may not disappear once you take your bra off. Purchasing a wide-strap bra can help, but may not eliminate the grooves entirely. 

 

Rashes 

Bigger breasts create the perfect environment for rashes to form beneath them. Your breasts will rub against the skin on your abdomen, causing friction, moisture and heat. A sweat rash known as intertrigo, an infection caused by a yeast condition, will form. It will appear in the skin fold as red or reddish-brown, raw and itchy, cracked, and sore. 

 

Numbness

When bras don’t fit properly, your breasts can become numb. This is a result of the compression of small nerve fibers in the breast tissue or chest wall. Large breasts can also lead to numbness in the hands and fingers if they pull the torso and affect the neck position. This poor posture can lead to compressed nerve pathways down your arms.  

 

Inability to Exercise & Shortness of Breath

The aforementioned woman who documented her problems with her breasts also cited inabilities and concerns about exercising. She felt her breasts bounced too much while working out, so she was embarrassed to go to the gym. Larger breasts also cause shortness of breath, which can be a contributing factor to quitting training. The weight of the excess tissue can constrict the natural movement of the diaphragm. A study published in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, shared by the National Library of Medicine, found participants were able to breathe easier following breast reduction surgery.

 

Headaches

Women often cite headaches as a symptom of having extremely large breasts. One study found that patients with macromastia who experienced chronic headaches or migraines can find relief after a breast reduction. Journalist Beth Ford Roth detailed her journey with DD breasts that triggered “blindingly painful headaches” in an article titled “I Got Breast Reduction Surgery For My Migraines,” for online women’s magazine Bustle. Once she underwent a breast reduction, she felt “free.” 

 

How do you resolve these problems?

Although you can manage many of these issues with heat packs, massages, or physical therapy, they aren’t long-term solutions. However, all six symptoms can vanish with a breast reduction. The surgery removes some of the tissue and skin from the breasts to reduce their size. It can also reshape the breast and make the areola smaller. The procedure improves posture, takes the pressure off the shoulders and spine, and diminishes chronic pain and headaches. A 10-year retrospective analysis surveyed more than 150 women who had reductions, finding 95 percent of them were satisfied. 

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms or want to reduce your breast size for aesthetic reasons, visit Dr. Anthony Buglino at his Woodbury, NY office. During your first consultation, he’ll evaluate your needs and discuss your options and goals. Schedule a free consultation, today.

Treatment of intervertebral hernia in Kazan

Types of intervertebral hernia

There is no general course of treatment for all cases of the disease. At Alan Clinic, each patient receives an individual approach based on the results of a thorough diagnosis. We carry out treatment of spinal hernia in Kazan of all types and localizations.

Types by location

Sequestered hernia (sequestered)

This is one of the most unfavorable options for the development of the disease, in which the integrity of the intervertebral disc is disrupted and the annulus fibrosus ruptures with complete prolapse of the nucleus pulposus from the disc into the spinal canal, into the area of ​​the hard membranes spinal cord and spinal nerves.

Results of MRI “before” and “after” treatment of sequestered hernia at Alan Clinic in Kazan:

This is one of the many cases when our doctors literally saved a patient from surgery and long-term postoperative rehabilitation. In the photo below you can see that after treatment, the sequestered fragment of the hernia is missing .

We would like to thank the patients who consent to the publication of such photographic materials. After all, it helps other people to see and objectively evaluate the broadest possibilities of our clinic.

Open a full description of the MRI findings and the treatment performed

Diffuse hernia (circular)

A type of disease in which there is an uneven displacement of the disc, the integrity of the annulus fibrosus is not compromised. Medial (also called median, median, paramedial, paramedian) is characterized by protrusion of fragments of the destroyed disc, accompanied by the prolapse of sequestration into the spinal canal in the direction of the central line of the vertebra.

Dorsal hernia

The contents of the intervertebral disc protrude, directed into the space of the canal of the lumbosacral spine.Due to the direction of the protrusion, the dorsal hernia is especially painful.

Schmorl’s hernia

This is a small protrusion of the intervertebral disc into the body of the nearby vertebra, which often does not cause discomfort for years and practically does not manifest itself, but without timely adequate treatment can lead to serious complications.

Lateral disc herniation (lateral)

Appears on the lateral surface of the intervertebral disc. It is most often localized in the cervical spine and has characteristic symptoms: dizziness and dark spots before the eyes.

There are some other types of this disease, the exact location will be determined only by a neurologist.

Types by localization

• Cervical spine – 7 vertebrae (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7).
• Thoracic spine – 12 vertebrae (Th2, Th3, Th4, Th5, Th5, Th6, Th7, Th8, Th9, Th20, Th21, Th22).
• Lumbar – 5 vertebrae of the lumbar spine (L1, L2, L3, L4, L5).
• Sacral region – 5 vertebrae (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5).
• Coccygeal region – 3-5 vertebrae.
  (Co1, Co2, Co3, Co4, Co5).

Possible combinations, such as hernia of the cervicothoracic, thoracic-lumbar or lumbosacral regions.

What symptoms should you suspect for a hernia of the spine?

Most often, a hernia reports itself with sharp pains that disappear as suddenly as they arise. Such “lumbago” can be felt in any part of the spine – cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral.

Pain can also be given to other parts of the body – to the arm, leg, head and other parts of the body.

Very often the pain is accompanied by numbness of the extremities and crawling “goose bumps”.

Should an MRI be done when symptoms of a herniated disc appear?

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is indeed the most reliable method for diagnosing spinal diseases.

