Spinal disorders – Causes, symptoms & treatment in Berlin

The spine is the central supporting organ of our body – it enables movement, stability and protection for the spinal cord. Spinal disorders can cause pain, restricted movement or neurological problems.
At the Wirbelsäulen-Clinic Berlin, we diagnose and treat the entire spectrum of spinal disorders – from acute herniated discs to complex deformities.

Make your appointment now in Berlin-Mitte or get a second opinion.

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.

Our specialists treat degenerative, deforming as well as inflammatory and tumor-related changes in the spine.
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.

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Kyphosis (round back)

Excessive curvature of the thoracic spine can affect posture and breathing. Learn more →

Slipped vertebra (spondylolisthesis)

Vertebral bodies shift against each other – often with back pain or instability. Learn more →

DEGENERATIVE SPINAL DISEASES IN OVERVIEW

Herniated disc

When an intervertebral disc presses on nerves, pain, numbness or paralysis occur. Learn more →

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.

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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. Learn more →

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. Learn more →

Spinal canal stenosis

A narrowing of the spinal canal leads to back pain and walking difficulties.

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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.

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Loss of lordosis

A ramrod straight, stiff-looking gait is a typical characteristic of the “flat back”. Even if – in contrast to a round back – it is hardly visible, those affected suffer from just as much pain. The lack of natural curvature of the spine can develop due to poor posture and growth spurts in adolescence, muscular imbalances or a lack of exercise.

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FRACTURES OF THE SPINE

Traffic accidents and severe falls, but also reduced bone quality caused by osteoporosis, can be the cause of fractures of one or more vertebrae. In the case of osteoporosis, even coughing fits or small stumbles can result in a vertebral fracture. It is then very important to diagnose and act quickly.

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TUMORS ON THE SPINE

Benign or malignant neoplasms that can affect the spinal cord.

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INFECTIONS OF THE SPINE

Usually as a result of an unnoticed blood poisoning, but also due to injuries or procedures on the spine, inflammation of the spine can occur – triggered by penetrating bacteria. There is a particular risk for patients with diabetes or kidney insufficiency, with chronic alcohol or drug abuse, as well as with long-term treatment with cortisone or cytostatics. The inflammatory processes caused by the infection can lead to local destruction of the spine and thus to buckling and, if left untreated in the long term, even to paralysis. Learn more →

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.

If you recognize these symptoms: Have your spine examined. Make an appointment →

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 any successful treatment.
The latest imaging techniques are available in our clinic – from high-resolution MRI to CT to digital X-ray diagnostics.
The findings are evaluated directly by the specialist, so that therapy decisions can be made quickly and well-founded.

Treatment options

Depending on the 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.

Internal links:

Conservative therapy
Minimally invasive surgery →
Reconstructive surgery →
Second opinion →

Why Wirbelsäulen-Clinic Berlin?

Under the direction of Prof. Dr. med. Michael Akbar, we combine many years of experience from top university medicine with a modern clinic structure in the heart of Berlin.
We take time for your complaints and decide individually which therapy is the right one – without premature operations.

Your next step

Do you have spinal problems or would you like a second opinion?
Make your appointment now in Berlin-Mitte.

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