Each vertebra is responsible for the supply of an organ. If the head hurts or stomach pain makes itself felt, this can also originate from the spine. Displacements of only one millimeter with serious consequences: Vertebral blockages; trigger of stabbing pain and cause of most back problems.
What is a vertebral block?
Back pain is a classic symptom of the Western world. Sitting for long periods of time and little movement promote this discomfort. The individual vertebrae are held together by small facet joints and ligaments. These allow the head to be turned on its side or the person to bend forward. Between the vertebrae are the intervertebral discs, which prevent the vertebrae from colliding directly. Overstretched ligaments mean that they are no longer strong enough to hold the vertebrae in the correct position. If disc fluid leaks out, the vertebrae no longer have room and shift. The result is a restriction of movement and is called a vertebral blockage. These blockages do not include restrictions caused by inflammation.
Causes
The causes of vertebral block vary depending on the vertebral region affected. The cervical vertebrae shift most often due to blunt external impact. The classic case is whiplash injury. The first vertebra, the atlas, is connected to the head by a ball-and-socket joint. Between the vertebra and this joint, and also between the first and second vertebra, the protective intervertebral disc, which acts like a shock absorber, is missing. Blockages in the thoracic vertebrae are due to an unhealthy lifestyle for the musculoskeletal system. Sitting on a rigid surface, bent forward posture and too little stretching for the intervertebral discs to be taken care of. In the lumbar vertebra, the usually insufficient musculature is responsible for a blockage, herniated discs as well. It is not uncommon that lifting heavy loads incorrectly is enough for a stabbing pain to become immediately noticeable. In order to keep the spine straight when the pelvis is tilted, the supporting apparatus makes use not only of the musculature but also of the first cervical vertebra. The result is a straight spine, but a displaced atlas vertebra.
Symptoms, complaints and signs
A vertebral blockage usually leads to severe discomfort in the first few days. These then subside on their own. Symptoms occur in the cervical vertebrae, thoracic vertebrae, lumbar vertebrae or coccyx. Those affected regularly have to accept restrictions in movement. In addition to pain at the respective vertebrae, signs also extend to other regions of the body. When vertebrae are blocked, the body automatically adopts a protective posture. This puts strain on other parts of the body, which in the long term promotes poor posture. Most often, patients go to the doctor because of a cervical spine blockage. They complain of severe neck pain. In addition, the head can only be moved to the left or right to a limited extent. The blockages are often accompanied by headaches and fatigue. The thoracic vertebral blockade sometimes leads to complaints in breathing and in the musculoskeletal system. The area around the abdomen is also often affected. Patients sometimes complain of digestive problems. The best-known sign of lumbar blockage is lumbago. But other symptoms such as cramps in the abdomen, back pain or circulatory problems can also accompany a condition. Calf cramps extend the signs to the legs. If the coccyx is affected, abdominal pain sometimes occurs. Affected individuals describe the sitting position as extremely uncomfortable. An anal itch and constipation also sometimes develop.
Diagnosis and course
At the beginning of vertebral blockage, the surrounding muscles compensate for the misalignment to prevent greater pain. However, this protective posture in turn leads to tension. Muscle tension is always accompanied by a constriction of the nerves; the spiral nerves, which are responsible for supplying the organs, report and this inevitably triggers pain. It is not uncommon that the attending physician first suspects other causes. If thoracic vertebrae are slightly displaced, the heart or lungs cannot be supplied properly, which can sometimes result in breathing difficulties. A clear diagnosis is difficult. Only a herniated disc can be detected visibly by imaging.On the other hand, a long-lasting misalignment of the spine due to a pelvic obliquity is visible to the naked eye. To keep the spine and head as straight as possible, the atlas vertebra at the other end compensates for the oblique position. The muscles of one half of the body are overstretched, the other shortened. If this blockage remains untreated for a long time, chronic pain is the result.
Complications
In most cases, a vertebral block causes severe pain and leads to massive restrictions in movement. Vertebral blockages occur frequently and are usually harmless; in most cases, they disappear on their own when the poor posture that led to the blockage is corrected. However, if a nerve is pinched, there may also be discomfort and even paralysis. Paralysis symptoms in the arms or legs must definitely be examined and treated by a doctor. In most cases, a vertebral blockage causes severe pain and restricted movement, which can severely limit the affected person in their everyday life. Blockages in the back, shoulders and cervical spine often radiate into the head and cause headaches. From the discomfort, the heart and lungs can also be limited in their function, in worse cases, a vertebral blockage can also cause shortness of breath and heart problems. If the pain does not subside even when lying down, the quality of sleep suffers. Caution should be exercised when chiropractically adjusting the blocked vertebrae, especially in the case of blockages in the cervical spine. Such procedures can trigger herniated discs and strokes in the worst cases.
When should you see a doctor?
