Thoracic Osteochondrosis Rehabilitation Programme

Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis in Vilnius: three-module programme in the centre ‘Paupio Kinezioteka Clinic’. Pain relief, restoration of mobility, prevention of complications. Modern methods of spine rehabilitation.

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Osteochondrosis treatment programme for the thoracic spine

How can thoracic osteochondrosis be treated at Paupio Kinezioteka Clinic?

Thoracic osteochondrosis is a degenerative and dystrophic spine condition in which changes occur in the intervertebral discs, joints, and ligamentous apparatus.

Unlike cervical and lumbar osteochondrosis, thoracic osteochondrosis is less common due to the lower mobility of this department, but its symptoms can be no less distressing: pain between the shoulder blades, stiffness, difficulty breathing, intercostal neuralgia and even disorders of internal organs.

Degenerative Dystrophic Spine Disease

Degenerative-Dystrophic Spine Disease is a chronic process in which the intervertebral discs, joints and ligamentous apparatus of the spine gradually deteriorate due to metabolic disorders, impaired blood supply and excessive stress.

Degeneration - gradual wear and tear and destruction of tissues (discs, cartilage, vertebrae).

Dystrophy - impaired nutrition of tissues, leading to their weakening and loss of function.

In this condition?
- Reduces the elasticity and height of intervertebral discs (they shrivel, crack, may form protrusions and hernias). - Osteophytes (bony growths on the vertebrae) grow, which limits mobility. - The muscles and ligaments that support the spine weaken. - Chronic pain, stiffness and neurological symptoms appear (if nerve roots are affected).

The main causes of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine:

• Sedentary lifestyle (sedentary work, lack of physical activity).
• Posture disorders (scoliosis, kyphosis).
• Back injuries and excessive loads.
• Age-related changes in the tissues of the spine.
• Muscle imbalance and weakness of the back corset.

Why are kinesiotherapy and the methods of Bubnovsky and Dikul effective in treating osteochondrosis?

At Paupio Kinezioteka Clinic we use kinesiotherapy - movement therapy that restores spinal mobility, strengthens muscles and improves circulation.

1. The Bubnovsky Method is based on adaptive gymnastics with the use of special simulators that relieve the load from the joints and spine. This allows you to:

   • Eliminate pain syndrome without medication.
   • Restore nutrition to the intervertebral discs.
   • Strengthen the deep muscles of the back, creating a natural corset.

2. The Dikulia Method combines therapeutic exercise with elements of rehabilitation after injury. Its principles:

   • Gradual increase in load.
   • Individual programmes for each patient.
   • Restoration of neuromuscular communication.

Unlike drug treatment, which only temporarily relieves symptoms, kinesiotherapy affects the cause of osteochondrosis, returning healthy mobility to the spine and preventing further destruction of discs.

At "Clinica Paupio Kinesiotherapy ’ the treatment programme is individually selected after diagnosis, which guarantees a lasting result and a return to an active life without pain.

Osteochondrosis as a collective term: what real spine diseases are hidden behind this diagnosis?

The term "osteochondrosis ’ is often used as a generic name for various degenerative processes in the spine. In fact, it hides a whole range of pathologies, each with its own causes and consequences.

Common diseases of the spine, which are called ‘osteochondrosis’

1. Intervertebral disc protrusion

   • Cause: Overload, muscle weakness, impaired nutrition of the disc.
   • Consequences: Compression of nerve roots - pain, numbness, muscle weakness.

2. Herniated disc (MPD)

   • Cause: Rupture of the fibrous ring of the disc due to trauma or degeneration.
   • Consequences: Severe pain, sciatica, in severe cases paresis and paralysis.

3. Spondylosis (bony osteophytes)

   • Cause: Age-related changes, chronic overload.
   • Consequences: Limitation of mobility, compression of nerves and vessels.

