Vertebral joint blockages occur when the mobility of the articular processes belonging to the vertebral bodies is restricted as a result of wear and tear or overuse, causing the spine to lose mobility. Blockages in the vertebral joints can usually be treated well as part of conservative therapy.
What are vertebral joint blockages?
A vertebral joint blockage is a wear- or overuse-related restriction of the mobility of the articular processes or so-called facets (facet joints), through which the individual vertebral bodies are connected to each other. If the sacroiliac joint (sacroiliac joint) is affected by a blockage, we speak of a so-called sacroiliac syndrome. Since the small vertebral joints have pain receptors, overload can cause a stabbing pain in the affected area, which in the further course changes into a deep-seated, dull pain. This can intensify under stress and in many cases radiate into the legs as well as into the area of the buttocks and/or groin. Due to the pain, the mobility of the spine is restricted, which usually leads to a protective posture in the affected person, which can cause additional tension in the back muscles as well as an intensification of the vertebral joint blockage.
Causes
Vertebral joint blockages are generally due to degenerative spinal changes (wear and tear of the intervertebral discs, vertebral joint arthrosis) or overloading of the spine (heavy lifting, trauma). As a result of wear processes or overloading, the vertebral bodies shift against each other, causing the vertebral joints to become dislocated from their normal structure. Even minor dislocations (changes in position) of the facet joints can lead to irritation of the joint capsule. The muscles that stabilize the spine tense reflexively to protect against further overloading, resulting in restricted mobility of the vertebral joints. These are disturbed in their function and block. In addition, a pain-induced protective posture, in which (rotational) movements in the affected area are avoided, can cause overloading of other spinal segments and a higher degree of vertebral joint blockage.
Typical symptoms and signs
- Sharp pain
- Back pain in the area of the spine
- Movement restrictions
Diagnosis and course
With vertebral joint blockages, it is not uncommon to experience severe back pain. A vertebral joint blockage is diagnosed during a physical examination by checking the mobility of the individual spinal segments. Sprains or blockages in the facet joints can be detected in the prone position by the doctor or physiotherapist placing one hand on the lumbar region and pulling the stretched leg upwards with the other. If the patient feels pain, this may indicate a vertebral joint blockage. Imaging procedures such as X-rays, computer tomography or magnetic resonance imaging allow statements to be made about underlying wear and tear of the vertebral joints. Depending on the underlying cause, vertebral joint blockages are easily treatable with consistent physical therapy and muscle development through exercise and sports activity. If the vertebral joint block is due to underlying wear of the vertebral joints, the course and prognosis depend on the extent of spinal degeneration.
Complications
As a rule, vertebral joint blocks lead to very severe pain. In this case, this pain is stabbing or burning and in many cases spreads to the neighboring regions in the body. The pain can also occur at night in the form of pain at rest and thus have a very negative effect on the sleep of the affected person. Due to the vertebral joint blockages, many patients thus also suffer from irritability or even psychological upsets and depression. Due to the severe pain in the back, there are also movement restrictions and also a significantly reduced quality of life for the patient. Strenuous activities or sporting activities can no longer be carried out without further ado. Since this disease does not heal itself and in most cases leads to a worsening of the symptoms, patients are in any case dependent on medical treatment. The treatment itself does not lead to further complications.With the help of various therapies and applications, the symptoms can be alleviated. However, a complete cure cannot be guaranteed. Vertebral joint blockages do not have a negative effect on the patient’s life expectancy.
When should you see a doctor?
If discomfort and irregularities in the back occur in everyday life due to a heavy physical load, a break should be taken immediately. If discomfort minimizes within the next, hours or after night sleep, normally no doctor is needed. In the future, the needs of the organism should be taken into account and situations of physical overexertion should be avoided. Consultation with a physiotherapist or doctor can be sought for support and optimization of movement patterns. This prevents and can protect against health impairments. If discomfort occurs in the spinal area after a sudden movement, after sporting activities as well as after an accident, fall or violent impact, it should be monitored further. If the problems persist over a longer period of time or if there is an increase in health impairments, a visit to the doctor is advisable. Pain in the area of the back, restrictions in mobility as well as disorders of the muscular system should be examined. If daily activities can no longer be carried out without pain, there is cause for concern. Medical care is necessary to prevent long-term damage as well as secondary diseases. If pain occurs or there is irregularity at rest, consultation with a physician is necessary. If the pain spreads further in the body, action is also needed.
