At the Wirbelsäulen-Clinic Berlin, we diagnose and treat the entire spectrum of spinal disorders – from acute herniated discs to complex deformities.
Overview of common spinal disorders
Usually without thinking about it, upright walking, bending and stretching are a matter of course for us. Thanks to the healthy harmony of 24 free vertebrae, sacrum and coccyx, 23 intervertebral discs, 133 joints, 143 muscles and 224 ligaments. Various causes can disrupt this interaction and trigger deformities or degenerative diseases.
Click on a disease to learn more about symptoms, causes and treatment options.
DEFORMITIES IN OVERVIEW
Scoliosis
Lateral bending and twisting of the spine, often in adolescents.
Kyphosis (round back)
Excessive curvature of the thoracic spine can impair posture and breathing.
Slipped vertebra (spondylolisthesis)
Vertebral bodies shift against each other – often with back pain or instability.
DEGENERATIVE SPINAL DISEASES IN OVERVIEW
Herniated disc
When an intervertebral disc presses on nerves, pain, numbness or paralysis occur.
Osteochondrosis
Chronic incorrect loading such as constant sitting without compensation can lead to this degenerative disease. This results in wear and tear that causes bony changes in the spine.
Spondylosis
When the body’s own connective tissue shrinks over the years, the protective buffer becomes smaller. The body tries to ward off this process and the small vertebral joints between the vertebral arches enlarge. This results in bony spurs – with painful consequences.
Spondylarthrosis
Arthrosis of the small spinal joints is also often a sign of aging. However, excessive stress from certain sports or professions as well as obesity can also cause spondylarthrosis with typical symptoms.
Spinal canal stenosis
A narrowing of the spinal canal leads to back pain and walking difficulties.
Lumbar scoliosis
In degenerative scoliosis of the lumbar spine, several vertebral segments are affected by wear and tear, resulting in lateral curvature of the lumbar spine, which is typically accompanied by pain in the lumbar spine and hip or restricted movement in the lumbar spine.
Loss of lordosis
A straight, stiff-looking gait is a typical sign of “flat back”. Even if – in contrast to a hunchback – it is barely visible, those affected suffer from equally severe pain.
The lack of natural curvature of the spine can develop due to poor posture and growth spurts during adolescence, muscular imbalances or a lack of exercise.
FRACTURES OF THE SPINE
Accidents in traffic and serious falls, but also reduced bone quality caused by osteoporosis, can be the cause of fractures to one or more vertebrae.
In the case of osteoporosis, even a coughing fit or a minor stumble can result in a vertebral fracture. It is therefore extremely important to diagnose it quickly and take targeted action.
TUMORS ON THE SPINE
Benign or malignant neoplasms that can affect the spinal cord.
INFECTIONS OF THE SPINE
Mostly as a result of unnoticed blood poisoning, but also due to injuries or operations on the spine, inflammation of the spine can occur – triggered by invading bacteria.
There is a particular risk for patients with diabetes or renal insufficiency, chronic alcohol or drug abuse and long-term treatment with cortisone or cytostatics, for example.
The inflammatory processes caused by the infection can lead to localized destruction of the spine and thus to kinking and, in the long term, even to paralysis if left untreated.
Typical symptoms of spinal disorders
Many patients notice the first signs insidiously – back pain, muscle tension or numbness. Depending on the cause, arm pain, gait instability or loss of strength may also occur.
- Local or radiating back pain
- Tingling, numbness or weakness in the arms or legs
- restricted mobility
- Changes in posture (e.g. round back, crooked pelvis)
- chronic pain despite physiotherapy
If you know these complaints: Have your spine examined.
Causes and risk factors
Causes range from age-related wear and tear to injuries or congenital malformations.
Also obesity, lack of exercise and genetic factors can affect the stability of the spine.
Modern diagnostics at the Wirbelsäulen-Clinic Berlin
A precise diagnosis is the basis of every successful treatment.
Our clinic has the latest imaging techniques at its disposal – from high-resolution MRI and CT to digital X-ray diagnostics.
The findings are evaluated directly by the specialist so that treatment decisions can be made quickly and on a sound basis.
Treatment options
Depending on the degree of severity, we initially rely on conservative measures such as pain therapy, infiltrations and physiotherapy.
If necessary, we offer minimally invasive or reconstructive surgical procedures – always with the aim of relieving pain and maintaining mobility.
Why Wirbelsäulen-Clinic Berlin?
Under the direction of Prof. Dr. med. Michael Akbar, we combine many years of experience in cutting-edge university medicine with a modern clinic structure in the heart of Berlin.
We take the time to listen to your complaints and decide individually which therapy is the right one – without rushing into surgery.
Your next step
Do you have spinal problems or would you like a second opinion?
Make your appointment now in Berlin-Mitte.
