Thoracic Spondylosis – Upper Back – Conditions – Musculoskeletal – What We Treat

What is thoracic spondylosis?

Thoracic spondylosis is a form of osteoarthritis in the thoracic spine (upper back). Physiotherapy is an effective treatment for thoracic spondylosis.

What can cause thoracic spondylosis?

Thoracic spondylosis is caused by wear and tear of the vertebrae and the shock absorbing discs between each vertebrae bone. As we get older, the discs dry out and extra bone often gathers around the vertebrae (osteophytes) which can irritate some of the structures around the spine. Thoracic spondylosis is more common over the age of seventy or if you have had an injury to the spine when you were younger.

Above: Trigger point massage of the muscles in the upper back by experienced therapist

What are the symptoms of thoracic spondylosis?

You will often experience stiffness in the upper back especially when trying to turn around and reaching for objects. You may also find these movements painful. If a nerve becomes trapped or irritated you may experience neurological symptoms including weakness and pins and needles on your back, stomach area or arms. You may feel weaker in these areas and find it difficult to carry out your normal activities of daily living. Other symptoms may include:

• spasm
• joint clicking
• joint locking
• cramps

What should I do if I have thoracic spondylosis?

If you think you may have thoracic spondylosis, you should visit a physiotherapist as soon as possible who will help you reduce your symptoms. You may also need to see your GP for some painkillers to help you keep the spine moving.

What shouldn’t I do if I have thoracic spondylosis?

You should not ignore your symptoms if you think your problem may be thoracic spondylosis. The longer you leave it, the more likely your condition will progress and you symptoms will become more debilitating.

Above: Mobilisations of the mid thoracic spine by experienced physiotherapist

Physiotherapy for thoracic spondylosis.

There are a number of physiotherapy treatments that your physiotherapist can offer you to treat thoracic spondylosis. You may receive cryotherapy (ice) or heat to reduce any pain that you have and will be given a series of exercises to improve the range of movement at the thoracic spine. Your home exercise programme will also include specific exercises to strengthen the area which will help minimise your symptoms. Massage and postural advice can be offered to manage your condition.

Other physiotherapy options can include:

• Hydrotherapy
• Taping
• Postural Realignment
• Soft Tissue Treatment

Can thoracic spondylosis have any long-term effects?

If you ignore the problem, your symptoms are likely to get worse and cause a lot of pain and stiffness in your upper back. If you do not seek professional help, the thoracic spondylosis could lead to neurological symptoms including weakness and numbness of the upper back and stomach which are more persistent.

Above: Soft tissue massage of the upper thoracic spine

To arrange a physiotherapy appointment call Physio.co.uk on 0330 088 7800 or book online.

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Thoracic Spondylosis: Exercises, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Overview

As you get older, your vertebrae (spinal bones) tend to wear down. The bony discs and joints can crack.

You don’t have to have an injury, such as a fall, for this to happen. Wear and tear on any bone can cause a stress fracture.

Time can also cause the cartilage, the cushion between your bones, to grow thinner. The ligaments that connect your bones can grow thicker and less flexible.

When these changes develop in the middle of your spine, the condition is known as thoracic spondylosis.

The thoracic portion of your spine refers to the middle of your back. Your spine includes two more sections on the top and bottom of the thoracic region.

The cervical part of the spine is the upper section that includes the neck. The lumbar section is your lower back. Each section can experience spondylosis. Thoracic spondylosis is less common than lumbar or cervical spondylosis.

Spondylosis in any part of your back can also result from a sports injury that causes a small fracture in a vertebra. Children and teens may be especially vulnerable to this problem, because their bones are still developing.

Thoracic spondylosis doesn’t always lead to noticeable symptoms. When it does, you tend to feel stiff or sore or both.

When pain is involved, it’s often because changes in the discs are causing one or more of them to press on nerves that extend from the spinal canal. For example, tissue can form a lump around a stress fracture to help heal the bone. But a lump of tissue can press against spinal nerves, triggering pain or other symptoms.

Spondylosis in any part of your back, including the thoracic section, can cause pain to radiate downward into the legs. Pain can get worse with activity but improve with rest.

