Existing methods of treating cervical osteochondrosis are aimed at reducing symptoms, preventing complications, stopping further destruction of the cartilage and bone tissue of the spinal column, and preventing disability of the patient.
Osteochondrosis is a pathological degenerative-destructive process that first affects the intervertebral disc and then the vertebra itself.
- Positive dynamics in 97% of cases.The results of the treatment are confirmed by control MRI scans.
- No side effects.The methods used in the clinic are safe and have no side effects.
- Long lasting effect.Treatment minimizes the risk of new hernias in other segments as well as hernia recurrence.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine should be treated immediately after the first signs of the disease appear.
Mechanisms of development of osteochondrosis
The spinal column consists of vertebrae and the intervertebral discs located between them.In the center of the intervertebral disc is a gel-like nucleus pulposus, which is surrounded by a dense fibrous ring on the periphery.The nucleus pulposus is hydrophilic - saturated with moisture and highly elastic.Thanks to the elastic properties of the intervertebral discs, shock absorption and mobility of the spine is ensured.
In people over the age of 20, the discs gradually lose their elasticity.This is due to the disappearance of the blood vessels feeding the discs, and due to the diffusion of the adjacent vertebral bodies, additional blood supply occurs.Due to the lack of nutrients in the cartilage tissue, regeneration processes slow down - the disc begins to "age".Initially, the nucleus pulposus dries out, loses its elasticity, becomes flat, which increases the load on the annulus fibrosus.Microcracks, stretch zones, tears, and detachments appear in the structure of the ring.
The degenerated disc protrudes into the spinal canal and irritates the nerve endings of the pain receptors on the posterior longitudinal ligament.
The characteristics of the pathological process of cervical osteochondrosis are related to the anatomical structure of this part of the spine: the different structure and size of the cervical vertebrae, denser articulation in the intervertebral joints and underdeveloped muscular skeleton.With long-term static loading of the cervical spine (working at a computer), weak muscles do not support the head well, and the main load falls on the spine.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in a professional clinic is carried out using a unique technology based on a combination of manual therapy, electrophoresis and photodynamic laser therapy.
The main causes leading to the development of osteochondrosis:
- Congenital or acquired disorders of the spine.
- Natural processes of aging of the body.
- Genetic predisposition.
- Long-term static and dynamic overloads of the spine: forced position, physical inactivity.
- Passion for sports dangerous to the spine: professional wrestling.
- Smoking.
- Autoimmune diseases affecting connective tissue - collagenosis.
- Improper nutrition with a predominance of carbohydrate and fatty foods, lack of proteins, vitamins, micro- and macro-elements.
- Overweight, obesity.
- Injuries and diseases of the spine.
Developmental stages of cervical osteochondrosis
During its development, cervical osteochondrosis as a disease goes through several stages:
Stage I. The initial period is characterized by local pain in the neck area, which intensifies when turning and tilting the head.Cervical lordosis is smooth and muscle tension is experienced.Morphological changes begin in the structure of the intervertebral discs: drying out of the nucleus pulposus, cracks in the fibrous ring.
section II.The neck pain intensifies and radiates to the arm and shoulder.Severe headache, weakness and loss of performance occur.The destruction of the fibrous ring continues, signs of pathological mobility and instability of the vertebrae appear.
section III.The neck pain is severe and constant, radiating to the arms and shoulders.Arm muscles weaken, upper limbs become numb.Patients experience headaches, dizziness and problems with spatial orientation.At this stage, the annulus fibrosus is completely destroyed.The nucleus pulposus is not fixed, extends beyond the vertebrae and enters the spinal canal, forming a hernia.The protrusion of the hernia compresses nerves and blood vessels, leading to poor circulation in the cervical spine.
section IV.This is the final stage of the disease.The cartilage of the intervertebral discs is replaced by connective tissue, and the adjacent segments of the spine are involved in the pathological process.The joints grow together and become immobile (ankylosis).The patient's condition is serious: severe pain not only in the neck, but also in the arms, chest, and between the shoulder blades, signs of a cerebrovascular accident, sensitivity disorders.This is a life-threatening condition that can cause a stroke.
The success of the treatment depends 90% on the experience and training of the doctor.
Free consultation and diagnosis with a doctor
- chiropractor
- Vertebrologist
- Osteopath
- A neurologist
During the consultation, a thorough diagnosis of the entire spine and individual segments takes place.An experienced doctor will determine exactly which segments and nerve roots are affected and which are causing pain.Based on the results of the consultation, we provide detailed treatment recommendations and, if necessary, prescribe additional diagnostics.
Diagnostics
The diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is made on the basis of the following: the patient's complaints, characteristic clinical picture, anamnesis, the data of the patient's neurological and orthopedic examination using modern diagnostic methods: radiography, magnetic and computer tomography, results of functional tests.
After making an accurate diagnosis, the doctor decides how to treat osteochondrosis of the neck in a particular patient, and what technique to use in a particular case.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Cervical osteochondrosis is treated symptomatically, mainly with conservative methods, which include:
- Medicinal therapy, which includes pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, and B vitamins.
- Physiotherapy methods: electrophoresis, laser therapy.
- Manual therapy.
- Acupuncture.
- Therapeutic practice.
Surgical intervention is extremely rarely used if there is a real risk of stroke or paralysis, or if the functioning of internal organs is disturbed.
At this stage of the development of medicine, it is impossible to completely cure osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, but it is possible to prevent the further progress of the pathological process and stabilize the condition of the affected spinal segment.
The integrated approach and the gentle nature of the applied therapeutic methods enable the effective treatment of even advanced forms of cervical osteochondrosis.
The main methods of treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in a modern clinic
Manual therapy and osteopathy.This is a manual effect on problem areas of the spine, aimed at restoring the normal physiological position of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs.During the procedure, the pinched nerve roots of the spine are removed, and the neck muscles in the area of pathological changes are relaxed.
Electrophoresis is a method by which drugs are delivered directly to the affected segment of the spine.Medicines are prescribed to improve blood circulation, relieve inflammation and muscle spasms.
Photodynamic phototherapy.The method is based on the ability of a light-sensitive drug to be activated by laser radiation.In the area of the affected segment, a layer of medicinal material is applied to the skin, which penetrates 10-13 cm deep into the tissue, has an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect.
The author's three-component technique, including manual therapy, electrophoresis and laser therapy, allows for rapid pain relief, removal of swelling of the surrounding tissues, improves blood supply in the area of inflammation, and activates the metabolic processes of the cartilage tissue of damaged intervertebral discs.The aim of the treatment is not only to reduce pain and improve the patient's condition, but also to stop the further destruction of the intervertebral discs and the vertebrae themselves by influencing different parts of the pathological process.
The methods used in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in a modern clinic have been tested in the best manual therapy centers in Europe and the USA, are safe, effective, have practically no contraindications, and are well tolerated by patients even at an older age.
After a consultation with a neurologist, the patient receives recommendations on what to do in the case of cervical osteochondrosis, depending on the stage of the disease, the severity of symptoms, concomitant pathologies and examination results.