What are vertebrae?

Vertebrae are the bony building blocks of the spinal column, which together form a flexible and stable axis in the human body. Each vertebra consists of several components:

Vertebral body
The vertebral body is the front part of a vertebra and forms the largest part of the mass. It is round in shape and bears the weight of the vertebrae above it and the torso.

Vertebral arch
The vertebral arch extends backwards from the vertebral body and surrounds the spinal canal in which the spinal cord is located. It consists of two vertebral arch roots and a spinous process.

Transverse processes
Each vertebra has two transverse processes. They protrude laterally from the vertebral arch. Muscles and ligaments attach to them, which are important for stabilizing the spine.

Spinous process
The spinous process is an extension that projects backwards and to which muscles and ligaments also attach. It also serves as a lever arm for the back muscles.

Articular processes (facet joints)
These processes are located on the sides of the vertebral arches and form joints with neighboring vertebrae. They enable movements of the spine such as bending and turning.

Intervertebral foramen
The intervertebral foramen are located laterally between the vertebrae, through which nerve roots emerge from the spinal cord and lead to the various regions of the body.

Intervertebral discs
The intervertebral discs are soft but resilient structures made of cartilage tissue that are located between the vertebrae. They act as shock absorbers and allow the spine a certain degree of flexibility.

Together, these components form each individual vertebra, which differs in shape and size depending on its position in the spine (cervical, thoracic, lumbar vertebrae, etc.). The vertebrae are not only important for the mechanical support of the body, but also for the protection of the spinal cord and the transmission of forces and movements within the spine.

What is a vertebral blockage?

A blockage causes a vertebra to lose its normal mobility. Sometimes several vertebrae are affected at the same time. A blockage can be triggered by various causes, e.g:

Muscle tension
Vertebral blockages are often caused by muscle tension due to overloading, incorrect posture, stress or sudden movements. The surrounding tense muscles can consequently pull the vertebrae into a position in which they can no longer move freely.

Changes in the facet joints
The facet joints are the small joints between the vertebrae that ensure the mobility of the spine. If there is a blockage, these joints can get stuck. This results in limited mobility.

Intervertebral disc problems
Sometimes an intervertebral disc near a vertebra can also swell or become displaced, which can lead to a blockage – especially if it presses on or irritates nerve structures.

Possible symptoms of a vertebral blockage

Local pain
Pain in the area of the blocked vertebrae can be acute or chronic. Patients describe the pain as dull, stabbing or pulling. It can intensify with movement or persist at rest.

Restricted movement
The blocked vertebrae often lead to restricted mobility of the spine in certain directions. Turning or bending the back can be painful or only possible to a limited extent.

Muscle tension
The muscles around the blocked vertebrae can tense up because they want to stabilize the affected region. This tension can cause additional pain and further restrict mobility.

Radiating pain
Sometimes the pain radiates from the blocked area. You may then feel it in neighboring regions such as the shoulders, arms, buttocks or legs. This depends on the position of the affected vertebrae and the affected nerve roots.

Muscle and sensory disorders
In more severe cases, the blockage can also cause muscle weakness or numbness in the affected areas. This may indicate irritation or compression of the nerve roots.

Stiffness and a feeling of tension
Those affected often report a feeling of stiffness and tension in the affected area of the spine, especially after prolonged sitting or lying down.

Not all symptoms occur immediately and are present with the same intensity. The symptoms can also vary from person to person.

Diagnosis of a vertebral blockage

A vertebral blockage is diagnosed through a careful clinical examination in our private practice for orthopaedics and traumatology in Frankfurt. First, we will ask you about your symptoms, the onset of your complaints and any injuries or previous treatments. This is followed by a physical examination. We look for signs of muscle tension, swelling or asymmetries. Using targeted pressure points and movement tests, we identify the area of the spine that is affected by the blockage.

This is followed by certain tests: we ask you to perform various movements (e.g. bending, twisting and flexing the spine). We will check whether and where movement restrictions or pain occur. Neurological tests may also be used to clarify whether there is evidence of nerve irritation or compression.

In most cases, a vertebral blockage is a clinical diagnosis based on symptoms and physical examination. Sometimes we use X-rays – for example, to rule out other possible causes for the symptoms or to determine whether there are additional disc problems or structural changes.