But before going for an MRI, it is recommended to visit a neurologist. He will determine which part of the spine needs examination, which will significantly reduce the cost of MRI.

Make an appointment

Treatment of posture disorders, curvature of the spine

What is the danger of curvature of the spine?

At the 4th stage of scoliosis, kyphosis and lordosis, the patient can only be helped by a complex surgical operation using special metal structures that are attached to the vertebrae with hooks or screws.

With curvature of the thoracic spine , the heart and lungs are affected. This is due to the reduction in the chest wall.The heart and lungs are displaced and / or deformed. Breathing problems (shortness of breath, heaviness in breathing), hypertension, heart disease appear.

Curvature in the lumbar spine can lead to problems with the kidneys, intestines (frequent urination, constipation, flatulence, etc.), contribute to the appearance of edema in the legs.

Types of posture disorders that we treat

At the Alan Clinic Center for Neurology and Orthopedics, posture disorders of all types and stages are treated, except stage 4 .

The spine can be curved in two directions (planes):

1. Lateral curvature (scoliosis)

This deformation is called “scoliosis”.

It can be right-handed, left-handed or S-shaped.

2. Backward bending (kyphosis)

If the spine is bent backward (outward), this condition is called “kyphosis”.

As a rule, kyphosis occurs in the thoracic and / or cervical regions and looks like a hump on the back.

Lumbar and sacral kyphosis are more rare.

3. Forward bend (lordosis)

If the bend is directed inward (towards the abdomen or throat), this is “lordosis”.

There are two types of lordosis – lumbar and cervical.

4. Combinations of different types

The listed types of curvatures can occur singly or in combination.

Quite frequent combinations are:

• Kyphosis + scoliosis (kyphoscoliosis) – a condition in which the spine bends sideways and backwards at the same time.
• Lordosis + kyphosis is a condition in which the spine is curved forward and backward at the same time.
  • Lumbar (lumbosacral) lordosis together with thoracic (cervicothoracic) kyphosis is more common.
  • Less often it happens the other way around – cervical lordosis together with sacral kyphosis.

How is the diagnosis made?

In case of pronounced postural disorders, it may be enough to examine the patient for a diagnosis.

However, the orthopedic surgeon can also prescribe hardware diagnostics – X-ray and / or MRI.This allows you to determine the stage of the disease, the exact location of the problems, to identify concomitant diseases such as a herniated disc, disc protrusion, osteochondrosis, spondyloarthrosis, entrapment of nerve roots (radiculitis), etc.

Some patients require parallel observation by doctors of two specializations – an orthopedist and a neurologist-vertebrologist.

Methods of treatment of curvature of the spine in the “Alan Clinic” Kazan

Treatment consists of 2 stages.

Stage 1 – preparatory

As a rule, at this stage, the following methods are prescribed:

• massage,
• osteopathy,
• physiotherapy and some others.

The essence of this stage is to prepare the spinal muscles for more intense exposure.

Stage 2 – strengthening muscles, straightening the spinal column, restoring flexibility

This is the main stage of posture correction. Its main task is to strengthen the deep muscles of the back and the muscular corset in general, which form the posture and help the spine to straighten.

It necessarily includes kinesiotherapy, including kinesiotherapy using the Exart apparatus.Both techniques are specially designed sets of exercises using various devices.

It is very important to do spinal straightening exercises with a kinesiotherapist. Together with the attending orthopedic doctor, he will select the optimal course of physical activity to correct posture and strengthen the back muscles.

In addition to kinesiotherapy, the following can be prescribed:

• kinesio taping,
• yumeiho therapy,
• manual therapy,
• shock wave therapy (SWT).

Treatment results

Our comprehensive program for the correction of curvature of the spine allows you to achieve visible results:

• curvature of the arch decreases,
• increases human height,
• breathing normalizes,
• pressure stabilizes.

Dispensary observation for 6 months

Within six months after the end of treatment, patients continue to be observed by the attending physician (examinations and consultations are carried out at no additional cost).

Back and chest hurts at the same time: reasons for what to do

Back pain can occur for a variety of reasons. On the back we have many large nerves and their plexuses, so any problem associated with the spine or internal organ systems immediately gives off pain in the back.

Reasons why back and chest hurt

The reasons why a person has pain in both the chest and back are divided into those related to problems with the spine, and those that arise due to diseases of the internal organs.

Pathologies and diseases of the spine

Below are the most common pathological conditions and diseases of the spine, accompanied by pain in the back and chest.

Osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis, primarily thoracic, is characterized by severe pain (especially on inhalation) and symptoms such as lumbago radiating to the shoulder or scapular region, discomfort in the ribs and hypochondrium, aggravated by coughing, sneezing or laughing.The following reasons lead to osteochondrosis (thoracic, cervical, lumbar): constant presence in the same position, serious physical exertion (work or sports), injuries, age, a sedentary lifestyle.

Intercostal neuralgia

With intercostal neuralgia, the chest and back hurt between the shoulder blades or in the middle. Acute pain in these areas is a characteristic sign of neuralgia. Discomfort is caused by hypothermia or lifting heavy things. This is perhaps the only disease that does not pose a particular danger to the body, but it causes serious discomfort.

Scoliosis

Spinal curvature due to scoliosis occurs most often in childhood, at school age, and only progresses over time if treatment is not started on time. Scoliosis not only makes our posture ugly, but also creates serious discomfort. Pain in the chest in the middle and back appears with grade 3 or 4 scoliosis. Severely compressed vertebrae and the load give off a sharp pain in the sternum or back.

