Most often it occurs in the most inconvenient situations – lumbago. This refers to a blockage of the spine, which is extremely painful. But a blockage (medically: reversible segmental dysfunction) can also occur in the neck, upper back or at any other joint. This is not the only reason why it is important to consult a doctor as soon as possible, because the longer blockages persist, the more difficult they are to release. Blockages are to be distinguished from pinched nerves.
What is a blockage?
The benefits of massage include: promoting circulation, relaxing muscles, relieving pain, and providing mental relaxation. A blockage can occur in any joint. The affected area is then immobile and is in a malposition, causing severe pain. In addition, there is painful muscle tension around the joint. On the one hand, these are the result of the muscles contracting due to the occurring malposition, and on the other hand of the protective posture adopted by the patient. Blockages are triggered by a regulatory disorder of the musculature, which “overreacts” to certain movements or loads and thus triggers the joint malposition. If the blockage affects the cervical spine, the term “stiff neck” is often used in the vernacular. Lumbago is a blockage in the lower part of the spine. A blockage in the thoracic spine causes the patient to experience symptoms reminiscent of heart trouble, but does not actually affect that organ.
Causes
The causes of a blockage can be many and varied. Therefore, various approaches are discussed among physicians. These include the so-called joint model. Here, it is assumed that an uncontrolled movement leads to the mechanical blockage of the joint. In the reflex model, the surrounding musculature is the trigger of the blockage. Occurring pain leads to tension of the musculature in the affected area and finally to spasms, which trigger the blockage in a reflex-like event. This process is uncontrolled for the patient. The third explanatory approach integrates both of the aforementioned possibilities and assumes that the blockage of the joint and the muscle tension are mutually dependent. The joint, which is initially blocked only by a tension reaction, can turn into a mechanical block without appropriate treatment.
Symptoms, complaints and signs
A blockage or locking in the musculoskeletal system is usually first noticeable in a restriction of mobility of the affected body region. At the same time, the corresponding natural movement attempt may be associated with a stabbing pain or pain perceived as electrifying. The most common blockage is that of the cervical and neck muscles. It is also commonly referred to as “traction” because it can occur when the later sufferer is exposed to cold drafts for a prolonged period of time. External symptoms or signs are not apparent with the blockage, which often makes it difficult for the layperson to diagnose. However, the muscles in the affected area are stiffened and hardened and subjectively feel shortened and immobile. While careful and steady movement is a very effective remedy for blockages, it is often perceived as very painful and as negative, which is why patients like to adopt a protective posture. Heat on the affected area can reduce the pain, and patients also often request light massages. Some blockages are also triggered by irritation of a nerve pathway or pinching of a nerve. Blockages are also known to occur in the spine. In addition to the typical feelings of tension, numbness also occurs in the adjacent regions. These are also often associated with severe pain.
Diagnosis and course
The diagnosis of a blockage is usually already made by a physical examination. Based on the present complaints, the doctor can check which joint is limited in its function. Often, this is already indicated by the patient during the conversation. The physician will also examine the occurring muscle tension as well as check any neurological deficits that have occurred.However, the use of X-rays is not necessary for the diagnosis of a blockage, as this procedure is not conclusive. To exclude bony injuries or tumors, it is nevertheless useful to take x-rays in certain patients. If chiropractic treatment is sought in later therapy, x-rays must be taken in any case. If a blockage is left untreated, the pain and restricted movement will persist for a long period of time. The muscle tension that automatically occurs makes it unlikely to resolve on its own.
Complications
Joint locking can result in a number of complications. First, misalignment can occur as a result of the restricted motion, often accompanied by severe pain and the formation of further muscle blockages. If the blockage persists over a longer period of time, the pain continues to increase and sensory disturbances such as tingling sensations and paralysis occur. Depending on the location of the blockage, specific secondary diseases such as sacro-pelvic blockage can also develop from it. The blockage itself leads to chronic pain as it progresses, which can also affect mental health if it develops chronically. Furthermore, a blockage of the joints can lead to accidents in everyday life; then, for example, when an acute blockage occurs while driving a vehicle or operating a machine. If the joint blockages are treated quickly and comprehensively, the direct complications usually also disappear and the previous mobility is restored. Accompanying the treatment, temporary tension in the affected regions may occur at best. If surgery is necessary, no further problems are to be expected apart from the usual complications of a surgical procedure
When should you go to the doctor?
