Osteoarthritis of the spine - moving instead of stiffening

Osteoarthritis of the spine - moving instead of stiffening

What physiotherapy and occupational therapy can do for spinal osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is by no means just a problem of the large joints - the small vertebral joints can also degenerate painfully. Spondylarthrosis is one of the most common causes of back pain in middle and old age. However, pain is not the same as wear and tear. And even if osteoarthritis is diagnosed, conservative therapy offers effective ways to regain quality of life and mobility.

What is spondyloarthritis?

The term spondylarthrosis refers to arthritic changes to the small vertebral joints (facet joints) in the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine. It is usually caused by

• Chronic incorrect strain or lack of exercise

• age-related joint wear and tear

• Static imbalances (e.g. pelvic obliquity, hollow back)

• Muscular imbalances or postural instability

Typical symptoms:

• Deep-seated back pain, especially during exertion

• morning stiffness that improves with movement

• Radiating pain in the buttocks, thighs or neck

• Restricted mobility and muscle tension

Why conservative therapy is often the best choice

Spondyloarthritis is not usually an emergency - and surgery should only be performed in justified exceptional cases. A structured, active treatment approach that combines exercise, education, pain reduction and adaptation to everyday life is much more effective.

The aim is not to reverse osteoarthritis, but to improve function, resilience and quality of life.

Physiotherapy - targeted movement for more stability and less pain

Today, modern physiotherapy is based on the functional reality of the patient - not just on images or diagnoses. Dosed movement is the key to relief, especially in the case of spondyloarthritis.

Therapeutic focus:

• Active mobilization of the spine (e.g. in dynamic chains)

• Stabilization exercises for deep core muscles and pelvic floor

• Improving posture, body awareness and movement control

• Therapeutic self-help techniques for pain regulation

• Medical yoga for spondyloarthritis: gentle mobility, breathing, vegetative relief

Our experience: the more patients can move safely again, the more their perception of pain is reduced - despite existing osteoarthritis.

Occupational therapy - close to everyday life, functional, solution-oriented

Occupational therapy helps to specifically integrate mobility, strength and endurance into everyday life. Long-term strategies are particularly important for chronic back pain caused by osteoarthritis.

Central contents of occupational therapy treatment:

• Adaptation of movement and strain in everyday life (e.g. lifting, sitting, working)

• Pacing strategies to avoid excessive and insufficient demands

• Training of everyday activities with back-friendly movement control

• Advice on aids and ergonomic workplace design

• Training in self-care, stress reduction and body awareness

The goal is always: more ability to act despite osteoarthritis - and less dependence on symptomatic treatment.

Pain does not equal harm - the biopsychosocial model

At Hockenholz, we combine the findings of modern pain research with practical bodywork. Because pain is not only caused by wear and tear - but also by overload, lack of exercise, emotional tension and vegetative dysregulation.

This is why we integrate them into our therapeutic approaches:

• Education about pain mechanisms (central sensitization, protective behavior, fear-tension-pain cycle)

• Joy of movement instead of fear of movement

• Resource-oriented therapy goals

• Vegetative regulation through breathing therapy, relaxation, mindful movement

Conclusion: osteoarthritis is not a standstill - but a wake-up call to exercise

Spondylarthrosis is a natural part of the ageing process - but no reason for inactivity or retreat. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy help to make the spine more flexible, resilient and pain-free again - without any surgical intervention.

Are you a therapist and want to expand your skills in osteoarthritis treatment?
Then find out more about our training courses for modern pain therapy, medical yoga and functional movement:
👉 www.hockenholz.com/weiterbildungen

Are you affected yourself?
We will support you individually - in our practice in Berlin or online. Arrange your personal consultation.