Injuries

Any trauma (spine, chest or other parts of the body) is the cause of pain in the chest (chest) or back, which can appear alternately here and there, or radiate to both areas at the same time.Injuries occur due to accidents, falls, physical injuries, etc. In such cases, it is better for a person not to move, he should not be moved, if possible, because with serious injuries and injuries there is a high risk of internal bleeding.

Cardiovascular diseases

The appearance of any pain in the chest area should be alarming, because our most important organs – the heart and lungs – are located here. Pain, depending on the disease, can be constant or intermittent, long-term or short-term, accompanied by other symptoms.With problems with the stomach or pancreas, pain often radiates to the lower thoracic region. Pain syndrome occurs with myocardial infarction , angina pectoris, pneumonia, bronchitis, hernia of the diaphragm , stomach ulcer, oncology, etc.

Myocardial infarction

With myocardial infarction, the chest and back between the shoulder blades begin to hurt, while the pain can be given to the left arm or shoulder, as well as to the jaw on the left side.

Angina pectoris

With angina pectoris, a characteristic pressing pain and burning sensation appears in the sternum, and sometimes radiates to the area of ​​the shoulder blades.

Pericarditis

It is manifested by a sharp change in body temperature, inflammatory processes in the heart and pain on the left side of the chest.

Myocarditis

The disease is characterized by a piercing, aching pain in the chest, as well as gradually appearing weakness throughout the body and shortness of breath.

Diseases of the respiratory system

Usually, with pathologies of the respiratory system, soreness appears in the middle of the chest, but it can also radiate to other areas.Most often, pain is caused by diseases such as pleurisy (the mucous membrane of the lungs becomes inflamed), tracheitis, bronchitis, tuberculosis. All diseases are united by one symptom – a severe cough, which, as a rule, causes pain during each attack.

Pathology of the gastrointestinal tract

Any problems with the gastrointestinal tract inflict a complex blow on the body. With diseases of the digestive system, pain often appears in the middle of the chest, in the back and sometimes has a shingles in nature.When a patient complains in these areas, they often diagnose a rupture of the esophagus, pancreatitis , colic, ulcers, inflammation of the gallbladder.

Oncological diseases

With cancer, pain appears in different areas of the body and can change location regardless of the location of the tumors. Usually, soreness appears in the later stages, when the pathology has spread widely and caused serious harm to a person. Your entire chest can hurt with lung cancer, and the pain is most severe with coughing or rapid breathing.Another symptom of lung cancer is coughing up blood. In women with breast cancer, it hurts in the chest and radiates to the back.

Diagnostics

Since back and chest pain can simultaneously be a sign of a large number of diseases and pathologies, it is possible to make an accurate diagnosis only after conducting examinations and passing the necessary tests. The list of diagnostic measures is compiled by the doctor. Do not self-diagnose and self-medicate. What can be included in the diagnosis when a patient addresses such complaints:

• collection of information about the patient’s problem and state of health;
• examination, which includes listening to the heart and lungs, measuring blood pressure and pulse;
• roentgen, which makes it possible to assess the work and condition of the heart, lungs, spine and ribs;
• ECG is prescribed to assess the work of the heart;
• CT and MRI allow you to clarify the state of internal organs and the presence of pathologies;
• FEGDS and gastroscopy are prescribed for problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

Laboratory tests can also be ordered. An accurate diagnosis is made only by a doctor after a complete examination of the patient.

Treatment

Treatment is selected depending on the diagnosis and can include both outpatient medication and hospitalization with surgery. Also, the patient can be prescribed and matched with a diet, physical activity and other measures to restore, rehabilitate and reduce symptoms and to relieve pain.The timing and number of treatment methods used are individual. If you have chest and back pain, see your doctor. With a timely appeal to the neurologist , the problem can be solved either completely or significantly reduce the risk of complications and further health problems.

90,000 Pain in the shoulder blades: what can be the causes?

Pain in the shoulder blades can indicate a variety of diseases, from taut muscles to spinal injury and heart attack.Even if the pain is weak and does not spread to the chest, it will not be superfluous to visit a specialist.

How can the shoulder blades hurt?

The focus of pain can be located both in the scapula itself and in the area around it, in the middle between the shoulder blades and under them. It is by the location that the first conclusions can be drawn, what exactly turned out to be the cause of the discomfort. Even internal organs can give off pain in the upper back due to closely spaced nerves.

Pain in the shoulder blades can be of varying severity, intensity and duration.Mild pain with numbness usually indicates physical muscle fatigue. Pulling – about the pathology of the spine. Acute and severe pain, especially under the shoulder blades, is a sign of pathology of internal organs that require immediate intervention.

Causes of pain in the shoulder blades

Among the reasons, three main groups can be distinguished: these are diseases of the spine, pathologies of organs, as well as pain that is not associated with internal problems of the body.

Diseases of the spine

Pain from vertebral pathology – pulling and long.Due to the fact that it is rather weak, the patient often ignores it for a long time, not seeing serious problems in such a symptom. Among the diseases of the spine, the pain from which spreads to the area of ​​the shoulder blades, one can distinguish:

• Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is accompanied by numbness of the fingers, stiffness of movements in the shoulders, frequent headaches. Aching pain will be concentrated in the area of ​​the shoulder blades and the base of the neck;
• herniated disc – protrusion of the intervertebral disc into the surrounding space.At the initial stage of the disease, the pain is tolerable, although it causes discomfort and hinders movement. A neglected hernia causes unbearable pain and requires surgical intervention due to the threat of loss of mobility;
• Due to kyphosis and scoliosis, curved parts of the spine, including between the shoulder blades, can hurt. The pain will increase with movement and spread to the back;
• Protrusion (displacement) of the intervertebral disc in the cervical or thoracic region. It causes constant pulling pain and numbness due to pinched nerves.In the absence of treatment, a hernia will begin to form in its place.