Your legs can become tingly or numb. You can also experience muscle weakness in your arms and legs, as well as trouble walking.

Another complication of spondylosis is spondylolisthesis, in which a vertebra slips forward and onto the bone below it and squeezes a nerve. This painful condition is often referred to as a pinched nerve. Check out these exercises to relieve the pain.

Thoracic spondylosis is often an age-related medical condition. With every passing year, your odds of developing some form of spondylosis increase. Even relatively healthy people can experience some disc degeneration.

Because you put less burden on your thoracic spine than the other parts of your back, thoracic spondylosis usually develops because there has been cervical or lumbar spondylosis first. When one part of your back experiences problems, the rest of your spine is at greater risk of trouble.

For older adults, the day-to-day stress on the spine simply adds up over time. The cause of spondylosis may actually be a combination of heavy lifting and an active lifestyle. Osteoporosis, a bone-thinning condition also associated with age, may contribute to stress fractures in the vertebrae.

The part of a vertebra most commonly associated with spondylosis is a section called the pars interarticularis. The pars joins the two facet joints on the back of a vertebra. Even a very small crack in the pars can cause spondylosis.

For young people with vertebrae that’re still growing and developing, trauma from a football tackle or stress from a gymnastics routine can lead to spondylosis.

Genetics may also play a role. You may come from a family in which vertebral bone is thinner.

When a sore and stiff back start to interfere with your daily functioning or keep you from sleeping or enjoying your usual quality of life, you should see a doctor.

Because the pain and tingling are often felt in the buttocks and legs, it’s not always easy to pinpoint the source of your symptoms. You may be inclined to chalk it up to lower back problems, and not a fracture or other problem with the thoracic part of the spine.

In addition to gathering your medical history and your current symptoms, your doctor will probably order X-rays if spondylosis is suspected. Most adults over age 60 have some sign of spondylosis that will show up in an X-ray. X-rays can reveal the location and size of bone fractures.

MRI scans can provide detailed views of the nerves and soft tissue around the spine. If your doctor suspects a pinched nerve, an MRI can often diagnose the problem.

The goal of treatment is usually to avoid surgery if possible. Symptoms may be controlled by pain-relieving medications and physical therapy.

However, if thoracic spondylosis is pressing on a nerve, surgery may relieve the pressure. Surgical options include:

• discectomy, which removes the injured disc
• laminectomy, which removes bone spurs or the lamina, the arch in the back of a vertebra
• laminoplasty, which changes the position of the lamina to create more room for nerve tissue within your spine
• spinal fusion, which connects parts of your spine with transplanted bone, either with or without rods or screws to help connect two or more bones

A back brace may help keep your spine stable, either after surgery, or instead of surgery while the fracture heals on its own.

Rest may be best for thoracic spondylosis until you start to feel better. However, you don’t want to stay bedridden too long. Lying down or sitting for prolonged periods raise the risk for formation of blood clots in your legs. Light walking and other activity can be helpful, but you should ask your doctor for guidance on when to start and how much is safe.

Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications, as well as painkillers if you’ve had surgery. Be sure any medications you take are under the close supervision of your doctor.

Depending on the severity of your condition and whether you underwent surgery, you may have to refrain from heavy lifting and other activities that require bending over or stooping for a few weeks to a few months.

You can begin exercises that stretch and strengthen your back as soon as your doctor gives you the go-ahead. You may benefit most from having physical therapy, in which you’ll learn the proper technique for spine-friendly exercises.

When exercising with thoracic spondylosis, remember to follow the guidance of your doctor or physical therapist and to stop if you experience pain.

Exercise should focus on improving:

• posture
• range of motion
• muscle flexibility
• core strength, since the muscles in your abdomen help keep the spine stable
• spine muscle strength
• weight management
• circulation
• overall fitness

Core-strengthening exercises, which are critical to spine health, can be done at home. The Pelvic Tilt is an easy one:

• Lie on your back and bend your knees. Place your feet flat on the floor.
• Use your abdominal muscles to pull your belly button down toward your spine.
• Hold that position for 10 to 15 seconds.
• Pause and relax for a few seconds.
• Repeat 10 times.
• Do 3 sets of 10 repetitions.