Vertebral blockage, bulging disc, herniated disc – differential diagnosis necessary

There are various findings that can trigger similar symptoms. However, they have completely different causes and therefore different treatment approaches. In order to plan the right treatment, it is therefore important for us to find out what your underlying situation is.

Vertebral blockage

• Cause
  A vertebral blockage is caused by a temporary restriction in the mobility of one or more vertebrae in the spine. This can be caused by muscle tension, incorrect posture, overloading or sudden movements.
• Symptoms
  Local pain in the area of the blockage, restricted movement, tension in the surrounding muscles and possible radiation of the pain to neighboring regions are characteristic.

Protrusion of the intervertebral disc

• Cause
  In a bulging disc, the outer fibrous ring of an intervertebral disc is weakened due to strain or wear. This causes the inner, gel-like core of the intervertebral disc to push outwards or bulge. However, it does not break through the fibrous ring.
• Symptoms
  The disc protrusion can lead to back pain, which is often localized. Depending on the location of the protrusion, the pain may also radiate. Numbness or weakness in the affected areas is also possible.

You can find out more about this finding here: Treating a bulging disc: What you need to know

Herniated disc

• Cause
  In a slipped disc, the inner, gel-like core of an intervertebral disc leaks through a tear or a weak point in the outer fibrous ring. This can happen due to sudden strain, wear and tear or degenerative changes.
• Symptoms
  A herniated disc is accompanied by pain, which is often severe and can radiate to neighboring regions such as the arms or legs. Depending on the location of the prolapse and the affected nerve roots, neurological symptoms such as numbness, tingling or muscle weakness may also occur.

You can find more information here: Slipped disc treatment: these options are available

Relieving vertebral blockages in Frankfurt

If we have diagnosed you with a vertebral blockage, treatment can take place directly in our practice in Frankfurt. The therapy aims to restore the normal mobility of the blocked vertebrae, relieve the pain and avoid further complications.

The treatment of choice is chirotherapy. We use special manual techniques to mobilize and manipulate the blocked vertebrae. In this context, many people refer to this as “realignment”. There is a cracking, popping sound when the vertebra returns to its normal position and the normal mobility of the spine is restored. Traction treatments, which have a similar approach, are also suitable for treating a vertebral blockage.

Depending on the individual case, painkillers such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also be used for short-term relief of pain and inflammation. We may also prescribe muscle relaxants to reduce the muscle tension often associated with a vertebral blockage.

In some cases, we can administer injections directly to the blocked area or around the nerve roots to reduce pain and inflammation. Simply contact us to make an appointment! After a thorough examination, we will address your findings.

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What is the thoracic spine?

The thoracic spine is the middle section of the spine. It extends from the lower neck to the lower back. The thoracic spine consists of 12 vertebrae, which are referred to as T1 to T12. These vertebrae are larger and more stable than those of the cervical spine, but smaller than those of the lumbar spine.

The thoracic spine forms the connection between the upper body and the trunk. It supports the ribs and the sternum, which makes it crucial for breathing. It also enables movements such as bending, twisting and stretching the upper body.

Overview: Common complaints of the thoracic spine

Discomfort in the thoracic spine can cause a variety of symptoms that can interfere with daily life. Common complaints that can be associated with problems in the thoracic spine include:

Back pain
This is one of the most common symptoms. The pain can be localized or spread to other areas of the back.

Stiffness
People with thoracic spine problems often notice stiffness in the upper back. This can restrict movements such as bending and twisting.

Shoulder and neck pain
Pain in the shoulders and neck can also originate from the thoracic spine. These areas are interconnected and can affect each other.

Numbness and tingling sensations
Compression, for example, can irritate nerves that emerge from the thoracic spine. This can result in numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms and hands.

Headaches
Muscle tension in the upper back and neck area and problems with the thoracic spine often cause (tension) headaches.

Important for you to know: The symptoms can always vary. Not everyone affected by problems in the thoracic spine experiences all of these symptoms – nor do they experience them with the same intensity. Other factors can also trigger the symptoms.

What is chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a form of manual medicine that aims to diagnose and treat functional disorders of the musculoskeletal system. It includes techniques such as manual mobilization, manipulation, muscle stretching and strengthening as well as soft tissue techniques. The aim is to relieve pain, improve mobility and optimize the body’s ability to function. At our private practice for orthopaedics and traumatology in Frankfurt, we often use chiropractic for back, neck and joint complaints.