A neurologist and an orthopedist are involved in spinal problems. After taking the history, they can suggest different types of examinations:

• X-ray of the thoracic spine: the simplest pictures that show the condition of the bone tissue. If pathologies are not visible on them, then, most likely, the problem lies in the neighboring organs;
• Thoracic MRI will show the clearest images. It is with the help of magnetic resonance imaging that it is best to examine the ligaments, intervertebral discs and surrounding soft tissues in order to find hernias, protrusions and pinching of nerve endings;
• A CT scan of the thoracic region will be helpful to identify bone lesions or injuries.

Until the cause and location of the pathology is established, blood or intra-articular synovial fluid tests can show little. However, you may be referred for general tests to determine the state of the body.

Diseases of internal organs

Pain from the entire chest can be given to the back: heart, lungs, stomach, gallbladder. These sensations are difficult to confuse with pain from, for example, osteochondrosis: all acute conditions of the internal systems respond with sharp pain – under the shoulder blades, between the ribs, in the side.The general mood will change: you will feel weak, dizzy and short of breath.

Can cause painful sensations in the shoulder blades:

• vascular and heart diseases: mild angina attacks are easily treated with drugs. But if the pain in the chest and back does not subside, the pressure drops, the skin turns pale, the likelihood of a heart attack is high, so you cannot postpone calling an ambulance;
• problems in the digestive system: exacerbation of stomach ulcers, pancreatitis and cholecystitis.Acute attacks of diseases – ulcer perforation, blockage of the bile duct – will be accompanied by burning unbearable pain in the abdomen, at the shoulder blades, on the side;
• abnormalities in kidney function: pyelonephritis, renal colic. The pain is concentrated in the lower part of the shoulder blades and lower back, accompanied by nausea, soreness during urination and mild fever;
• Diseases of the respiratory system: pleurisy and pneumonia. Pain in the shoulder blades accompanies each breath, the body temperature rises, and a cough may begin.It is fever and cough that are the main signs by which you can determine the pathology of the lungs. Usually, these diseases develop after a severe flu or ARVI.

In case of acute conditions – heart attack, ulcer perforation, cholecystitis attack – it is necessary to urgently call an ambulance. If you are worried about tolerable pain, and you know for sure that everything is in order with your back, you should check the organs of the chest. It is worth contacting a therapist who will more accurately determine the problem and refer you to the right specialist.It is difficult to independently determine the location of the pathology.

But if you know about your diseases that can cause such discomfort, then, of course, you should immediately contact highly specialized doctors: a gastroenterologist, cardiologist or pulmonologist. You can find out from them what examinations may be useful to you:

• electrocardiogram and ultrasound of the heart: in case of suspicion of diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• Ultrasound of the abdominal organs: the examination will show information about the kidneys, liver, pancreas, gallbladder;
• fluorogram or CT of the lungs: to determine the state of the respiratory system;
• gastroscopy: for suspected gastric ulcer.

It will not be superfluous to do general and biochemical blood and urine tests, and if you suspect pneumonia, take a throat swab.

Causes of pain when pathologies are excluded

And what to do if the spine is completely healthy, no abnormalities were found in the abdominal organs, but you continue to feel pain in the shoulder blades? Its causes can be many, from trauma to stress:

• scapula injury: dislocation or fracture;
• Stretching of the back muscles due to high physical exertion;
• Incorrect posture, excess weight, a long stay in an uncomfortable position: all this leads to muscle tension, often asymmetrical, due to static muscle overstrain;
• An uncomfortable sleeping place will also lead to a tight posture and muscle tension;
• Stress: It affects your well-being not directly, but indirectly.In nervous tension, we often slouch and take uncomfortable postures. It also leads to overexertion and back fatigue.

In the event of a scapula injury or muscle strain, contact a traumatologist. All other reasons are much easier to eliminate: you should pay attention to the organization of the sleeping place, monitor the position of the body and add at least simple gymnastics to your daily routine to relax your back muscles. If all these actions did not help, do not self-medicate and rather go to the doctor.

90,000 Chest and back pain ➡ causes, types of pain, treatment

Contents of article

Simultaneous chest and back pain is the most common symptom of diseases of the thoracic spine. Isolated back pains are less common, and chest pains are even less common. The reason is that pathologies of the spinal column usually affect not a separate part of the back, but a whole segment of the spine, with its intervertebral discs, joints, muscles, ligaments, blood vessels and nerve fibers.Therefore, the pain syndrome is almost always accompanied by reflected pain in the chest, upper limbs, and neck.

Shpidonov Gennady Stanislavovich

Neurologist

Rostov State Medical University (neurology)

10 years experience

Main causes of chest and back pain

Back and chest pain can be a sign of serious internal diseases that require emergency medical attention.Any pain in the chest is an indication for a more in-depth diagnosis, which is not recommended to be postponed until later.

Osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis of the spine is the most common cause of back and chest pain. The disease is accompanied by metabolic disorders and regeneration processes in the elastic cartilaginous tissue that make up the intervertebral discs. As a result, the latter lose their ability to withstand stress, become inflamed, become dry and brittle.

