Stretch the lumbar spine | Lumbar Spine (LWS)

Stretch the lumbar spine

The lumbar spine provides attachment surfaces for numerous muscles and ligament structures, which results in constant traction on the lumbar spine both in movement and in the resting position. Since this ideally takes place symmetrically, i.e. the same structures on both sides exert the same forces on them, there should be a certain balance between them. The stretching of the lumbar spine should have a balancing effect.

This can prevent muscle attachment tendons on one side from shortening, which can happen as a result of certain habitual movements, and thus exert more tension than on the other side. The hip plays a major role in this process, since it is connected to the lumbar spine via particularly strong muscles. Stretching the lumbar spine also helps here in that it prevents the associated hip malpositions.

In addition, stretching the lumbar spine ensures that mobility is maintained in all directions. Stretching exercises involve not only bending and stretching movements forward and sideways, but also rotational movements. It is important to remain in the respective positions for a few seconds to ensure that the tendons and ligaments are stretched effectively. Excessive stretching should be avoided due to the risk of strain. This topic might also be of interest to you: Ligaments of the spine

Blockade

A blockage is a structure of muscles, ligaments and bones that have become unbalanced for various reasons. This can be imagined in such a way that by overloading or too strong irritation of one structure, for example by repetitive movements, another one has to carry the load and the mobility more in its place. This unfamiliar situation leads to nerve irritation in the region concerned, to severe pain and the feeling of being restricted in mobility.

This is manifested by a hardened muscle or a swollen tendon, which are “blocked” in their function, so to speak. A classic example is a blockage of the cervical spine, for example, when you have slept in a position that is tense for the muscles and the next morning you feel that you can no longer turn your neck completely without a painful stimulus being triggered that prevents further movement. Here, physiotherapy and warmth help to loosen up the structure again and to be able to move painlessly, but also to strengthen the structures.

A blockage therefore does not mean a bone that is wedged in the figurative sense. Nevertheless, real displacements of bone, for example a vertebral body prolapse in the lumbar spine, can occur, which cause similar symptoms but require urgent treatment. The intervertebral disc, which is located between the individual vertebral bodies, consists of two parts: the outer fibrous ring “Anulus fibrosus” and the gelatinous core “Nucleus pulposus”.

In the widely known herniated disc, the gelatinous nucleus pulposus breaks through and exits through the annulus fibrosus. The herniated disc either penetrates in the direction of the spinal cord, laterally to the nerve root, or both combined, thereby exerting pressure on the structure in question. Thus, not the entire intervertebral disc slips out of the spinal column structure, but only the nucleus.

Depending on the pressure intensity of the herniated disc, the persons concerned show different symptoms.Most herniated discs occur in the lumbar spine, especially between lumbar vertebrae 4 and 5 (herniated disc L4/5) and between 5 and the 1st sacrum (herniated disc L5/S1). Nevertheless, the thoracic spine is not spared. The widespread herniated disc can have a variety of causes and can affect people at any age.

Often age-related degradation processes, heavy physical work (e.g. lifting heavy objects), poor posture, overloading (e.g. due to heavy weight) or even sport (especially over long periods of time) are to blame for the breakout of the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc. But predisposition also plays a major role here.

Furthermore, an accident in which strong forces act on the spine, for example a spinal twist, can lead to a herniated disc. Bone tumors or metastases in vertebral bodies also damage the bones and surrounding structures and make the spine more susceptible to injury. In the foreground of a herniated disc is severe pain in the spine (depending on the location of the disc), which varies individually and radiates for example into the foot.

The pain leads to relieving posture and tension, which causes further pain and restricts mobility. In addition, those affected feel paraesthesia, i.e. a mixture of numbness, tingling and a feeling of cold, due to the nerve irritation. Certain areas of the skin may feel numb, and some muscles may be restricted in their function.