Blockages at different locations of the spine

Vertebral blockages in the cervical spine are not uncommon. They are often the cause of a so-called cervical spine syndrome, which is a collective term for many neurological and orthopedic symptoms originating in the cervical spine. These include cervical and neck pain radiating into the arm, dizziness, headaches, tingling and numbness in the arms.

Ear noises and visual disturbances are also possible symptoms of the cervical spine syndrome. Possible causes for a vertebral blockage in this area are incorrect loading or a lack of movement. There is usually no identifiable organic cause for the vertebral blockage.

In order to thoroughly clarify the causes of such symptoms, a physical examination of the cervical spine is performed, including reflex testing of the arms. If there are any abnormalities, imaging procedures such as x-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used. If ultimately no organic cause such as a fracture or herniated disc can be found, a vertebral blockage is very likely.

In addition to the symptoms already mentioned, other complaints such as sleep disturbances, depressive moods or nervousness may occur. If the suspicion is confirmed, stretching exercises and moderate movement can help to quickly release the blockage. If this does not succeed, an experienced physiotherapist or an orthopedist can mobilize the cervical spine.

This is a muscle energy technique that promotes longitudinal and lateral stretching of the back muscles. During passive mobilization, the physiotherapist exercises the force. In active mobilization, the physiotherapist only instructs the patient, the required force is applied by the patient himself.Manipulation, i.e. adjusting the cervical spine by means of appropriate hand grips, should never be carried out by the patient himself.

This can only be justified by an experienced specialist under strict consideration of negative consequences, since important nerve tracts and blood vessels run along the cervical spine, which could be damaged by such manipulation.

Cervical spine syndrome: Symptoms
Cervical spine syndrome: Causes
Cervical spine syndrome: Symptoms
Cervical Spine Syndrome: Treatment

The causes for a vertebral blockage of the thoracic spine are basically the same as for any other vertebral blockage. Mostly it results from a lack of movement or incorrect loading.

However, the symptoms caused by such a vertebral blockage of the thoracic spine are different from those of the cervical or lumbar spine. The location of the pain is in the upper to lower back, depending on the level of the joint blockage. Radiation into the arms or legs is possible.

Headaches or fatigue are also described by some patients. Pain in the entire thorax is rare. Some sufferers complain of pain when breathing in or out.

The therapy of such a vertebral blockage is based, as with other vertebral blockages, on physiotherapeutic approaches. As described above, patients can help to release the blockage themselves by means of light stretching exercises and moderate movement. The vertebral blockage of the lumbar spine is a very common reason for lumbago and shooting pains into the legs.

Those affected experience similar symptoms to a slight herniated disc in this area. However, no organic cause can be identified. One should, however, refrain from theories which link other internal clinical pictures, such as digestive problems or bladder dysfunction, to a vertebral blockage of the lumbar spine, as no connection has been established so far.

The therapy of such a vertebral blockage consists of adequate physiotherapy, which releases the blockage with the help of mobilizing measures. A slight stretching and movement by the affected person himself can help to release the blockage even without physiotherapy. However, if this is not the case, a doctor should be consulted who can recommend physiotherapeutic measures.

Dislocated vertebrae or vertebral blockages lead to a restriction of movement, which is mainly caused by tense muscles and the adopted relieving posture. Despite the restriction, movement is best suited to relieve the pain and discomfort. This allows the displaced vertebrae to be pushed back into the correct position on their own, if the back muscles are moved and strengthened accordingly.

Basically, bed rest and resting is not advisable, since sufficient movement is essential to alleviate the pain. In some cases, the complaints have existed for a long time, which can lead to massive muscle hard tension. In this case, it may be advisable to relieve the pain and tension by injecting painkillers or muscle-relaxing medication before beginning exercise therapy.

Subsequently, a targeted back training can be started without severe pain. The relaxing medications are particularly effective for vertebral blockages, as the tense muscles often prevent the blockage from being released. In addition, professional massages and physiotherapy prove to be helpful in stretching and loosening the ligaments and joints in order to move the vertebrae back into the correct position.

Physical activity in any form, be it walking, jogging, swimming or cycling, helps to alleviate the discomfort, strengthen the muscles and even prevent a renewed blocking of the vertebrae. Heat applications are also well suited to relieve the pain and discomfort of a dislocated vertebra and, above all, to relax cramped back muscles. This may involve the use of grain cushions, heat patches, such as ThermaCare®, or creams or ointments containing the active ingredient capsaicin.

The heat promotes blood circulation in the muscles and reduces pain. It may also be advisable to take painkillers in order to regain mobility. If the vertebral blockage occurs repeatedly or the symptoms do not improve, a doctor should be consulted to rule out other causes for the pain.Manual medicine is a therapeutic procedure with the aim of completely restoring the mobility of the affected joint and thus releasing the vertebral blockage.

There are basically different procedures. Among them are techniques that the therapist uses or instructs the patient to actively perform movements. A treatment in chiropractic is considered successful if the vertebral blockage can be immediately released by the therapy and the mobility of the spine is immediately restored.

The procedures of manual medicine have been scientifically examined repeatedly. The current state of knowledge says that compared to conventional treatments such as drug-based pain therapy in combination with physiotherapy, only minimal advantages can be shown, but also no disadvantages of the treatment. Contradictory results have been obtained in the treatment of headaches, which is why manual therapy in the area of the cervical spine is only rarely used and used with caution.

At present, no clear recommendation for or against the treatment of vertebral blockages using manual medicine can be given. Before starting any therapy, the advantages and disadvantages should be discussed in detail with the treating physician. More information about chiropractic/manual medicine can be found under: visceral osteopathy.

Manipulation is understood to be the release of the vertebral blockage by means of a short movement impulse in the direction of the pain-free area (away from the affected, painful area).
Mobilization, on the other hand, means a careful stretching of the affected spinal column area, which is intended to improve movement (see: mobilizing the thoracic spine).

Since an untreated vertebral blockage can become the cause of chronic pain, it is important to take appropriate measures to counteract the chronicity of the symptoms. It is also possible to do something yourself to a certain extent. Moderate movement and gymnastic exercises are good to generally reduce the symptoms of a vertebral blockage, but also to solve it.

Since joint blockages can also be released spontaneously through movement, walks or a few light stretching exercises can already help. Below are a few simple stretching and gymnastics exercises that can help with a vertebral blockage: In the case of a pronounced vertebral blockage, certain maneuvers can be performed to release the blockage. This is known as active mobilization.

Mobilization serves to stretch the capsule-ligament apparatus and the muscles that act on the joint. The mobilization is different for different joints and one should always be guided by an experienced physiotherapist. In addition, the risk of injury from untrained mobilization is too high.

Exercise 1:Lie on the floor in supine position and pull both knees towards the chest. Now embrace your knees with both arms and pull your head towards your knees. Make yourself completely round.
Hold this position for a few minutes. This exercise can help to release the blockages in all parts of the spine (lumbar, thoracic and cervical).
Exercise 2: This exercise helps to release a blockage in the cervical spine and relieve neck tension. To do this, lie on the floor, also in a supine position.
Stand with your legs relaxed and place your hands on your neck. The elbows should point to the sides. Place your hands on your neck without much force and bend your arms.

Now slowly pull your chin towards your chest. The strength must come from the neck muscles! Do not pull the head to the chest with the arms! Now hold this position for a few breaths and release it again. Put your head down very loosely, put your elbows back to your sides and make sure that the neck muscles are relaxed.