Thoracic Spondylosis Treatment in Sinnamon Park

What are the causes?

As one gets older, the spine undergoes changes as a result of normal wear and tear over the years. Additional risk factors include obesity, smoking history, sedentary lifestyles, high impact activities and other conditions (e.g., diabetes, IBS, Lyme disease, etc.). Thoracic spondylosis typically occurs over the age of 70.

There are typically 5 main causes of thoracic spondylosis:

• Degeneration– over time, the discs in your back slowly wear down, become thinner and surrounding tissue loses elasticity.
• Bone Spurs– when spinal discs ‘dehydrate’ and shrink over time; this degeneration causes loading on the bone, triggering abnormal bone growths in an attempt to strengthen and stabilise the spine.
• Stiff Ligaments– ligaments are cords of muscle which connect bones together and can stiffen or thicken with age
• Osteoarthritis– this is a progressive condition which causes the degeneration of cartilage in joints at a faster rate than normal aging.

Treatment for thoracic spondylosis

As there are different causes and presentations of thoracic spondylosis, you may be referred to get scans (X-ray, MRI and/or CT). A physiotherapist will then be able to assess the severity of the condition and the treatment required. Timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent thoracic spondylosis from developing into a chronic condition.

At Vitalis Physiotherapy, we tailor a treatment plan to best fit your recovery goals through:

Your physiotherapist may also advise heat or ice application, rest and if necessary, pain medication. Additionally, they might recommend for you to usespinal support (braces) or a Therapeutic Pillow.

• Soft tissue mobilisations (massage)
• Stretching exercises
• Strengthening, conditioning and balance techniques
• Restoring range of movement
• Postural improvement
• Dry needling
• Taping
• Shockwave Therapy
• TENS treatment
• Home exercise and self-management techniques
• Graded Exposure to load program