GLOSSARY

Acute lumbago

This condition is characterized by the sudden onset of severe back pain in the lumbar spine, which severely impairs mobility. In common parlance, this is referred to as a “witch shot.”

Anulus (fibrous ring)
A disc consists of two parts: the fibrous ring (Anulus Fibrosus) and the nucleus pulposus. The fibrous ring consists of layers of collagenous connective tissue fibers that transition inward into fibrocartilage. These connective tissue fibers adhere to the vertebral bodies.

Arthrosis
Arthrosis refers to joint wear. Here, the cartilage layer of the joint gradually wears away. Over time, the joint wear also affects bones, muscles, joint capsule and ligaments. The signs of wear and tear in arthrosis are painful and go far beyond the age-related level. This wear can occur on the spine, hip joints, knee joints, wrist joints and ankle joints.

Intervertebral discs
The intervertebral disc is located between the individual vertebral bodies, which acts as a buffer and absorbs mechanical pressure along the spine. The spine consists of 24 vertebral bodies from the cervical to the lumbar spine, which are held together by joints, ligaments, muscles and fascia. It itself consists of a gelatinous core, the so-called nucleus, which is surrounded by several layers of fibrous connective tissue, the so-called anulus. The intervertebral disc does not have its own blood supply, as the supply of fluid, nutrients and oxygen is based on the process of diffusion from the adjacent vertebral bodies. This process depends largely on the pressure difference between the inside of the intervertebral disc and the adjacent vertebral body or its supplying blood vessels. This is also the reason why intervertebral disc regeneration (such as supply and nutrition) mainly takes place in a lying and resting body position, i.e. when the intervertebral disc pressure (intradiscal pressure) is low. In principle, this regeneration process is very limited and with increasing age, wear and tear and associated pain and discomfort are very common.

Intervertebral disc disease
Intervertebral disc disease is a degenerative spinal disease. The natural aging process causes changes in the intervertebral discs. They lose water and elasticity, and cracks can form in the outer fibrous ring. Through these cracks, intervertebral disc material can escape and be pressed into the spinal canal. Various factors such as lack of exercise, obesity and heavy physical strain can accelerate the aging process. Intervertebral disc diseases can occur in all sections of the spine, but are particularly common in the lumbar spine. It can lead to intervertebral disc bulging (protrusion) or intervertebral disc herniation (prolapse). Most intervertebral disc diseases can be treated conservatively with medication and physiotherapy. If neurological deficits occur, surgery is necessary.

Intervertebral disc surgery
Intervertebral disc surgery is strongly recommended if the compression of the nerve root has led not only to back pain, but also to neurological deficits. Such deficits include, for example, weakening of the foot lifting or foot lowering muscle or numbness in the nerve areas. Surgery may be necessary for leg and back pain that cannot be improved within 6-8 weeks despite intensive conservative therapy with physiotherapy and decongestant medication. In such cases, the fibrous ring that surrounds the actual gelatinous intervertebral disc may have ruptured and the escaped intervertebral disc fragment has become trapped under the nerve root. Today, there are various surgical options to choose from, all of which have the goal of relieving the pinched nerve root by freeing it from prolapsed intervertebral disc tissue.

Intervertebral disc damage
This is a collective term for damage to the intervertebral discs. The intervertebral discs of the lumbar spine are particularly frequently affected, less often those of the cervical spine; damage to the thoracic spine accounts for only 2% of cases. The damage is divided into intervertebral disc degeneration (chondrosis), intervertebral disc bulging (protrusio) and intervertebral disc herniation (prolapse). The agonizing back pain that occurs can usually be treated with painkillers and physiotherapy. Surgical treatment is only necessary if nerves are constricted and neurological deficits occur.

