THORACIC SEGMENTAL DYSFUNCTION
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Segmental Restrictions are one of the most common causes of neck and back pain. They are defined as regions of the spine that have lost normal motion and are functioning in an abnormal plane or axis, often causing inflammation to the surrounding tissue and tightness of spinal stabilizing muscles and larger muscles in that region. This is the most common cause of neck and back pain that we see in our office.
- Pain in the affected region
- Inflammation of the surrounding tissue (painful to touch)
- Reduction in Range of Motion (often associated with tightness of muscles or a pinching sensation)
- Tension within the muscles
- Referred pain
Segmental Restrictions are one of the most common causes of neck and back pain. They are defined as regions of the spine that have lost normal motion and are functioning in an abnormal plane or axis, often causing inflammation to the surrounding tissue and tightness of spinal stabilizing muscles and larger muscles in that region. This is the most common cause of neck and back pain that we see in our office.
THORACIC RADICULITIS
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Radiculitis is defined as inflammation of the spinal nerve roots that are transmitting sensory and motor information via electrical and chemical signalling that control all aspects of muscle, joint, organ and skin function. Nerves exit the spinal cord via an intervertebral foramen, or small hole that is formed by the surrounding bones and joints. This opening is typically twice as large as the nerve root diameter, but often reduces in size due to inflammation from the surrounding soft tissue or changes of the bony structures. Radiculitis in the Thoracic region is less common than in the Cervical and Lumbar regions, but must be carefully diagnosed from other conditions such as shingles as they can often mimic each other.
- Early signs are spasms, or tightness of the muscles in the neck or back
- Pain the shoulder, upper arm or forearm that may be referred pain from the thoracic spine in origin
- Pain or burning down the arm or across the chest that is often traceable
- Weakness within the muscles of the shoulder, arm, hand or back
- electrical or shooting types of pain and hypersensitivity
- Numbness or tingling felt in the arm, chest, back and hand that is often traceable
- Disc Bulges or Herniations (A tear of the outer layer of the disc)
- Costovertebral (Rib) and Thoracic Restriction
- Soft Tissue injuries
- Spinal Stenosis
- Osteophytic changes (Arthritis)
- Tumours
- Infection
Radiculitis is defined as inflammation of the spinal nerve roots that are transmitting sensory and motor information via electrical and chemical signalling that control all aspects of muscle, joint, organ and skin function. Nerves exit the spinal cord via an intervertebral foramen, or small hole that is formed by the surrounding bones and joints. This opening is typically twice as large as the nerve root diameter, but often reduces in size due to inflammation from the surrounding soft tissue or changes of the bony structures. Radiculitis in the Thoracic region is less common than in the Cervical and Lumbar regions, but must be carefully diagnosed from other conditions such as shingles as they can often mimic each other.
SCOLIOSIS
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Scoliosis a condition in which the spine curves laterally, away from the midline of the body. The most common form of scoliosis occurs in adolescence, when the human body is progressing through the stages of development, especially just prior to puberty. The majority of scoliosis cases are mild and have minor effect on general health, however some forms can be severe and progress rapidly, creating serious health problems. Many schools have a scoliosis screening process implemented and many parents have been told that their child has scoliosis, but don’t know what that means or what to do. It is important to begin treatment of scoliosis, along with any abnormal curvature of the spine, during the adolescent years when the joints, muscles and brain itself are more pliable and changes can be made/elements of the condition reversed.
WHAT CAUSES SCOLIOSIS?
There are a variety of causes of scoliosis ranging from birth defects in the spine (congenital deformation of a vertebra), muscular imbalances, imbalances in brain functioning (especially in the area known as the cerebellum and vestibular system), to spinal restrictions/misalignments. The brain and especially the cerebellar/vestibular system control muscle tone in our bodies, and proper functioning of these particular areas allows us to maintain the upright posture that defines us as human beings. When there is reduced neuronal firing in these areas of the brain they are not able to control muscle tone and function appropriately and one side of the body becomes a lot stronger than the other, which begins to pull on the spine forcing it to begin to curve laterally. For example, in a child in which the scoliosis curves to the right in their thoracic spine, the muscles on the left side of the body are too strong, and pull the spine in that direction.
- Uneven shoulders (may notice that shirts fall more to one side than the other, tank top/bra straps fall often fall off one shoulder, backpack straps need to be different lengths, etc.)
- Uneven hips (or more prominent on one side than the other)
- Uneven legs (pant legs may appear longer on one side than the other, legs may seem to be different lengths)
- One scapula (shoulder blade) appears more prominent than the other
- Ribs seems more prominent on one side
- Chronic pain in the neck, mid or lower back
- Body appears to be leaning to one side
- Increased muscle tone on one side of the body compared to the other
- Balance issues
- Pain with sporting activities
- Chest pain, or shortness of breath (this occurs with some more severe forms of scoliosis)
Scoliosis a condition in which the spine curves laterally, away from the midline of the body. The most common form of scoliosis occurs in adolescence, when the human body is progressing through the stages of development, especially just prior to puberty. The majority of scoliosis cases are mild and have minor effect on general health, however some forms can be severe and progress rapidly, creating serious health problems. Many schools have a scoliosis screening process implemented and many parents have been told that their child has scoliosis, but don’t know what that means or what to do. It is important to begin treatment of scoliosis, along with any abnormal curvature of the spine, during the adolescent years when the joints, muscles and brain itself are more pliable and changes can be made/elements of the condition reversed.
WHAT CAUSES SCOLIOSIS?
There are a variety of causes of scoliosis ranging from birth defects in the spine (congenital deformation of a vertebra), muscular imbalances, imbalances in brain functioning (especially in the area known as the cerebellum and vestibular system), to spinal restrictions/misalignments. The brain and especially the cerebellar/vestibular system control muscle tone in our bodies, and proper functioning of these particular areas allows us to maintain the upright posture that defines us as human beings. When there is reduced neuronal firing in these areas of the brain they are not able to control muscle tone and function appropriately and one side of the body becomes a lot stronger than the other, which begins to pull on the spine forcing it to begin to curve laterally. For example, in a child in which the scoliosis curves to the right in their thoracic spine, the muscles on the left side of the body are too strong, and pull the spine in that direction.
RIB PAIN
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Rib structures cannot be ignored as a source of pain. These can generate headaches, migraines, back pain, neck pain, shoulder/rotator cuff dysfunction, breathing difficulties and costochondritis.
- Pain in the back (often underneath the scapula, or shoulder blade)
- Pain in the neck/shoulder region
- Pain slightly lateral to the spine
- Pain when breathing, either in the chest, side or back (FIRST rule out cardiovascular involvement)
- Pain that wraps around from the chest to the back, or vice versa
- Pain with breathing or the feeling of having difficulty breathing
- Tingling or burning type pain in the back or chest
- Shoulder/Rotator cuff problems
- Tingling/pain down one, or both of the upper extremities (arms/hands). This is most commonly felt in the pinky and ring finger of the hand.
Rib structures cannot be ignored as a source of pain. These can generate headaches, migraines, back pain, neck pain, shoulder/rotator cuff dysfunction, breathing difficulties and costochondritis.
