{"id":2662,"date":"2026-05-26T12:17:23","date_gmt":"2026-05-26T10:17:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wirbelsaeulen-clinic.de\/spinal-disorders-causes-symptoms-treatment-in-berlin\/spondylarthrosis-facet-joint-arthrosis-causes-symptoms-and-treatment\/"},"modified":"2026-06-02T11:31:23","modified_gmt":"2026-06-02T09:31:23","slug":"spondylarthrosis-facet-joint-arthrosis-causes-symptoms-and-treatment","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/wirbelsaeulen-clinic.de\/en\/spinal-disorders-causes-symptoms-treatment-in-berlin\/spondylarthrosis-facet-joint-arthrosis-causes-symptoms-and-treatment\/","title":{"rendered":"Spondylarthrosis (facet joint arthrosis): Causes, symptoms and treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"2662\" class=\"elementor elementor-2662 elementor-2626\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2ef45f54 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"2ef45f54\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3551a51c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3551a51c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>If your back hurts when straining, after sitting for a long time or after getting up in the morning, spondylarthrosis may be the cause. This refers to wear and tear on the small joints of the spine. This is important: Not every MRI or X-ray image automatically explains the pain. The decisive factor is always the combination of symptoms, examination and imaging.   <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-60480262 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"60480262\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Brief summary: What is spondyloarthritis?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-67c5fcd0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"67c5fcd0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Spondylarthrosis is osteoarthritis of the small vertebral joints, also known as facet joints or vertebral arch joints. The disease is also known as facet joint arthrosis, vertebral joint arthrosis, facet arthrosis or spinal arthrosis. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8544d5af elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8544d5af\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Spondylarthrosis is a degenerative disease characterized by the wear and tear of the articular cartilage of the vertebral joints, which leads to pain and restricted movement. Typical symptoms are back pain, pain on starting, stiffness and restricted mobility. It mainly affects people from around the age of 50, but the first changes can begin earlier.  <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-65be87b0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"65be87b0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Diagnosis and therapy range from clinical examination, X-ray, MRI or CT to conservative treatment, infiltrations, minimally invasive procedures and only in selected cases surgery.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-285ba463 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"285ba463\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Definition &amp; anatomy: What happens with spondyloarthritis?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5ec929f1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5ec929f1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>In the case of spondylarthrosis, the vertebral joints change gradually. The joints are located in pairs at the back of the spine, to the right and left of the spinal canal. They connect the vertebral arches of neighboring vertebrae and guide the movements of the body.  <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2a1f2aa7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2a1f2aa7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The facet joints have articular surfaces with articular cartilage. This layer of cartilage normally ensures that movement remains possible with little friction. Together with intervertebral discs, ligaments and muscles, the facet joints stabilize each vertebral body.  <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4b9dc190 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4b9dc190\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>During degeneration, the joint cartilage becomes thinner. The joint space can become narrower, the bone becomes denser and bony growths develop. Osteophytes, also known as bony protrusions, can form in spondyloarthritis and are a sign of degenerative changes in the spine. Spondylophytes can also develop on the side of the vertebral bodies; in findings, terms such as spondylosis, spondylosis deformans or signs of wear and tear are also used.   <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0d117db1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0d117db1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The pain is not only caused by the wear and tear itself. Irritated pain receptors in the joint capsule, synovial tissue and surrounding structures send signals to the nervous system. Inflammatory irritation can intensify this process.  <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2a1eaa7b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2a1eaa7b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Important: Spondyloarthritis often occurs together with other degenerative diseases of the spine, such as disc damage (discosis) and osteochondrosis. Osteochondrosis is a degenerative disease that affects both bone and cartilage and often occurs in the spine. Spondylarthrosis is part of a complex disease process that also includes other degenerative diseases of the spine such as spondylosis.  <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a62227df elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a62227df\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Causes and risk factors of spondyloarthritis<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cc6b5b8d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"cc6b5b8d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The causes are usually not a single trigger, but a combination of age, strain, tissue quality and movement behavior.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5831542f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5831542f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Important risk factors are<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9fbfa1db elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9fbfa1db\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li><p>Age-related wear and tear: The most common cause is degeneration from the age of 40 to 50. In studies, many people showed degenerative findings from middle age onwards. <\/p><\/li><li><p>Primary and secondary forms: Primary spondyloarthritis develops without a clear starting point. Secondary forms develop after accidents, operations, malpositions or inflammatory diseases, for example. <\/p><\/li><li><p>Mechanical overload: Heavy physical work, frequent lifting, standing for long periods, sitting for long periods or working in forced postures increase the pressure on the vertebral joints.