A colloquial term for a well-known chiropractic technique is “adjusting” (in technical jargon: manipulation). This is a quick, controlled movement. It aims to bring a restricted or blocked joint back into its normal position or to restore normal mobility. During the adjustment, we apply targeted pressure to the affected joint and mobilize it with a short, precise impulse. A characteristic “cracking” sound can often be heard. This is caused by gas bubbles escaping from the joint fluid.

Chiropractic treatment of the thoracic spine: how manual techniques can help you

Chiropractic treatment of the thoracic spine can be useful for various complaints. These include pain, restricted movement, poor posture, muscle tension or rehabilitation measures following injuries or operations. We also often use it to treat chronic complaints. Whether we use chiropractic treatment depends on various factors – e.g. the type and cause of your complaints, your medical history and your general state of health.

If you are eligible for this type of treatment, chiropractic therapy for the thoracic spine can have various positive effects:

Relief from pain
Through targeted manipulation and mobilization techniques, we can reduce pain in the thoracic spine. We do this by restoring the normal mobility of the vertebral joints and releasing muscular tension.

Improving mobility
Chiropractic techniques can help to improve the mobility of your spine. This can have a positive effect on your posture and ability to move freely.

Correction of misalignments
In the case of vertebral blockages or misalignments in the thoracic spine, chiropractic therapy can help to correct these through targeted manipulation and bring the spine into optimal alignment.

How does chiropractic treatment of the thoracic spine work?

The procedure for chiropractic treatment of the thoracic spine varies depending on your individual complaints. As a rule, we begin the session with a thorough medical history and examination in our private practice for orthopaedics and traumatology in Frankfurt. Here we analyze your symptoms and identify possible causes for the complaints. We then ensure that the treatment is appropriate for you and meets your needs.

Based on this diagnosis, we develop an individual treatment plan, which may include various manual techniques. These include, for example, manipulations, mobilizations, stretching exercises and muscular strengthening exercises.

Chiropractic thoracic spine Frankfurt

Dr. Tabrizi is your experienced orthopaedist and chiropractic doctor in Frankfurt. He offers you a variety of chirotherapeutic techniques to improve your health and well-being – e.g. for complaints of the thoracic spine. His focus is on a thorough diagnosis and individual treatment planning.

Simply contact us to make an appointment! Together we will address your back problems.

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Lower back pain: Possible orthopaedic causes

Sacroiliac joint syndrome (SIJ syndrome)
Pain in the lower back is often caused by sacroiliac joint syndrome. The sacroiliac joint connects the spine to the pelvis and is also known as the sacroiliac-iliac joint. Compared to other joints, the SIJ has limited mobility as it is held taut by strong ligaments. A blockage of the SIJ, which can be caused by prolonged incorrect posture, overloading or accidents, for example, can result in pain and restricted movement. In this case, the joint surfaces of the SIJ shift against each other and also become blocked due to increased muscle tension.

Slipped disc
A slipped disc, medically known as a prolapse, can also affect the lumbar spine (lumbar disc herniation). The gelatinous core of an intervertebral disc breaks through its fibrous ring and presses on the nerves, which typically causes pain that can radiate into the legs and feet. Sensory disturbances such as tingling or numbness in the leg also occur frequently. The pain intensifies when coughing, sneezing and during movement. Poor posture and incorrect movements are the main causes of a herniated lumbar disc.

Wear and tear on the spine
Over the years, the joints of the spine wear out. In some cases, pronounced age-related joint wear occurs, which can be accompanied by unpleasant pain in the lower back. In such situations, osteoarthritis may also be behind the symptoms.

Spinal canal stenosis
The spinal canal runs through the spine and houses the spinal cord. It carries nerve signals back and forth between the brain and the body. In the case of spinal canal stenosis, the canal is narrowed at certain points and exerts pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. This can cause pain in the sacrum area.

Curvature of the spine
In scoliosis, the natural alignment of the spine is disturbed. In this clinical picture, the spine sometimes leans visibly to the left or right. This lateral curvature can also cause pain in the lower back. Tension and a tilted pelvis are also often associated with scoliosis.

