OSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE THORACIC SPINE (TS)
Osteoarthritis of the thoracic spine is less well known than osteoarthritis of the knee or hip, and yet it can clearly affect everyday life. Many people affected describe pulling, stabbing or breathing-related pain between the shoulder blades that they cannot place properly.
The cause often lies in small but important joints of the spine: the facet joints.
Where does osteoarthritis of the thoracic spine develop?
Osteoarthritis of the spine mostly affects the so-called facet joints. These small guiding joints connect the individual vertebrae with each other and are involved in every movement of the spine: bending, straightening, rotating and standing upright.
Depending on the section, we speak of:
- Spondylarthrosis of the cervical spine (CS)
- Spondylarthrosis of the thoracic spine (TS)
- Spondylarthrosis of the lumbar spine (LS)
This article is specifically about osteoarthritis of the thoracic spine.
Symptoms: how does spondylarthrosis make itself felt?
Because of the age-related or load-related loss of disc height, the pressure on the facet joints rises. They are then loaded more heavily and wear out faster.
Typical are:
- stabbing back pain that depends on load
- pain between the shoulder blades
- breathing-related pain in the chest
- increasing stiffness in the upper back
- a feeling of tension in the back muscles
In rare cases, bony changes can irritate nerves.
Why is the pain with thoracic spine osteoarthritis often related to breathing?
The thoracic spine is connected directly to the chest via the ribs. Every breath in and out therefore also moves the thoracic spine slightly. If the facet joints are irritated, this movement is felt as painful.
Many people affected report:
“I feel the pain especially when breathing in deeply or when turning my upper body.”
What you can do yourself about osteoarthritis of the thoracic spine
Osteoarthritis cannot be cured, but it can be influenced very well. The most important factor is targeted, regular movement.
Avoid overload and promote movement
Unfamiliar, one-sided or heavy loads promote irritation of the same joint surfaces again and again. At the same time, inactivity is one of the biggest accelerators of symptoms.
Helpful are:
- regular, moderate strength training
- varied movement in everyday life
- ergonomic working (especially with screen work)
- mobilisation exercises for the thoracic spine and ribs
- breathing exercises to improve the mobility of the chest
A well-trained body can distribute loads much better.
What does KINEO do for osteoarthritis of the thoracic spine?
If the symptoms persist despite exercises of your own, a targeted physiotherapy assessment is worthwhile.
At KINEO, the focus is on:
1. Pain relief and muscle relaxation
For acute relief, we use evidence-based measures such as:
- Manual therapy
- Trigger point therapy & dry needling
- Heat therapy
- Soft tissue techniques
These techniques help to normalise the overloaded muscles and to calm the irritated structures.
2. Analysing the cause instead of treating symptoms
We examine:
- Posture and movement patterns
- Mobility of the thoracic spine and ribs
- muscular imbalances
- Breathing mechanics
- Loads in everyday life and at work
3. Individual training programme
Together we work out a programme to:
- Improve the mobility of the thoracic spine
- Strengthen the back and trunk muscles
- Improve the ability to rotate
- Optimise the breathing movement
In addition, at KINEO you can use medical training therapy (MTT) as well as sensorimotor training on the Sensopro.
Our goal: You become resilient, mobile and confident in everyday life again. Book your appointment today!
FAQ: Osteoarthritis of the thoracic spine
Is osteoarthritis of the thoracic spine dangerous?
No. It is unpleasant, but generally not dangerous. It is important to stay active early on, to avoid stiffness and the pain becoming chronic.
Why does it hurt when I breathe?
Because the ribs are connected directly to the thoracic spine. Every breathing movement mobilises the irritated facet joints.
Should I rest when it hurts?
In the short term yes, in the long term no. Too much rest makes mobility worse and increases the symptoms.
Does strength training help with thoracic spine osteoarthritis?
Yes, very much. Targeted strength training takes load off the facet joints, improves posture and reduces pain stimuli.
When should I make use of physiotherapy?
If the pain has lasted longer than a few weeks, depends on breathing or your mobility is clearly restricted.
