Which exercises can help? | Spinal column arthrosis – How is it treated?

Which exercises can help?

Although sport is one of the risk factors for spinal osteoarthritis, it is also considered a major protective factor for the joints. The dosage and the type of sport are decisive. So-called high-impact sports, which are associated with many impacts, favour the development of arthrosis.

In contrast, most endurance sports are considered to be joint protection. These include walking and Nordic walking, cross-country skiing and swimming. Cycling and running depends on the condition of the ground and the damping of the bicycle or running shoes.

Too much impact on the spine has a pro-arthrotic effect. Light movement stimulates the bone to form better and more stable cartilage substance, which in turn protects against arthrosis. In addition to swimming and cross-country skiing, where cardiovascular, endurance and back muscles are trained simultaneously, back strengthening exercises are also helpful.

On the one hand, the back support muscles are strengthened, which leads to less strain on the spine. On the other hand, it improves mobility, even if back pain already exists. Movements relevant to everyday life can be trained in a targeted manner. Those who work on it with a physiotherapist can also learn new movements that can be performed painlessly and thus replace possibly painful movements. Since back pain is virtually a widespread disease, many fitness studios offer back courses that carefully build up and strengthen the muscles.

When does one need surgery?

Surgery for spinal osteoarthritis is rather rare and should only be used if conservative treatments are not sufficient. Indications for surgery are therefore, for example, pain that can no longer be adequately treated. In this case, pain fibers can be sclerosed so that no pain signal is heard.

Nerve damage such as sensory disturbances and loss of certain muscles also make surgery necessary. In particularly severe cases, the nerve damage can also manifest itself in the form of bladder or bowel voiding disorders. This can be an indication for emergency surgery and is more likely to occur in traumatic injuries than in spinal osteoarthritis.