Spine Treatment in Germany

Back pain — is the most common reason for visiting a neurologist, and in 80-85% of cases, unpleasant symptoms are caused by damage to the spinal column and back muscles. Conservative orthopedic methods give only a temporary effect, but do not cure the problem, so treatment of spine diseases in German clinics has become a popular direction.

Main Causes of Spine Diseases

Diseases can occur due to:

• sedentary work;
• sedentary lifestyle;
• excess weight;
• regular heavy lifting;
• poor posture;
• flat feet;
• back injuries;
• congenital bone structure anomalies.

Some problems are the result of physiological aging processes of the body, deterioration of trophics and blood supply to tissues. If there were spine diseases in the family, there is a high probability of genetic predisposition due to the structural features of intervertebral disc tissues and hereditary trophic disorders.

Diagnosis of Spine Diseases in Germany

The scope of examination depends on the complexity of the case, the number of studies conducted at the place of residence.

• CT or MRI of the spine;
• electroneuromyography;
• myelography;
• ultrasound examination of the spinal cord;
• thermography;
• lumbar puncture with cerebrospinal fluid analysis.

Spine Treatment Methods in Germany

Spine surgeries in Germany are performed using minimally invasive techniques. This allows restoring the structural and functional parameters of the spinal column in a short time. Doctors apply methods with minimal tissue damage, use computer navigation systems and modern equipment to increase the accuracy of manipulations.

Leading German specialists provide assistance for all types of spine pathologies:

• intervertebral disc protrusion;
• herniated cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine;
• erosive osteochondrosis of the spine;
• kyphosis, lordosis, scoliosis;
• Bechterew's disease;
• vertebral fractures;
• spondylosis (bone growths on vertebrae);
• spondylolisthesis (displacement of a vertebra relative to the one below);
• lumbago, sciatica, radiculitis and other neurological back pain;
• spine tumors.

Minimally Invasive Spine Treatment Methods in Germany

The main method — is endoscopic operations that are performed through small tissue punctures. Special instruments with a video camera are used for endoscopy, which display the image on a screen and allow the doctor to clearly control their actions. This is the “gold standard” in spinal surgery, since such operations are easily tolerated by patients, have a shorter rehabilitation and good long-term results.

Other treatment options:

1. Kyphoplasty/vertebroplasty. Treatment methods for osteoporosis and vertebral fractures that stabilize bone structures, reduce pain, and restore the patient's ability to move freely.
2. Spondylodesis. Surgical fixation of vertebrae eliminates pain in spondylolisthesis and promotes physical rehabilitation of patients.
3. Vertebral endoprosthetics. The method of choice for complex intervertebral hernias. Modern German technologies allow complete restoration of spinal column structures and functions. Hypoallergenic biocompatible materials are used for prostheses.
4. Periradicular infiltration. Rapid relief of pain in radicular syndrome is performed using glucocorticoids — drugs that eliminate the inflammatory process and block the pain transmission mechanism.
5. Epidural catheterization. An effective method of pain relief for radiculitis. Glucocorticoids and anesthetic are administered to the patient through a catheter to quickly relieve unpleasant sensations.
6. Radiofrequency denervation. Thanks to selective nerve destruction, it is possible to relieve the patient of pain in the lower back and sacroiliac joint.