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Another exercise to help strengthen the muscles in your back is called a Bridge:

• Lie on your back and bend your knees. Place your feet flat on the floor.
• Use the muscles in your buttocks and back to lift your hips up while keeping your shoulders flat on the floor.
• Hold that position for 5 seconds.
• Relax and lower your hips.
• Repeat 10 times.
• Do 3 sets of 10 repetitions.

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Swimming is a low-impact exercise that can help boost back and shoulder strength, range of motion, and flexibility. Hydrotherapy is another pool-based treatment that can help relieve pain and loosen tight muscles.

Before starting any form of therapy or any exercise treatment plan, be sure to get the green light from your physician.

Exercising to strengthen your spine and core muscles and maintain your flexibility is important even if you don’t have thoracic spondylosis symptoms. Those exercises may help prevent or at least delay back problems.

If you do have symptoms, don’t ignore them. Have them evaluated by a spine specialist and work out a treatment plan, keeping in mind that surgery should be viewed as a last resort. Ignoring symptoms can lead to long-term neurological problems including pain, numbness, and muscle weakness.

By getting a diagnosis and following through with physical therapy and other lifestyle changes, you can enjoy many years with little or no back pain.

Thoracic spondylosis. What is Thoracic Spondylosis?

IMPORTANT
The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor.

Thoracic spondylosis is a degenerative disease of the thoracic spine. It is accompanied by degeneration of the fibrous rings of the intervertebral discs, the formation of osteophytes in the lateral and anterior sections of the spine, as well as the gradual ossification of the anterior longitudinal ligament. It occurs predominantly in middle-aged and older people. For a long time it is asymptomatic, subsequently manifested by pain in the thoracic spine. May be complicated by the development of intervertebral hernias. In some cases, neurological symptoms are detected. Diagnosed on the basis of a survey, examination, X-ray data. Treatment is conservative: drug therapy, blockades, physiotherapy, exercise therapy.

ICD-10

M47 Spondylosis

• Causes
• Pathoanatomy
• Symptoms of thoracic spondylosis
• Diagnostics
• Treatment of thoracic spondylosis
• Prognosis and prevention
• Prices for treatment

Thoracic spondylosis

Causes

Thoracic spondylosis is an involutional lesion of the thoracic spine, caused by natural aging and wear of anatomical structures. It is found in 80% of people over 40 years of age. It usually occurs in people 30 years of age or older, but may also occur in younger patients. The cause of early development is usually a violation of posture and excessive stress on the spine, due to working conditions or playing sports. Thoracic spondylosis proceeds more favorably than cervical and lumbar spondylosis, less often accompanied by severe pain and neurological disorders. Treatment of this pathology is carried out by vertebrologists, orthopedists and neurologists.

Pathology

The thoracic spine is represented by 12 vertebrae. Each vertebra consists of a cylindrical body, an arch and processes. The vertebral body bears the main load, its posterior surface, together with the inner surface of the arch, forms the spinal canal, the spinous and transverse processes are the places of attachment of the ligaments, and the articular processes are connected to each other, forming facet joints. Between the vertebral bodies are intervertebral discs, resembling rounded elastic pads. The discs perform a shock-absorbing function and, in a sense, play the role of joints, providing a small amount of movement of the vertebral bodies relative to each other. The discs have a complex structure, they consist of an elastic nucleus pulposus, which absorbs vertical loads, and a rigid fibrous ring that holds the nucleus and does not allow the vertebrae to move to the sides.

Thoracic spondylosis is accompanied by degenerative changes in all connective tissue structures of the spine. Due to fiber degeneration, the strength of the fibrous ring decreases, and it ceases to hold the nucleus pulposus, resulting in protrusions. The anterior longitudinal ligament is ossified. Bone growths form in the area of ​​the facet joints, osteoarthritis develops. These changes cause the formation of intervertebral hernias and limit the mobility of the spine. However, due to the anatomical features of the thoracic spine, these processes can be asymptomatic or almost asymptomatic for a long time.