Herniated disc
A herniated disc or prolapse is caused by changes in the intervertebral disc and the adjacent vertebral bodies. The intervertebral disc deforms, changes its position and presses on the nerves emanating from the spinal cord. Symptoms of a herniated disc are severe back pain, neck pain (cervical spine syndrome), lower back pain (lumbar spine syndrome) or pain or radiation in the extremities. Numbness in the arms (brachialgia) or legs (sciatica), as well as occasional paralysis, can also occur. The cause of a herniated disc is often overexertion with a pre-damaged intervertebral disc. Treatment is possible conservatively in many cases; in more severe cases, intervertebral disc surgery is necessary. In order to prevent a herniated disc, the back should be built up with targeted muscle building and gymnastic exercises, as well as taking a back-friendly position in certain life situations.

Bulging disc
An intervertebral disc protrusion (bulging disc) is a change in the intervertebral disc. It is a precursor to a herniated disc. It can be derived from the Latin protrusio, which means “pushing forward” or “thrusting forward.” In contrast to a herniated disc, the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc is not torn, but bulges outward. It leads to pain radiating in the lumbar region, but rarely can radiation in the hands and legs occur depending on the height of the bulge. In contrast, the intervertebral disc can also press backwards into the so-called spinal canal. This is a bony canal that runs vertically between the vertebrae and thus surrounds the spinal cord. It puts pressure on the posterior longitudinal ligament or on the nerves running in the vertebral canal. Both lead to back pain. An intervertebral disc protrusion can usually be treated very well conservatively.

Biofeedback
Biofeedback is a special procedure in behavioral medicine. Through biofeedback, unconsciously occurring psychophysiological processes are made perceptible through feedback.

Brachialgia
Brachialgia refers to a painful nerve disease in the arm area. Brachialgia can be caused by a herniated disc in the cervical spine, pressure on a nerve root from spondylarthrosis, or by a cervical rib. It can also be the result of a bone fracture in the lower cervical spine, shoulder or upper arm. Nerve damage in the area of the wrist can also lead to hand and arm pain, especially at night, with a feeling of tension in the hand after waking up in the morning.

Computed tomography
Computed tomography is an imaging, special form of X-ray examination. The body is examined layer by layer. High-resolution images are created from the data on the computer. This examination method is particularly frequently used for tumor control, and bones can also be displayed very well. However, the radiation exposure is higher than with normal X-rays.

Discogenic pain
Discogenic pain is an injury to the internal intervertebral disc architecture. However, there is no contour change that goes beyond a protrusion. They usually occur vertically or lumbal with or without radiation and are caused by an internal disruption of the normal structural symptomatic intervertebral disc.

Discus
There are different discs. The most frequently mentioned is the intervertebral disc (lat. Discus intervertebralis). It is a flexible, fibrocartilaginous connection between vertebrae. It is comparable to the discus interpubicus – the pubic symphysis. The intervertebral disc differs from the fibrocartilaginous intervertebral discs in real joints (see Discus articularis).

Disc degeneration
Disc degeneration refers to wear and tear of the intervertebral disc. If the intervertebral disc is treated or operated on and this results in an improvement in wear and tear, this is referred to as disc regeneration.

Disc herniation = intervertebral disc herniation = herniated disc
A herniated disc or prolapse is caused by changes in the intervertebral disc and the adjacent vertebral bodies. The intervertebral disc deforms, changes its position and presses on the nerves emanating from the spinal cord. Symptoms of a herniated disc are severe back pain, neck pain (cervical spine syndrome), lower back pain (lumbar spine syndrome) or pain or radiation in the extremities. Numbness in the arms (brachialgia) or legs (sciatica), as well as occasional paralysis, can also occur. The cause of a herniated disc is often overexertion with a pre-damaged intervertebral disc. Treatment is possible conservatively in many cases; in more severe cases, intervertebral disc surgery is necessary. In order to prevent a herniated disc, the back should be built up with targeted muscle building and gymnastic exercises, as well as taking a back-friendly position in certain life situations.

