Existing methods of treating cervical osteochondrosis aim to reduce symptoms, prevent complications, stop further destruction of the cartilage and bone tissue of the spine, and prevent patient disability.
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 course of treatment are confirmed by control MRI images.
- No side effects.The methods used in the clinic are safe and have no side effects.
- Long lasting effect.The treatment minimizes the risk of new hernias appearing in other parts, as well as the recurrence of the hernia.
It is necessary to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine immediately after the first signs of the disease appear.
Mechanisms of development of osteochondrosis
The spine is made up of vertebrae and the intervertebral discs that lie between them.The intervertebral disc has a gelatinous nucleus pulposus in the center, surrounded at the periphery by a dense fibrous annulus.The pulp core is hydrophilic - saturated with moisture and has high elasticity.Due to the elastic properties of the intervertebral discs, shock absorption and mobility of the spine are ensured.
In people over the age of 20, the discs begin to gradually lose their elasticity.This is due to the elimination of the vessels that supplied the discs, and further blood supply occurs due to diffusion from the adjacent vertebral bodies.In the cartilage tissue, due to a lack of nutrients, regeneration processes slow down - the disc begins to "age".Initially, the nucleus pulposus dehydrates, loses its elasticity and becomes flat, which increases the load on the annulus fibrosus.Microcracks, strain zones, tears and delamination appear in the ring structure.
The degenerated disc protrudes into the spinal canal and irritates the nerve endings of the pain receptors located in the posterior longitudinal ligament.
Features of the pathological process in cervical osteochondrosis are related to the anatomical structure of this part of the spine: different structure and size of the cervical vertebrae, denser articulation in the intervertebral joints and underdeveloped muscular framework.With a prolonged static load on 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 reasons that lead to the development of osteochondrosis:
- Congenital or acquired abnormalities of the spine.
- Natural aging processes of the body.
- Genetic predisposition.
- Long-term static and dynamic overloads of the spine: forced posture, physical inactivity.
- Passion for sports dangerous to the spine: professional wrestling.
- Smoking.
- Autoimmune diseases affecting connective tissue - collagenosis.
- Improper diet with a predominance of carbohydrates and fatty foods, with a deficiency of proteins, vitamins, micro- and macroelements.
- Overweight, obesity.
- Injuries and diseases of the spine.
Developmental stages of cervical osteochondrosis
In 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.There is smoothness of the cervical lordosis and muscle tension.Morphological changes in the structure of the intervertebral discs begin: drying of the pulp core, cracks in the annulus fibrosus.
Stage II.The pain in the neck intensifies and radiates to the arm and shoulder.Severe headaches, weakness and reduced performance occur.The destruction of the annulus fibrosus continues, signs of pathological mobility and instability of the vertebrae appear.
Stage III.The neck pain is severe and continuous, radiating to the arms and shoulders.The muscles of the hands become weak, and there is numbness in the upper extremities.Patients experience headaches, dizziness and spatial orientation problems.At this stage, the annulus fibrosus is completely destroyed.The nucleus pulposus is not stable, extends beyond the vertebrae and enters the spinal canal forming a hernia.The herniated disc compresses nerves and blood vessels, which leads to poor circulation in the cervical spine.
Stage IV.This is the final stage of the disease.The cartilage of the intervertebral discs is replaced by connective tissue, and adjacent parts 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, between the shoulder blades, signs of a cerebrovascular accident, sensitivity disorders.This is a life-threatening condition that can lead to a stroke.
The success of the treatment depends 90% on the experience and qualifications of the doctor.
Free consultation and diagnosis with a doctor
- Chiropractor
- Vertebrologist
- Osteopath
- Neurologist
During the consultation, a thorough diagnosis of the entire spine and each segment is carried out.An experienced doctor determines exactly which parts and nerve roots are involved and cause pain symptoms.Based on the results of the consultation, we provide detailed recommendations for treatment and, if necessary, prescribe additional diagnostics.
Diagnostics
The diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is made on the basis of: patient complaints, characteristic clinical picture, medical history, data from the patient's neurological and orthopedic examination using modern diagnostic methods: x-ray, magnetic and computed tomography, results of functional tests.
After making an accurate diagnosis, the doctor decides how to treat osteochondrosis of the neck in a given patient, which technique should be used in a particular case.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Cervical osteochondrosis is treated symptomatically, mainly with conservative methods, which include:
- Drug treatment, which includes pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, B vitamins.
- Physiotherapy methods: electrophoresis, laser therapy.
- Manual therapy.
- Acupuncture.
- Therapeutic exercise.
Surgery is extremely rarely used when there is a real threat of stroke, paralysis, or when internal organs are disrupted.
At this stage of development of medical science, it is impossible to completely cure osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, but it is possible to prevent further progress of the pathological process and stabilize the condition of the affected part of the spine.
An integrated approach and the gentle nature of the therapeutic methods used make it possible to effectively treat even advanced forms of cervical osteochondrosis.
The main methods of treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in a modern clinic
Manual therapy and osteopathy.This method of manual impact on problem areas of the spine, the purpose of which is to restore the normal physiological position of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs.During the procedure, the pinched nerve roots of the spine are eliminated and the neck muscles in the area of pathological changes are relaxed.
Electrophoresis is a method of administering drugs directly to the affected part 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 photosensitive drug to be activated under the influence of laser radiation.A layer of medicinal substance is applied to the skin in the area of the affected part, which, penetrating to a depth of 10-13 cm into the tissue, has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.
The author's three-component technique, including manual therapy, electrophoresis and laser therapy, allows you to quickly relieve pain, remove swelling of the surrounding tissues, improve blood supply to the area of inflammation and activate the metabolic processes of the cartilage tissue of the damaged intervertebral discs.The goal of treatment is not only to reduce pain and improve the patient's condition, but also, by affecting various parts of the pathological process, to stop the further destruction of the intervertebral discs and the destruction of the vertebrae themselves.
The methods used to treat osteochondrosis of the neck in a modern clinic have been tested in the best manual therapy centers in Europe and the USA, are safe, effective, have virtually no contraindications, and are well tolerated by patients even in older age groups.
The patient will receive recommendations on what to do about cervical osteochondrosis after consultation with a neurologist, depending on the stage of the disease, the severity of symptoms, concomitant pathologies and the results of the examination.