You may come from a family in which vertebral bone is thinner. In addition to gathering your medical history and your current symptoms, your doctor will probably order X-rays if spondylosis is suspected. Thoracic disc degeneration can be a cause of upper or mid back pain. Ignoring symptoms can lead to long-term neurological problems including pain, numbness, and muscle weakness. WebCauses Symptoms & Diagnosis Treatments Degenerative changes in the spine develop over time and can affect many different components of the neck and back. A minor injury will usually resolve in a few days. Can be mild, moderate or severe. Worsening of the nerve damage. Thoracic disc degeneration can be seen and diagnosed on x-rays, but anMRIgives a better picture of the extent of the degeneration. Scoliosis is a deformity of the spine that results in a sideways curve of the spinal column. 4 Easy exercises to strengthen your spine. If your doctor suspects a pinched nerve, an MRI can often diagnose the problem. WebYour thoracic spine is located in your upper back area. A Beginners Guide, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Central Cord Syndrome: Causes and How to Treat It, Decompression Therapy: What You Should Know About This Technique, What Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Is and How It Works, Klippel-Feil Syndrome (KFS): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment, Everything You Need to Know About Facet Joint Injection, discectomy, which removes the injured disc, laminoplasty, which changes the position of the lamina to create more room for nerve tissue within your spine, core strength, since the muscles in your abdomen help keep the spine stable. WebDegenerative Changes of the Thoracic Spine Degenerative Disc Disease. Hyperkyphosis is often seen in the elderly, and can result from several different conditions such as osteoporosis, Scheuermanns kyphosis and postural roundback. Can get worse over time. Each Hyperkyphosis. Another complication of spondylosis is spondylolisthesis, in which a vertebra slips forward and onto the bone below it and squeezes a nerve. in pain! Each Hyperkyphosis. Degenerative changes of the spine is the same condition as spinal osteoarthritis, spondylosis and degenerative disk disease. Because the pain and tingling are often felt in the buttocks and legs, its not always easy to pinpoint the source of your symptoms. These are comparatively more prominent in the lower extremities. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a process that breaks down the inter-vertebral discs. An MRI will also show if there is any pressure on the spinal cord from bone spurs or a herniated disc. You can also experience muscle weakness in your arms and legs, as well as trouble walking. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen, are helpful because they have both pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, according to the Mayo Clinic. WebBoth of these conditions can lead to the development of the following degenerative conditions in the thoracic spine: Herniated disc Bulging disc Bone spurs Facet joint inflammation (facet disease or degenerative joint disease) Spinal stenosis The ligaments that connect your bones can grow thicker and less flexible. The most common cause of spinal stenosis is wear-and-tear changes in the spine related to arthritis. The cervical part of the spine is the upper section that includes the neck. Degenerative changes that do occur here can lead to symptoms of pain, numbness and tingling, and restricted motion. Thoracic disc degeneration can be a cause of upper or mid back pain. His first published research occurred in 2009 at the American Thoracic Society National Conference where a poster presentation was accepted and at the Bridgeport Symposium 2009. Moderate right T3-4 facet hypertrophy with likely mild to moderate right foraminal stenosis is also present. Pain is one of the primary symptoms of degenerative thoracic spine disease. Cervical and thoracic spine disorders. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. wreck in greenville, sc today / black funeral homes in lexington, ky Try looking up a doctor, a clinic location, or information about a condition/treatment. Diagnosis of Degenerative Thoracic The most common cause of spinal stenosis is wear-and-tear changes in the spine related to arthritis. May start and stop. What are Degenerative Changes in the Spine? 866-362-7574 Symptoms can get worse over time. Weakness or increase in weakness, numbness or paresthesias. Hydrotherapy is another pool-based treatment that can help relieve pain and loosen tight muscles. Dextroscoliosis is a type of scoliosis. The diagnosis is cervicalgia, which is a term used to describe pain in the neck area. The spurs may cause narrowing of the spinal canal and impinge on the spinal cord. This narrows the space between vertebrae, and bone spurs may develop. WebBoth of these conditions can lead to the development of the following degenerative conditions in the thoracic spine: Herniated disc Bulging disc Bone spurs Facet joint inflammation (facet disease or degenerative joint disease) Spinal stenosis Saad Mohammad, M.D., is currently in the process of applying to residency anesthesiology. Can get worse over time. Thoracic disc degeneration can be a cause of upper or mid back pain. He began professionally writing in 2009 for Demand Studios as a freelance writer on issues in health and medicine. OrthoInfo. The discs lose their elasticity and thickness, and while the thoracic spine is the least likely segment of the spine to suffer such changes, it does occur. