The term ‘spondylosis’ refers to degenerative changes that occur in the spine due to aging and which tend to lead to pain. When this wear and tear process affects the thoracic spine, it is referred to as thoracic spondylosis. Other types include cervical spondylosis (which is characterised by neck pain), and lumbar spondylosis (leading to pain in the lower back).
Spondylosis tends to affect structures such as spinal discs and facet joints. In some cases, problems with discs and facet joints that arise due to spondylosis can also lead to pinched nerves, which is the reason why a person suffering from this condition might feel pain.
Disorders that are commonly associated with this condition include:
- Degenerative disc disease, which as the name suggests, refers to the degeneration and loss of water from the spinal discs.
- Bone spurs (osteophytes) can form along the spine. They are small bony formations that can vary in size and in terms of the direction where they grow. They have the potential to impinge on spinal nerves, or to grow into the spinal column and press against the spinal cord.
- Facet joint degeneration, which is a process where spinal joints are affected by degeneration and a decrease in bone health. It can also be influenced by the degeneration of spinal discs, which can lead to misalignment of the joints due to the loss of water, and consequently loss of height of the spinal discs.
Causes and Risk Factors
Spondylosis, be it in the thoracic spine or in other regions of the back, tends to occur due to the following:
- Being 60 years of age or older. Age is one of the primary factors that can lead to a person developing spondylosis, as this is mostly an age-related disorder of the spine.
- Loss of water from the spinal discs. These discs act as cushions for the backbone and absorb some of the shock that would otherwise be directed at the spinal bones. With age, spinal discs lose some of their water content and dry out, consequently losing some of their shock-absorbing ability. Additionally, due to loss of water they also shrink, contributing to a loss of height in the spine and a higher chance of spinal bones rubbing against each other.
- Smoking has been shown to contribute to the wearing down of the spine and can thus speed up the process of degeneration.
- An injury to the thoracic spine.
Symptoms
Not all people experience symptoms of spondylosis, or at least not shortly after its onset. Common symptoms may include:
- Pain along the mid back
- Reduced range of motion and stiffness of the back.
- Sensations of tingling or numbness.
- On rare occasions, people may experience loss of bowel and/or bladded control. Most likely this indicates that the spinal cord might have become pinched. If compression of the spinal cord occurs, it should be addressed as soon as possible, as it can have a highly negative impact on one’s quality of life and health.
Treatment Options
While the process of degeneration in the spine cannot be reversed, the effects and symptoms caused by spondylosis can be either managed or treated. There are both surgical and non-surgical approaches available to address spondylosis, but like with any other spinal condition, it is best to start with minimally invasive solutions and to work one’s way up from there if a form of pain management or treatment doesn’t work. That being said, some of the most common ways to address spondylosis include:
- Physical therapy. Because the conditions associated with spondylosis tend to lead to stiffness and reduced range of motion in the back, working with a physical therapist is a great start to address the effects of thoracic spondylosis.
- Continue being active. Physical activity can help keep not only the thoracic spine, or even the spine itself in shape, but your entire body in general. Even simple activities such as walking can have great health-boosting benefits.
- Taking anti-inflammatory or pain medications to relieve the pain on some occasions.
- Using a spinal decompression tool, called the Backrack, to help alleviate the pain caused by a compressed, shortened spine and to release any trapped nerves that trigger pain.
Spinal Backrack - Back Pain Relief From the Comfort of Your Own Home
Benefits of Spinal Decompression with the Backrack for Spondylosis
Spinal decompression therapy, a form of treatment for back pain, can be especially beneficial to people suffering from spondylosis, be it in the thoracic, cervical or lumbar regions of the spine.
As previously stated, the degeneration of spinal discs and joints due to the aging process can lead to a shortening of the spine. When this happens, the spine becomes squashed. This is referred to as spinal compression. Compression on the spine itself can press down on the spinal nerves, which trigger pain sensations.
As such, by gently pushing the vertebrae away from each other, in essence restoring the space between them, any nerve roots that have becomes trapped because of a lack of space shall be freed from the entrapment, and the pain stops. More than that, with regular use, the pain can be prevented from returning.
This can all be achieved through spinal decompression therapy, which is exactly what the Backrack Device has been designed for.
Author: Spinal Backrack
