Pain in the spine

Synonyms in a broader sense

Spine pain, back pain, low back pain, dorsalgia, lumbar pain, lumbago, Lumboischialgia

introduction

Spinal column pain can have very different causes (please also note our topic: Causes of back pain). When looking for the correct diagnosis, the following are important:

• Age
• gender
• Accident event
• Type and quality of pain (piercing, dull, etc..)
• Development of pain (slowly, suddenly etc.)
• Painful occurrence (at rest, after / during exercise)
• Pain location
• external aspects (Swelling, redness, etc.)
• and much more

In the following descriptions of diseases we will try to address as many characteristics as possible that make up a certain clinical picture.
Unfortunately there are a lot of deviations from the norm, so the assumed self-diagnosis does not necessarily have to be correct. But we hope through our Self-diagnostic just to be able to help the patient on the internet organ or symptom related look for a disease.

A distinction is made between pain in the spine area:

1. Vertebral joint pain
2. Disc pain

Ultimately, however, only a specialist examination and, if necessary, imaging procedures (X-ray image, MRI) Provide information on the extent and cause of the pain.

Please note

In no case does the “self” diagnostic agent replace a visit to your trusted doctor! We also make no claim to the completeness of the differential diagnoses presented (alternative causes). We assume no liability for the correctness of the self-diagnosis you have made! We strictly reject any form of self-therapy without consulting your doctor!

Appointment with a back specialist?

I would be happy to advise you!

Who am I?
My name is dr. Nicolas Gumpert. I am a specialist in orthopedics and the founder of .
Various television programs and print media report regularly about my work. On HR television you can see me every 6 weeks live on "Hallo Hessen".
But now enough is indicated ;-)

The spine is difficult to treat. On the one hand it is exposed to high mechanical loads, on the other hand it has great mobility.

The treatment of the spine (e.g. herniated disc, facet syndrome, foramen stenosis, etc.) therefore requires a lot of experience.
I focus on a wide variety of diseases of the spine.
The aim of any treatment is treatment without surgery.

Which therapy achieves the best results in the long term can only be determined after looking at all of the information (Examination, X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, etc.) be assessed.

You can find me in:

• Lumedis - your orthopedic surgeon
  Kaiserstrasse 14
  60311 Frankfurt am Main

Directly to the online appointment arrangement
Unfortunately, it is currently only possible to make an appointment with private health insurers. I hope for your understanding!
Further information about myself can be found at Dr. Nicolas Gumpert

Figure spine

1. First cervical vertebra (carrier) -
   Atlas
2. Second cervical vertebra (turner) -
   Axis
3. Seventh cervical vertebra -
   Vertebra prominent
4. First thoracic vertebra -
   Vertebra thoracica I
5. Twelfth thoracic vertebra -
   Vertebra thoracica XII
6. First lumbar vertebra -
   Vertebra lumbalis I
7. Fifth lumbar vertebra -
   Vertebra lumbalis V
8. Lumbar cruciate ligament kink -
   Promontory
9. Sacrum - Sacrum
10. Tailbone - Os coccygis
    I - cervical spine (red)
    II - thoracic spine (green)
    III - lumbar spine (blue)

You can find an overview of all Dr-Gumpert images at: medical illustrations

Spine anatomy

The Spine of man consists of total 32-33 vertebrae (Vertebra).
It is made up of:

• 7 cervical vertebrae the so-called cervical spine
• 12 thoracic vertebrae the so-called thoracic spine
• 5 lumbar vertebrae the lumbar spine
• 5 sacral and tail vertebrae

The curvature of the spine:

• Lordosis in the field of Cervical spine and Lumbar spine
• Kyphosis in the field of ESPE

To the diagnostic

Using our “self” diagnostic is easy. Follow the respective link offered, where the location and description of the symptoms best match your symptoms. Pay attention to the point of the shoulder joint where the pain is greatest.

Where is your pain?

For an exact anatomical assignment, we refer to the anatomy lexicon on our website:

• Cervical spine
• Thoracic spine
• Lumbar spine

Below are the typical diseases of the spine that often lead to pain:

1. Vertebral joint pain
2. Disc pain

More spinal pain

Pain spine - shoulder blade

Spine pain can also be right on top of or under the shoulder blade occur. In addition, many patients describe pain phenomena between the shoulder blades. Even with complaints in the shoulder blade area, it is important to observe the conditions under which pain occurs and which measures can be used to intensify or alleviate it.
The statement about whether pain on the shoulder blade movement dependent are or already in peace occur is of enormous importance for the search for the cause. In most cases, spinal pains that occur in the shoulder blade area are on one half of the body limited. This type of complaint can usually indicate a severely one-sided burden or overload.
In addition, unilateral shoulder blade pain is often associated with Irritation or Inflammation the tendons or bursae of the Shoulder joint on. Also Muscle tension represent a possible cause. In the case of injury-related pain on the shoulder blade, there is usually also an enormous restriction in movement.
A specialist does not have to be consulted in every case with complaints in the area of ​​the shoulder blade. For most of those affected, short-term pain subsides on its own after a period of rest. However, if the pain on the shoulder blade persists over a longer period of time, recurs frequently or can be associated with an accident, a suitable specialist should be consulted as soon as possible.

