Thoracic

• Osteoarthritis (OA)

  Degeneration of the joint structures in the spine causing differences to their anatomy
• Types of OA

  • Facet joint OA
  • Intervertebral OA
• Facet joint OA

  • Osteophytes build up on the bone edges reducing joint space
• Intervertebral OA

  • Degeneration of the annulus fibrosus, loses hydration and becomes smaller
• Risk Factors + Symptoms for spinal OA

  Risk Factors

  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • Sedentary Lifestyle
  • Age (Peak = 50-60 years old)
  • Previous or acute injury
  • Repeated stress activities

  Symptoms

  • Stiffness/Reduced ROM
  • Tenderness
  • Morning stiffness up to 30mins
  • Pain relieved by movements and increased with prolonged rest