Pain in the spine
Causes, diagnosis & treatment
Back and neck pain can have a variety of causes, as the back is a complex system of muscles, ligaments, nerves, intervertebral discs and bones. The causes are often multifactorial, which is why it is important to carry out a comprehensive medical history and examination before treatment. Over 80% of back pain is non-specific, i.e. a clear cause cannot be identified. A holistic approach that includes both physical and psychosocial aspects is crucial for successful treatment.
Common causes include:
Lumbago (lumbago)
Lumbago describes a sudden, severe pain in the lower back, often triggered by an awkward movement or overloading. The cause is usually muscle tension.
Herniated disc
In the case of a herniated disc (disc prolapse), the inner gelatinous core of a disc protrudes outwards through a tear in the fibrous ring and presses on neighboring nerve roots. This can lead to pain, numbness or muscle weakness. The symptoms of a herniated disc often occur in the cervical and lumbar spine.
Spondylosis (osteoarthritis of the vertebral joints)
Osteoarthritis of the vertebral joints is a wear-related change in the vertebral and facet joints. The facet joints are involved in the flexion, extension and rotational movement of the spine.
SIJ syndrome (sacroiliac joint syndrome)
SIJ syndrome describes pain that originates from the sacroiliac joint, which connects the pelvis to the spine. This can be caused by incorrect loading, blockages or inflammatory processes. Manual therapy, self-exercises and, if necessary, infiltrations can lead to rapid relief.
Spondylolisthesis (spondylolisthesis)
In spondylolisthesis, the vertebrae shift against each other. This can lead to pain, restricted movement and even compression of the spinal cord with neurological dysfunction. The muscular musculoskeletal system can often compensate for spinal instability to a certain extent. In severe cases, surgical stabilization may be necessary.
Spinal canal stenosis
In the case of spinal canal stenosis, the spinal canal through which the spinal cord and nerve roots run is narrowed. The nerve roots become irritated, which can cause pain, tingling and muscle weakness. The diagnosis is made by X-ray and MRI, in which the narrowing of the spinal canal can be assessed. A detailed physical examination is necessary beforehand in order to match the image findings with the symptoms. Spinal canal stenosis can often be successfully treated without surgery.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis refers to a lateral curvature of the spine, which often also involves a twisting of the vertebral bodies. The causes are varied and can be genetic or develop during growth. Depending on the severity, treatment ranges from special exercises and physiotherapy to brace treatment or surgery.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by reduced bone density and strength, which leads to an increased risk of fractures. Older people are particularly affected. Early diagnosis and a combination of medication, diet and exercise are key to slowing down the progression of the disease.
Diagnosis of back pain
In order to help you in the best possible way, we will first have a detailed discussion with you. We will ask about accidents, underlying illnesses, previous infections and accompanying symptoms such as pain or morning stiffness.
This is followed by a physical examination, supplemented by laboratory tests, X-rays or MRI if necessary. If necessary, we can organize and arrange an MRI appointment for you at short notice. A DEXA measuring device is available to determine bone density and diagnose osteoporosis.
Treatment of back pain
We use state-of-the-art treatment methods in our practice. In our holistic approach, we take into account your activity level and your life situation in order to develop an individual therapy for you. Our aim is to relieve pain and restore the functionality of the spine without surgery.
Periradicular therapy (PRT)
This technique is particularly suitable for patients with herniated discs or nerve root irritation detected after an MRI scan.
During PRT, we inject a strong anti-inflammatory medication precisely into the affected nerve root (radix) under CT-guided control in order to effectively relieve the pain. The medication acts locally on the damaged nerve root, helping to reduce pain in a targeted manner. The success rate is more than 80%, which makes PRT an extremely effective therapy for spinal disorders.
Thanks to the precise application, the risk is low and 1 to 3 sessions at intervals of 7 to 14 days are usually sufficient to achieve significant pain relief or even freedom from symptoms. The treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis, takes around 15-30 minutes and enables patients to return to their everyday lives quickly.
Chirotherapy (manual therapy)
A colloquially known method of chirotherapy is often referred to as “adjusting”, whereas the technical term for it is “manipulation”. This technique consists of a quick and precise movement aimed at improving the mobility of a blocked or restricted joint or movement segment.
This involves applying targeted pressure to the affected joint, followed by a short, controlled impulse. A typical “cracking” sound is often heard, which is caused by gas bubbles escaping from the joint fluid. However, the frequently expected “cracking” is not the aim. Rather, the aim is to improve the mobility of the spine and physical functionality.
Medical training therapy
Medical training therapy is a particularly gentle training method that is carried out specifically on special equipment and is characterized by its high level of safety and good long-term effect. This form of therapy puts no strain on the intervertebral discs or joints, making it an ideal solution for people who want to strengthen their musculoskeletal system.
Medical strengthening therapy ensures that muscles, tendons and ligaments work together effectively to stabilize and optimize the body’s movement sequences. The better the stability of the entire musculoskeletal system, the lower the risk of injury or degenerative changes.
Medical training therapy is particularly beneficial for people with osteoporosis, as resistance training can help to increase bone density and thus reduce the risk of fractures.
Special infusion therapies
Depending on the examination and the cause of the complaints, relaxing, pain-relieving, revitalizing and vitamin-rich active ingredients can be applied to stimulate the metabolism and blood circulation.
Osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment
Early detection and prevention are crucial in order to avoid serious secondary diseases. A reduction in bone density, also known as osteoporosis, is particularly common in women during the menopause – around one in three women are affected. The German Osteology Association (DVO) recommends a bone density measurement for diagnosis.
DEXA bone density measurement (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) is considered the safest and most effective method of diagnosis. This low-radiation examination measures bone density in the lumbar spine and femoral neck. The examination takes around 10 minutes and provides precise results for assessing the risk of osteoporosis.
There is often no direct correlation between the findings in the imaging procedure and the perceived pain. Nevertheless, surgery is often performed quickly and too often. We therefore rely on gentle, non-invasive therapies to avoid these risks and achieve a lasting improvement.
Dr. Baron & Colleagues treat people, not x-rays. Our aim is to treat your back and neck pain using gentle methods. Make an appointment now – together we will tackle your complaints.