Back Pain

Back pain and similar musculoskeletal conditions are the most common reason for sick-leave absences in Germany — and should by no means be taken lightly. While the complaints are usually of a benign nature, they can in some cases indicate serious underlying conditions and therefore require immediate action. Begin treating your back pain as early as possible. We at avi are here to help you at all our locations.

The diagnosis of "back pain" is highly individual and is based solely on the subjective perception of the patient. It can therefore also be present when medically no objectively identifiable, pathological cause of tissue damage in the area of the spine is apparent. What matters is solely the patient's report and assessment of their pain.

Up to 85 per cent of all cases of back pain are non-specific in nature. They therefore have no identifiable pathological cause. Specific back pain, on the other hand, is frequently caused by the following disorders:

• Inflammation
• Degeneration of the vertebral bodies (e.g. fractures in the context of osteoporosis), intervertebral discs (e.g. herniated disc), facet joints (facet joint syndrome), or back musculature
• Congenital spinal curvature (scoliosis) or stiffening
• Organ damage that radiates into the back, such as inflammation of the pancreas, bowel, gallbladder, or heart muscle
• Rarely: tumours
• Neurological conditions (e.g. shingles)

The typical symptom of back pain is distressing pain in the spinal area. This can, however, vary considerably. Possible presentations include:

• Dull, burning, or stabbing pain
• Pain that builds gradually or shoots in suddenly
• Pain that is persistent or that intermittently subsides
• Pain that persists at rest or that only appears with certain movements or postures

Our experienced doctors are by your side in the comprehensive treatment of your back pain with numerous medical measures.

The first important step is a thorough medical history and diagnostics. This aims to identify potentially serious underlying conditions and prevent chronification of the disorder.

If there is reasonable suspicion of a serious underlying condition, diagnostics include laboratory tests or referral for an X-ray or MRI.

This first step is generally followed by symptomatic therapy. This includes:

• Strengthening the muscles and ligaments through exercise therapy
• Training to avoid unfavourable movements and education on preventive measures
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• In rare cases: a stepwise pharmacological approach beginning with low-dose analgesics up to short-term therapy with opioid analgesics