Pain spine - rib cage

Most people bring one in the first place with chest pain Heart attack in connection. As this is a common cause of pain Rib cage (especially right behind the Sternum and on the left side of the chest), a doctor should definitely be informed. Another indication of the presence of a heart attack is the radiating of the pain in the Upper abdomen, the move, the neck, the left shoulder and / or the left arm.
In fact, chest pain is not just due to cardiac (heart) causes. Such pain phenomena can also be caused by various diseases of the lung, of Gastrointestinal tract and the esophagus to be triggered. Muscular problems, nerve damage or inflammatory processes in the area of ​​the pleura or lungs are also the cause.
In addition to the serious causes of chest pain, there are other, more harmless causes. Back and chest pain can also be caused by restricted movement of the spine. In most cases, the symptoms appear suddenly.
In the course of the acute movement restrictions of the spine, nerves and muscles between the ribs can be irritated. Spine-associated chest pain is common Blockages in the thoracic spine area. Since the symptoms of spinal chest pain match those of a heart attack and a Angina pectoris are very similar, they are called "pseudoangina pectoris" in medical terminology.
Typical of the pseudoangina is the onset of pain during the night or following a wrong movement. In addition, the symptoms can be aggravated by deep breathing in and out. Often times, many patients experience a subjective sensation of chest pain associated with spinal pain Racing heart or knocking without a noticeable increase in heart rate.
Light movement and the application of Heat pad provide effective relief from the symptoms. In addition, punctual pain can be found directly on the chest and along the ribs during the physical examination. In addition, the affected patients usually complain of tenderness in the upper thoracic spine. Despite the possibility that chest pain can be caused by harmless causes, a doctor should be informed immediately if such symptoms appear for the first time. Heart diseases must be ruled out in any case.

Pain spine - neck

Pain in the neck can have different causes.
Often there is one degenerative change neck pain in the cervical spine area. The pain can be don't just limit it to the neck, but also Into the arms radiate. Often it is agility the neck because of the pain in the neck or any blockages limited.

Another reason for neck pain is that Basilial impression, the underlying condition is mostly the Rheumatoid arthritis.
But this clinical picture can also be caused by a congenital malformation or caused by neoplasms in the upper cervical spine. In the Basilian Impression is the upper spinal cord through a Destruction of the occipital joints trapped. Result from it Pain in the neck, dizziness and a limited mobility in the neck area.

Also a disc prolapse in the upper part of the cervical spine can cause neck pain.

For neck pain without neurological symptoms become X-rays of the cervical spine, which can adequately depict the underlying degenerative changes. With accompanying neurological failures should that CT or MRI of the cervical spine can be used to rule out a herniated disc or a basilar impression.
Neck pain can also go through Broken bones in the area of ​​the upper cervical spine, straight after an accident this possibility should be considered.

Spine pain - at night

Pain in the spine, which occurs mainly at night, can have a number of causes. One harmless cause is sleeping on a mattress that is unsuitable for your own needs. Especially when the pain occurs depending on the length of time you lie in bed and gets worse the longer you lie down, affected patients should vary the hardness of the slatted frame and mattress in order to find the optimal setting for themselves. A mattress that is too hard can lead to tension in the muscles that surround and stabilize the spine and then cause pain in the spine through incorrect posture.

Read more on this topic at: nocturnal kidney pain

Another cause of nighttime spinal pain is Bechterew's disease, too Ankylosing spondylitis called. Bechterew's disease is a rheumatic disease that occurs primarily in young men up to 40 and mainly affects the spine and sacroiliac joints. In the early stages, the disease often manifests itself as pain in the spine that occurs at night, which, however, cannot be assigned to exactly one place or area. In the morning, patients complain of pronounced stiffness and restricted mobility, which only improve after a while.

Spine pain - When lying down

Patients who suffer from recurring or long-lasting pain in the spinal column should closely monitor their own pain perception. For the attending physician, it is important to find out whether the pain is in the course of the diagnosis movement dependent are at Stand, at the Sit or at Lie are noticeable.
With many underlying diseases, the pain in the spine initially only occurs during physical activity (e.g. when bending down). As the disease progresses, they are also noticed when standing, sitting or lying down. In addition, many people complain of spinal pain when lying down for long periods of time in one position occur. When moving, these patients are often completely symptom-free.
It is precisely in such cases that no illness has to lead to the appearance of the symptoms. Unsuitable Slatted frames or Mattresseswho place a heavy load on the Lumbar spine cause are mostly triggers morning Back pain. For this reason, those affected should take care to use a so-called "lumbar support", ie a support for the lumbar spine.
If pain in the spine persists for a long time while lying down and cannot be treated with sufficient movement and stabilization of the lumbar spine, a specialist should be consulted and an underlying disease should be ruled out. Spine pain when lying down often occurs with an as Fibromyalgia (Synonym: fiber muscle pain) designated disease.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic, incurable disease that manifests itself in pain of varying localization. Pain in the spinal column (for example when lying down) and joint problems are particularly common. Concomitant symptoms are tiredness, sleep disorders, morning stiffness, concentration and lack of drive.