Back pain radiating to the chest occurs when the roots of the spinal cord are irritated or pinched by protrusions or hernias. A hernia is a natural outcome of a long-term osteochondrosis of the spine, which is formed when the peripheral part of the intervertebral disc is destroyed, through which its internal contents protrude. Hernia pain in the chest can be of a very different nature, mimicking heart or lung disease. The pain may increase with breathing, with sudden movements, with lumbago and irradiation.

Intercostal neuralgia

Girdle pain in the back and chest, with lumbago and a sharp increase in breathing, coughing, sneezing – a characteristic sign of intercostal neuralgia. This is a disease of the intercostal nerves, which often occurs with hypothermia, drafts. Intercostal neuralgia can be the result of intoxication, spinal disease, injury, or infection.

In intercostal neuralgia, pain spreads along the intercostal spaces, starting from the head of the rib at the point of attachment to the spine and to the sternum, often on one side.The severity of the pain syndrome varies from mild aching pain to sharp paroxysmal shooting pains. A characteristic sign of intercostal neuralgia is the patient’s attempts to avoid coughing or sneezing, due to which there is a sharp increase in pain.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis or curvature of the spine in several planes can be accompanied by pain in both the back and chest. The reason is that far-reaching scoliosis causes deformation not only of the spinal column, but also of the chest (in severe cases, the disease leads to disruptions in the functioning of the lungs and heart).The risk of developing scoliosis is higher in children of early school age.

Pain occurs both as a result of spasm of overstrained muscles, and due to infringement of the roots of the spinal cord, degenerative-dystrophic changes in the joints and intervertebral discs. Also, a violation of normal biomechanics leads to an incorrect distribution of loads on the spine and chest. Increased loads on the chest provoke inflammation of the joints of the ribs and the clavicle with the sternum, or costochondritis (Tietze’s syndrome), the main symptom of which is acute pain in the sternum, radiating to the shoulder, neck, back, aggravated by movement.Pain syndrome can mimic the pain of heart disease (angina pectoris, acute myocardial infarction).

Shpidonov Gennady Stanislavovich

Neurologist

Rostov State Medical University (neurology)

10 years experience

Injury

Traumatic chest injuries – bruises, rib fractures – are always accompanied by intense chest pains, aggravated by inhalation and exhalation.Such injuries are not uncommon in sports, at home and in road traffic accidents. With comminuted fractures of the ribs, damage to the intercostal nerves is possible, due to which the pain can be especially intense, radiating to the back.

Myocardial infarction

Acute myocardial infarction is a catastrophic shortage of blood supply to the heart muscle, resulting from blockage of the coronary arteries supplying the heart, a blood clot or atherosclerotic plaque, leading to necrosis of the heart site.The main symptom of a heart attack is acute chest pain radiating to the back, left shoulder blade, left shoulder and arm. In addition to pain, the patient is worried about the growing shortness of breath, lack of air, loss of consciousness, shock, and a drop in blood pressure are possible.

Myocardial infarction requires immediate medical attention, without which there is a high risk of death due to acute cardiopulmonary failure. Up to 30% of patients die before arriving at the intensive care unit, even if qualified medical care is provided.That is why any acute chest pain that occurs suddenly against the background of full health requires emergency hospitalization.

Angina pectoris

Angina pectoris is a condition accompanied by acute pain in the middle of the chest, reminiscent of a burning sensation with heartburn, radiating to the neck, left shoulder blade, back, left arm, arising from ischemia (lack of blood) and hypoxia (oxygen deficiency) in the heart muscle. Unlike a heart attack, angina pectoris does not lead to myocardial necrosis, due to the adaptation of the cardiovascular system to circulatory disorders.However, if the volume of blood flow in the coronary arteries of the heart continues to decrease, angina pectoris can progress to a heart attack.

Pericarditis

Pain in the sternum and back can be caused by pericarditis, an inflammatory disease of the bursa pericardium. The disease occurs as a result of metabolic, toxic, infectious, rheumatic heart disease. There are exudative pericarditis, accompanied by the formation of fluid in the pericardial bag, and dry, in which fibrin, a blood plasma protein, falls out in the pericardial cavity.

The main source of pain in pericarditis is localized behind the sternum, reflected pain in the spine, scapula and back is possible. In addition to pain, the patient may be disturbed by shortness of breath, weakness, palpitations, and dry cough.

Shpidonov Gennady Stanislavovich

Neurologist

Rostov State Medical University (neurology)

10 years experience

Myocarditis

Pain in the chest and back can be caused by myocarditis – inflammation of the heart muscle.The cause of the disease is toxic, infectious or allergic myocardial damage. Most often, myocarditis is a complication of viral and bacterial infections. Symptoms of myocardial inflammation resemble angina pectoris, in addition to chest pains, pain may radiate to the back, scapula, left shoulder and arm. In addition to pain, the patient may complain of weakness, shortness of breath, interruptions in the work of the heart, and fever.

Diseases of the respiratory system

Diseases of the lungs and bronchi are often accompanied by chest pain radiating to the back.Similar symptoms are observed with pneumonia, pleurisy, tumors. Often times, chest pain radiating to the spine and neck may be the only symptom of lung cancer.

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

Another possible cause of sternum and back pain is gastrointestinal tract diseases. This is a common symptom in pancreatitis, gallstone disease, cirrhosis of the liver, and stomach ulcers. Pain can be accompanied by dyspeptic symptoms, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, heartburn.

