Otto Bock Dyneva User manual

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Your back in focus
Degenerative disc disease
Spinal stenosis
Information for patients

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What is
degenerative disc
disease?
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. In a herniated disc, the disc bulges
(protrusion) or tears and the inner core pushes out
(prolapse). And if a disc presses on a nerve or the
spinal cord, it can cause a feeling of numbness or
weakness, as well as being painful.
Facet joint
Spinal cord
Disc

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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, liing or
moving heavy objects, bending, twisting, repetitive
movements and constant vibrations can all result
in damage to the spine.
Symptoms
Disc degeneration does not necessarily cause
pain. The following symptoms may occur as a result
of damage:
• Pain due to irritation of the weakened discs
during movement. If the intervertebral disc bulges
outwards, this can make the situation worse.
• Pain following physical activity or sitting for
extended periods.
• Painful stabbing, throbbing or burning sensations
that radiate into the legs.
• Sti back
• Numbness or tingling in the limbs
 Prolapse Protrusion

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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 aect a small or large
section of the spinal column. Degenerative changes
occur in the spine as a result of the ageing process.
The ligaments that support the spinal column
become harder and thicker. The bones and joints
can become deformed and compress the spinal
nerves even further.

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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.

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Symptoms
Sometimes spinal stenosis does not cause any symptoms
at all; sometimes symptoms occur only gradually and then
get worse over time. You may experience the following:
• Neck or back pain
• Numbness or weakness, cramps or a painful burning
sensation in the arms or legs
• Pain that radiates into the legs (known as sciatica),
potentially making it painful to walk longer distances
without resting
• In severe cases, problems can occur in the arms and legs
or in the bowel and bladder
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), calcication of the spine, etc.

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Treatment options
What are the treatment options?
As the disease progresses, a variety of treatment
options aim to alleviate symptoms rst and fore-
most and – as far as possible – address the causes
as well. These range from manual therapy (physi-
otherapy), progressing to painkillers, to longer-
term solutions such as wearing an orthosis.
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.
Treatment options in more severe cases
When standard methods fail to relieve pain, or if
additional symptoms occur – such as numbness in
the legs, or bowel or bladder problems – your
doctor will oen recommend surgery.
However, if the symptoms are less severe or you are
reluctant to resort to surgery, specialised orthoses
can provided targeted support in day-to-day life.

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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.

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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. Suitable activities include walking,
riding a bike, going shopping, etc.
Aer some time, the brace may no longer be
required for certain indications. However, it
can be worn again at any time if the situation
deteriorates again.

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Stabilisation
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.
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.