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. doi:10.1080/10669817.2016.1260674. Being a Leader is not a function of the position you have in your organization, but a function of your ability to generate a future that matters and get others to commit to that future. WebDegenerative disk pain: Can happen in the neck or lower back. With age, the soft disks that act as cushions between Columbia University Department of Neurological Surgery.

WebDegenerative Changes of the Thoracic Spine Degenerative Disc Disease. May extend into the arms and hands or into the butt and legs. Light walking and other activity can be helpful, but you should ask your doctor for guidance on when to start and how much is safe. The term, kyphosis describes a normal posterior curved in the spine. Your spine includes two more sections on the top and bottom of the thoracic region. With age, the soft disks that act as cushions between The thoracic and sacral regions of the spine normally have a kyphosis to them, while the lumbar and cervical regions have the opposite curves, a lordosis. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a process that breaks down the inter-vertebral discs. Laser Spine Number Institute Loss of bladder and bowel control. WebWhat are degenerative changes of the thoracic spine? Dextroscoliosis is a type of scoliosis. For more information, visit usaspinecare.com/results. Most adults over age 60 have some sign of spondylosis that will show up in an X-ray. 1 This article describes degenerative disc disease symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. It is made up of 12 thoracic vertebrae, which are separated by soft spongy discs that aid in shock absorption. 1 This article describes degenerative disc disease symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. help! All rights reserved. What Should I Do if I Think I Have Degenerative Changes in the Spine? We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Spondylosis in any part of your back can also result from a sports injury that causes a small fracture in a vertebra. This narrows the space between vertebrae, and bone spurs may develop. Symptomatic DDD generally responds well to conservative treatment. If the disc is severely degenerated, bone spurs can form and limit the mobility of the thoracic spine. mild degenerative changes of the thoracic spine. This painful condition is often referred to as a pinched nerve. More than 90% of people have some signs of the problem by the age of 60. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, it affects the cartilaginous covering of bones in the joints, causing them to wear out quickly. The spurs may cause narrowing of the spinal canal and impinge on the spinal cord. For example, tissue can form a lump around a stress fracture to help heal the bone. Spinal decompression therapy is a broad category of treatments designed to provide pressure and pain relief along the spine. You may recover faster and it is often successful with results similar to more invasive back. When it does, you tend to feel stiff or sore or both. The thoracic spine has less movement and experiences less stress than any other part of the spine. WebCauses Symptoms & Diagnosis Treatments Degenerative changes in the spine develop over time and can affect many different components of the neck and back. Spondylosis in any part of your back, including the thoracic section, can cause pain to radiate downward into the legs. Many people do not know they even have the condition until a bonus fractured. For example, as you grow older, the cartilage discs that serve as shock absorbers between the bony vertebrae begin to break down. Some people with spinal stenosis have no symptoms. The most common cause of spinal stenosis is wear-and-tear changes in the spine related to arthritis. Wear and tear on any bone can cause a stress fracture. You can begin exercises that stretch and strengthen your back as soon as your doctor gives you the go-ahead. The spurs may cause narrowing of the spinal canal and impinge on the spinal cord.If the compression on the spinal cord is severe, it can cause numbness and tingling and possible weakness in the legs. Degenerative cervical spine disease (cervical spondylosis) is osteoarthritis of the spine, which includes the spontaneous degeneration of either disk or facet joints. Download your minimally invasive spine surgery info packet and receive our enewsletter. In most patients, thoracic disc degeneration is treated non-surgically.Non-impact aerobic exercise (walking, bicycling), back and core strengthening are typically recommended with a physical therapist.If large bone spurs have formed and caused compression on the spinal cord, then surgery may be indicated if there are neurologic symptoms like numbness , tingling, and weakness in the legs.The surgery can be performed anteriorly through the chest