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Your back in focus Degenerative disc disease Spinal stenosis Information for patients 1 Ottobock | Your back in focus...
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What is degenerative disc disease? Facet joint Spinal cord Disc Degenerative disc disease occurs as a result of wear and tear to the cartilage that acts as a “cushion” between the vertebrae. Over time, it becomes thinner and more brittle. If there is a narrowing of the space between the vertebrae, this is referred to as spondylosis.
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Causes A certain degree of wear and tear of the discs is normal. The following factors can make these conditions worse: Genetic predisposition • Being overweight • A sedentary lifestyle • Activities at work: prolonged sitting, lifting or • moving heavy objects, bending, twisting, repetitive movements and constant vibrations can all result in damage to the spine.
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What is spinal stenosis? Spinal stenosis refers to a narrowing of the spinal canal, which leads to pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. These changes can cause pain and other symptoms. Stenosis can affect a small or large section of the spinal column. Degenerative changes occur in the spine as a result of the ageing process.
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Most people do not experience any symptoms of age-related stenosis until they reach the age of 50 or so. However, individuals with hereditary spinal disease or a spinal injury may experience symptoms earlier. Your back in focus | Ottobock 5...
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Causes Osteoarthritis • Hereditary spinal diseases • Disc degeneration or rupture • (herniated disc) Abnormal lateral curvature of the spine (scoliosis) • Other causes, such as tumours and injuries, diseases • (e.g. Paget’s disease, which causes bones to become weakened and deformed), calcification of the spine, etc. Symptoms Sometimes spinal stenosis does not cause any symptoms at all;...
Usually, this will relieve pain to start with, but none of these treatment options can reverse the bone defects in the long term. However, innovative developments such as the Dyneva can promote stretching and strengthening of the stressed back muscles, resulting in increased activity.
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Activation Dyneva Art. no. 50R300N Dynamic effect on the back muscles during movement The Dyneva has a dynamic effect on the back muscles during movement. It stretches and strengthens them, thus relieving the facet joints. Pain during movement is reduced, and users can walk longer distances and increase their activity levels. Dyneva light Art. no. 50R301N Dynamic effect on back muscles during movement The Dyneva light works in the same way as the Dyneva. The slimmer abdominal section is an alternative option for some body shapes. 8 Ottobock | Your back in focus...
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Notes on the Dyneva You should gradually increase the length of time you wear the Dyneva to allow your muscles to become accustomed to the new movement. The brace only works when you’re moving, which is why it is not recommended for use during activities while sitting.
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Stabilisation Lumbo Tristep Art. no. 50R30N Stabilises while mobilising The brace supports the healing process thanks to the option of removing the stabilising elements in three stages. The patient’s movement and mobility increase with every stage. Flexible support elements with new strap pockets and variable strap components ensure an excellent fit – and this is also enhanced by the recently added lateral wedges. Smartspine LSO high Art. no. 50R232 Relieves the lumbar spine This brace provides a high degree of stabilisation while relieving pressure on the lumbar spine in cases where pain is acute. As well as providing pain relief, the unique pulley system offers the highest possible level of compression with minimal effort. 10 Ottobock | Your back in focus...
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Lumbo Direxa Stable Art. no. 50R54 High level of stabilisation Thanks to its highly effective stabilising properties, the Lumbo Direxa Stable relieves pressure on the lumbar spine without becoming bulky. Your specialist dealer will be happy to help you choose the right brace Your back in focus | Ottobock 11...
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Exercises you can do at home Your doctor will prescribe a treatment plan to suit your particular back problem. You can also strengthen your back by supplementing this treatment with the following exercises, which you can do at home after consulting with your doctor. Remember to breathe regularly and evenly during each exercise.
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Exercise 2: Bending exercise Lie on your back and place your legs on a chair or stool with your knees at a right angle. Make sure your knees are not touching. Lift your head and shoulders slightly off the floor and press both hands against your thighs for around five seconds. Don’t forget to keep breathing regularly and evenly despite the effort this requires. Briefly lower your head and shoulders to the floor. Repeat this exercise 10 times. Exercise 3: Strengthening your abdominal muscles Lie on your back and place your legs on a chair or stool with your knees at a right angle. Rest your arms on the floor to the sides of your body. Breathe in, drawing in your navel and pressing your lower back to the floor. Now breathe out and lift your head and rib cage so that your shoulder blades are off the floor and your arms are lifted. Breathe in and hold this position for a few seconds. Then, while breathing out, roll your upper body down, vertebra by vertebra. Exercise 4: Relaxing and stretch- ing your back muscles Sit on a stool with ...
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Exercise 5: Relaxing and stretch- ing your back muscles Kneel down and sit on your heels with your knees slightly apart. Now draw your navel in, lean and bend forwards slowly until your forehead touches the mat. Now bring your arms forwards and feel the stretch. Breathe in and out deeply six times. Finally, roll your upper body up, vertebra by vertebra, until you are in an upright sitting position. Exercise 6: Strengthening your muscles Lie on your back and put your feet flat on the floor, shoulder-width apart, bending your knees as you do so. Now slowly raise your hips so your back is lifted away from the floor. Tighten your abdominal and gluteal muscles so that your back is straight. Hold this position for 15 seconds. Repeat the exercise three times. Exercise 7: Strengthening your straight abdominal muscles For this exercise, lie on your back ...
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Exercise 8: Strengthening your transverse abdominal muscles Lying on your back, raise your knees and put your feet flat on the floor. Lift your head and shoulders. Touch your right knee with your left hand. Hold this position for 10 seconds. Now relax and touch your left knee with your right hand. Again, hold this position for 10 seconds. Repeat the exercise three times. Exercise 9: Strengthening your back and gluteal muscles Get down on all fours. Extend your left leg out behind you, flexing your toes as you do so. Now raise and extend your right arm forward. Hold your arm, head, and leg parallel to the floor with your back straight. Hold this position for 10 seconds and then repeat the exercise with your right leg and left arm. Extend your right leg behind you and lift your left arm. Repeat the exercise three times. Exercise 10: Flexing your spine and stretching the back muscles Get down on all fours. Put your head ...
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Please contact us if you have any further questions or would like more information. Ottobock SE & Co. KGaA Max-Näder-Straße 15 · 37115 Duderstadt/Germany T +49 5527 848-1706 · F +49 5527 72330 export@ottobock.de · www.ottobock.com...