Functional dysfunction of the cervico-thoracic joints of the vertebral column following menopause

The characteristic feature of progressive degeneration in the musculoskeletal system in osteoporosis is lower and lower height of a patient that depends on reduction of vertebral dimensions as a result of bony mass loss. There sometimes appears so-called dowager's hump, which is a bow-like shape of the cervico-thoracic part of the vertebral column, thoracic hyperkyphosis and cervical hyperlordosis. Examination of mobility of the cervico-thoracic vertebral column reveals malfunction of segmental mobility: because of the flexed position of the vertebral column, extension is restricted. Moreover, the thoracic kyphosis in these patients is deepened and the head is protracted in reference to the trunk. Some scientists have shown that different forms of physical activity are of great value for improvement of bone density, quality of life, as well as of many different social and work aspects of patients' life. Furthermore, some scientists underline the importance of muscle strength in stabilisation of the body posture and prevention of daily overload, as well as in analgesia. In this kind of dysfunction physiotherapy should be aimed at special rehabilitation techniques in order to normalise muscular tension, correct body posture and treat articular malfunctions. These aims can be achieved with physical and manual therapy, medical massage and posture taping. The article is illustrated with presentation of two case histories of patients hospitalised in the Clinic of Medical Rehabilitation of the Medical University of Lodz because of permanent headache and pain in their neck.