Oncological diseases

Tumors of the spine and spinal cord, metastases in the spine, tumors of the thoracic and abdominal organs, malignant blood diseases (myeloma, leukemia) can also lead to chest pain radiating to the back.Other symptoms include weight loss, fever, and food aversion.

Types of pain in the sternum and back

By the nature and type of pain, one or another disease can be assumed. That is why doctors ask patients in detail about what, where and how it hurts. For example, if the back hurts and the pain radiates to the chest, then it can be assumed that the cause of the pain is associated with the spine or spinal cord. Conversely, if the pain in the chest is stronger than in the back, then it is more likely that the pain syndrome is not associated with diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

Severe pain	Severe pain in the chest and back are observed with injuries of the chest and spine, with cancer, myocardial infarction.
Acute pain	Acute chest and back pains are characteristic of hernias and protrusions, intercostal neuralgia, angina pectoris.
Aching pains	Aching pain in the back and chest is a common symptom of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, myocarditis, pericarditis, and diseases of the respiratory system.
Chronic pain	Chronic back and sternum pain is a companion of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, Titze’s syndrome, hernias and protrusions of intervertebral discs, scoliosis and other diseases of the spinal column.
Girdle pain	Shingles are found in pancreatitis, gallstones, intercostal neuralgia, and radicular syndrome.

First aid for back pain radiating to the chest

Chest pain is an alarming symptom that requires careful diagnosis to determine the cause of the pain. A sudden onset of acute chest pain can be a sign of myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, aortic aneurysm and other serious pathologies. Pain in the central chest and back from injury can be a sign of a fractured spine and ribs.Therefore, if there is a suspicion of an emergency, first aid consists in taking the patient to the hospital as soon as possible or calling an ambulance.

Shpidonov Gennady Stanislavovich

Neurologist

Rostov State Medical University (neurology)

10 years experience

How to relieve an attack of chest and back pain

Analgesics may be used to relieve back and chest pain in non-life-threatening conditions.Most often these are drugs from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs. They are effective in relieving any pain, but long-term use can lead to side effects such as stomach ulcers, gastric bleeding or kidney failure. That is why taking analgesics without consulting a doctor is possible only for a short course, no more than 3-5 days.

Treatment of back and chest pain

Treatment of pain in the spine and chest depends on the cause of the pain syndrome.This requires an accurate diagnosis, examination and consultation with a doctor. Each disease has its own ways and methods of treatment.

Which doctor should I contact for pain in the chest area

If you suspect a disease of the cardiovascular system, you should consult a cardiologist. Respiratory system diseases are dealt with by a pulmonologist. Diseases of the spine, spinal cord and nervous system are diagnosed and treated by a neuropathologist.To find out which doctor to contact with pain syndrome, you need to undergo a diagnosis.

Electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiography (EchoCG) are used to diagnose diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Computed tomography is the most accurate method for diagnosing lung diseases. Magnetic resonance imaging or MRI is ideal for diagnosing diseases of the nervous system, spine and spinal cord.

Articles and news

Chest pain

Chest pain is a symptom of diseases of many organs and systems : respiratory and cardiovascular, stomach and esophagus, intercostal nerves and spine.All diseases manifest themselves in different ways, you cannot rely on the intensity of the pain: with a normal digestive disorder, the pain can be acute, and with a dangerous heart or spine disease, it can be dull and chronic.

Chest pain in diseases of the musculoskeletal system

The nerves that are responsible for breast tenderness are connected to the spinal nerves. With the development of diseases of the thoracic spine, the nerves are pinched and damaged, which causes chest pain, a feeling of squeezing of the heart.As if squeezing the chest with a hoop. Chest pain is caused by the following pathologies of the spine:

• Chest osteochondrosis. Wear and premature aging of intervertebral discs.
• Thoracic disc protrusion. Fissure in the annulus of the intervertebral disc, into which the nucleus is displaced. Because of this, the disc bulges into the spinal canal.
• Hernia in the thoracic region. Damage to the intervertebral disc with the exit of the nucleus outside the spine.
• Kyphosis. Curvature of the thoracic region backward, away from the chest.
• Scoliosis. Curvature of the thoracic region to the right or left.
• Kyphoscoliosis. Combination of kyphosis and scoliosis: curvature of the thoracic spine in all directions.
• Spondyloarthrosis. Inflammation and atrophy of the intervertebral joints.
• Radiculitis. Inflammation of the spinal nerve roots.
• Myositis. Muscle inflammation.

Separately, one should single out such a group of diseases of the musculoskeletal system as arthritis. Arthritis of the shoulder joint gives off pain in the chest, shoulder blades, neck, and causes numbness in the fingers.

Dangerous complications

Against the background of constant pinching and inflammation of the spinal nerves, intercostal neuralgia develops. There is constant severe pain throughout the chest or on one side, which is aggravated by movement, deep inhalation and coughing.There is a sensation of skin numbness, burning or tingling.

Diseases of the spine are dangerous and other complications: decrease and loss of mobility, paralysis, disability. The same complications occur with advanced shoulder arthritis.

Treatment of chest pain

First of all, diagnostics are carried out to identify the root cause of chest pain. If a pathology of the spine is detected, an X-ray or MRI study is most often prescribed.In case of joint damage, ultrasound and also MRI of the joint are prescribed. A puncture of the joint may be needed.

Treatment includes medications that relieve pain, inflammation, muscle spasms, and repair pinched nerves. Physiotherapy and physiotherapy exercises are also prescribed, which improve blood circulation, metabolic processes, strengthen the muscles of the back and chest.