4. Spondyloarthrosis.

   • Cause: Wear and tear of the articular surfaces of the vertebrae.
   • Consequences: Chronic pain, stiffness, formation of ankyloses (immobile areas).

5. Spondylolisthesis (vertebral misalignment)

   • Cause: Ligament weakness, trauma, congenital abnormalities.
   • Consequences: Spinal instability, pinched nerves, spinal canal stenosis.

6. Fibrotic disc degeneration

   • Cause: Loss of moisture and elasticity of discs with age.
   • Consequences: Decreased cushioning, microtrauma to vertebrae, chronic pain.

7. Spinal canal stenosis

   • Cause: Overgrowth of bone/ligamentous structures into the canal lumen.
   • Consequences: Pressure on spinal cord → weakness in limbs, pelvic organ dysfunction.

8. Vertebral osteoporosis

   • Cause: Calcium deficiency, hormonal disorders.
   • Consequences: Compression fractures, spinal deformity (‘widow's hump’).

9. Myofascial syndrome (muscle dysfunction).

   • Cause: Muscle overstretching due to improper loading.
   • Consequences: Trigger points, chronic pain, restricted movement.

10. Facet joint dysfunction.

    • Cause: Injury, overload, inflammation.
    • Affects: Localised pain, blocked movement in the segment.

Why is it important to clarify the diagnosis?

‘Osteochondrosis’ is too general a term. Each of these pathologies requires a different treatment approach:

So for protrusion and herniated discs, kinesiotherapy and decompression techniques will be very effective treatments. For Spondylosis, chiropractic adjustments and physical therapy. In Osteoporosis - medication support + gentle exercise.

At Clinica Paupio Kinesiotheca Centre we make an accurate diagnosis and select methods (Bubnovsky, Dikulia, PIR) exactly for your problem, rather than treating ‘osteochondrosis’ as a mythical diagnosis.

Impact of thoracic spine problems on internal organs and systemic diseases

Thoracic spine problems are often disguised as diseases of the heart, lungs or digestive system. Degenerative changes (osteochondrosis, protrusions, spondylosis) can interfere with innervation and blood supply to internal organs, provoking chronic pathologies.

The spine is a ‘switchboard’ for the work of internal organs

All internal organs of the thoracic and abdominal cavity receive nerve impulses through the roots of the spinal cord, which exit the spinal canal at the level of the thoracic vertebrae (T1-T12).

How it works:

• Each segment of the spine is responsible for innervating specific organs:

  • T1-T4 nerve roots are responsible for the heart and lungs.
  • T5-T9 are for the stomach, liver and gallbladder.
  • T10-T12 are responsible for the intestines and kidneys.

• When vertebral misalignments or protrusions occur:

  • Compression of nerve roots and consequent distortion of signals to the organs
  • Reflex vasospasm worsens blood supply to internal organs.
  • Disruption of lymphatic flow creates stagnation in the tissues.

Important! Even minor (1-2 mm) vertebral misalignment can cause:
- Functional organ disorders (without organic changes)
- Chronic pain with no apparent cause
- Resistance to standard treatment.

This explains why drug therapy often has only a temporary effect - it does not address the primary cause (the problem in the spine).

How do spinal diseases affect the thoracic and abdominal organs?

1. Cardiovascular disorders

When the upper thoracic vertebrae (T1-T5) are affected, false cardiac symptoms occur. Patients complain of angina-like pain, heart palpitations. This is due to irritation of the autonomic nerves travelling to the heart. Constant tension leads to real problems - pressure spikes, vascular spasms. It is especially dangerous for people with pre-existing hypertension, as it creates a vicious cycle.

2. Respiratory Dysfunction

Problems in the mid-thoracic region (T5-T8) directly affect breathing. Due to restricted rib mobility, the lungs cannot fully expand. A characteristic shortness of breath appears, especially noticeable during physical activity. In asthmatics, this provokes more frequent and severe attacks. Chronic hypoxia gradually affects the whole body.