<\/p><\/li><li><p>Misalignments and instability: Scoliosis, pelvic obliquity or spondylolisthesis can put one-sided strain on individual joints.<\/p><\/li><li><p>Intervertebral disc wear: If intervertebral discs lose height, the load distribution changes. The facet joints then take on more pressure and can wear out more quickly. <\/p><\/li><li><p>Lifestyle factors: Obesity, lack of exercise, weak core muscles and smoking impair resilience and regeneration.<\/p><\/li><li><p>Previous damage: Accidents, previous operations or old sports injuries can accelerate wear and tear.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c0d2350b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c0d2350b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The main causes of spondylarthrosis are age-related wear and tear, overloading of the spine and degenerative diseases such as osteochondrosis and discosis.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-84daf89f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"84daf89f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Symptoms of spondylarthrosis (facet syndrome)<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-366d8cc9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"366d8cc9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The painful symptoms are often referred to as facet syndrome. The symptoms can be unspecific at first and gradually worsen over time. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-070752d4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"070752d4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Back pain in spondylarthrosis is usually dull or drilling and occurs locally in the affected area of the spine. Many patients describe a deep-seated pain that is often pronounced on one side. The symptoms of spondylarthrosis can include back pain, start-up pain and restricted movement, which often occurs after prolonged periods of sitting or physical exertion.  <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a1b8a4c9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a1b8a4c9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Typical are:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d152f929 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d152f929\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li><p>Pain after prolonged standing, walking or sitting<\/p><\/li><li><p>Improvement at rest or with relief<\/p><\/li><li><p>Morning stiffness often occurs, so that the back feels stiff after getting up, but mobility improves after the first movements.<\/p><\/li><li><p>Pain when bending backwards, turning or straightening up<\/p><\/li><li><p>Muscle tension and relieving posture<\/p><\/li><li><p>Restricted movement in everyday life<\/p><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cb7040a6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"cb7040a6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Radiating symptoms are possible. If the lumbar spine is affected, the pain can radiate to the buttocks and legs, while if the cervical spine is affected, the pain can radiate to the shoulders and arms. If bony attachments press on surrounding nerves, neurological symptoms such as tingling or numbness may occur. Muscle weakness must also be clarified by a doctor.   <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1dd8860b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1dd8860b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>An important note: not every radiologically visible spondyloarthritis causes symptoms. Studies show that many older people have clear changes in the image, but hardly any pain. For this reason, MRI findings alone are not enough to make a good treatment decision.  <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-284294a2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"284294a2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Regional differences in complaints (cervical spine, thoracic spine, lumbar spine)<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c2a1ce3c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c2a1ce3c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Depending on the section of the spine, the symptoms vary.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-22f2a9b9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"22f2a9b9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<table><colgroup><col style=\"\"min-width:\"><col style=\"\"min-width:\"><\/colgroup><tbody><tr><th colspan=\"\"1\"\" rowspan=\"\"1\"\"><p>Range<\/p><\/th><th colspan=\"\"1\"\" rowspan=\"\"1\"\"><p>Typical complaints<\/p><\/th><\/tr><tr><td colspan=\"\"1\"\" rowspan=\"\"1\"\"><p>Cervical spine<\/p><\/td><td colspan=\"\"1\"\" rowspan=\"\"1\"\"><p>Neck pain, shoulder tension, pain when turning the head, headaches, radiating to the arms<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td colspan=\"\"1\"\" rowspan=\"\"1\"\"><p>Thoracic spine<\/p><\/td><td colspan=\"\"1\"\" rowspan=\"\"1\"\"><p>Localized pain in the middle back, discomfort when turning or taking a deep breath; differentiation from heart or lung disease is important<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td colspan=\"\"1\"\" rowspan=\"\"1\"\"><p>lumbar spine<\/p><\/td><td colspan=\"\"1\"\" rowspan=\"\"1\"\"><p>Pain in the lower back, increasing when getting up from a sitting position, leaning backwards or standing for long periods, radiating to the buttocks or legs<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td colspan=\"\"1\"\" rowspan=\"\"1\"\"><p>Regular, moderate exercise is the best remedy for chronic neck pain, which is often caused by a lack of exercise. This is especially true if there is no acute nerve compression. <\/p><\/td><td colspan=\"\"1\"\" rowspan=\"\"1\"\"><p><\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-42827da2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"42827da2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Diagnostics: How is spondyloarthritis diagnosed?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b378316f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b378316f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Careful diagnostics clarify whether the facet joints are really responsible for the symptoms. In orthopaedics, the rule is: first understand, then treat. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a65394f2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a65394f2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The clarification includes:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fca5a054 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"fca5a054\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li><p>Medical history: The doctor asks about the duration, location, triggers, sleep, occupation, old injuries, previous operations and concomitant illnesses.<\/p><\/li><li><p>Clinical examination: posture, gait, mobility, muscle strength, reflexes and sensitivity are examined.<\/p><\/li><li><p>Provocation tests: Stretching and rotating movements can put targeted strain on the facet joints.<\/p><\/li><li><p>X-ray: It shows joint space narrowing, spondylophytes, misalignments and changes in the vertebral body.