Nutrition | Exercises for existing facet arthrosis

Nutrition

Nutrition plays a role in any kind of arthrosis. There are certain foods that are said to have an inflammatory effect. For example, red meat should be avoided if possible; too much sugar can also be harmful to the joints.

The acid-base balance should also have an influence.The change in diet should be checked and helped by a specialist. It only serves to support the classic treatment of facet arthrosis and can supplement, but not completely replace, drug therapy. There are nutritionists who specialize in the care of patients with joint problems.

The facet joint

Our spine has facet joints on both sides of the vertebral bodies. Via the facet joints, movement takes place between the individual vertebrae. A facet joint is located between the transverse processes of two superimposed vertebrae.

As in extremity joints, the bony processes are covered by a layer of articular cartilage and enclosed by a joint capsule. Arthrosis of the facet joints results in a decrease in cartilage quality and mass until the bones rub directly over each other. The capsule can also be affected by recurrent inflammatory processes.

This leads to local back pain and tension in the affected area. Mobility is painful and limited. The fact that the spinal nerves exit through the intervertebral holes between the transverse processes can also lead to so-called segmental complaints. If the neural structures are irritated by bony attachments or inflammation at the facet joint, pain or failure symptoms in the supply area of the nerve may occur. Depending on whether the nerve is motor or sensitive, this can lead to sensory disturbances or loss of strength in the muscles supplied by the nerve.

Summary

The facet arthrosis is a common disease of the spine. It results in wear and tear of the vertebral joints, which can lead to back pain, tension and radiating pain, sensitivity disorders or motor deficits in the extremities. The treatment is carried out by means of physiotherapy, among other things.

The patient should do mobilizing, strengthening and relaxing exercises regularly at home. The drug therapy ranges from pain medication to CT-supported injection of cortisone directly into the affected joints. Inflammatory processes can be influenced by diet.

A change in diet can improve the symptoms but should be carried out in support of the drug therapy. In addition to physiotherapy, physical therapy (heat, cold) or electrotherapy can also be helpful.