Thoracic Spondylosis – The Importance of Bone Health in Preventing This Condition

20 Sep 2024

The human skeletal system is very complex, consisting not only of bones but also of tendons and cartilage. These are interconnected by joints, and on top of them lie the muscles, which help us move. Given this structure, when we talk about the health of the skeletal system, we should think not only of bones but of all its components.

One of the bone conditions we hear about more and more often is spondylosis. It can be of several types, depending on the part of the spine it affects. And one of the most common is thoracic or dorsal spondylosis. Why does it appear? Currently, poor posture caused by prolonged sitting is one of the main factors.

What is thoracic spondylosis and what are its manifestations? This is one of the questions whose answer we will find in this article. In it, we will also learn why it appears, as well as how to treat it, but especially how we can prevent it.

Thoracic Spondylosis – Definition and Causes

Thoracic or dorsal spondylosis is a condition that settles in the middle region of the spine, more precisely in its middle. It is an osteoarthritis that causes the narrowing of the spinal canal. It falls into the category of degenerative diseases that occur as a result of spinal compression or wear. It is very important to know that it can affect the intervertebral disc or the facet joints.

Thoracic spondylosis can turn into a severe and even aggressive condition in terms of pain. Therefore, maintaining the overall health of the skeletal system is very important. How can we do this? Through prevention, first of all, with food supplements being a good start. An example in this regard is Joint Formula. This is a complex that includes glucosamine, chondroitin, and collagen, whose contribution to bone health is major. Enriched with methylsulfonylmethane, citrus bioflavonoids, and ginger, it acts on the joints, bringing even more benefits to the body when consumed regularly.

Made up of simple elements found in nature, this formula helps maintain the health of bones, joints, and cartilage. It can be used for prevention, as well as an adjunct in diseases such as osteoarthritis and, of course, thoracic spondylosis. Thus, glucosamine is essential for articular cartilage, while chondroitin and collagen are found naturally in the body. The synthesis of the latter decreases over time, and collagen-based supplements are very important for the health of cartilage, joints, and bones.

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But why does dorsal spondylosis appear and what are its manifestations? The condition has several causes. When these are noticed in time, the disease can be kept under control.

Causes of Thoracic Spondylosis

Dorsal spondylosis does not appear suddenly, but develops over time as we age. Vertebral discs degenerate as part of a natural process. It is important to note that it can affect us even when we have a healthy lifestyle. This type of osteoarthritis can also be caused by other factors, such as other spinal conditions.

To understand why thoracic spondylosis occurs, we first need to know the structure of the spine and how it works.

How the Spine Works

The spine is made up of several types of joints, specifically:

the ones that connect the vertebrae;
the ones that separate the intervertebral discs;
the ones that allow the inferior and superior articular processes, or facet joints.

In the case of dorsal spondylosis, wear occurs at the disco-vertebral joints and the facet joints. These correspond to the thoracic segment of the spine, which is formed by 12 vertebrae, from T1 to T12, and is the largest of the 5 segments.

Considering that our daily activities affect the spine, aging is the main reason for the appearance of spondylosis of any type. However, there are also other determining and even aggravating factors of this disease.

Factors Leading to the Onset and Aggravation of Thoracic Spondylosis

Here are the main causes of dorsal spondylosis:

obesity;
the presence of osteophytes or “spurs”;
herniated disc;
osteoporosis;
osteoarthritis.

Other causes of thoracic spondylosis can also be:

dehydration of the intervertebral discs, which with age shrink by losing water, leading to contact between adjacent vertebrae;
stiffening of the ligaments that impair spinal stability.

Also, habits such as frequent heavy lifting can lead to displacement of intervertebral discs. For this reason, cervical and lumbar spondylosis can also occur.

Juvenile kyphosis or Scheuermann’s disease is a condition that occurs in adolescence and can lead to dorsal spondylosis. This is a lesion of the cartilage growth zone of the thoracic vertebrae and has the following consequences:

deformity of the vertebral bodies;
intraspongy disc herniation.

Kyphosis affects boys more and its main symptom is the formation of a rounded or hunched back.

Risk Factors in Dorsal Spondylosis

Thoracic spondylosis can also occur due to aggravating factors. These are similar to other types of arthritis and arthrosis, leading to an accelerated wear process of the joints. Thus:

genetic factors can lead to spondylosis appearing in other family members, even at younger ages;
age is one of the most important risk factors in dorsal spondylosis;
professions that involve prolonged sitting or a stooped position can favor both the appearance of thoracic and cervical spondylosis;
maintaining incorrect posture in daily activities can put pressure on the spine, which can lead to its compression, and therefore to spondylosis.

Based on the causes of dorsal spondylosis, we can establish its symptoms. The most frequent is pain, but not every discomfort felt in the back or lower back should make us think of it.

Symptoms of Thoracic Spondylosis

Thoracic spondylosis has several manifestations, although we will not feel them from the beginning. The condition can start with feelings of pressure or intermittent back pain. Also, in the early stages, the lesions are not evident. As time passes, the spinal nerves become increasingly compressed, leading to stiffness or a feeling of a stiff back.

The main symptom of dorsal spondylosis remains the pain that occurs after the healing process begins following a fracture. This is associated with the formation of a nodule around the respective vertebra that presses on the spinal nerves.

Back or lower back pain is called dorsalgia and is of two types:

acute;
chronic.

Acute Dorsalgia in Thoracic Spondylosis

Acute dorsalgia is severe pain that can start during the day and continue at night. This is inflammation that causes significant discomfort, usually in the middle of the back. The pain intensifies with movement. In this case, vertebrae T5-T6 and T9-T10 are the most affected.

Chronic Dorsalgia

Chronic dorsalgia is characterized by persistent pain and is more prevalent in women aged 30 to 40. The cause leading to its appearance is vertebral compression due to bone demineralization. Once women reach menopause, they may experience muscle pain in their back, which is actually caused by thoracic spondylosis.

Other Manifestations of Thoracic Spondylosis

Dorsal spondylosis can also have other manifestations, including:

numbness and tingling;
weakness in the muscles of the arms and legs;
muscle spasms and cramps;
pain and imbalance when walking;
back stiffness;
blockage in performing certain movements;
stinging in the arms, legs, and joints;
popping joints.

What can we do if we experience these symptoms? The first thing is to see a doctor for diagnosis, followed by starting treatment.

Dorsal Spondylosis – Diagnosis, Treatment Methods, and Prevention

Bone health is very important in the context of back pain that can plague us. But whom should we turn to if we suspect we have thoracic spondylosis? One of the following specialists:

rheumatologist;
neurologist.

They will perform a physical examination of the spine, but may also use a series of tests, such as an X-ray or even an MRI. Also, a physiotherapist can help us, not with a diagnosis, but with an indication to alleviate the symptoms of dorsal spondylosis through various exercises. Until then, however, there are other treatment methods, although the best is prevention.

Thoracic Spondylosis – Main Treatment Methods

The treatment of dorsal spondylosis can be quite complex, as it focuses on two aspects:

pain management;
inflammation reduction.

An important aspect in treating spondylosis is also the age of the patients, so the approach depends heavily on this factor. For elderly individuals, certain therapies may be considered, while for adolescents and young people, other treatment methods may be recommended.

The choice of appropriate treatment will take into account the symptoms of thoracic spondylosis and the stage of the condition. The main ways to treat and control the disease are:

medications, first and foremost;
specific exercises, which can also be performed for prevention;
surgical treatment, which is the last treatment method.

There is also the possibility of a combination of treatments, depending on the patient’s needs.

Pharmacological Therapy in Thoracic Spondylosis

Medications are essential for controlling the pain caused by dorsal spondylosis. Among the most used are those in the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory class, which work on two levels. They help both in managing discomfort and in reducing inflammation. These are usually prescribed by the rheumatologist, who considers the risk of gastrointestinal and cardiovascular diseases in patients. Of course, the specialist will also take into account certain pre-existing conditions when prescribing medication.

Surgical Approach in Dorsal Spondylosis

Surgery is the last step in treating spondylosis of any type, including dorsal spondylosis. Most of the time, the neurologist avoids this approach. When necessary, however, the operation may consist of:

removal of the affected vertebral disc through discectomy;
removal of bone spurs or “beaks” from the arch behind the vertebra, also called the lamina, through laminectomy;
changing the position of the lamina through laminoplasty;
spinal fusion, which involves bone grafting to restore mobility and can be done with or without rods or screws.

After surgery, wearing a brace is necessary, but it can also be used as an alternative to surgery. Another solution is also practicing certain exercises for thoracic spondylosis, under the guidance of a physiotherapist.

Thoracic Spondylosis – Beneficial Exercises for Management and Prevention

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Prevention plays a very important role in managing dorsal spondylosis when diagnosed early. Among the most effective are:

medical gymnastics;
physiotherapy and kinesiology;
water-based exercises and even swimming;
stretching exercises.

All will be performed under the guidance of a kinesiotherapist, and their choice will also be made by him/her. Also, exercises work as a preventative method for thoracic spondylosis.

Dorsal Spondylosis – Prevention Methods

Fortunately, thoracic spondylosis can be prevented or even delayed through correct back hygiene practices. Therefore, it is recommended to:

always pay attention to posture, specifically keeping the back straight when sitting for long periods;
rest is also very important for professions that strain the back;
avoiding lifting heavy weights, especially for adolescents, is essential for back health and preventing dorsal spondylosis;
practicing sports with low impact on the spine;
using supplements based on collagen, chondroitin, and glucosamine promotes bone health.

3.3. Dorsal spondylosis prevention methods

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels

Additionally, there are other therapies that can be used in the prevention of spondylosis of any type. Hydrotherapy, massage, acupuncture are just a few of the methods that can help in the early stages of this condition.

In conclusion, thoracic or dorsal spondylosis is one of the diseases that primarily affects the elderly. However, it can also occur in adolescents and people over 30 years old. The main cause of its appearance is vertebral compression. This type of spondylosis has pain in the middle as a debut symptom, but back stiffness and numbness in the lower and upper limbs can also be manifestations of the condition. Regarding its treatment, medications, physiotherapy exercises, or even surgical interventions are the main approaches. However, surgeries will be avoided until the last moment, with therapies to control pain and inflammation being attempted. And, because ensuring bone health is the most important method of preventing dorsal spondylosis, sports and food supplements can play a decisive role in spinal well-being.

References:

https://www.healthline.com/health/thoracic-spondylosis

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31958587/

https://www.emedicinehealth.com/spondylosis/article_em.htm

https://www.physio-pedia.com/Thoracic_Spondylolysis

https://www.physio.co.uk/what-we-treat/musculoskeletal/conditions/upper-back/thoracic-spondylosis.php