Recommendations for prevention

• Warm up frequently, exercise, swim, yoga or fitness;
• Try to keep your back straight while walking and seated work;
• Avoid drafts, hypothermia, do not bathe for a long time, even in warm water;
• Avoid excessive physical exertion, do not lift heavy objects;
• Avoid sharp turns, bends;
• Avoid stressful situations, overwork;
• Watch your diet and weight;
• Give up bad habits: smoking and alcohol;
• Get a routine inspection annually.

Determine the true cause of the pain

Relieve pain, inflammation and muscle spasms

Repair pinched nerves

Prevent the development of complications

We will form a comprehensive treatment plan

Emergency hospital Novotroitsk

Head of the cardiology department


Yakovlev Alexey Valerievich




At the start of a busy day or in the middle of the night, you suddenly feel chest pain.Is it your heart that hurts? Do you need to go to the hospital urgently?

Pain in the heart area is one of the most common reasons people seek emergency help. So, every year, several million people seek emergency medical help with this symptom. “Pain in the heart” is an imprecise definition. It is used to describe any pain, pressure, constriction, choking, numbness, or any other discomfort in the chest, neck, or upper abdomen, and is often associated with pain in the jaw, head, or arm.This condition can last from a moment, a second, to several days or weeks, it can occur frequently or rarely, and it can occur irregularly or predictably.

Heart pain is not always heart pain. It is often not associated with heart problems. However, if you are experiencing chest pain and do not know about the state of your cardiovascular system, the problem can be serious and it is worth taking the time to find out the cause of the pain.

Reasons

Pain in the area of ​​the heart can be very different.It cannot always be described. The pain can be felt as a slight burning sensation or as a violent blow. Since you cannot always determine the cause of the pain yourself, there is no need to waste time on self-medication, especially if you belong to the so-called “risk group” of heart disease (see below).
Pain in the area of ​​the heart has many causes, including those requiring close attention. The causes of pain can be divided into 2 large categories – “cardiac” and “non-cardiac”.

“Heart” reasons

Myocardial infarction – A blood clot that blocks the movement of blood in the arteries of the heart can cause pressing, constricting chest pains lasting more than a few minutes.The pain can radiate (radiate) to the back, neck, lower jaw, shoulders and arms (especially to the left). Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, cold sweats, and nausea.

Angina . Over the years, fatty plaques can form in the arteries of your heart, restricting blood flow to your heart muscle, especially during exercise. It is the restriction of blood flow through the arteries of the heart that causes attacks of chest pain – angina pectoris. Angina is often described by people as a feeling of tightness or tightness in the chest.It usually occurs during exercise or stress. The pain usually lasts about a minute and stops at rest.

Other cardiac causes . Other causes that can present with chest pain include inflammation of the heart shirt (pericarditis), most often due to a viral infection. Pericarditis pain is most often acute, stabbing. Fever and malaise may also occur. Less commonly, the cause of pain may be a dissection of the aorta, the main artery in your body.The inner layer of this artery can be separated by blood pressure and the result is sharp, sudden and severe chest pain. Aortic dissection can result from chest trauma or a complication of uncontrolled hypertension.

Mitral valve prolapse can also serve as a source of pain of a varied nature in the region of the heart, especially against the background of vegetative-vascular dystonia.

“Non-heart” reasons

Precordial Syndrome .Sometimes, when you inhale, there is an unpleasant sensation of pain in the heart. The tension is growing and it seems that now something will burst inside. The pain can make you catch your breath, it can make you stop breathing. At this time, you try not to move and, if possible, take short breaths, and when it’s all the same, you take a sharp breath, and the pain in your heart suddenly disappears. Many people mistakenly believe that they have had a heart attack. But although the pain is strong, and it seems that the heart is in pain, in fact, the pain has nothing to do with the heart.Precordial syndrome is the most common cause of recurrent chest pain. Most often observed in children and adolescents, but sometimes persists into adulthood. The pain comes on very unexpectedly and just as suddenly goes away. This extremely sharp pain seems to be aggravated by deep breathing and jerky movements. But these are just sensations. The pain usually lasts 30 seconds to 3 minutes before disappearing. Sometimes the pain disappears suddenly after taking a deep breath or sudden movement.After the acute pain has passed, there may be a dull pain sensation in the region of the heart. Pain attacks can occur quite often, sometimes several times a day. They do not depend on the state of stress, time of day and the nature of your activity. Doctors did not find a relationship between precordial syndrome and strenuous exercise. But some doctors believe that postures that make it difficult to breathe can cause more pain in the heart. Currently, doctors and researchers do not know what causes the pain associated with precordial syndrome.The most common belief is that pain is the result of a pinched nerve.

Although doctors are not sure about the true causes of precordial syndrome, they are confident that this disease does not pose any danger. Precordial Syndrome is not a cause for alarm.

So, let’s list the main characteristics of precordial syndrome:

1. Sudden start.
2. Most often occurs at rest.
3. Localization in the chest area.
4. Aggravated by deep breathing.
5. Lasts from 30 seconds to 3 minutes.
6. Leaves suddenly.
7. No other symptoms.
8. No physical change.
9. More common in childhood and adolescence (from 6 to 18-20 years).

   What to do if your heart hurts when you inhale? Relax, precordial syndrome is completely harmless and does not require special treatment. Pain attacks usually occur before the age of 20.And every year they remind themselves of wasps less and less. Often, a deep breath will stop the pain. But most prefer shallow breathing until the pain subsides on its own.

