The spine is the axis organ of the human being, that keeps us upright, makes us mobile and protects the sensitive spinal cord. Unfortunately however already 40% of the adult population have back problems - in the western industrialised world it is the most common disorder. More and more young people who are below twenty years of age are affected. Back pains are always an alarm signal and should be taken seriously, whether they are chronic back-aches, sudden lumbago or attritional diseases. The degenerative joint diseases include all processes in vertebral joints, vertebral bodies, intervertebral discs and ligaments that are caused by wear (attrition). They limit the mobility, reduce the stability and cause pains. Apart from the normal ageing process, over-straining and lack of movement are the main causes for the instability of the spine that can subsequently cause over-straining and the corresponding consequences in other joints.