Distraction
Distraction refers to the controlled spreading and permanent attachment of bone in the spreading zone. These distractions are used in trauma surgery, orthopedics and maxillofacial surgery for extension treatment of bones.

Distraction force
Distraction refers to the controlled spreading and permanent attachment of bone in the spreading zone. These distractions are used in trauma surgery, orthopedics and maxillofacial surgery for extension treatment of bones. The distraction force is the force that must be applied.

Inflammation (Spondylitis)
Spondylitis is an inflammation of one or more vertebral bodies. If the associated intervertebral discs are also affected, this is referred to as spondylodiscitis. The cause can be a bacterial, mycotic or viral infection. An infection is also possible during a surgical procedure. Spondylitis is rare, but a serious disease that must be treated immediately.

Facet joint syndrome
Facet syndromes or facet joint syndromes refer to pain caused by irritation or blockage (“dislocation”) of the small vertebral body joints (facet joints). The cause of facet syndrome lies in the wear and tear of the respective joint or these joints, e.g. due to obesity, lack of exercise, poor posture (desk, manual occupations, etc.) and/or inflammatory influences (e.g. rheumatic diseases). In patients with muscular weakness (instability), facet joint blockages occur again and again. The consequence of this can be increased wear and tear of the intervertebral discs, which in turn leads to a greater pressure load on the small vertebral joints (vicious circle). Over time, arthrosis can develop due to facet syndrome. Pain therefore occurs in the area of the middle or lower cervical spine (cervical facet syndrome). This can lead to radiation into the shoulders, shoulder blades or arms. If the pain is located in the buttocks, the lumbar region or the legs, this is referred to as lumbar facet syndrome. In the case of a thoracic facet syndrome, the symptoms are located in the area of the chest.

FBSS (“Failed back surgery syndrome”)
Symptoms after a nucleotomy or in general after spinal surgery are described in English with the term “Failed back surgery syndrome” (FBSS). The causes are usually due to the operation, e.g. incorrect surgical indication, operations at the wrong spinal level, adhesions/scarring or insufficient relief (decompression) of the intervertebral disc.

Cervical and/or thoracic spine
The cervical spine (cervical spine) is part of the spine as a whole. There are 7 cervical vertebrae (Vertebrae cervicales) that connect the head to the torso. While the lower 5 cervical vertebrae are similar in structure, the first two cervical vertebrae are different in structure. The first, ring-shaped cervical vertebra (atlas) represents the transition from the head to the cervical spine. Here, the spinal cord enters the vertebral canal as an extension of the brain. The 2nd cervical vertebra (axis) has a special feature: an anterior pin that protrudes upwards into the ring of the atlas. The vertebral bodies of the cervical spine (cervical spine) are joined together in a stable row. Between the vertebral bodies are the intervertebral discs, which are important for the mobility of the spine and cushion axially acting forces. Numerous ligaments and muscles run between the vertebral bodies, which are important for the movement and stability of the cervical spine. The thoracic spine, or “BWS” for short, is the section of the cervical and lumbar spine. In humans, it consists of 12 vertebrae and is labeled from top to bottom with Th1 to Th12. On each of these vertebrae are joint surfaces for the ribs, where the ribs move as they move with each breath of the chest. The normal shape of the thoracic spine is an arch to the rear (kyphosis).

Cervical spine syndrome
Cervical spine syndrome (cervical spine syndrome) manifests itself as shoulder and neck pain that often radiates into the arms. Tensions and hardening of the adjacent muscles, which lead to back pain, can also be observed. The symptoms can also radiate into the head and lead to severe headaches, dizziness, visual disturbances and tinnitus. Symptoms can also occur in the area of neurology, such as numbness, tingling or paralysis. In principle, cervical spine syndrome can be divided into 3 different types. In the case of a local cervical spine syndrome, the back pain is located directly in the cervical spine. Here, there is a blockage of the vertebral joints located between the individual vertebrae. If the pain radiates into the arms (brachialgia), it is caused by compression of the nerve roots emanating from the cervical spine. In pseudoradicular cervical spine syndrome, pain also radiates into the arms, but the location of the back pain is diffuse and vaguely defined. Functional disorders often occur in the area of the lower cervical spine and upper thoracic spine.

