Vertebral blockages are the most common trigger of stabbing back pain and are the cause of most back problems. Especially in the western world, back pain is very common and is a typical symptom, which is intensified in its intensity by too little movement, sitting for long periods of time and resting. In the so-called chiropractic practice, the term vertebral blockage is also used for a vertebral subluxation.
In this case, the vertebrae are fixed in an extreme position by a cramping of the stabilizing back muscles, but are not completely “dislocated”. By definition, restrictions in spinal column movement caused by inflammation or tumors are not considered vertebral blockages, but must be excluded as an important differential diagnosis. Although a vertebral blockage is usually accompanied by very severe pain, a vertebral blockage is usually a harmless phenomenon.
The symptoms often disappear after a few days even without treatment. A doctor should only be consulted if the symptoms persist or a serious illness is suspected. The spinal column can be imagined as a moving chain consisting of linearly arranged individual elements that are connected to each other via stabilizing structures.
The elements are presented by the individual vertebrae, which are connected to each other by small joints (facet joints) and are fixed by ligaments. The joints and ligaments enable the mobility of the spine. Between the individual vertebrae are the intervertebral discs, which perform a shock absorbing function and prevent direct contact between the vertebrae, as well as reducing the forces caused by activity.
In most cases, these are blockages of the small vertebral joints, which transmit movements from one vertebral body to the next. Depending on which area of the spinal column is affected – whether cervical, thoracic or lumbar – various specific causes of vertebral blockage can be considered. In most cases, the triggers for a vertebral blockage are rapid, jerky movements, possibly combined with rotation.
This can occur during sporting activities, but also in everyday life, an unfortunate movement, possibly combined with cold drafts, can lead to the shooting pains. Even an awkward movement or a night-time lying down can lead to cramping of the small deep-seated muscles that are responsible for the fine control of the small vertebral joints and thus trigger a vertebral blockage. In many cases, one-sided muscle tension due to overloading of the muscle, exposure to wind or cold, as well as incorrect or sparing postures play a role.
The muscle imbalance causes the vertebra to shift, the vertebra is “dislocated” and gets stuck in its new position. Very often vertebral blockages are accompanied by stress situations. Stress in everyday life or at work can lead to an involuntary tension of the back muscles, which occurs mainly in the area of the cervical spine.
Long one-sided postures can also lead to dislocated vertebrae. For example, a poor sleeping position or a one-sided drooping of the shoulders during long periods of sitting. A weakening of the stabilizing structures can lead to a vertebral blockage.
For example, overstretching the ligaments can lead to destabilization due to lack of traction on the vertebrae, so that they are no longer fixed in the correct position; the vertebra is literally “dislocated” from the joint. Degenerative changes in the spinal column, such as disc wear or vertebral joint arthrosis, can also lead to vertebral blockages. In this process, the vertebral bodies are shifted against each other and released from their normal structure, which leads to irritation of the joint capsule.
This causes severe pain and limits the mobility of the spine. Another cause of vertebral blockages are accidents. Especially accidents involving whiplash injuries can lead to dislocated vertebrae.
All articles in this series:
