Therapy Baastrup’s disease
The therapy of Baastrup’s disease is primarily conservative. Physiotherapeutic treatment is primarily intended to improve the curvature of the spine and thus prevent contact with the spinous processes. In addition, heat application and electrotherapy can be used to achieve a symptomatic improvement in the symptoms of Baastrup’s disease, which is very pleasant for many patients.
In the case of very acute symptoms, a heat application can numb the pain and also have an anti-inflammatory effect. Only in exceptional cases, such as massive pain that is refractory to therapy, is Baastrup’s disease treated surgically. In this procedure, the spinous processes are reduced in a wedge-shaped manner, which initially eliminates contact with the spinous processes.
However, this is not a causal therapy, since the degenerative changes in the spinal column in particular cannot be surgically corrected. In most cases, residual complaints remain.
- Reduction of the hollow back through muscle strengthening exercises and
- Pain reduction through muscle relaxing measures.
- Local anesthetic in combination with
- Corticosteroid is injected between the vertebral bodies (interspinally).
Sport – Which one is good?
Baastrup’s disease is also called “kissing spines” in English. This refers to the excessive approximation of the spinous processes of the vertebral bodies. As a result, hyperlordosis of the spinal column occurs.
Stretching exercises are therefore very important to protect the ligaments of the spine from excessive shortening. Special emphasis should be placed on stretching hip flexors and back extensors. Every patient should find a sport that does not cause him or her any additional pain.
After all, exercise in itself is an important positive factor for a successful therapy. Many patients report that swimming training and physiotherapy have a soothing effect on the symptoms, whereas prolonged standing or jogging causes pain. In principle, care should be taken to ensure that the postural muscles are trained.In addition to the back muscles, the abdominal muscles and the gluteal muscles are particularly important for stability, which is effective against a hollow back.
Yoga and Pilates are sports that especially train these muscles. Some exercises to counteract the consequences of Baastrup’s disease are easy to perform in everyday life. However, it is advisable to consult a physiotherapist in any case to ensure that the exercises are performed correctly and that all muscle groups are trained in a balanced way.
For example, stand with your back against a wall and press your lower back against the wall for 15 seconds, always alternating with 10 second breaks. In addition, the Plank-exercise in prone, supine or lateral position is a good workout. In addition, stretching the hip flexors while standing with the leg bent and the foot around the buttocks is a good exercise.