Spondylolisthesis
If the vertebrae are unstable, they can shift more easily. While some sufferers may have no or only minor symptoms, others may experience back pain when straining or making certain movements. In some cases, sensory disturbances and paralysis can also occur if a displaced vertebra presses on a nerve root.

Muskelverspannungen
Manchmal sind es auch verspannte Muskeln, die Schmerzen im unteren Rücken verursachen. Sie resultieren oft aus Fehlhaltungen oder Bewegungsmangel.

Muscle tension
Sometimes it is also tense muscles that cause pain in the lower back. It often results from poor posture or lack of exercise.

Treating lower back pain: how we can help you at our practice in Frankfurt

Depending on your findings, we can help you with various therapies at our private practice for orthopaedics and traumatology in Frankfurt. We can treat your lower back pain with the following methods:

Neural therapy
In neural therapy, we inject local anaesthetics and anti-inflammatory substances near nerves or hardened muscles. Neural therapy can help with lower back pain by reducing inflammation and muscle tension.

Segmental therapy
Segmental therapy is a form of manual therapy that focuses on the targeted treatment of specific spinal segments and their effects on the body. Through targeted exercises and mobilisation, we can use segment therapy to strengthen your back muscles and realign the spine. In this way, we can relieve pain and improve the function of the lower back.

Infiltrations close to the spine
In this specialised treatment, we inject special therapeutic substances into the area near your spine. There are different types of spinal infiltrations, including epidural injections (into the epidural space around the spinal cord), facet joint infiltrations (into the small joints between the vertebrae) and sacroiliac joint infiltrations (into the joints between the sacrum and the pelvic bones). We can use these procedures for various back problems such as herniated discs, osteoarthritis or inflammation to relieve your pain and improve your symptoms.

Chiropractic therapy
This is based on manual techniques in which we use our hands to apply targeted movements, pressure or manipulation to the affected tissue. This enables us to improve the function and mobility of the affected structures. Chiropractic can help with lower back pain by correcting misalignments of the vertebrae or joints that may be the cause of the pain. We can also use it to release muscle tension and blockages that can trigger lower back pain. Manual therapy can also be used to increase the mobility of your spine and joints, which can relieve pain and improve function. We can also promote blood circulation and metabolism in the affected area to support healing.

Traction treatments
Traction therapy uses traction forces on the spine or other parts of the body to treat certain orthopaedic problems. For lower back pain, traction treatments can reduce pressure on the discs and create space for the nerve roots. We stretch your muscles and ligaments to relieve tension and improve flexibility. Traction treatments can also increase blood flow to the affected area, which promotes healing and reduces inflammation.

Kinesio taping
Kinesio taping is a therapy method in which we apply elastic, self-adhesive tapes to your skin in a specific system to treat various muscular and orthopaedic problems. These tapes are specially designed to lift the skin and apply gentle tension to the underlying muscles and tissues without restricting your freedom of movement. We can use taping to relieve your lower back pain. The tapes provide gentle support and reduce tension in the affected muscles. They can also help to increase the stability of your spine, especially in the case of minor injuries or muscle tension in the lower back. The procedure can also activate circulation in the affected area to help heal tissue damage. We can apply the kinesio tapes to help you adopt a more correct posture and avoid the misalignments that can cause your back pain.

Acupuncture
We like to use this traditional Chinese healing method in orthopaedics to relieve pain and treat musculoskeletal problems. For the treatment, we place fine needles at specific points on your skin, the so-called acupuncture points. These are located along the energy pathways in the body, known as meridians. The treatment is also indicated for lower back pain. The needles can stimulate the release of the body’s own pain-relieving substances, such as endorphins, and thus reduce acute or chronic pain. They can also relieve muscle tension in the lower back, which leads to improved blood circulation and loosening of your affected muscles. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture is also believed to harmonise the flow of energy (Qi) in the body. Blockages or stagnation of Qi can cause pain and the needles can release these blockages. Acupuncture can also reduce inflammatory processes in the body that can cause pain and discomfort in the lower back.

Lower back pain treatment: We are here for you at our practice in Frankfurt!

As you can see: There are many different causes of lower back pain – and just as many treatment options! At our orthopaedic practice in Frankfurt, we will examine you in detail and check where your pain is coming from. After a thorough diagnosis, we will determine which treatments are best suited to your individual symptoms and draw up a personalised treatment plan. Feel free to contact us to tackle your pain!

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