If there are irregularities in mobility in the back after a twisting motion, during sports activities, an accident, exposure to force or a fall, a doctor should be consulted to clarify the symptoms. In the case of only slight irregularities, sufficient rest and sparing may already be sufficient to bring about relief from the complaints. The prerequisite for this is that with sufficient warmth and a restful night’s sleep, there is already a significant improvement in the overall situation. However, if the impairments continue unabated or increase in intensity, help should be sought immediately. A visit to the doctor to clarify the cause is also advisable in the case of severe pain. If tensions, headaches or restrictions of the general movement sequences appear, these are alarm signals of the organism. Dysfunction, fatigue and discomfort in the abdomen may also indicate irregularities of the spine. Disturbances in breathing as well as changes in heart rhythm are signs of health impairment that should be examined as soon as possible. Medical treatment is advised to prevent complications or secondary diseases. If everyday activities can no longer be performed without discomfort or if participation in sports activities is not possible, a doctor is needed. The permanent adoption of a gentle posture or malposition of the skeletal system also indicates disorders that would need to be treated.
Treatment and therapy
Blocked vertebrae lead to limited mobility. Under this circumstance, it may sound paradoxical, but movement relieves pain. Displaced vertebrae even find their way back into the correct position on their own if the surrounding area is sufficiently strengthened. However, if the tension has been untreated for a long time and is massive, the doctor will ease the pain by means of infusions or infiltration before movement therapy. Only then can massage or physical therapy be used to stretch the vertebra back into its proper position. Chiropractic adjusts vertebrae with targeted overstretching at the affected area. For minor displacements, this jarring procedure is rarely necessary and can be achieved with gentler methods. Care should also be taken with blockages of the cervical spine because several nerve cords go from the spinal cord into the head here and the artery is also close to these vertebrae. In the Dorn method, the patient moves arms or legs in a pendulum shape and at the same time the therapist gently pushes the vertebrae into the correct position. The prerequisite for this is that the vertebral blockage is not from a herniated disc and painful nerve inflammation has been ruled out.The compression of the spine that occurs during the day due to prolonged sitting and lack of movement, anyone can also release with the help of gravity: Hanging. Whether holding on to the bar with your hands and letting your feet dangle or vice versa, it doesn’t matter.
Prevention
Exercise and targeted strengthening of the neck and back muscles prevent vertebral blockages. With predominantly sedentary work, the muscles do not fall into an unnatural posture that leads to tension. Regular breaks with targeted relief exercises also keep the facet joints between the vertebrae flexible. Sporting activity and exercise in general lead to good care of the intervertebral discs, which thus remain elastic. Nocturnal rest should also not be underestimated: although a sleeper moves on average every ten minutes, the head usually remains resting on the pillow. If it is too high, the cervical vertebrae shift. The body shows its displeasure with the apparently more comfortable prone position, but it affects the cervical vertebrae just the same.
Aftercare
The ideal aftercare for a vertebral blockage depends on several factors. These include the cause of the blockage, if it can be determined, the degree and location of the vertebral blockage. It is also important to know if this was a one-time event or if the blockage of the vertebrae has occurred more than once at this location. Aftercare can be arranged with the physiotherapist or orthopedist, but also with sports instructors or fitness trainers with appropriate qualifications. The pain that the vertebral blockage not infrequently brings with it often leads to tension in the muscles. In this context, aftercare can alleviate the discomfort by the patient using massages, taking relaxing baths. A hot water bottle or hot cherry pit pillows can also promise relief. Often it is also one-sided loads or incorrect posture in conjunction with muscular imbalance that can trigger the vertebral blockage. In this case, it is also part of the follow-up care that the patient thinks about the ergonomics at his workplace or compensates for the imbalance of his muscles by training and thus physiologically stabilizes the spine. Weak muscles (often in the abdomen and upper back) must be strengthened, while shortened muscles (often in the chest) must be stretched gently but consistently.
This is what you can do yourself
If necessary, a vertebral blockage can be solved by yourself. In consultation with a sports medicine physician, various exercises and techniques are recommended, such as the COX technique, in which the vertebrae are stretched and brought into the correct position. Popular techniques such as unhooking or back swinging are also suitable. However, strong pressure or tearing should never be used here. If pain, restricted movement and other problems occur, the doctor should be consulted. Especially in the case of severe vertebral blockages and other back problems, a visit to a chiropractor is recommended. The medical specialist can give further self-help tips and resolve the vertebral blockage professionally. An acute vertebral blockage, such as can occur in the form of lumbago, initially requires rest. Those affected should lie down until the pain has subsided. The blockage can then be relieved by gentle movements. If this does not bring about an improvement in the symptoms, there may be severe tension that needs to be relieved by massage or chiropractic mobilization. Connected to the therapy, possible triggers and risk factors for vertebral blockages must be found and eliminated, such as incorrect or excessive strain or a lack of movement.
