Locomotor system problems

Spondylolisthesis - involves the “sliding” of vertebra forward (in the abdomen direction) with relation to the vertebra located below. This regards 4th and 5th lumbar vertebra. The resulting narrowing of the vertebral canal or the intervertebral openings leads to the compression of the spinal cord or the respectful roots and nerves. A sharp pain and the symptoms of paralysis (paresis) occur when the dislocation is serious enough to cause compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots of the cauda equina. Depending on the location of the vertebrae the dysfunction might be unilateral or bilateral. In such case the operation of the backbone is very rare. Prior to taking any decision on the operation procedure it is advisable to consult the possibilities of manual therapy (chiropraxis). Often the repositioning of the dislocated vertebrae and relaxation of the stiff supporting muscles bring about far better results. It has been known for long that the manual therapy brings very good results – owing to this method in the approximately 95% of the cases the nagging pain was removed.

Bechterow’s disease (ankylosing spondylitis) Initially the disease progress is almost symptomless, therefore the phase most prone for treatment passes unnoticed. The first symptoms include back pains, especially at night and disappearing during daily activities. The backbone becomes more and more sensitive. Even the smallest shock is sensed as painful. If the patient stands on his feet and then falls back on the heels the backbone pain increases.

Rheumatism of joints - with true rheumatism we experience chronic arthritis. It may also be present in the backbone, especially in the cervical section (80% of the rheumatic patients complain of acute pain in the area of cervical backbone).
The true oligoarthiritis is experienced when the inflammatory process attacked simultaneously at least five of the joints. As opposed to the degenerative disease of the joints (the joints become used up), bone and cartilage are ruined by the inflammatory process.
This regards both the intervertebral discs and also small joints. Also the anterior and posterior layers laminas of the vertebrae shafts become affected. The secondary effects of such inflammatory process include changes of the whole backbone’s statics. Discs are flattened, nerves are irritated and any movements generate acute pain. The whole backbone construction undergoes changes and becomes dislocated. Patients diagnosed with the oligoarthiritis complain more often of pain in the cervical backbone area.
With true rheumatism of joints additionally involved is also osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis - bone compact structure which is of crucial importance for the backbone stabilization, starts to decay in a comparatively early age. Between their 40 and 45 women annually loose 1% of the bone compact structure. This is due to the lower hormonal activity of ovaries. In highly industrial countries almost 25% of women after 60 manifest a clear progression of the bone atrophy. Men suffer from osteoporosis much later but its progress is not that violent. Recently, it has been proven that the process of osteoporosis in men population intensifies and they tend to appear in a more and more younger age. This is mainly due to the change of the life standard and nutrition methods.
It means the backbone statics changes. Due to the collapse of vertebrae the backbone degenerates. In the final stages the degeneration process leads to the occurrence of a hump. This process decreases height.
The resulting backbone pains lead to the fact that the patient has to stay in bed. There is no cure for the restoration of the original, anatomical form of vertebra. Each treatment should be connected with the intensive exercises of the whole motoric system. One should not forget about the regular doses of calcium, usually under the form of milk and dairy products (which also include vit. D) and healthy way of life and body weight control!

Pain forces limitations of movement. Stiffness in turn causes atrophy of bone, muscles, connective tissue and articular cartilage, while tissue atrophy causes pain. Typical collapse of body posture in osteoporosis overloads in particular the lumbar backbone, including the – iliospinal ligament system. The excessive bending of the thoracic backbone (pathological kyphosis) results in the overloading of the muscles of the nape of the neck. The symptoms may only be subsided by the efforts to straighten up the backbone by means of movement and physical exercises.