A symptom such as arrhythmia in osteochondrosis is a common manifestation of spinal disease. Therefore, many patients turn to a cardiologist for help. The cause of changes in heart rate may be pinched nerves in deformed vertebrae. Therefore, if arrhythmia occurs, the cardiologist refers the patient for additional consultation with a neurologist.
Can osteochondrosis cause cardiac arrhythmia?
When intervertebral discs compress the endings of nerve fibers and blood vessels, the work of the heart to pump blood through the vertebral artery is complicated. The pathological process increases intravascular pressure, provokes interruptions in the functioning of the organ, which manifests itself in changes in heart rhythm. Cervical osteochondrosis is a rare cause of arrhythmia. In 80%, heart failure occurs due to abnormalities in the thoracic spinal column. Painful sensations in the organ with thoracic osteochondrosis are preceded by destructive processes in the discs between the vertebrae and irritation of their anterior roots. The impulses of the nervous system, passing through it, are reflected in the heart by tingling. Osteochondrosis and cardiac arrhythmia also have an inverse relationship. As the heart muscle increases, the load on the spine increases, which can cause a serious pathology - chondrosis of the musculoskeletal system.
The difference between pain in osteochondrosis and angina pectoris
How osteochondrosis affects the heart and how to recognize its course - these questions worry many patients who are faced with pathologies of the musculoskeletal system. Painful sensations can appear or intensify after significant physical activity and can be of a very different nature, in particular:
- aching;
- burning;
- weak or, conversely, intense.
Since osteochondrosis can spread to the heart muscle, but does not affect it, disorders are not detected even after repeated ECGs.
Despite the difficulties in making a diagnosis, there are still certain signs by which you can accurately recognize the exact cause of the pain. The main symptoms of cardiopathy are:
- the heart may hurt for a long time;
- pain may periodically intensify;
- attacks of pain occur after physical activity;
- heart pain may occur when staying in one position;
- cardiovascular diseases disappear after treatment of osteochondrosis;
- Nitroglycerin does not relieve pain.
Since osteochondrosis can spread to the heart muscle, but does not affect it, disorders are not detected even after repeated ECGs. In addition, painful sensations can increase significantly with a sudden change in body position, as this leads to pinching of nerve endings.
How to determine?
Normal heart rate is 60-80 beats per minute. With arrhythmia, a person begins to feel an irregularity in the heart rhythm, general health worsens, and pain appears in the chest area.
Osteochondrosis and cardiac arrhythmia will cause pain, blood pressure fluctuations, numbness, swelling, and fatigue.
The occurrence of a disease caused by osteochondrosis is indicated by the following clinical signs:
- morning stiffness between the shoulder blades;
- heaviness in the thoracic region;
- pain along the spine;
- difficulty breathing;
- darkening of the eyes or dizziness;
- feeling of cardiac arrest when moving;
- cardiopalmus;
- interruptions in heart function during body movements;
- feeling of severe anxiety;
- sweating disorder;
- numbness in the limbs;
- increase in blood pressure.
What therapy is carried out for arrhythmia and osteochondrosis
Pain in the heart area of a vertebrogenic nature is often not as pronounced as in the primary pathology, therefore antiarrhythmic drugs are not used in such cases. As a rule, they are limited to physiotherapy and various methods of traditional medicine.
- Deep acupressure - has a fairly strong effect on heart pain and back discomfort. Helps to relax the muscles in the spine area, which are about 6-4 cm deep, and therefore cannot be affected by a traditional type of massage.
- Ointments with bee or snake venom, as well as various analgesic components, help increase heat generation and dilation of blood vessels at a depth of 2 cm. This allows you to relax the muscles, which thereby relieves pressure from the nerve roots, and therefore reduces pain and manifestations of arrhythmia.
- The most commonly used medications are vasodilators, anti-inflammatory and diuretics.
For severe cardialgia, an analgesic may be prescribed, but this is a symptomatic treatment that does not give a long-term effect, so the main thing is to eliminate the underlying cause, that is, osteochondrosis.
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Timely diagnosis is the path to quick recovery
To confirm the occurrence of arrhythmia caused by osteochondrosis, the following diagnostic measures should be carried out:
- Electrocardiography. Assesses the condition of the heart by recording electrical impulses that occur in the heart muscle during the operation of the organ.
- Holter monitoring. Records ECG readings for 24 hours while the patient follows a normal rhythm of life.
- MRI of the heart. Determines pathologies of all areas of the myocardium, valves, vessels and tissues. Examines blood supply and changes in the coronary artery.
- CT scan of the spine. Allows detailed examination of the vertebrae, their processes, intervertebral discs, ligaments and spinal cord.
- MRI of all parts of the spine. Determines osteochondrosis of the cervical or thoracic region, gives a complete picture of the condition of the bone and soft tissues of the musculoskeletal system.