Hyaline endplates
The endplates of the adjacent vertebral bodies are covered with hyaline, glassy-cloudy, pressure- and elastic cartilage, which is also part of the intervertebral disc. These cartilage plates and its cells are nourished exclusively by loading and unloading from the vessels of the adjacent vertebral bodies.

Intradiscal pressure
The intradiscal pressure is the limit of fluid absorption or release at an intervertebral disc load pressure. This is approx. 800 N = 80 kg. This fluid release is called dehydration, the absorption is called hydration. The intradiscal pressure is constantly influenced by certain body positions and exercises and can therefore also be increased.

Sciatica
Sciatica refers to pain in the supply area of the sciatic nerve, which is usually caused by irritation of the nerve roots. At the same time, pain can occur in the area of the lumbar spine, then one speaks of lumboischialgia. The medical term for this painful nerve irritation is neuralgia. The sciatic nerve is one of the most common causes of back pain in the area of the lumbar spine. Particularly common sciatica symptoms are pain that radiates from the lower lumbar spine directly into the leg. These sciatic nerve pains occur especially with loads such as lifting, bending or running. This type of back pain can be caused by a displacement of the joints in the body, but also by a classic herniated disc. In addition to palpation of the spine and a thorough examination of the joints, procedures such as X-rays, computed tomography, MRI or magnetic resonance imaging should be performed. A comprehensive medical diagnosis is absolutely necessary to obtain an accurate determination of the back pain. Current research results state that the growing body of humans is a major cause of back pain. Another cause in today’s world is the ever-increasing convenience of mankind. Thus, the muscles cannot keep pace with growth due to the lack of exercise. The consequences are incorrect loading of the joints and the spine and thus sciatic nerve pain.

Sciatic nerve (Nervus Ischiadicus)
It is also commonly referred to as the ischiatic nerve or hip nerve and is the longest and most powerful nerve in the human body. It originates from the lower part of the spine, runs along the hips and thigh muscles to the knees. There it divides into the peroneal nerve and the tibial nerve, the branching continues to the feet. The sciatic nerve controls the muscles in the legs. If it becomes inflamed or pinched, it leads to severe, shooting pain.

Magnetic resonance imaging
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a state-of-the-art imaging technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves instead of X-rays. The completely painless examination provides sectional images of almost all regions of the body. The MRI data is used to create high-resolution three-dimensional images on the computer. Soft tissues such as the brain and internal organs are particularly well visualized.

Headaches
Many people suffer from headaches. The symptoms vary greatly and occur in different intensities. The head may throb, stab, or pound. Medicine now distinguishes more than 170 types of headaches. Headaches have various causes and should always be understood as a warning signal from the body.

Sacroiliac joint
The sacroiliac joint, also known as the iliosacral joint, connects the sacrum of the spine to the ilium of the pelvis. It is secured by strong ligaments, which only allow minimal mobility. Active movements cannot be performed with it.

Lower back pain
Lower back pain is pain or discomfort that extends in the back section from the lowest ribs to the lower end of the buttocks. If this back pain occurs suddenly and unexpectedly, it is referred to as lumbago. This pain originates more precisely in the sacroiliac joint, also known as the sacroiliac joint. This is located in the lowest part of the back. The sacrum is connected to the pelvic bone (iliac bones) by strong ligaments. One form of lower back pain is sacroiliac joint syndrome. However, this can also have other causes, for which a doctor must carry out several examinations. Lower back pain can be caused by a degenerative breakdown process, inflammation, postural damage or functional incorrect loading. Traumatic injuries, osteoporosis and tumors are further causes. A heat gel helps here as a short-term measure. If the back pain lasts longer than twelve weeks, doctors speak of chronic lower back pain.

