What Causes Degenerative Changes In The Mid Thoracic Region?

I have degenerative changes in the mid thoracic region. They have been present for a few years, causing only mild discomfort. In the last 8 weeks I have had a urti and mild asthma, both of which have settled, but for a croaky voice and needing to clear my throat frequently. What has emerged since then is pain in my mid thoracic region, requiring analgesia. I was breathless with the urti but that has continued and is worse. Xrays have been done but cannot be reported on for another two days. The breathlessness is worse on exertion or when sitting. The pain in my back is getting worse and feels like a toothache , I am female and 61 years old. I have SLE, Sjogrens Syndraome and take Plaquenil 200mg twice daily.