Vertebral joint blockages

Vertebral joint blockages occur when the mobility of the joint processes belonging to the vertebral bodies is restricted as a result of wear and tear or overload, so that the spine loses mobility. Blockages in the vertebral joints can usually be treated well with conservative therapy.

What are vertebral joint blocks?

As Vertebral joint blockage a restriction of the mobility of the articular processes or so-called facets (facet joints), through which the individual vertebral bodies are connected, is called a wear-related or overload-related restriction.

If the sacroiliac joint (sacroiliac joint) is affected by a blockage, it is called a so-called sacroiliac syndrome. Since the small vertebral joints have pain receptors, excessive strain can lead to a sharp pain in the affected area, which later turns into a deeper, dull pain. This can increase under load and in many cases radiate into the legs as well as the area of ​​the buttocks and / or the groin.

Due to the pain, the mobility of the spine is limited, which usually leads to a relieving posture for those affected, which can cause additional tension in the back muscles and a strengthening of the vertebral joint blockage.

causes

Vertebral joint blockages are usually due to degenerative changes in the spine (wear of the intervertebral discs, arthrosis of the vertebral joints) or overloading of the spine (heavy lifting, trauma).

As a result of wear processes or overloading, the vertebral bodies shift against each other, so that the vertebral joints are released from their normal structure. Even minor dislocations (changes in position) of the facet joints can lead to irritation of the joint capsule.

The muscle parts stabilizing the spine tense reflexively to protect against further overload, which results in restricted mobility of the vertebral joints. These are disturbed in their function and block.

In addition, a pain-related relieving posture, in which (twisting) movements in the affected area are avoided, can overload other spinal column segments and cause a higher degree of vertebral joint blockage.

Typical symptoms & signs

• Sharp pain
• Back pain in the spine area
• Restrictions on movement

Diagnosis & course

A Vertebral joint blockage is diagnosed as part of a physical examination by checking the mobility of the individual spinal segments. Compression or blockages in the facet joints can be detected in the prone position by the doctor or physiotherapist placing one hand on the lumbar vertebra area and pulling the extended leg upwards with the other.

If the person concerned feels pain, this can indicate a vertebral joint blockage. Imaging methods such as X-ray, computer or magnetic resonance tomography enable statements to be made about the underlying wear and tear on the vertebral joints.

Vertebral joint blockages can be easily treated with consistent physiotherapy and muscle building through exercise and physical activity, depending on the underlying cause. If the vertebral joint blockage is based on wear and tear of the vertebral joints, the course and prognosis depend on the extent of the degeneration of the vertebral column.

Complications

As a rule, vertebral joint blocks lead to very severe pain. These pains are stabbing or burning and in many cases also spread to neighboring regions in the body. The pain can also occur at night in the form of resting pain and thus have a very negative effect on the sleep of the person concerned.

Because of the vertebral joint blockages, many patients suffer from irritability or from mental disorders and depression. Due to the severe pain in the back, there is also restricted mobility and a significantly reduced quality of life for the patient. Exhausting activities or sporting activities can no longer be carried out without further ado.

Since this disease does not self-heal itself and in most cases the symptoms worsen, patients are in any case dependent on medical treatment. The treatment itself does not lead to further complications. The symptoms can be alleviated with the help of various therapies and applications. However, complete healing cannot be guaranteed. Vertebral joint blocks do not have a negative impact on the patient's life expectancy.

When should you go to the doctor?

If there are complaints and irregularities in the area of ​​the back due to heavy physical strain, a break should be taken immediately. If the discomfort minimizes within the next few hours or after sleeping at night, no doctor is normally required. In future, the needs of the organism should be taken into account and situations of physical overexertion should be avoided. Consultation with a physiotherapist or doctor can be sought to support and optimize the movement sequences. This prevents and can protect against health impairments.

If symptoms occur in the spine area after sudden movement, sporting activities, an accident, fall or violence, these should be monitored further. If the problems persist over a long period of time or if there is an increase in health impairments, a visit to a doctor is advisable. Pain in the back area, mobility restrictions and muscle disorders should be examined.