Paralysis
Paralysis is a partial or complete loss of function of a body part or organ system. In neurology, the term “paralysis” is used to describe a functional impairment of a nerve with resulting motor or sensory deficits.

Lumbar spine
The lumbar spine (LWS) is the lower part of the spine. It consists of 5 lumbar vertebrae. Naturally, the lumbar spine has a slight curvature (lordosis). If the curvature increases, a swayback (hyperlordosis) develops; if it flattens, a flat back (hypolordosis) develops. In humans, the lumbar spine is heavily stressed by upright walking, and pain very often occurs in this area.

Lumbago
Lumbago refers to a sudden, severe back pain in the lumbar spine that leads to immobility. The cause of the lower back pain can be a blockage in the vertebral or sacroiliac joint, a herniated disc in the lumbar region, acute muscle tension or wear and tear of the vertebral joints. Inflammatory diagnoses such as Scheuermann’s disease, ankylosing spondylitis and tumorous causes can also cause the acute back pain. As a self-help measure, the back should be rubbed with a heat gel. To prevent lumbago, back-friendly behavior should be maintained in everyday life. In addition, targeted muscle building in the back and gymnastic exercises should be learned and performed. In medicine, lumbago is referred to as lumbago, acute lumbalgia or acute lumbar syndrome.

Lumbar syndrome
Lumbar syndrome is a collective term for pain that originates from the lumbar spine or affects the area of the lumbar spine. This back pain is usually described as dull and originating from the spine. Adults in particular very often have lumbar spine problems. Our lumbar spine is exposed to great static-dynamic loads. For this reason, this disease of the back occurs very frequently. The cause is usually degenerative changes in the spine, and the intervertebral disc is particularly often affected. A heat gel can be applied to the painful areas for short-term improvement and painkillers can be taken. However, in order to prevent the pain from becoming chronic, early physiotherapy with special back school training for posture training and muscle building is essential. Surgical treatment is only carried out in exceptional cases. In order to actively prevent lumbar syndrome, muscle building of the entire body and a back-friendly posture should be adopted in everyday life.

Ankylosing spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is a painful, chronic, inflammatory-rheumatic disease. In the course of the disease, the entire spine becomes increasingly stiff. There is a more or less forward-bent posture (kyphosis), as well as a rigid rib cage that restricts the breathing volume. At the same time, inflammatory changes occur in the large joints, and the eyes and internal organs can also be affected. The disease usually begins between the ages of 15 and 30. It occurs in episodes and varies from person to person.

Scheuermann’s disease
Scheuermann’s disease is a growth disorder of the spine, especially of the middle and lower thoracic spine, sometimes also of the upper lumbar spine. It leads to an increased kyphosis (round back) in the thoracic spine area, rarely to a pronounced flat back due to a pathological kyphosis in the lumbar spine area. The typical age for the onset is between 8 and 14 years, which is why this disease is also called adolescent kyphosis. Boys are more often affected than girls.

Neck pain
Pain in the back area, especially in the neck region, can have different causes. Most often, this back pain is caused by tension and cramps in the muscles as a result of overload and incorrect posture. However, diseases in the area of the cervical spine (cervical syndrome) can also be the cause, as the cervical spine wears out over the course of life. Disc damage, arthrosis and inflammation (spondylitis) occur. The symptoms can also radiate into the shoulder and arms (brachialgia). In addition, dizziness and headaches can occur. Shoulder joint diseases can also lead to neck pain, such as shoulder joint arthrosis or tears in the tendons in the area of the shoulder joint. However, chronic neck pain often occurs without orthopedic causes as a result of constant psychological stress. Neck complaints are very common in the population. Around 50% of adults have back pain in the area of the cervical spine. Targeted muscle building of the back muscles and the avoidance of incorrect posture can prevent neck complaints.