   Heartburn . Acidic stomach acid from the stomach into the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach) can cause heartburn, an excruciating burning sensation in the chest. It is often combined with a sour taste and belching. Chest pain with heartburn is usually food-related and can last for hours.This symptom most often occurs when bending over or lying down. Eases heartburn by taking antacids.

   Panic attacks . If you are experiencing bouts of unreasonable fear, combined with chest pain, rapid heartbeat, hyperventilation (rapid breathing) and profuse sweating, you may suffer from “panic attacks” – a kind of dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system.

   Chronic and acute stress at work and at home .As a result – insomnia, anxiety and even pain in the region of the heart, interfering with life and work, and simply frightening.

   Pleurisy . Acute, limited chest pain that worsens with inhalation or coughing may be a sign of pleurisy. The pain is caused by inflammation of the membrane that lines the inside of the chest cavity and covers the lungs. Pleurisy can occur with various diseases, but most often with pneumonia.

   Tietze Syndrome . Under certain conditions, the cartilaginous parts of the ribs, especially the cartilage that attach to the sternum, can become inflamed.The pain in this disease can occur suddenly and be quite intense, mimicking an attack of angina pectoris. However, the location of pain may vary. In Tietze syndrome, pain may worsen when pressing on the sternum or ribs near the sternum. Pain in angina pectoris and myocardial infarction does not depend on this!

   Osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine leads to the so-called vertebral cardialgia, which resembles angina pectoris. In this condition, there is intense and prolonged pain behind the sternum, in the left half of the chest.Irradiation to the hands, interscapular region may be noted. The pain increases or decreases with changes in body position, head turns, arm movements. The diagnosis can be confirmed with an MRI scan of the spine.

   Rib damage and nerve entrapment . Bruises and fractures of the ribs, as well as entrapment of the nerve roots, can cause pain, sometimes very severe.
   Intercostal neuralgia . The main symptom of this condition is chest pain that makes breathing difficult or uncomfortable.Intercostal neuralgia most often causes pain in the left side of the chest. This form of neuralgia is more common in women than in men. Intercostal neuralgia can be mistaken for pleurisy or other inflammation of the lungs.

   Neuralgia is a term used to express pain of various types of nervous tissue in which there are no structural changes. Neuralgic pain is unstable, in some cases it seems to walk along the chest, moving from place to place.Neuralgia, as a rule, is characterized by dull pain with periodic exacerbations. Expansion of the chest with deep breathing makes the pain worse. The clinical manifestations of this disease are frequent pain in one or more intercostal spaces. When coughing or during deep breathing, pain in the heart intensifies, they are similar to sharp tingling in the chest. Most often, intercostal neuralgia occurs in women with a weakened nervous system, who know firsthand what depression and stress are.It is difficult to compile a complete list of the symptoms of this disease. In addition, the signs and symptoms of intercostal neuralgia can vary depending on the individual characteristics of each patient. Only a doctor can diagnose!

   The main symptoms of intercostal neuralgia :

10. Pain in the region of the heart – in the left side of the chest.
11. Pain in the left back.
12. Episodic pain.
13. Tingling.
14. Numbness.
15. Loss of appetite.
16. Paralysis.
17. Muscle atrophy.

    The presence of all of the listed symptoms is not necessary for a diagnosis. Agree, the symptoms are quite serious. That is why it is so important to consult a specialist at the first signs of intercostal neuralgia.

    Pulmonary embolism . This type of embolism occurs when a blood clot enters the pulmonary artery, blocking blood flow to the heart. Symptoms of this life-threatening condition may include sudden, sharp chest pain that occurs or worsens with deep breathing or coughing.Other symptoms are shortness of breath, palpitations, anxiety, loss of consciousness.

    Other lung diseases . Pneumothorax (collapsed lung), high pressure in the vessels supplying the lungs (pulmonary hypertension), and severe bronchial asthma can also present with chest pain.
    Muscle diseases. Pain caused by muscle diseases, as a rule, begins to bother when turning the body or raising the arms. Chronic pain syndrome such as fibromyalgia can cause persistent chest pain.

    Diseases of the esophagus . Some diseases of the esophagus can cause swallowing problems and therefore chest discomfort. Esophageal spasm can cause chest pain. In patients with this disorder, the muscles that normally propel food through the esophagus do not work in a coordinated manner. Because esophageal spasm can resolve after taking nitroglycerin – just like angina – diagnostic errors are common. Another swallowing disorder known as achalasia can also cause chest pain.In this case, the valve in the lower third of the esophagus does not open properly and does not allow food to enter the stomach. It stays in the esophagus, causing discomfort, pain, and heartburn.

    Shingles . This infection, caused by the herpes virus and affecting the nerve endings, can cause severe chest pain. Pain can be localized in the left side of the chest or be shingles in nature. This disease can leave behind a complication – postherpetic neuralgia – the cause of prolonged pain and increased skin sensitivity.

    Diseases of the gallbladder and pancreas . Gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) and pancreas (pancreatitis) can cause pain in the upper abdomen that radiates to the heart.

    Since chest pain can result from many different causes, do not self-diagnose or self-medicate or ignore severe and prolonged pain. The cause of your pain may not be so serious – but in order to establish it, you need to contact a specialist.

    When should I see a doctor?

    It is important to consider the following factors that increase the likelihood of emergencies for heart pain:

18. You are 40 years of age or older.
19. Family history of cardiovascular disease is present.
20. You smoke.
21. You are obese.
22. You are sedentary.
23. You have high cholesterol or diabetes.
24. Pain in the heart is accompanied by weakness, nausea, shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, or fainting.