Symptoms of thoracic spondylosis

The main manifestation of the disease is back pain. The cause of the development of pain syndrome is compression of the nerves by a vertebral hernia or osteophytes located in the area of ​​the facet joints. In addition, pain can occur due to local inflammation or pressure of hernias on the ligaments of the spine. Over time, the pain becomes clearly localized, muscle spasms and trigger points appear. If there is no compression of the nerves, patients are concerned about pain only in the back, with compression of the nerve, irradiation along the lateral and anterior surface of the chest is possible.

With arthrosis of the facet joints, the pain decreases when the back is straightened, and increases when standing and walking. With a herniated disc, the pain increases with leaning forward, prolonged sitting and standing, and decreases with walking and changing body position. When the spinal cord is compressed, myelopathy occurs, accompanied by numbness and tingling in the lower extremities and underlying parts of the body. Very rare complications of thoracic spondylosis are pronounced weakness in the limbs, impaired bowel and bladder function.

Diagnostics

To clarify the diagnosis of thoracic spondylosis, radiological methods are used: X-ray, CT and MRI. X-ray of the spine makes it possible to confirm the presence of osteophytes, a decrease in the height of the vertebral discs and thickening of the joints. CT scan of the spine allows you to identify or exclude stenosis (narrowing) of the spinal canal. MRI of the spine is the most informative study that allows you to visualize the nerves, ligaments and discs. Using this method, you can determine the cause of pain and detect compression of the nerve trunks. If nerve compression is suspected, a consultation with a neurologist, ENG and EMG is prescribed to assess the degree of conduction disturbances and the extent of nerve damage. In some cases, radioisotope scanning is used.

CT scan of the thoracic spine. Multiple marginal bone growths of the anterior parts of the vertebral bodies (deforming thoracic spondylosis)

Treatment of thoracic spondylosis

Currently, there are no methods that can eliminate degenerative changes and restore the normal structure of spinal tissues. Symptomatic treatment is prescribed for patients with thoracic spondylosis, including drug therapy, physiotherapy, exercise therapy, acupuncture, massage, manual therapy and minimally invasive interventions (blockades). Patients are advised to limit the load on the spine while maintaining moderate physical activity. As with osteochondrosis, with thoracic spondylosis, it is very important to regularly perform a specially designed set of exercises to strengthen the back muscles.

Drug treatment may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (naproxen, meloxicam, ibuprofen) used to reduce pain and muscle relaxants (tizanidine, cyclobenzaprine) to reduce muscle spasms. With intense pain during an exacerbation, potent analgesics can be prescribed for a short time. In chronic pain syndrome, the use of low doses of antidepressants (duloxetine, doxepin, amitriptyline) is sometimes indicated.

To reduce pain and improve microcirculation, physiotherapeutic procedures are used: paraffin, ozokerite, electrophoresis with novocaine, lithium or peloidin, UV radiation, diadynamic currents, ultrasound, etc. Manual therapy also reduces pain, however, the decision to use this method in case of thoracic spondylosis should be taken individually. Acupuncture is used to reduce pain and improve nerve conduction. With severe pain that is resistant to other treatment methods, blockades with steroid drugs are prescribed in the area of ​​trigger points and facet joints. Surgical treatment is indicated only in the presence of severe compression of the nerve root by an osteophyte or disc herniation, as well as in severe spinal stenosis.

Prognosis and prevention

A complete cure for thoracic spondylosis is impossible, but in most cases the disease proceeds favorably. Compression of the nerve trunks and severe pain syndrome are rare, most patients are fully able to work and can lead a normal life. Systematic monitoring, regular treatment and adherence to the doctor’s recommendations can reduce pain and maintain the functionality of the spine.

You can share your medical history, what helped you in the treatment of thoracic spondylosis.

Sources

1. Neurology and Neurosurgery / Ed. Konovalova A.V. – 2009
2. Inflammatory and degenerative diseases of the spine / Chepoy V.M. – 1978
3. Spinal stenosis / Antipko L.E. – 2001
4. This article was prepared based on the materials of the site: https://www.krasotaimedicina.ru/

IMPORTANT
Information from this section cannot be used for self-diagnosis and self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor.