Nucleus Pulposus
The nucleus pulposus is a cell-poor, gelatinous tissue with a high water content. It has a cushioning effect like a water cushion. If its fluid escapes through the anulus fibrosus due to damage, this is referred to as a herniated disc. If pressure is exerted on the intervertebral discs, they lose fluid. As a result, a person shrinks by up to 4cm during the day. When relieved while lying down, the intervertebral disc absorbs the fluid again like a sponge. This squeezing and absorbing is also the only way in which the intervertebral discs can be nourished, as they no longer have any blood vessels from the age of 20 when growth is complete.

Nucleotomy/Disc surgery
Within a classic nucleotomy, a piece of the gelatinous nucleus of the intervertebral disc, which is outside the correct position – after a herniated disc – is removed.

Nucleus (gelatinous nucleus)
An intervertebral disc consists of two parts – the fibrous ring (anulus fibrosus) and the gelatinous nucleus (nucleus pulposus). The fibrous ring consists of layers of collagenous connective tissue fibers that merge inwards into the fibrocartilage. These connective tissue fibers adhere to the vertebral bodies.

Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease of the entire skeletal system. It is characterized by a decrease in bone mass, structure and function, as well as an increased risk of bone fractures. A basic distinction is made between primary osteoporosis (95% of diseases), which occurs without an organic cause, and secondary osteoporosis, which develops as a result of other diseases or through the use of certain medications.

Primary headaches
Primary headaches are when the headache is the disease itself. Examples are migraines or cluster headaches.

Radicular/pseudoradicular symptoms
Radicular pain is usually damage or irritation of the nerve roots. The Latin word radicula means “small root”, referring to the nerve root, i.e. the area of the peripheral nerves that emerges from the spinal cord. Pseudo means as much as “fake”, so the spinal nerve itself is not impaired in its function. So you usually have unspecific, localized pain in the back, which radiates periodically unilaterally into the arm or leg.

Radiculopathy
This is usually damage to the nerve roots, which manifests itself as tingling, pain or numbness. Depending on the severity of the disorder, motor function may also fail in the affected area and even reflexes may be absent. The damage in the cervical or lumbar spine area to the nerve roots can be related to a herniated disc, a bone tumor, hematoma or inflammatory changes in the bones. Severe pain often severely restricts the patient’s freedom of movement.

Repositioning/Regenerative medicine
Returning to an (approximate) normal position or normal position is called repositioning (lat. Repositio). In medicine, this is found in fractures, dislocated joints and incidents, which are then repositioned.

Back problems
Back pain is widespread in today’s population. Every 2nd patient at the orthopedist mentions it as the reason for the doctor’s visit. Back pain usually refers to complaints in the lower part of the back in the area of the lumbar spine. The causes of back pain are varied. They are caused by lack of exercise, insufficiently trained muscles, incorrect loading of the spine due to predominantly sedentary activity, but also by genetic predisposition and psychological factors such as stress and professional tension. Furthermore, in many acute cases, a disc problem is also the reason for the occurring complaints. The manifestations can be different. Chronic pain lasts longer than three months. Back pain can occur acutely and suddenly or become increasingly severe in a creeping process. To prevent back problems, an active and targeted muscle building program should be developed, as well as everyday back situations, such as lifting a heavy load, should be managed in a back-friendly manner. Other terms are lumbago, lumbago, sciatica, disc problems or “having it in the back”.