Spine pain - After exercise

Pain in the spine after the sport can through Injuries caused. The athlete can most likely do so remember the triggering event and should have one See a doctorto have the sports injury investigated and treated.

Occur pain in the spine area only a few hours or the day after exercise on, so is from sore muscles Pain of Back muscles that can affect the spine. Sore muscles and tension can lead to a Bad posture and thus also cause pain in the spine.

However, pain in the spine after exercise can also be Consequence of chronic overuse or improper exercise be during sporting activity. Pain acts as a Signal from the bodyto indicate overload, causing pain in the spine after exercise medically examined should be.

causes

Muscular causes: Pain in the shoulder blade is often purely muscular. In addition to tension in the Trapezius (Trapezius muscle) can harden in the area of ​​the Rhomboid muscles (Musculus rhomboideus minor and Musculus rhomboideus major) are present.
Typical for pain on the shoulder blade that is triggered by tension in the rhomboid muscles is an increase in the discomfort Contract the shoulder blades towards the spine. In addition, the pain often radiates into the arm and fingers.

Rotator cuff syndrome: The term rotator cuff syndrome is an over-terming for various symptoms that occur due to wear-related damage. Possible signs of wear range from the smallest Cracks (Technical term: ruptures) of the tendon fibers up to complete Tendon ruptures.
Mainly affected are the tendons of those muscles that make up the so called Rotator cuff are counted. In addition, in many cases the tendons of the biceps and the Shoulder turner affected. In addition to the typical pain on the shoulder blade and the spine between the shoulder blades, affected patients have severe mobility restrictions. In many cases, if the appropriate treatment is neglected, inflammatory processes develop in the area of ​​the tendon fibers and the bursa of the shoulder joint.

Impingment syndrome: The term impingment syndrome (synonym: bottleneck syndrome) designates a disease in which it is increasing Narrowing the sliding space of the tendons of the Rotator cuff and the bursa between Humerus head (Caput humeri) and Shoulder roof comes. The exact causes of this disease are largely unknown.

Rib blockage

• Synonyms:
  Blockage, segmental articular dysfunction
• Place of greatest pain:
  Depending on the height of the blocked rib, local pain point, more laterally offset to the center of the thoracic spine. Very often between the shoulder blades. Severe pain on deep inhalation.
• Pathology / cause:
  Temporary, reversible “hooking” of a rib intervertebral joint with painful joint capsule tension.
• Age:
  Mostly younger patients (20-35 years old). Often in young women with overmobility of joints.
• Gender:
  Women> men
• Accident:
  Impact injury to the chest. Lifting / bending / twisting the upper body or out of sleep.
• Type of pain:
  Partly dull constant pain. Light, stabbing pain when moving in the blocked direction. Mostly pain radiating along the ribs to the chest.
• Pain development:
  Sudden onset of pain (being lifted / accident) or after getting up in the morning.
• Pain occurrence:
  Persistent pain with persistent obstruction. Pain to move in a certain direction. Pain in movement of the arms. Breath-related pain. Pain provocation through pressure against the chest.
• External aspects:
  Possibly visible protrusion of a rib. Movement of the chest at different sides while breathing.
• Further information:
  Further information can be found under our topics:
  • Thoracic spine
  • Ribs
  • Thoracic spine pain

ISG blocking

• Synonyms:
  SI joint arthropathy, SI joint peripheral articular dysfunction, SI joint overload, sacroiliitis
• Place of greatest pain:
  In the area of ​​the upper inner part of one buttock, clearly offset from the lumbar spine at the level of the sacrum.
• Pathology / cause:
  Temporary, reversible "hooking" of the SI joint. Overload incorrect loading reaction (joint irritation), as part of a rheumatic inflammatory reaction (often: Bechterew's disease).
• Age:
  Every age.
• Gender:
  Women = men
• Accident:
  Mostly not a specific accident. Step into a hole. After one-sided work, possibly in a forced posture. After unusual physical exertion.
• Type of pain:
  Mostly dull constant pain. Light, stabbing pain when moving in the blocked direction. Often referred to as the buttocks, groin, and lumbar spine. More often also combination with abnormal sensations such as tingling, pins and needles.
• Pain development:
  Sudden onset of pain (lifting / representing). Slowly increasing with a reaction due to another back disease (incorrect load).
• Pain occurrence:
  Persistent pain with persistent blockage or inflammation. Pain when walking, stooping. Pain when stretching and bending the hip. Pain when suggesting sitting cross-legged.
• External aspects:
  Possibly. Inclination of the pelvis. Leg shortening.
• Further information:
  For more information on anatomy and disease, see our topic:
  • ISG blocking
  • ISG