Thoracic spondylosis – symptoms, causes, diagnosis – Blog «SPINA»

What is thoracic spondylosis

Degenerative pathology of the spine. The form of the disease is chronic. The essence in simple non-medical language: bone growths of a spike-like shape on the vertebrae and ossification of the ligaments. Vertebrae with this pathology lose their mobility. Growths are a natural response of our body to the processes of dystrophy in the intervertebral discs. The unhealthy process compensates for the lost depreciation properties in the intervertebral space.

Outgrowths formed during thinning and partial dysfunction of the discs perform a supporting function for the vertebrae. The load evenly goes to the growths. And then they grow and reduce the spinal canal. Cartilage tissues, as well as nerve endings, are compressed, so a person experiences pain. But everything does not end there – growths give rise to new ones. There is a fusion of the vertebrae and loss of mobility.

Symptoms of thoracic spondylosis

• discomfort in the area of ​​the shoulder blades, which radiates to the ribs,
• acute pain resembling intercostal neuralgia,
• feeling of constriction and heaviness in the heart,
• sensation of numbness in the region of the abdominal wall,
• tension in the muscles of the back,
• unpleasant aching sensations in the gastrointestinal tract,
• partial loss of sensation in the fingers,
• torso difficult to turn,
• partial loss of arm movement,
• aggravated pain when staying in 1 position for a long time, turning, walking for a long time, changing weather,
• breathing problems,
• great fatigue after little activity.

All of the above symptoms are also suitable for other diseases. Therefore, it is impossible to engage in self-diagnosis on your own without a doctor and examinations, especially to develop a self-treatment plan for yourself. The disease is very serious, in the absence of competent treatment, you can earn complete paralysis of the lower extremities and disability.

Causes of thoracic spondylosis

The disease most often accompanies the elderly due to the natural wear and tear of the body, part of the aging process. However, forty-year-olds also suffer from spondylosis. The causes of the early stages of the disease are typical – a violation of posture, periodic excessive stress on the back, a sedentary lifestyle, lack of physical activity.

Thoracic spondylosis is easier than lumbar and cervical. Pain and disturbances from neuralgia are much less.

Diagnosis of thoracic spondylosis

The most informative type of diagnosis is MRI, which clearly shows discs, ligaments and nerves. They can also prescribe electroneurography and electromyography to understand how damaged the nerve is. Less informative types of diagnostics are CT and X-ray.

Treatment of thoracic spondylosis

There are no methods that could restore the healthy structure of the vertebrae and make the growths dissolve. But you can alleviate the course of the disease and stop its development.

Treatment is complex and includes:

1. Drug therapy.

The meaning of taking drugs is to reduce pain, relieve muscle spasms. If, for example, during the period of exacerbation, you begin to influence the massage or take up gymnastics, then you can do even more harm.

1. Blockades.

Minimally invasive interventions are required in some cases. It is believed that the drug, filed directly into the intervertebral disc, will work more efficiently.

1. Physiotherapy.

Electrophoresis, dynamic currents, paraffin, ultrasonic treatment – can also help in tissue repair, start the processes of normal blood microcirculation.

1. Massage and manual therapy.

First of all, massage helps to remove hypertonicity from the muscles and improve blood circulation. There should be no sharp jerks, pressure on the spine, reductions and other aggressive manipulations.

1. exercise therapy.

Exercises should be selected by a specialist, and not independently from pictures from Yandex. They should be performed slowly, smoothly, the load should be moderate.

In some cases, patients are offered surgery. Keep in mind that recovery after surgery is much harder than long-term complex treatment. Nature arranged it so that the spine is fed only with reasonable physical exertion, and most back diseases are due to insufficient nutrition of the discs. If a person lies under a surgical knife, the operation does not reanimate the discs in any way. Therefore, after surgery, relapses can occur.

By following a treatment plan tailored to each patient, you will definitely improve your health.