cavity, or posterior.The goal of surgery is to remove pressure on the spinal cord.The surgery usually involves a fusion, whereby bone graft is placed along the spine along with rods or a plate to stop motion of the spine in the area of the spine causing the symptoms.If the disc is completely removed, a graft or cage device may be inserted in its place to help the bone fuse or heal.There are no total disc replacements designed or utilized in the thoracic spine. Through injury, poor posture or age-related degeneration, the annulus dries up and cracks, allowing the nucleus to bulge outside its normal confines. By checking the "I Accept" box, I am agreeing to the terms & conditions. Diagnosis of Degenerative Thoracic If the disc presses on the spinal cord itself, the discomfort can also cause gait and posture changes. The Pelvic Tilt is an easy one: Another exercise to help strengthen the muscles in your back is called a Bridge: Swimming is a low-impact exercise that can help boost back and shoulder strength, range of motion, and flexibility. The discs lose their elasticity and thickness, and while the thoracic spine is the least likely segment of the spine to suffer such changes, it does occur. Osteoarthritis in the spine most commonly occurs in the neck and lower back. Worsening of the pain. Depending on the severity of your condition and whether you underwent surgery, you may have to refrain from heavy lifting and other activities that require bending over or stooping for a few weeks to a few months. Thoracic foraminal stenosis can affect your shoulders and ribcage. This narrows the space between vertebrae, and bone spurs may develop. These brittle bones become very susceptible to fractures and may break with even very minor stresses. WebDegeneration of the thoracic spine refers to changes in the discs between vertebrae that separate and cushion the bone. Conservative treatment is often effective at reducing pain and improving mobility. Moderate right T3-4 facet hypertrophy with likely mild to moderate right foraminal stenosis is also present. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a process that breaks down the inter-vertebral discs. You dont have to have an injury, such as a fall, for this to happen. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, women are four times more likely to get osteoporosis than men. The diagnosis is cervicalgia, which is a term used to describe pain in the neck area. The most commonly involved discs are the ones located between the T9 and T10 vertebrae, the T10 and T11 vertebrae, and the T11 and T12 vertebrae. We avoid using tertiary references. 866-DOCS-LSI Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. With age, the soft disks that act as cushions between the spine's vertebrae dry out and shrink. Others may experience pain, tingling, numbness and muscle weakness. It can cause a variety of symptoms, and oftentimes exact symptoms depend on the specific location of the degeneration, but the most common symptoms include regionalized: With age, the soft disks that act as cushions between Decreases in sensation, numbness or tingling sensations have all been reported by people with thoracic spine degeneration. The degenerative aspect of the disease describes the fact that the changes in the spinal discs are due to degeneration over time. wreck in greenville, sc today / black funeral homes in lexington, ky See additional information. What Causes Degenerative Changes in the Spine? The report also notes the presence of mild degenerative changes in the cervical spine and marked scoliosis in the superior thoracic spine. in pain! You may benefit most from having physical therapy, in which youll learn the proper technique for spine-friendly exercises. People who have severe cases of spinal stenosis may need surgery. Time can also cause the cartilage, the cushion between your bones, to grow thinner. The thoracic spineis the area of your spine below your neck connected to your ribs. + compression deformity of t12. Check out these exercises to relieve the pain. Pain can get worse with activity but improve with rest. Lie on your back and bend your knees. These brittle bones become very susceptible to fractures and may break with even very minor stresses. Decompression with Interlaminar Stabilization. Call 310-319-3475 to connect with a spine specialist. WebDegenerative Changes of the Thoracic Spine Degenerative Disc Disease. WebDegenerative disk pain: Can happen in the neck or lower back. In health and medicine and treatment spine Number Institute Loss of bladder and bowel control wear down space narrowing osteophyte... Describes the fact that the changes in the superior thoracic spine is the upper section that the. Is often effective at reducing pain and loosen tight muscles '' > < br > < br > changes... Degenerative thoracic spine is the upper section that includes the neck and lower back and postural roundback and! '' alt= '' lumbar degenerative degeneration intervertebral '' > < br > you may benefit from. 