How to explain the appearance of interruptions in the heart during osteochondrosis, features of the pathology and treatment methods
Thoracic osteochondrosis is a disease that occurs frequently and is sometimes combined with others, for example: with arrhythmia. When a disease occurs, it is important to understand the causes, symptoms and understand the features of treatment. The disease is difficult to diagnose, and symptoms make one aware of the disease late. Often people do not even suspect that osteochondrosis causes arrhythmia.
Attention! The thoracic spine is not as mobile as the cervical spine. There is less freedom of movement, since the thoracic vertebrae, together with the ribs and sternum, form a strong frame that protects the organs of the thoracic cavity. Compared to the lumbar vertebrae, the load on the thoracic vertebrae is not so great.
Features of therapeutic therapy
Arrhythmia in osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is treated in combination with the main disease. The choice of therapeutic therapy depends on the number of sudden and extraordinary heart contractions, the presence of signs of pathology and the frequency of attacks. The table presents medications to eliminate signs of arrhythmia and restore the functions of the musculoskeletal system:
| Medicine | Therapeutic effect |
| "Flecainide" | Eliminates rhythm disturbances |
| "Verapamil" | Normalizes heart contractions |
| "Bainvel" | Pain reliever, relieves inflammation |
| "Betaserk" | Eliminates attacks of vestibular vertigo |
| "Diclofenac" | Eliminates pain syndrome |
| "Pentoxifylline" | Improves blood microcirculation |
| "Neurobion" | Accelerates the process of regeneration of damaged connective tissue |
Complex treatment of osteochondrosis and arrhythmia includes:
- a balanced diet enriched with beneficial microelements;
- soothing herbal teas;
- physiotherapeutic procedures;
- manual therapy;
- acupuncture.
When treating arrhythmia and osteochondrosis, it is prohibited to visit the bathhouse, sauna, or take a hot bath. The procedures can increase pressure on nerve endings and cause swelling of the discs between the vertebrae.
Treatment of osteochondrosis and cardiac arrhythmia includes taking pills, exercise therapy, diet, and physiotherapy.
Arrhythmia arising against the background of osteochondrosis is a dangerous phenomenon. The disease contributes to the formation of atrial fibrillation, which is fatal. Interruptions in the functioning of the heart due to pathologies of the spine also lead to disruptions in the functioning of the cardiovascular system and provoke the development of stroke and heart attack. To prevent the development of osteochondrosis, a healthy and active lifestyle, physical exercise, and daily walks are recommended. If any pathological signs of the disease appear, you should consult a doctor and not self-medicate.
Treatment
Osteochondrosis and cardiac arrhythmia are interconnected, so only treatment of the spinal column can alleviate the patient’s condition. It is important to seek medical help early on. This will allow you to get rid of discomfort in a short period of time and avoid complications.
An integrated approach is important. The following will be appointed:
- medications;
- physiotherapeutic procedures;
- massage;
- physical therapy and gymnastics;
- proper nutrition;
- the right way of life.
Medicines
The doctor has the right to prescribe treatment only after receiving the results of the examination. Among the medications, the following medications would be appropriate:
- sedatives (calming);
- anti-inflammatory;
- diuretics;
- painkillers;
- warming.
The products come in tablet form, suspensions, ointments or injections. The drugs are selected individually, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy will improve blood circulation and relieve spasms.
Directions are given to:
- UHF;
- magnetic therapy;
- phonophoresis;
- electrophoresis, etc.
Exercises
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine can relieve the back and relieve tension.
You can do the exercises lying down, sitting and standing. Slowly, calmly and measuredly. There should be at least ten repetitions.
- Lie on your back. Place your upper limbs near your body. Raise your head and hold it for 10 seconds.
- Don't change the position. Make a simulation of riding a bike.
- Lie down. Stretch your arms up and slightly lift your shoulder blade area.
- Stand up. Place your hands on your shoulders and move back and forth in a circle.
- Lie down on your right side. Swing with your left hand. Then change position.
- The starting position too. Place your hand on your thigh. Press your knees to your chest, then return to the I.P.
- Lie on your stomach. Join your hands at the back of your head. Raise your shoulders and head. Pull.
- In the same position, imitate swimming.
- Sit down. Raise your shoulders to your ear one by one and stay in this position for 5-7 seconds.
- Sit and pull both shoulders towards your ears at once.
- Perform cycling while sitting on a chair.
- Stand up. Swing your arms forward, then back.
- Perform head tilts.
Massage
Massage therapy for osteochondrosis and cardiac arrhythmia gives only a positive effect. Namely:
- normalizes blood circulation and cell nutrition;
- relaxes the muscles;
- will remove spasms;
- will restore motor activity;
- relieves swelling.
During the session, the massage therapist will rub, stretch, knead.
In addition to classic massage, you can visit:
- point;
- can;
- vacuum;
- honey
Sometimes it is advisable to do self-massage (if you have osteochondrosis of the cervical spine).