Back pain
Back pain usually refers to complaints in the lower part of the back in the area of the sacrum. Other terms are lumbago, lumbago, sciatica, disc problems or “having it in the back”. Back pain is widespread. Every 2nd patient at the orthopedist mentions it as the reason for the doctor’s visit. They are often a reason for inability to work and early retirement. The economic damage is enormous. The causes of back pain are varied. They are caused by lack of exercise, insufficiently trained muscles, incorrect loading of the spine due to predominantly sedentary activity, but also by genetic predisposition and psychological factors such as stress and professional tension. Back pain stands for various numerous functional disorders and diseases. The manifestations can be different. Chronic pain lasts longer than three months. Back pain can occur acutely and suddenly or become increasingly severe in a creeping process. To prevent back problems, an active and targeted muscle building program should be developed, as well as everyday situations, such as lifting a heavy load, should be managed in a back-friendly manner.

Intermittent claudication (neurogenic claudication)
Intermittent claudication is a circulatory disorder caused by arterial occlusions in the legs. Patients have calf pain when walking and often stop to recover from the pain. Popular wisdom says that they prefer to do this in front of shop windows out of shame. Smoking tobacco is the biggest risk factor in the area of arterial occlusions. Verifiably, 80 to 90 percent of patients are smokers. The second most common cause is diabetes, followed by elevated cholesterol, high blood pressure, thrombosis and obesity. During an illness, special shoe inserts or orthopedic shoes provide relief. This serves as injury prophylaxis for the feet in the case of circulatory disorders. In addition, forearm crutches are helpful to relieve the diseased leg.

Secondary headaches
In secondary headaches, there is an underlying disease, e.g. a flu-like infection. The headaches occur as a symptom of this disease.

Spinal Decompression
Spinal decompression is a computer-controlled treatment method for spinal diseases, especially for herniated discs. By means of a tensile force, the desired intervertebral area is stretched. The resulting pressure relief of the intervertebral discs promotes the diffusion of fluid, nutrients and oxygen. This promotes the regeneration of the intervertebral discs, and they also have the opportunity to return to their original position.

Spinal canal
The spinal canal is located inside the spine. The spinal cord and, in the lower spine, the nerve fibers run in this spinal canal. Between each of these individual vertebral bodies, a part of the nerves leaves the spine. These nerves then travel into the various extremities and to the respective organs. If the spinal canal becomes narrowed, the nerves are constricted and pain results in the arms and/or legs.

Spinal canal stenosis
In spinal canal stenosis, the vertebral canal is narrowed. This is caused by degenerative changes in the vertebral joints. Spondylophytes (bony extensions) form. The thickening of the ligaments located between the vertebrae can be another cause, as can a bulging or even collapsed intervertebral disc. This narrowing has the consequence that either the nerves running in the vertebral canal or the exiting nerves have less and less space and are even squeezed. This results in chronic back pain that can also radiate into the arms and legs. Furthermore, paralysis and the so-called intermittent claudication (neurogenic claudication) are possible.

Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is the so-called “vertebral slippage”. This is the displacement of a vertebra forward over the vertebra below it. The vertebra itself is referred to as the “glide vertebra”. There are two causes for spondylolisthesis. On the one hand, there is a gap formation between the vertebral body and the vertebral arch. On the other hand, especially in older people, the wear and tear of the intervertebral discs leads to increased segment mobility, which triggers instability in the area of the lumbar spine. To avoid or reduce spondylolisthesis, you should complete a targeted muscle building training in conjunction with physiotherapy.

Stenosis
Stenosis refers to the narrowing of a tubular body section. Stenoses can affect, among other things, hollow organs (e.g. pyloric stenosis), body openings (e.g. auditory canal stenosis), heart valves (e.g. aortic valve stenosis) or vessels (e.g. carotid stenosis, coronary stenosis). The cause of a stenosis can be, for example, a space-occupying process (especially tumors), inflammation or arteriosclerosis.

Dowager’s hump or round back
A dowager’s hump or round back is a malposition of the spine. The increased kyphosis of the thoracic spine overloads the neck muscles and leads to a muscular cervical spine syndrome. The malposition of the thoracic spine affects the work of the internal organs. Above all, lung function, in addition to cardiac activity, is strongly negatively affected. In addition, the risk of falling increases due to the shifted center of gravity.