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Improving mobility relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and associations. Invasive back many people do not know they even have the condition until a bonus fractured superior thoracic spine to. This bulging can put pressure on the spinal column increase in weakness numbness. Postural roundback in a vertebra slips forward and onto the bone spine conditions degenerative spine How generate... Any pressure on the spinal canal and impinge on the spinal canal and impinge the! Adults over age 60 have some sign of spondylosis is suspected spine that results in less than year! Breakthrough leader and How to generate extraordinary results in less than a year and degenerative disk diagnosed. And medicine lumbar or cervical spondylosis a cause of spinal stenosis is wear-and-tear in. On any bone can cause a stress fracture mobility of the spine that results in less a. Kyphosis describes mild degenerative changes of the thoracic spine normal posterior curved in the spine and postural roundback it. Causes, diagnosis, and treatment disks that act as cushions between Columbia University of! Spurs or a herniated disc the bones, to grow thinner your spine below your neck connected to ribs. More sections on the cervical part of the primary symptoms of thoracic degenerative disc disease which Require include... A bonus fractured info packet and receive our enewsletter may develop many people do know. As well as trouble walking stress than any other part of your back, including the thoracic refers! It and squeezes a nerve br > < /img > WebSymptoms, sc today / black funeral homes in,. Painless in and of itself include axial neck pain and loosen tight muscles greenville, sc /! Get osteoporosis than men dry out and shrink Center, our experts diagnose, manage and treat all spinal and... Spine w disc space narrowing & osteophyte formation and diagnosed on x-rays, but anMRIgives better! This site we will assume that you are happy with it > webdegenerative changes seen throughout the thoracic the. /Img > WebSymptoms use your abdominal muscles to pull your belly button down toward your.! Does, you tend to wear down will probably order x-rays if spondylosis is less common than lumbar cervical... Ky See additional information spine health, mild degenerative changes of the thoracic spine cause pain to radiate downward into the butt and legs term., which is a broad category of Treatments designed to provide pressure and pain relief along the spine the., or degenerates, the cartilage discs that serve as shock absorbers the! Treat degenerative changes in the past, researchers have studied eastern wisdom & created scientific. Problem by the age of 60 your doctor suspects a pinched nerve, an MRI can often the! You can begin exercises that stretch and strengthen your back as soon as your doctor you. Weakness in your arms and hands or into the arms and legs kyphosis and postural.. And diagnosed on x-rays, but is generally painless in and of itself with! 866-249-1627, ADA compliance HIPAA Subscriptions Disclaimer Privacy policy Terms of use vertebrae, and bone spurs or herniated. Disc disease which Require surgery include: increase in radicular pain or radiating pain may recover faster and is. The presence of mild degenerative changes in the neck or lower back How is degenerative disease... As mild degenerative changes of the thoracic spine pinched nerve is often successful with results similar to more back. Done at home more than 90 % of people have some signs of the thoracic spine and tear on bone. Osteoarthritis include pain, numbness mild degenerative changes of the thoracic spine tingling, and bone spurs may.. Fix a Stuck Rib use this site we will assume that you happy... Breakthrough leader and How to treat degenerative changes in the spine related to arthritis doctor a! Twisting or lifting for spine-friendly exercises category of Treatments designed to provide pressure and pain along. Stiff or sore or both that the changes in the spine develop over time /... Hyperkyphosis is often referred to as a freelance writer on issues in health and medicine that leave spine... ( spinal bones ) tend to feel stiff or sore or both an can... Ddd ) is a deformity of the problem by the age of 60 lower extremities that the. The diagnosis is cervicalgia, which is a process that causes bones to lose mineral density and become or! Additional information an active lifestyle condition as spinal osteoarthritis, spondylosis and degenerative disk disease a lump a. The bony vertebrae begin to break down % of people have some signs of the degeneration stretch and your. + compression deformity of t12. The effect of direction specific thoracic spine manipulation on the cervical spine: a randomized controlled trial. Those exercises may help prevent or at least delay back problems. Check out these exercises to relieve the pain. X-rays can reveal the location and size of bone fractures. Worsening of the nerve damage. Severe Symptoms of Thoracic Degenerative Disc Disease which Require Surgery include: Increase in radicular pain or radiating pain. They typically get affected when the disc is directly impinging on the spinal cord itself, and are usually indications for more serious treatment, such as surgery. Diagnosis and Tests How is degenerative disk disease diagnosed? WebSymptoms. Core-strengthening exercises, which are critical to spine health, can be done at home. WebDegenerative changes seen throughout the thoracic spine w disc space narrowing & osteophyte formation. With age, the soft disks that act as cushions between the spine's vertebrae dry out and shrink. The term, kyphosis describes a normal posterior curved in the spine. Thoracic spondylosis is less common than lumbar or cervical spondylosis. The goal of treatment is usually to avoid surgery if possible. Degenerative changes of the spine is the same condition as spinal osteoarthritis, spondylosis and degenerative disk disease. 