If the daily obligations can no longer be carried out without complaints, there is cause for concern.Medical care is necessary to avoid long-term damage and secondary diseases. If you experience pain or if there are irregularities in the resting state, you need to consult a doctor. If the pain continues to spread in the body, there is also a need for action.

Treatment & Therapy

Vertebral joint blockages are usually treated conservatively at first. Light movement and stretching exercises under the guidance of a physiotherapist or physiotherapist (at least the first time) can solve existing blockages in many cases.

If there is severe acute pain, which can lead to additional tension as a result of a pain-related relieving posture, short-term pain killers can also be used. Pain and heat plasters, granular pillows and creams or ointments with capsaicin can be used locally to reduce pain and promote muscle relaxation and blood circulation, to increase the mobility of the affected area and to reduce the risk of additional tension.

In addition, manual therapeutic (chiropractic) measures can be used to try to release the vertebral joint blockage. To this end, the aim is either to improve mobility in the affected spinal column area (mobilization) by carefully stretching or to release the blockage (manipulation) with the aid of a short movement impulse from the affected area in the painless direction.

In the run-up to a manipulation, a so-called test pull should be carried out to check whether the measure can be carried out painlessly. If the pain is very pronounced, infiltration may be indicated in rare cases. As part of an infiltration, a local anesthetic with anti-inflammatory cortisone is injected into or into the affected vertebral joint to release the blockage in the vertebral joint.

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prevention

Vertebral joint blockages can best be prevented by trained abdominal and back muscles that stabilize the spine like a corset. Targeted exercises and regular movement also prevent further episodes of pain in the presence of vertebral joint blockages. Back-friendly sports such as back swimming, cycling or Nordic walking are also recommended in order to reduce the risk of vertebral joint blockages.

Aftercare

After the treatment of a vertebral joint block, numerous patients often suffer from recurring back complaints, which primarily affect the lumbar spine. The application of a medical back bandage is considered helpful aftercare. It has a supportive effect on conventional therapy.

In addition, bandages help to prevent a new joint blockage. The bandages can be worn both at work and during sporting activities and protect the vertebral joints. The best aftercare for vertebral joint blockages is the prevention of relapses. Stretching the muscle groups, which often shorten, and strengthening the muscles that stabilize the trunk, such as the back extensor, are particularly useful.

The training should take place evenly, however, because with one-sided exercises there is the risk that the imbalance of the muscles will solidify instead of improving. Physiotherapy exercises under the supervision of a physiotherapist are therefore recommended. On the other hand, excessive rest is less helpful. It only helps against the pain in the early phase of the vertebral blockage.

Otherwise the movement should be started again quickly. In this way, a breakdown of the muscles is counteracted. The regularity and slow increase in movements is more important than too much training. Anyone who suffers from obesity should lose it. Too many extra pounds put an excessive strain on the spine.

You can do that yourself

The general movement sequences should always be checked and improved in the event of joint disorders. It is particularly important to ensure that the lifting and carrying of physical loads is optimized. In some cases, these operations should be avoided entirely. Jerky movements should be completely avoided in everyday life.

The body's own weight should be in the normal range. Excess weight is detrimental to general health and can lead to lifelong impairment of the skeletal system. It also increases the risk of bone and joint disease. Therefore, those affected by vertebral joint blockages should check their own weight at regular intervals and, if necessary, initiate a weight reduction.

Sports activities as well as the execution of professional activities are to be adapted to the physical possibilities in principle. Often, various sports cannot be carried out for a certain period of time until the blockages have regenerated. It should also be checked whether other sporting exercises are more suitable for the long-term development of one's own health. There is also the possibility of temporarily minimizing or suspending the performance of professional tasks. Wearing warm clothing has proven helpful, especially in cold months. It is also important to ensure that the spine is not exposed to any drafts. Warming baths or going to the sauna are often pleasant and symptom-relieving.