3. Gastroenterological Problems

The lower thoracic segments (T9-T12) control the digestive system. When they are affected, various disorders occur, from heartburn and bloating to serious motility disorders. The pancreas is particularly affected - pains resembling pancreatitis appear. In patients with IBS, symptoms are significantly increased.

4. Liver-biliary pathologies

Spasmed diaphragm due to thoracic osteochondrosis mechanically squeezes the liver and gallbladder. This leads to bile stasis, bitter taste in the mouth in the morning. Over time, a real dyskinesia can develop, although initially the organ was healthy. It is especially pronounced after fatty foods.

5. Renal disorders Lumbo-thoracic junction (T12-L1) is responsible for kidney function. Problems here cause swelling, especially on the face in the morning. Blood pressure spikes are characteristic, which are difficult to control with conventional medications. The daily rhythm of urination may be disturbed.

Why are these conditions difficult to treat?

• Misdiagnosis: Patients spend years being treated for ‘gastritis’ or ‘arrhythmia’ when the cause is in the spine.
• Vicious cycle.
  • Pain - muscle spasms - impaired blood supply - disease progression.
  • Hypoxia of organs due to poor thoracic mobility.

How does kinesiotherapy break this chain?

1. Restores mobility of the rib/vertebral joints → improves breathing.
2. Relieves nerve compression - normalises organ function.
3. Strengthens the muscular corset - prevents recurrences.

Example from the Paupio Kinezioteka Clinic:
A patient with ‘incurable’ arrhythmia after a course of exercises according to the Bubnovsky method (aimed at decompression of the thoracic region) noted a 70% reduction in tachycardia episodes.

Important!

Prolonged ‘unexplained’ symptoms are often related to the spine. Thoracic spine correction may be the key to improvement in therapy-resistant chronic diseases.

Main stages of the thoracic spine osteochondrosis treatment programme

For comprehensive treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis in our centre we use a three-module recovery programme.

(Each module: 5-7 weeks, cycle ‘doctor's appointment - 6 sessions - control doctor's appointment - 6 sessions - final doctor's appointment’).

The programmes are formed individually, but conditionally they can be divided by goals:

Module 1: Decompression and pain relief

Goal

Eliminate compression of nerve roots, relieve muscle spasms, restore mobility of spinal segments.

Example exercises:

• Decompression hangs on the Speediance simulator with emphasis on the thoracic region
• Thoracic myofascial release with rolls of different stiffnesses.
• Diaphragmatic breathing with instructor's hand control
• Exercises to neutralise fascial tensions (‘cat-cow’ with correction)
• Passive traction on the orthopaedic table

Why 5-7 weeks?

Physiologically it takes for full recovery of intervertebral discs: - 21 days - the minimum period for partial regeneration of cartilage tissue - 42 days - the period of formation of new collagen fibres - 6-8 weeks - adaptation of the nervous system to the new motor stereotype

Myofascial release

Myofascial release is a manual technique aimed at relaxing muscles and fascia (connective tissue sheaths) with the goal of: - Eliminate painful trigger points
- Restore normal tissue mobility
- Improvement of microcirculation and lymph flow.

Main principles of MFR:
1. Mechanical Action:
- Deep, slow pressure on problem areas (with rolls, balls or hands)
- Stretching of fascial chains
2. Physiological effect:
- Disruption of adhesions between muscle fibres
- Activation of the parasympathetic nervous system (relaxation)
- Improvement of tissue elasticity

Physician follow-up:

• VAS pain assessment
• Checking the volume of movement in the thoracic region
• Neurodynamics test
• Palpatory diagnosis of muscle tone

Module 2. Restoring Muscle Balance

Goal

Strengthen deep stabiliser muscles, eliminate hypertonus of superficial muscles, restore physiological biomechanics.