<\/p><\/li><li><p>MRI: It assesses intervertebral discs, nerves, soft tissue, signs of inflammation and the spinal canal.<\/p><\/li><li><p>CT: It is helpful for unclear bony findings or before targeted interventions.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-817a7f63 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"817a7f63\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>A diagnostic infiltration can provide additional information. An anesthetic is injected into the suspected facet joint. If the symptoms subside significantly, this indicates that this joint is involved. Specialist associations often discuss pain relief of around 50 to 80 percent as a guide; the exact assessment remains individual.   <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e6af665 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"e6af665\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/wirbelsaeulen-clinic.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Leichter-Sport-gegen-Rueckenschmerzen-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-2664\" alt=\"People with yoga mats\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wirbelsaeulen-clinic.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Leichter-Sport-gegen-Rueckenschmerzen-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/wirbelsaeulen-clinic.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Leichter-Sport-gegen-Rueckenschmerzen-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wirbelsaeulen-clinic.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Leichter-Sport-gegen-Rueckenschmerzen-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wirbelsaeulen-clinic.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Leichter-Sport-gegen-Rueckenschmerzen.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-086f927f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"086f927f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Conservative therapy: What helps without surgery?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e3178d40 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e3178d40\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>In most cases, treatment begins conservatively. The aim is not to &#8220;magic away&#8221; the wear and tear, but to alleviate pain, improve mobility, build up muscles and relieve the vertebral joints. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-29ee23aa elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"29ee23aa\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The treatment options for spondyloarthritis are divided into symptomatic and causal therapies, with non-surgical therapies usually being recommended first. Symptomatic means: pain and inflammation are reduced. Causal means: stress factors such as excess weight, lack of exercise, instability or unfavorable posture are improved.  <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2d5740ee elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2d5740ee\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Important building blocks are:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-11ea91eb elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"11ea91eb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li><p>Medication: NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen or diclofenac relieve pain and inhibit inflammatory processes. Their use should be limited in time and medically coordinated. <\/p><\/li><li><p>Physiotherapy: Targeted exercises strengthen the back and abdominal muscles, improve coordination and stabilize the spine.<\/p><\/li><li><p>Exercise: Regular, gentle exercise is crucial for relieving the pain of spondyloarthritis. Walking, cycling, swimming and aqua gymnastics are suitable. <\/p><\/li><li><p>Stretching: Exercises to stretch the neck and back muscles can help to relieve the pain of spondyloarthritis and improve mobility.<\/p><\/li><li><p>Fascia: Fascia rolling massages can reduce muscular tension in the back and promote the supply of nutrients to the tissue, which is helpful for spondyloarthritis.<\/p><\/li><li><p>Weight: Weight reduction reduces the mechanical pressure on the vertebral joints.<\/p><\/li><li><p>Ergonomics: Good seating furniture, changing working positions, height-adjustable desks and breaks during sedentary work are helpful.<\/p><\/li><li><p>Diet: An anti-inflammatory diet with plenty of fresh vegetables, fruit and omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation in the body.<\/p><\/li><li><p>Pain management: Relaxation, mindfulness and progressive muscle relaxation help to reduce chronic pain tension.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3894ebd0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3894ebd0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Practical tips: Change position regularly when working, lift loads close to your body, do not exercise into the pain and do not compare spondyloarthritis with osteoarthritis of the knee or shoulder. The principles are similar, but the spine reacts differently. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-78e85d77 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"78e85d77\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>However, the above measures do not replace an individual examination.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-46409431 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"46409431\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Injections and facet infiltration<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-59fbed56 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"59fbed56\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>If conservative measures are not sufficient, infiltrations can help. Non-surgical therapies include infiltrations, in which painkillers are injected directly into the affected regions under X-ray control. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d9bebcd9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d9bebcd9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>During a facet joint infiltration, a local anesthetic and sometimes cortisone are applied to the irritated vertebral joint. This is usually carried out under X-ray or CT control. The aim is to reduce pain for weeks to months and make physiotherapy more possible again.  <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bc15e688 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"bc15e688\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Periradicular therapy, or PRT for short, is aimed at irritated nerve roots in the area of the spinal canal. Pain specialists may consider interventional pain therapies if symptoms are severe. The number of such interventions per year is limited; the benefits and risks are always weighed up personally.  <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1563b55c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"1563b55c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Facet denervation (thermocoagulation)<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3b30f828 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3b30f828\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Minimally invasive procedures can be used when conservative methods are not sufficient. Facet denervation is a minimally invasive method of treating spondyloarthritis in which the pain fibers in the area of the arthritic joint are obliterated. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9bf1827c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9bf1827c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>In facet denervation, also known as thermocoagulation or radiofrequency therapy, the doctor inserts fine probes into the pain-conducting nerve branches under image control. Heat interrupts the pain transmission there. The joint wear and tear remains, but the pain can be significantly reduced.  <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b32ab4cc elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b32ab4cc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The effect can last for several months to years. As nerves can grow back, it is possible to repeat the procedure. The procedure is most useful for chronic, easily localized complaints after a clear diagnosis.  <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bf1427a6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"bf1427a6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Surgical treatment: When is surgery advisable?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c447f618 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c447f618\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Surgery is only necessary for a small proportion of patients with spondyloarthritis. Specialized clinics therefore first check whether conservative or minimally invasive methods are sufficient. Good spinal surgery does not automatically mean surgery, but a clean decision.  <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-85761171 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"85761171\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Surgery can be useful for<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2e267eda elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2e267eda\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li><p>pronounced instability of the spine<\/p><\/li><li><p>severe narrowing of the spinal canal<\/p><\/li><li><p>Significant neurological deficits<\/p><\/li><li><p>Severe, persistent pain despite consistent therapy<\/p><\/li><li><p>Structural malpositions with relevant restriction<\/p><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-031a4716 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"031a4716\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>During a decompression, the surgeon removes bony constrictions, thickened joint parts or ligament structures in order to relieve pressure on nerve roots. In a spondylodesis, two or more vertebrae are stably connected with screws, rods and, if necessary, a cage. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b34d32b9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b34d32b9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Such interventions can improve quality of life, but involve risks and rehabilitation. The decision should always be made after a personal consultation, up-to-date imaging and a clear objective. At the <a href=\"https:\/\/wirbelsaeulen-clinic.de\/wirbelsaeulenchirurgie-berlin\/\">Spine Clinic Berlin<\/a>, the principle is: as much as necessary, as little as possible.  <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1bf6e11b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"1bf6e11b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Progression, prognosis and prevention<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8681191d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8681191d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Spondyloarthritis is a chronic wear and tear disease. It is usually not curable in the sense of new joint cartilage. However, its progression can often be significantly influenced.  <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e2b79407 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e2b79407\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Some people only have occasional complaints. Others develop chronic pain, sleep problems, exhaustion or depressive moods. Early support then makes sense, because the body and mind work closely together in chronic pain.  <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3bead09d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3bead09d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Prevention and long-term stabilization are best achieved through:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-19922962 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"19922962\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li><p>Regular back exercises<\/p><\/li><li><p>Back and posture training<\/p><\/li><li><p>less continuous sitting<\/p><\/li><li><p>ergonomic workplace<\/p><\/li><li><p>Back-friendly sports<\/p><\/li><li><p>Weight reduction for overweight<\/p><\/li><li><p>Stop smoking<\/p><\/li><li><p>Medical clarification for persistent back pain<\/p><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7b13095e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7b13095e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The most important step is often to take a calm, close look at the cause. If you have persistent complaints or have already received a diagnosis, have the findings assessed by a specialist. A second opinion can help to avoid unnecessary interventions and find the right treatment.  <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If your back hurts when straining, after sitting for a long time or after getting up in the morning, spondylarthrosis may be the cause. This refers to wear and tear on the small joints of the spine. This is important: Not every MRI or X-ray image automatically explains the pain. The decisive factor is always [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2663,"parent":788,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2662","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wirbelsaeulen-clinic.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2662","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wirbelsaeulen-clinic.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wirbelsaeulen-clinic.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wirbelsaeulen-clinic.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wirbelsaeulen-clinic.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2662"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/wirbelsaeulen-clinic.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2662\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2665,"href":"https:\/\/wirbelsaeulen-clinic.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2662\/revisions\/2665"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wirbelsaeulen-clinic.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/788"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wirbelsaeulen-clinic.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2663"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wirbelsaeulen-clinic.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2662"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}