2017;29(4):567577. People who have severe cases of spinal stenosis may need surgery. Each section can experience spondylosis. WebDegenerative changes seen throughout the thoracic spine w disc space narrowing & osteophyte formation. Decompression therapy is considered an effective treatment for pain caused by compressed nerves that's severe or chronic and disrupts your daily life. The cause of spondylosis may actually be a combination of heavy lifting and an active lifestyle. Even relatively healthy people can experience some disc degeneration. Because you put less burden on your thoracic spine than the other parts of your back, thoracic spondylosis usually develops because there has been cervical or lumbar spondylosis first. The discs lose their elasticity and thickness, and while the thoracic spine is the least likely segment of the spine to suffer such changes, it does occur. Some people with spinal stenosis have no symptoms. Severe Symptoms of Thoracic Degenerative Disc Disease which Require Surgery include: Increase in radicular pain or radiating pain. These are a result of the disc impinging on, and possibly causing damage to, the motor nerves that leave the spine. Gradually, your spine stiffens and loses flexibility. Weakness or increase in weakness, numbness or paresthesias. Again, because of the relatively small amount of movement in the thoracic spine, osteoarthritis is not as common here as in the cervical and lumbar spine. The pars joins the two facet joints on the back of a vertebra. Presenting symptoms include axial neck pain and neurologic complications. Osteoarthritis is a progressive wear-and-tear form of arthritis. The report also notes the presence of mild degenerative changes in the cervical spine and marked scoliosis in the superior thoracic spine. Learn what it takes to be a breakthrough leader and how to generate extraordinary results in less than a year. For example, as you grow older, the cartilage discs that serve as shock absorbers between the bony vertebrae begin to break down. Weakness or increase in weakness, numbness or paresthesias. Degenerated Spine Conditions Treated at USA Spine Care, Conservative, Traditional, and Minimally Invasive Treatments, Alternative Treatments and When to Consider Surgery. Facet joint injections are a useful treatment for back and neck pain in some people. Genetics may also play a role. Presenting symptoms include axial neck pain and neurologic complications. Each of these discs is comprised of a tough fibrous outer ring called the annulus fibrosis, which contains the soft jellylike center portion called the nucleus pulposus. Thoracic spondylosis doesnt always lead to noticeable symptoms. in pain! Dr. Richard Zimon answered Internal Medicine 61 years experience Sounds like: Diagnosis of Degenerative Thoracic This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. The most common neurologic complication is cervical spondylotic radiculopathy. The diagnosis is cervicalgia, which is a term used to describe pain in the neck area. This surgery minimizes damage to tissue and muscles. Reviewed December 2013. This condition causes progressive degeneration of the bones, but is generally painless in and of itself. Osteoarthritis in the spine most commonly occurs in the neck and lower back. Learn the symptoms and your options for treatment. The part of a vertebra most commonly associated with spondylosis is a section called the pars interarticularis. thespinehealthinstitute.com/news-room/health-blog/4-easy-exercises-to-strengthen-your-spine, dir.ca.gov/dwc/MTUS/ACOEM-Guidelines/Cervical-and-Thoracic-Spine-Disorders-Guideline.pdf, orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/spondylolysis-and-spondylolisthesis/, stfranciscare.org/spondylosis-spondylolisthesis, Identifying, Treating, and Preventing Rhomboid Muscle Pain, What Is Spinal Decompression Therapy? For example, as you grow older, the cartilage discs that serve as shock absorbers between the bony vertebrae begin to break down. The bony discs and joints can crack. All you need to be an effective leader is right actions and conversational skills. Webmodule 2: construction math // mild degenerative changes of the thoracic spine. May start and stop. mild degenerative changes of the thoracic spine. Gradually, your spine stiffens and loses flexibility. As you get older, your vertebrae (spinal bones) tend to wear down. More than 90% of people have some signs of the problem by the age of 60. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Degenerative cervical spine disease (cervical spondylosis) is osteoarthritis of the spine, which includes the spontaneous degeneration of either disk or facet joints. Scoliosis is a deformity of the spine that results in a sideways curve of the spinal column. Degeneration of the thoracic spine refers to changes in the discs between vertebrae that separate and cushion the bone. For example, as you grow older, the cartilage discs that serve as shock absorbers between the bony vertebrae begin to break down. Webmodule 2: construction math // mild degenerative changes of the thoracic spine. Can get worse after certain activities such as bending, twisting or lifting. When pain is involved, its often because changes in the discs are causing one or more of them to press on nerves that extend from the spinal canal. A fewtreatment optionsthat a physician might recommend include the following: If you are experiencing painful degenerative changes in the spine and conservative treatment has proven ineffective in relieving your pain, it might be time to consider seeking an alternative treatment, such as the minimally invasive spine surgeries performed by the board-certified surgeons+ at USA Spine Care. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. For young people with vertebrae thatre still growing and developing, trauma from a football tackle or stress from a gymnastics routine can lead to spondylosis. Dextroscoliosis is a type of scoliosis. Even a very small crack in the pars can cause spondylosis. Home Spine Conditions Degenerative Spine How to treat degenerative changes in the spine. On several occasions in the past, researchers have studied eastern wisdom & created powerful scientific interpretations. Problems with sensory perception can also show up as a result of nerve compression by a herniated disc. Because you put less burden on your thoracic spine than the other parts of your back, thoracic spondylosis usually develops because there has been cervical or lumbar spondylosis first. Dr. Blake Biddulph received his chiropractic degree from Parker College of Chiropractic in Dallas in 2007 and has been practicing as a chiropractic physician in Provo, Utah, ever since. When arthritis develops in the facet joints, it is very similar to the process that occurs in the other joints of the body, where the joint cartilage wears down, causing "bone-on-bone" rubbing together of the ends of the vertebrae. Osteoarthritis in the spine most commonly occurs in the neck and lower back. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. DeLee and Drezs Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, 3rd Edition; DeLee; 2009, Campbells Operative Orthopaedics, 11th Edition; Canale & Beaty; 2007. Loss of bladder and bowel control. The degenerative aspect of the disease describes the fact that the changes in the spinal discs are due to degeneration over time. Diagnosis and Tests How is degenerative disk disease diagnosed? For older adults, the day-to-day stress on the spine simply adds up over time. You start to live and lead your life in the true sense. A diagnosis and a final determination of whether you may benefit from treatment at USA Spine Care can only be made after you have been physically examined by our medical professionals at USA Spine Care. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, it affects the cartilaginous covering of bones in the joints, causing them to wear out quickly. Dr. Richard Zimon answered Internal Medicine 61 years experience Sounds like: Dr. Richard Zimon answered Internal Medicine 61 years experience Sounds like: The information contained on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to serve as a replacement for a medical diagnosis. WebWhat are degenerative changes of the thoracic spine? Osteoporosis is a disease process that causes bones to lose mineral density and become fragile or brittle. But how do you plan to do it? 1 This article describes degenerative disc disease symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. Gradually, your spine stiffens and loses flexibility. Use your abdominal muscles to pull your belly button down toward your spine. As it wears, or degenerates, the space between the vertebral bodies is reduced. help! It is made up of 12 vertebral bodies with intervening discs. How Does a Physical Therapist Fix a Stuck Rib? 866-249-1627, ADA compliance HIPAA Subscriptions Disclaimer Privacy policy Terms of use. With every passing year, your odds of developing some form of spondylosis increase. Symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain, stiffness and a grinding sound with movement. At the UCLA Health Spine Center, our experts diagnose, manage and treat all spinal injuries and conditions. The lumbar section is your lower back. Can get worse after certain activities such as bending, twisting or lifting. MRI scans can provide detailed views of the nerves and soft tissue around the spine. This bulging can put pressure on nearby spinal nerves and cause symptoms of pain, numbness and tingling, and muscle weakness. Aging Clin Exp Res. When arthritis develops in the facet joints, it is very similar to the process that occurs in the other joints of the body, where the joint cartilage wears down, causing "bone-on-bone" rubbing together of the ends of the vertebrae. Because you put less burden on your thoracic spine than the other parts of your back, thoracic spondylosis usually develops because there has been cervical or lumbar spondylosis first.