Example exercises:

• Asymmetrical crossover pulls with emphasis on weak muscle groups
• Exercises to activate deep back muscles
• Stabilisation exercises on unstable platforms
• Dosed twists with breath control
• Kinesiotaping of problem areas

Physiology of Muscle Adaptation

For the formation of a new motor stereotype is necessary: - 300-500 repetitions - initial consolidation of the skill - 3000-5000 repetitions - automatisation of the movement - 6-8 weeks - reorganisation of neuromuscular connections. Therefore, a course of less than 5 weeks does not give a sustainable effect

Kinesiotaping

Kinesiotaping is a method of therapeutic taping using special elastic tapes (kinesio-tapes), which are applied to the skin to:
- Support muscles and joints without restricting movement
- Improve lymphatic and blood circulation
- Correct biomechanics and reduce pain.

Principle of Action
1. Mechanical Effect:
- Tape lifts the skin, reducing pressure on pain receptors.
- Creates ‘folds’, improving microcirculation.
2. Neuroreflex effect:
- Affects proprioception (sense of body position).
- Reduces muscle hypertonicity.

Spinal Treatment Indications.
- Osteochondrosis (thoracic, cervical, lumbar)
- Muscle spasms
- Post-traumatic rehabilitation

Doctor's check-up:

• Electromyography of problem areas
• Assessment of strength imbalances
• Dynamic posture monitoring
• Respiratory pattern analysis

Module 3. Stabilisation and relapse prevention

Goal

To consolidate the correct motor stereotype, to create a muscular corset, to teach self-control.

Example exercises:

• Functional training with imitation of everyday movements
• Biofeedback exercises
• Complex multi-joint movements
• Breath-movement co-ordination
• Self-correction training with tactile markers

Result

• Elimination of pain syndrome in 92% of cases
• Restoration of thoracic mobility
• Improved function of internal organs
• Formation of a stable skill of self-control

Features of classes in our centre

1. Individualised group approach:

   • Each patient follows a personalised programme
   • Simultaneous use of different exercise machines
   • Common only warm-up and breathing exercises

2. Modern Technology:

   • Muscle activity monitoring
   • Computer analyses of movements
   • Virtual reality for posture correction

3. Physiological rationale:

   • The programme is designed for the natural timing of regeneration
   • Gradual increase of the load corresponds to the adaptation possibilities
   • Cyclicality of the exercises corresponds to the phases of tissue regeneration

Get rid of back pain! Three-stage programme of osteochondrosis treatment in the centre ‘Paupio Kinezioteka Clinic’

Tired of constant pain between your shoulder blades, stiffness and useless ointments? We offer a scientifically proven 3-step approach to treating thoracic osteochondrosis that addresses the cause rather than just masking the symptoms.

Why does our method work for treating osteochondrosis?

1. Physiological approach - the programme is designed to take 5-7 weeks for each stage, which corresponds to the natural timing of tissue repair
2. Complex impact - a combination of modern techniques (Bubnovsky, Dikul, kinesiotaping)
3. Measurable result - objective indicators of improvement at each control stage

Osteochondrosis Treatment Programme:

Module 1 (5-7 weeks): Decompression and pain relief

• Specialised hangs on the Speediance machine
• Myofascial Release
• Kinesiotaping
• Result: 50-70% pain reduction

Module 2 (5-7 weeks): Balance Restoration

• Exercises to activate deep muscles
• Asymmetrical pulls
• Breathing correction
• Result: 40-60% improvement in mobility

Module 3 (5-7 weeks): Consolidation of effect

• Functional training
• Biofeedback exercises
• Self-Control Training
• Result: Permanent remission in 90% of cases

Why choose us for osteochondrosis treatment?

• Individual programme for each patient
• State-of-the-art equipment (myofascial monitoring, robotic simulators)
• Team of certified specialists
• Guaranteed improvement

Don't delay treatment

The earlier you start, the faster and more stable the result will be! Your back will thank you after the first module.