A blockage in the small joints of the spine or larger joints of the body often resolves as spontaneously as it came. Thus, in many cases, the affected person can wait to see a doctor to see if the blockage resolves overnight during sleep or with home remedies such as massage, light gymnastics or heat applications. Nevertheless, there are cases in which the doctor should be asked for advice. This applies immediately if the blockage does not allow the person to perform normal everyday activities, for example, if the restriction of movement forces the person into an unnatural posture. Another reason for seeing a doctor promptly is severe pain that cannot be relieved with conventional painkillers, or only for a short time. This pain is then interrupted by the doctor, for example with pain injections. These also ensure that the tissue relaxes, since otherwise – without medical help – the pain could trigger a protective posture and cramping, which may further promote the blockage. In addition, a visit to the doctor is necessary if a blockage in the area of the back is associated with numbness or sensory disturbances in the arms or legs. In this case, a disc problem must be ruled out or treated. In the case of a blockage, the family doctor can often help by relieving the pain. For more serious causes, he refers his patients to an orthopedist, neurologist or physiotherapist.
Treatment and therapy
Treatment of a blockage is based on its cause, and it must first be relieved. This can be done by using chiropractic or manual therapy as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms. Accompanying physiotherapy can help to strengthen the muscles. It is generally important to train all muscle areas as much as possible to avoid blockages in the future. Analgesic medications also help patients to relieve persistent tension and associated pain. It can take several weeks to months before permanent pain relief is achieved. Success is highly dependent on the active cooperation of the patient.
Outlook and prognosis
The prognosis for blockage is very good. Assuming the patient’s initiative and cooperation, a permanent and complete recovery can occur within a few weeks. Treatment is done in collaboration with a chiropractor or physiotherapist, depending on the cause and severity of the blockage.They give helpful tips and analyze together with the patient which movement sequences should be optimized in the future. The goal is to achieve a change so that the relieved tension does not return. In addition, an orthopedist helps if there are other problems with the skeletal system. In everyday life, the patient must improve his posture, engage in sports activities, as well as strive for a healthier lifestyle. If he takes into account the benevolent indications and adapts better to the needs of the body, he will achieve a good as well as stable well-being. The recurrence of a blockage is possible, but strongly depends on the patient’s behavior. The sitting posture as well as the distance between the seat and the table should be controlled and optimized. Heavy physical work should be avoided or restructured. Twisting movements should not be sudden or when lifting heavy objects. Muscles should be strengthened, sufficient fluids should be consumed, and the body needs adequate heat for lasting relief and healing.
Prevention
Blockage can be effectively prevented by strengthening the muscles in a specific way. It is important, especially for patients who have already had a blockage, to continue with physiotherapy exercises at home to ensure training success. Targeted exercises to relieve the affected areas are also advisable for people who perform heavy physical work. Office work can cause tension in the shoulder and neck area in particular. Regular breaks from VDU work should therefore be taken as a preventive measure.
What you can do yourself
If painful conditions occur in any parts of the body, such as above the buttocks, a blockage of the joint is often responsible. The blockage, with limited mobility of the joint or with an abnormal position of the joint surfaces in relation to each other, can be alleviated by numerous self-help measures. In addition to treatment by a physiotherapist or osteopath, heat applications to the body have also proven effective. Hot water bottles or a hot roller can provide relaxation of the muscles around the joint. Heat applications stimulate blood circulation and can thus reduce pain. Self-mobilization with independent movement of the body can also minimize or even completely eliminate the pain. Depending on the affected area of the body, there are helpful exercises that can be done independently at home. In advance of the exercises, it is recommended to get helpful tips from specialists, so that the appropriate exercises can be performed in the right way by the affected person. In order to prevent any blockages in the body, building up abdominal and back muscles is an important step towards health and personal well-being. Anyone who is already suffering from a blockage should not be in too much of a hurry to start exercising again. Starting to exercise too quickly can lead to a painful relapse, causing the blockage to reoccur.