Treatment and therapy
Vertebral joint blockages are generally treated conservatively at first. Light movement and stretching exercises under the guidance of a physiotherapist or physiotherapist (at least the first time) can already solve existing blockages in many cases. In the presence of severe acute pain, which can lead to additional tension as a result of a pain-induced protective posture, painkillers can also be used in the short term. Pain and heat patches, grain pillows, and creams or ointments with capsaicin can be used locally to reduce pain and promote muscle relaxation and circulation in order to increase the mobility of the affected area and reduce the risk of additional tension. In addition, manual therapy (chiropractic) measures can be used to try to release the vertebral joint blockage. This is done either by carefully stretching to improve mobility in the affected spinal region (mobilization) or by using a short movement impulse from the affected area in the pain-free direction to release the blockage (manipulation). In the run-up to a manipulation, a so-called trial move should be performed to check whether the measure can be carried out without pain. If the pain is severe, infiltration may be indicated in rare cases. During infiltration, a local anesthetic with anti-inflammatory cortisone is injected specifically at or into the affected vertebral joint to relieve the blockage in the vertebral joint.
Prevention
Vertebral joint blockages are most likely to be prevented by exercising the abdominal and back muscles, which stabilize the spine like a corset. Targeted strengthening exercises and regular exercise also prevent further episodes of pain if vertebral joint blockages are present. Back-friendly sports such as backstroke, cycling or Nordic walking are also recommended to reduce the risk of vertebral joint blockages.
Aftercare
Numerous patients often suffer from recurrent back pain after treatment for vertebral joint block, primarily affecting the lumbar spine. The application of a medical back brace is considered a helpful follow-up treatment. It has a supportive effect on conventional therapy. In addition, bandages help prevent recurrence of joint blockage. The bandages can be worn both at work and during sports activities and provide protection for the vertebral joints. The best aftercare for vertebral joint blockages is considered to be preventive care to avoid recurrence.Stretching the muscle groups that often shorten and strengthening the muscles that stabilize the trunk, such as the back extensors, are particularly useful. However, the training should take place evenly, because with one-sided exercises there is a risk that the imbalance of the muscles will become even more solidified instead of improving. Physiotherapeutic exercises under the supervision of a physiotherapist are therefore recommended. On the other hand, excessive rest is less helpful. It only helps against the pain in the early phase of the vertebral blockage. Otherwise, movement should be resumed quickly. In this way, a reduction of the musculature is counteracted. Regularity and slow increase of movements are more important than too high a training volume. Anyone who suffers from excess weight should reduce it. Thus, the spine is excessively stressed by too many superfluous pounds.
This is what you can do yourself
The general motion sequences should be basically checked and improved in case of disorders of the joint activity. In particular, care should be taken to optimize lifting and carrying physical loads. In some cases, these procedures should be completely omitted. Jerky movements should be completely avoided in everyday life. The body’s own weight should be within the normal range. Existing excess weight has a detrimental effect on general health and can lead to lifelong impairment of the skeletal system. It also increases the risk of diseases of the bones as well as joints. Therefore, people affected by vertebral joint blockages should check their own weight at regular intervals and, if necessary, initiate weight reduction. Sports activities as well as the execution of professional activities should be adapted to the physical possibilities in principle. Often, various types of sports cannot be performed for a certain period of time until the blockages have regenerated. It is also necessary to check whether other sporting exercises are more suitable for the long-term development of one’s health. Likewise, there is the possibility of temporarily minimizing or stopping the performance of occupational tasks. Wearing warm clothing has proven helpful, especially in cold weather months. In addition, care should be taken to ensure that the spine is not exposed to drafts of any kind. Warming baths or going to a sauna are often pleasant and symptom relieving.
