Thoracic Spondylosis: Causes and Treatment
Arthritis in the central section of the spine is known as thoracic spondylosis. The spine's bones, cartilage, tendons, and discs can all degenerate as we get older. Thoracic spondylosis is the name for when this arises in the center of the back.
What Is Thoracic Spondylosis and How Does It Affect You?
As previously stated, thoracic spondylosis occurs when the thoracic region's spinal vertebrae degenerate. Thoracic spondylosis is a term that refers to a variety of conditions. Among them are:
- The thinning of the discs between the vertebrae of the spine
- The holes where the nerves exit the spine are narrowing.
- Formation of bone spurs
- Fractures of the spine's bones
- Ligament thickening that prevents flexibility
Unlike lumbar or cervical spondylosis, thoracic spondylosis is less prevalent. However, if other parts of the spine develop spondylosis, this form of spondylosis is more likely to develop.
Mild Thoracic Spondylosis: What Is It?
Mild thoracic spondylosis occurs when there is only minor degeneration of this spinal region, resulting in few or no symptoms. However, even if there are no evident symptoms, people with mild thoracic spondylosis should take steps to prevent the condition from progressing from mild to severe, as it is likely to do without therapy.
Thoracic Spondylosis: What Causes It?
Bone deterioration is a natural component of growing older. However, as you get older, an active lifestyle, sports injuries, and regular wear and strain on the spine can increase your chances of developing thoracic spondylosis.
Because of their genetic makeup, some people are more susceptible to developing this disorder than others. For example, while overweight persons are more likely to develop this type of arthritis, this is primarily due to the excess weight on the spine, which places constant pressure on the vertebrae. In addition, because spondylosis is commonly accompanied by inflammatory back pain, an inflammatory diet can exacerbate the symptoms of any spondylosis.
Symptoms of Thoracic Spondylosis
Symptoms do not usually accompany thoracic spondylosis. Some people may be unaware they have it, while others will experience discomfort due to it, even if their spondylosis isn't deemed severe. Among the most common symptoms are:
- Stiffness in the middle of the back
- Back pain in the midsection
- Radiating pain down the back and/or legs
- Legs or arms weakness
- Tingling sensations in the limbs
- Fine motor skills loss (often dropping things or having problems walking)
- Pain that becomes worse with activity
Some or none of these symptoms may be present in people with thoracic spondylosis. The most severe cases may cause fine motor skill deficits and considerable pain; however, this is not always the case.
Is Thoracic Spondylosis a Disability?
Like many other back problems, Thoracic spondylosis can become a disability if it becomes so severe that you can no longer work or function. This isn't to argue that everyone with thoracic spondylosis can or should take time off work. In extreme circumstances, though, it may be the only way to get the time you need to seek proper care while avoiding further injury from your work duties.
The majority of persons with thoracic spondylosis will not require disability benefits. Instead, consult with a skilled chiropractor to identify the best course of action for your recuperation.
Chiropractic Treatment as a Preventive Measure
Because age-related wear and tear is a significant component in developing thoracic spondylosis, it's never too early — or too late — to begin caring for your spine. One study comparing chiropractic care to regular medical care for older persons came up with interesting results.
Those who consulted chiropractors were less likely to experience pauses in daily activities and reported improved overall health. According to the study's authors, seeing a chiropractor regularly is an effective type of preventative care.
The best aspect is that chiropractors collaborate with physical therapists to teach their patients how to safeguard their backs at home with exercises and stretches. They also offer advice on how to stay healthy in general.
The chiropractors at Peak Potential Family Chiropractic in Houston, TX, focus on providing excellent patient care. We offer a wide range of services to those seeking conservative treatment for pain relief, including spinal manipulation, electrical muscle stimulation, nutritional counseling, and more.
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